A big thank you to all the photographers who kindly allowed me to use their art.

Holidays to South Africa present one of the few places able to offer a city break, wine tour, beach holiday, and safari in one trip. Fabulous settings, carefully and meticulously selected hotels, wine farms and a safari lodge complete the package. We strive for excellence and high-class service; this is reflected in the accommodations we choose for our tours. Accommodation may vary from tour to tour.

We are very excited to once again offer Romney Park as our accommodation provider in Cape Town. Romney Park, winner of the Best 5-Star All Suite Hotel in South Africa for six consecutive years, specialising in boutique-style accommodation and has a reputation for excellence. Situated on the highly sought-after Atlantic Seaboard, a narrow band of suburbs sandwiched between the Table Mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. Romney Park promises privacy, comfort, independence and secure accommodation. We will make use of the 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. Your stay will include daily breakfast and apartment cleaning. One of the rooms in the 2-bedroom apartments does not have air conditioning but features doors that open onto a balcony and include a fan. Boutique sea-facing apartments feature private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a spacious open-plan lounge with a dining area and a compact kitchen. During load shedding, a backup generator ensures an uninterrupted power supply. Guests can also cool off in the swimming pool.

Boschendal stands as one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, situated amidst the captivating landscapes between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. This iconic winery resides in one of the most picturesque valleys within the Cape Winelands. With a focus on elegant simplicity, the accommodation offers an ideal setting for experiencing authentic farm living with a modern touch. The newly refurbished 2-bedroom Retreat Cottages are situated 3.5 km from the main wine farm (Werf) area. Each cottage features two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, along with a shared kitchen and living room space. The Retreat Cottages are surrounded by meandering fynbos garden paths and a natural swimming pool, perfect for relaxing escapes into nature. Discover for yourself why Boschendal was recognised as one of the finest family hotels worldwide by Condé Nast Traveller. Enjoy unrestricted access to this historic farm, allowing you to explore and uncover all that Boschendal has in store. As a cashless estate, Boschendal ensures a convenient and secure payment experience for all visitors. Behold breathtaking views, savour the incredible award-winning wines and immerse yourself in the enchanting indigenous gardens at the Werf. Rest assured, your stay will remain uninterrupted by load shedding, as the farm is equipped with generators. Take a dip in the shared natural swimming pool, purified by the exquisite aquatic vegetation encircling its edges. Revel in the majestic mountain vistas, relish the smoke-free environment, and benefit from round-the-clock security, housekeeping services, WiFi access, a tea/coffee maker, and more. Indulge in the ultimate luxury of farm living at its finest.

Surval Boutique Olive Estate in Oudtshoorn is an elegant working olive farm in the heart of the Klein Karoo at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. Luxury accommodation with charming features. Live like relaxed royalty during the Ostrich Feather Boom as you enjoy the soothing, yet exclusive farm-chic atmosphere that has become synonymous with the award-winning estate and restaurant. Our female tours will be accommodated in the tastefully decorated airconditioned Luxury Rooms, located on both the ground and first floors. Surval has backup generators during load shedding and has a lot to offer; relax at the sparkling pool or enjoy an olive tasting. Far from the glare of the city lights, you can see and enjoy the Milky Way in its full splendour. The Little Karoo is considered to be one of the best places on earth for stargazing. Surval is a cashless estate.

The Lofts Boutique Hotel is located on Thesen Island, an award-winning Blue Flag marina in the heart of Knysna, which remains one of the Garden Route’s favourite destinations. Thesen Island consists of 19 man-made islands, interconnected by charming bridges that gracefully span over the pristine waterways. The islands are a vibrant hotspot, providing visitors from around the world with a wide range of shopping and dining options, as well as convenient access to various activities. Guests can enjoy complimentary kayaking directly from the hotel, take the paddle cruiser to Featherbed Nature Reserve, or venture out to explore the captivating natural landscapes nearby. Once the site of an industrial boatbuilding shed, The Lofts seamlessly blends history with contemporary design. Located inside the renovated Boatshed, the hotel honours the building’s maritime legacy by preserving elements of its nautical allure. The hotel was born after Dr Chris Mulder and his wife Pat began developing Thesen Island. Pat envisioned creating The Lofts and, years later, this lagoon-side hotel is still proudly family-owned and operated. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and apartments, each designed with comfort in mind. With luxurious bedding, plush furnishings, and all essential modern amenities, our tours will stay in the Balcony Rooms, each thoughtfully designed with a playful and distinctive theme. During load shedding, there’s a full backup generator to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, and of course, guests can cool off in the pool situated at the restaurant. And finally, The Lofts Boutique Hotel offers you the treat of breathtaking sunset views overlooking the Lagoon.

We are thrilled to announce our return to the Garden Route Game Lodge! Nestled against the stunning Langeberg Mountain range, this family-owned, malaria-free private game reserve stands at the gateway to South Africa’s renowned Garden Route Coast. Each Elegant Lodge Room features a private viewing patio and an en-suite bathroom. These rooms are tastefully decorated in a modern African style, offering all the contemporary amenities needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The lodge rooms provide views of beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning sunset vistas over the game reserve, with easy access to two swimming pools. All our Lodge Rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, wi-fi, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and minibars. Additionally, GRGL is equipped with a backup generator to ensure uninterrupted service during load shedding.

You might prefer extending your stay after your tour concludes, whether due to flight schedules or simply to explore at your leisure. We have a few extra recommendations for you: Visit the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, take a half-day tour to Robben Island, visit Bloubergstrand or explore Cape Point, the most southwestern tip of Africa.

Additionally, we can arrange:
• Diamond shopping: A private appointment with transfers included to shop for diamonds at our highly recommended and trusted supplier in Cape Town. Given South Africa’s reputation for diamonds, many of our clients enjoy diamond shopping.
• Extra safari: An extra for 2-3 days in one of our National Parks (domestic flight excluded).
• Victoria Falls. While Zebra Adventures does not offer extended trips to Vic Falls, we work with a wonderful supplier that we can recommend. Please contact us if you’re interested in any of the above.

After clearing customs at Cape Town International Airport, our company representative will meet you at the arrival gate, holding a placard with Zebra Adventures’ company’s logo on it. In case you have trouble finding our representative at the arrival gate, please wait at Vida e Caffè and contact the emergency contact.

Numbeo is the world’s largest cost-of-living database, offering valuable assistance to individuals seeking insights into the cost of living in various locations worldwide. Numbeo proves to be an invaluable resource. By visiting Numbeo’s website, you can access comprehensive information about the cost of living in Cape Town and utilise it effectively for their planning your trip. Click here to view the cost of living in Cape Town.

Zebra Adventures remain fully committed to offering our guests the peace of mind to enjoy a memorable tour with us, knowing that we have implemented the necessary precautions and protocols to ensure their health and safety during their tour. The safety and security of our guests and team members remain our highest priority. We comply with South Africa’s latest guidance and travel regulations.

• Travellers will be required to sign and complete an indemnity form before joining the tour (at the orientation meeting).
• Staff at all hotels and lodges are trained on preventative measures and hygiene protocols to ensure guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay.
• If you have a fever or any other covid symptoms on tour, you may be required to have a doctor clear you before rejoining the tour. Medical costs and transport to the doctor are your own expense. No refunds of activities or accommodation that are missed are available should you not be able to complete the tour due to covid reasons.
  The above measures are subject to change based on the latest guidance and regulations from the SA government. The protocols will be updated as required.

Please see the full Terms and Conditions.

South Africans are very warm, accommodating and hospitable, very much like the country’s climate. South Africa has been famously referred to as the rainbow nation because it is made up of so many diverse cultures and religions. All these people are united by calling South Africa home.

South Africa has 11 official languages so all the major languages used in the country are given recognition. These languages are Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. Even though there are 11 official languages in reality English is most citizens’ second or third language, so visitors can get along fine if they are proficient in English.

South African cuisine is a fusion of African, European, Indian, and Malay influences. What brings everyone together though is the practice of braai, which is similar to barbeque (but a true South African will say that it is nothing like a barbeque, it is a BRAAI). What sets braai apart is that purists only do it on open wood fires, feeling that it is more authentic. It is a communal event, where South Africans come together to talk and be merry while the meat, usually lamb or beef, is sizzling on the fire. An inexpensive staple food in the country is pap (the Afrikaans word for porridge), which is made from ground maize and has a thick consistency, being enjoyed as a breakfast dish while it is also eaten as a side/main dish during a braai, with chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).

A sticky treat that is well known in the country is koeksisters. It is fried dough, worked into distinctive knots, which are submerged in a cold syrup that makes it very gluey. Also in the sweet category are melktert – a tart that has a light crust with a custard filling, malva pudding and more. Rooibos (Redbush) tea grows in South Africa’s fynbos. The leaves are used to make herbal tea that is called by the names: rooibos, bush tea, red tea, or redbush tea. It reduces stress, alleviates allergies and inflammation, regulates immune function, calms stomach cramps and slows down the ageing process, as the high levels of antioxidants fight free radicals in the body.

If you have a sensitive stomach, it might be wise to opt for bottled water or refill with filtered water where possible. Bottled water typically costs between R18 and R24 for a 1-litre bottle ($1 – $1.28 or £0.79 – £1.00). We will provide you with two 500ml water bottles on the bus each day while in Cape Town and the Winelands. Although tap water in Cape Town is safe, some international guests have experienced reactions to it. To avoid any potential stomach issues that could spoil your holiday, it might be best to stick with bottled or filtered water.

Flight arrival times may vary from country to country. If your flight arrives a day earlier or departs a day later than the scheduled tour date and time, we will be happy to arrange your additional accommodation and transport from the airport for an additional charge. There is no itinerary for additional days, but excursions can be arranged. Should you choose to arrive a day earlier and organise your own accommodation and transport to the hotel, please inform us. The official start of your tour is at the Team Orientation Meeting at 1:00 pm on the starting day of your tour. Please arrive well in advance. If the entire tour group arrives the day before, the orientation meeting will be rescheduled to an earlier time and this change will be clearly communicated to everyone.

In case of an emergency while on tour, it is best to give your local company representative a call. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information (including country code), so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Emergency Contact Info:

Liezel de Klerk (Company Representative):
+27 84 515 4209

Janettie Wucherpfennig (Tour Leader):
+44 791 352 9799

Please note that a moderate fitness level is required for all our tours. We strongly encourage every participant to join in the daily activities to fully enjoy and contribute to the vibrant group travel experience. This is especially important while in South Africa, as we want everyone to be able to keep up with the itinerary and not miss out on any of the exciting activities planned. For more information on essential requirements regarding fitness after an injury, please refer to the ‘Health’ section

The tour price does NOT include international flights. There are many ways to reach South Africa, whether to fly direct or indirectly. Direct flight time from London is anything from 11 hours. Please contact us should you need advice.

📌 Please note that your flight must arrive in Cape Town before 11:00 am on the day your tour starts in order to be on time for the start of your orientation meeting at 1:00 pm. If not, we advise you to arrive a day earlier (don’t worry, this is very normal for our clients from the USA, and we can help, see Early Arrivals and Late Departures).

📌 Please note, our scheduled arrival time back at Cape Town International Airport will be between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, and you should book your departure flight after 8:00 pm on the last day of your tour. If not, we advise you to depart the following day (don’t worry, this is very normal for our clients from the USA, and we can help, see Early Arrivals and Late Departures).
* Arrival Airport: Cape Town International Airport
* Departure Airport: Cape Town International Airport

If your flight details, travel insurance, and medical form are not received by the specified date in your booking confirmation (typically three months before your tour begins), ZEBRA ADVENTURES reserve the right to cancel your booking. The participant understands that this will result in forfeiting their spot on the tour, and full penalties will be enforced.

On most days, the tour operates on a Half Board basis (unless specified), meaning that two meals per day are included in your tour price, usually either breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner. Day 1, arrival dinner is included. Half Board on days 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 12. Breakfast only on days 5, 8, 9 and 13. On the days when your lunch or dinner is not included, we’ve made restaurant reservations to complement the tour, see Itinerary. You’ll be responsible for the cost of meals that are not included. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies when booking. Rest assured, all the restaurants we’ve selected are carefully chosen and offer beautiful South African cuisine in beautiful settings (although not fine dining). From traditional Cape Malay dishes to the freshest seafood straight from the ocean, whether it’s a light lunch or a 14-course meal, it’s bound to be a culinary adventure.

After booking your tour, you will receive a basic Medical Form to complete approximately four months before your tour begins. If you have undergone any medical treatment or sustained an injury within six months prior to your arrival in South Africa, a “fit to fly” letter from your doctor is required. This certificate must be submitted at least 30 days before your tour begins.

If an injury occurs within 30 days of your tour start date, you are still required to provide a “fit to fly” letter. Failure to submit this documentation may result in Zebra Adventures cancelling your participation, in the interest of your safety and to ensure the smooth flow of the group experience.

If you experience significant mobility challenges following an injury and require aids such as crutches or a wheelchair, we kindly ask that you contact us to discuss the possibility of rescheduling your tour in line with our terms. This helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

• Discover Cape Town’s history, culture, and landmarks.
• A cultural dining experience and a 14-course taster meal.
•⁠ ⁠Explore the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. NEW
• Visit the top of Table Mountain via cable car and enjoy the view.
• A scenic helicopter ride along the beautiful Cape Peninsula.
• Step back into 19th-century farm life with a traditional koeksister making demonstration class. NEW
• See the African penguins, or swim with them if you are lucky.
• Stay at the world-renowned Boschendal Wine Estate, a working wine farm.
• Two-day wine tour in the beautiful Winelands with tastings & pairings.
• Visit the world-famous Babylonstoren wine farm.
• Route 62 Road Trip through the Klein Karoo (semi-desert).
• Visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world.
• Explore the majestic Cango Caves, an underground wonder.
• Visit Knysna in the picturesque Garden Route and stay on Thesen Island, a coastal paradise.
• Enjoy a personal Elephant Experience and learn about conservation.
• Take part in a once-in-a-lifetime Veterinarian safari (optional). NEW
• Enjoy a 3-night safari on a private game reserve in the Garden Route.
• Two fabulous game drives daily.
• Enjoy a complimentary spa treatment from Zebra Adventures.

• Country: The Republic of South Africa
• Total land area: 1,213,090 Km2 (468,376 sq. miles)
• Population: 64,162,431 (September 2024). 66.3 % of the population is urban (2024)
• SA has 3 Capital Cities: The administrative capital of South Africa is Pretoria. Cape Towns is South Africa’s legislative capital, and the judicial capital of South Africa is Bloemfontein.
• Languages: South Africa has 11 official languages: Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.
• Time Zone: UTC+2

While we intend to follow the itinerary described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built in and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to follow equally amazing alternatives. Travel times listed are approximations and subject to change due to local circumstances. Please note, we encourage a moderate fitness level. To enhance your group travel experience, we highly encourage every lady on tour to participate in all daily activities. In the event that weather conditions impact an excursion and it has to be canceled due to inclement weather, refunds will not be issued for the excursion.

Space is limited therefore we advise that the following will go into the trailer:
1x large* suitcase (weighing no more than 23kg) per person, plus
1x small* hand-luggage suitcase per person, plus
1x handbag/small day backpack that you can keep with you on the bus at all times

* Large suitcase – same as holding bag/check-in bag on an airplane
* Hand luggage – same as on board cabin suitcase on an airplane

Please note that if your Private tour includes a domestic flight, the domestic checked-in bag weight limit is 20kg. Tours scheduled for Safari in the Pilanesberg include a two-hour domestic flight to Lanseria Airport or OR Tambo, Johannesburg. This internal flight has a strict 20kg weight limit. Overweight bags are subject to penalties and additional charges payable by the individual. Checked-in baggage maximum size dimensions (90 x 75 x 43cm).
You are allowed two free carry-on bags. The larger of the two should not be more than 56 x 36 x 25cm, and should not weigh more than 7kg. This bag must fit in the storage compartment in the cabin. The smaller of the two should not exceed 40cm x 15cm x 20cm and must fit under the seat in front of you. Rules are subject to change and will be confirmed nearer to your departure time.
Please note that OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg has new baggage rules:

• Only regular-shaped bags will be allowed at check-in counters;
• This means that the bags must have at least one flat surface to be accepted on the check-in system:
• Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed at check-in counters; and
• Bags with long straps will not be allowed at check-in counters.

Passengers trying to check in bags that do not conform to these rules will be offered the option of having their baggage wrapped with one flat side at airport-approved baggage wrapping stations.

South Africa’s currency is the Rand (R). Each Rand is comprised of 100 cents (c). Both coins (10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5) and notes (R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200) are available, and the exchange rate is generally quite favourable for those coming from foreign countries.

It’s necessary to figure out the best form of money to bring with you on your travels. Contrary to popular belief, SA has quite a well-developed financial system and extensive bank network and there are a number of different options available for tourists spending money here. Most shops and restaurants accept major credit and debit cards and cash can be exchanged at hotels or Bureau de Change. We highly recommend using credit cards to avoid walking around with too much cash on you.

Our 5-part itinerary combines some of South Africa’s finest destinations, providing a diverse and enriching experience. It starts in the vibrant Mother City, Cape Town, known for its mountain range, attractions, cultures, cuisines, and natural beauty. Venture into the picturesque South African Winelands, famous for its world-class wines and culinary pleasures, with wine tastings and pairings to look forward to. Embark on a road trip along the world-famous Route 62 towards Oudtshoorn, the world’s ostrich capital, located in the heart of the semi-desert Klein Karoo. It’s here, nestled in the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range where you’ll discover the breathtaking Cango Cave with its vast chambers. Leave the Klein Karoo and journey over the mountains via the Outeniqua Pass Be greeted by an abundance of greenery as you enter the Garden Route on your way to the beautiful town of Knysna where you’ll visit the iconic Knysna Heads and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. An unforgettable elephant experience awaits, offering a unique opportunity to spend time with these magnificent creatures and learn about the importance of conservation. Finally, it’s safari time! We journey along the Garden Route to a private game reserve for an exhilarating safari experience. Enjoy two game drives daily, relax by the pool, take a guided game walk, or unwind at the spa. End your days with evening cocktails and candlelit dinners under the African night sky, with the presence of the Big Five never too far away.

It’s always a highlight to reflect on a special holiday once it’s over, especially when looking back at all the wonderful photos and videos captured. To make sharing these memories easier, we offer a shared folder where everyone can upload and enjoy each other’s media. Guests are welcome to share these images on social media and we kindly ask that you tag @zebadventures in your posts. You may not sell or otherwise use any of the images taken by Zebra Adventures or our photographers and videographers or other guests for commercial purposes. If you would like to share any of the content or photos from Zebra Adventures, we kindly request that you tag us (@zebadventures) and credit us in the post. When booking with Zebra Adventures, you agree and acknowledge that your image and likeness may be used in future promotional material by Zebra Adventures. We only select the best images where everyone looks great for our promotional material. However, if you would prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, please inform us ahead of time. Your comfort and preferences are our top priority.

South Africa operates on a standard voltage of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you’re visiting from a country that uses a different voltage, such as 110–120V, you’ll need a voltage converter or transformer to safely use your electronic devices. However, if your device is labelled with “INPUT: 100–240V, 50/60Hz,” it is compatible with South African power and will only require a plug adapter.

The primary plug type used is Type M, which features three round pins arranged in a triangular pattern. However, Type C and Type N plugs are also found in some areas. To ensure compatibility wherever you go, it’s a good idea to bring a universal adapter.

About five months before your tour, we’ll send you a questionnaire. Your answers will help us get to know you better and give us insight into the incredible individuals who will be joining the tour. If you’ll be sharing accommodations, your responses will also help us match you with the right roommate. Everything you share will be treated with the utmost care and kept completely confidential.

South Africa is renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife, making it a top destination for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts. The country’s varied landscapes – ranging from savannas and forests to deserts and coastal regions – host a wide array of flora and fauna, each offering a unique and delightful safari experience.

National Park vs. Conservation Safari
Both national parks and conservation safaris offer unique and enriching experiences. Whether it’s the structured environment of a national park or the personalised touch of a conservation safari, South Africa’s wildlife will leave you in awe.

National Parks: National parks are typically managed by the government and are large, publicly owned protected areas. They are open to the public, often with extensive road networks and facilities. Activities are regulated to protect wildlife, which means no off-road driving, night drives or walking safaris in most cases. These parks can be more crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. The Kruger Park is 2 000 000 hectares. Pilanesberg is 55 000 hectares.

Private Game Reserves, Conservation Safaris: Conservation areas or private reserves are often managed by private entities or local communities. They offer more intimate and exclusive experiences, with fewer visitors and more personalised services. These areas allow for a wider range of activities, including off-road driving, night safaris and guided bush walks. Many conservation areas work closely with local communities, contributing to their welfare and involving them in conservation efforts. Garden Route Game Lodge is around 4,000 hectares.

We honestly believe that if you behave sensibly, exactly as you would when travelling to any major city or developing country, you are no more likely to be a victim of crime than you would be almost anywhere else in the world. Once you get there you will be pleasantly surprised by how safe you feel. More will be discussed at our orientation meeting on arrival day.

Staying in touch while on holiday in South Africa (SA) is far less complicated and expensive than it used to be. What’s best for one person may not necessarily be ideal for another so we suggest these options..

• Please ensure you download WhatsApp immediately after booking with us. We will use it for all communications, before and during your tour to confirm documentation, pick-up times, breakfast times etc.
• Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card, inserting it into your mobile or internet device, and using it on a top-up basis is one of the simplest and most convenient options. Ensure your phone is unlocked by checking with your local service provider before leaving your country. This method allows you to retain your number indefinitely and use your phone with all your favourite apps, ringtones, and important contacts. However, suppose you’ve always used a contract phone. In that case, you’ll need to get accustomed to concepts like data and airtime, buying prepaid vouchers/data, and monitoring your credit to avoid being cut off while sending a photo to your loved ones.
• Only use Wi-Fi hotspots at hotel/restaurants etc. and no roaming or Sim card is needed (most popular).
• Switch on your roaming but it can be very expensive, contact your service provider for detail.

Tipping is a lovely way to show appreciation for excellent service. As in many countries around the world, tipping is a common and valued practice within South Africa’s service industry. While it is not mandatory, it is always warmly appreciated. South Africa is largely a cashless country, and card payments are widely accepted; however, cash is still accepted in places. In restaurants, a gratuity of around 10 – 12% is considered standard, and you can simply ask for this to be added to your bill and pay the total by card, so there is generally no need to carry cash for restaurant tipping. When lunch or dinner is included in your itinerary, Zebra Adventures will cover the tip for those meals. We recommend planning ahead, as this can make things easier during your tour. Before leaving your home country, you may wish to order South African Rand (ZAR) from your bank or withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport upon arrival. If you choose to tip in cash, please ensure that you use the local currency, South African Rand (ZAR/R). Using foreign currency can leave service providers with money they cannot easily use without paying high currency exchange fees.

Group Tipping Kitty

All Zebra Adventures tours follow our Group Tipping Kitty System, following numerous suggestions from previous guests. It simplifies tipping for everyone, helping to make your travel experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Guests are asked to contribute to a shared tipping kitty, with the contribution placed in an envelope and handed to your Tour Leader during the welcome orientation meeting upon arrival. Please note that your contribution must be provided in cash in South African Rand (ZAR/R). The Group Tipping Kitty contribution amount will be included in your booking confirmation email and will be reconfirmed closer to your final payment date, once the itinerary has been finalised. This amount does not include gratuities for your Tour Guide or Tour Leader. The Group Tipping Kitty allows us to distribute gratuities appropriately on behalf of the group to housekeeping staff, excursion guides, safari guides, porters and other service providers throughout the tour, so you won’t need to carry cash or worry about managing individual tips on a daily basis. 

Your Tour Guide will be with you for 10 days, while your Tour Leader will be with you throughout the full 13-day tour. Gratuities for your Tour Guide and Tour Leader remain entirely at your discretion. The guidance below is provided simply as a helpful reference

Should you wish to offer a gratuity, this may be given in cash (South African Rand, US Dollars, Pound Sterling) or via PayPal.

Liezel de Klerk (Tour Guide): https://www.paypal.me/liezeldeklerk
Janettie Wucherpfennig (Tour Leader): https://paypal.me/JanettieW

Suggested guideline
R180 – R305 per day, per person in the group
(approximately $11 – $18.50 per day, per person in the group)

You must be adequately insured for the duration of your time in South Africa to cover all unexpected costs, including medical expenses and repatriation. We advise that you arrange adequate insurance cover as soon as possible. For your peace of mind, it is recommended that your policy includes cancellation cover, curtailment, personal liability, COVID-19-related events and illness, and cover for the loss, theft, or damage to luggage and personal effects. Please also make sure your insurance is valid from the time of booking until your return home. If you are in doubt, you should contact your insurer. Please confirm that your travel insurance covers all the activities outlined in the itinerary. While on holiday, should you choose to take part in any activity that may be deemed hazardous (for example, paragliding, hot-air ballooning, white-water rafting, etc.), it is essential to ensure that cover is provided under the terms of your travel insurance. ZEBRA ADVENTURES do not arrange travel insurance. It is the traveller’s responsibility to arrange adequate travel insurance cover.

• Please ask for permission before taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they prefer not to be photographed.
• Strive to contribute to environmental practices – leave a ‘zebra footprint’. We aim to leave every destination in better condition than we found it.
• Whenever possible, purchase from local suppliers. In areas where haggling is common, try not to get angry or offended if you can’t get the price you want. We pass on all feedback from our trips to our hotels, restaurants, and events.
• When wine-tasting, keep track of the number of tastings and the amount of alcohol you consume. Overindulgence can spoil your experience and affect others on the tour.
• To enhance your group travel experience, we encourage every lady on tour to participate in all daily activities. We have an amazing itinerary, and some days build on each other. If there’s something you prefer not to do, please let us know, your well-being is our priority.
• The wonderful people you’ll meet on your tour, such as waiters, cleaners, driver, and hotel staff, are there to assist you. They take pride in taking care of you and serving you. In South Africa, a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ becomes more meaningful when accompanied by a ‘thank you’ or ‘please’. Let’s make it a priority to spread blessings to those we meet on our journey, rather than just receiving them.
• If you have any questions or need further clarification on any of the above, please talk to us. Your tour guide and tour leader, both South African, have extensive knowledge about the country, cultures, and your exciting itinerary.

You should contact your GP at least six weeks before your trip to South Africa to discuss necessary vaccinations, it’s best not to leave this until the last minute. Cape Town, Pilanesburg and Johannesburg (for those staying longer) are both located in malaria-free zones. We will not be travelling through any malaria-risk areas on our tours unless clearly stated on the itinerary. There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever transmission occurs, or for those who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in such countries. Due to legal regulations, we are not permitted to advise on which vaccinations to take or avoid, nor are we allowed to administer any medication during the tour. You can follow these links for guidence. The Travel Doctor is an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers. If you are from the USA, click here or if you are from the UK, click here.

As of July 1, 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) requires all travellers entering or leaving South Africa to submit a mandatory online customs declaration within 24 hours of travel via the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS). Here is the link to complete your Customs Online Traveller Declaration: https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/

Your passport must remain valid for at least 30 days past your intended departure date from South Africa, in line with South African immigration regulations. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages if you require a visa to enter the country. If you do not need a visa, one blank page will be sufficient. To avoid any problems on arrival, please ensure your passport meets these requirements. Applying for a South African Visitors’ visa is for international travellers who wish to visit the country on a temporary basis for a period of 90 days or less. Requirements for visitor’s visas differ from country to country and the requirements are subject to change. Each application is treated as an individual case, and you should make enquiries with your nearest South African mission or consulate abroad or any office of the Department of Home Affairs to see whether or not you are required to apply for a visa. A visa should be obtained prior to arriving in SA and not at arrival! Please check the latest summary, health and entry requirements on the FCO Travel Advice pages here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. 

Please ensure you download WhatsApp immediately after booking with us. We will use it for all communications, before and during your, tour to confirm documentation and liaise important information to you. We do not want you to miss anything. Staying on top of correspondence is your responsibility. To download WhatsApp, click here.

During January leading up to March, the weather in South Africa will be warm, 25-35°C (77-95°F). Cape Town will be in her dry season; however, the weather is unpredictable and you can have 4 seasons in one day, so come prepared. During April you can expect pleasant temperatures around 23-26°C (73-80°F) during the day. The evenings and early mornings can be on the cool side around 11°C (52.°F). Rainfall during April is moderate. The African sun is merciless so do not underestimate a cloudy day. Bring sunblock and a hat and make sure to hydrate all the time. Please note that all areas visited on this tour are malaria-free zones. If you are prone to mosquito bites, bring a repellent for peace of mind.

Most hotels, lodges and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. The signal quality and download speed are variable and can at times be frustrating if you are used to high-speed internet connections.

We live in a world where people have normalised violence against women. 1 in 3 women across the world will experience gender-based violence during their lifetime, and it is thought that less than 40 per cent of these women will seek help of any sort. But when women come together, they can be a powerful force for change. That is why as a company, we support the Nonceba Counselling Centre and The Circle NGO, charities who work tirelessly to end violence against women and children in Cape Town and around the world. A portion of your tour fee will go to these organisations.
See the link to Nonceba’s video, click here: https://youtu.be/xHOzRpk0Kfw?si=z7GgpjgbsaFNxS08 
To get involved click here: https://www.thecircle.ngo/projects/nonceba-south-africa/