South Africa

12 Day Culinary, Cultural & Adventure Tour

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • COVID-19
  • Itinerary Disclaimer
  • Introduction to South Africa
  • Weather
  • Visas / Passport
  • Emergency Contact
  • Arrival in Cape Town
  • Accommodation
  • Cost of Living
  • Fitness / Hikes
  • Early Arrival and Late Departure
  • Safety
  • Power
  • Food
  • Drinking Water
  • International Flights to South Africa
  • Luggage and Domestic Flight
  • Health / Vaccinations
  • Travel Insurance
  • Photos and Videos
  • Stay Connected
  • Internet
  • Money
  • Culture
  • Gratuities
  • Travellers code of conduct

Overview

This 4-part itinerary is an accumulation of the best South Africa has to offer. Starting with the iconic Mother City of Cape Town and her many attractions, cultures, cuisines and beauty, followed by the picturesque South African Winelands, known as the gastronomic route of South Africa. Journey to world-renowned vineyards, taste exquisite wines and enjoy meals in hand-selected restaurants. A road trip along the world-famous Route 62 towards Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, lies in the heart of the Klein Karoo (a semi-desert). Inside the foothills of the Swartberg mountain range lies the breathtaking Cango Cave with its vast chambers. Leave the Klein Karoo and journey over the mountains on the Outeniqua pass and be greeted by an abundance of greenery entering the Garden Route towards Wilderness. Paddle on the placid waterways through an indigenous forest to a nearby waterfall. The fourth and final element of the tour, the Safari, includes exciting morning and afternoon game drives. Enjoy downtime at the pool, take a guided Game Walk or an educational tour, go mountain biking or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. Evening cocktails and candlelit dinner under the African night sky with the Big-5 never too far away.

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Highlights

    • Discover Cape Town’s history, culture, and landmarks.
    • Cape Malay cooking course in the Bo-Kaap.
    • A cultural dining experience and 14-course meal.
    • A leisurely hike on top of Table Mountain.
    • A scenic helicopter ride along the Cape Peninsula.
    • Visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
    • See/swim with the African penguins.
    • Wine tour, tastings & pairings.
    • Route 62 Road Trip.
    • Visit an Ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world.
    • Explore the majestic Cango Caves.
    • Kayaking in Wilderness, Garden Route.
    • Visit an Aloe farm and see traditional Bushman tapping methods.
    • Safari in the Garden Route.
    • Daily game drives.
    • Enjoy a complimentary SPA treatment from Zebra Adventures at the end of your tour.
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    Covid-19

    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. Please check entry requirements well in advance of your departure.

    • Travellers will be required to sign and complete an indemnity form before joining the tour (at the orientation meeting).
    • We do not mandate vaccination.
    • 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 on an ongoing basis.

    Please see the full Terms and Conditions.

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    Itinerary Disclaimer

    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.

     

    Introduction to South Africa

    • Country: The Republic of South Africa
    • Total land area: 1,221,037 km2 (471,445 sq. miles)
    • Population: 61,075,633 (April 2023). 66.7 % of the population is urban (2020)
    • 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

    Weather

    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.

    Visas / Passport

    Please check the latest summary, health and entry requirements on the FCO Travel Advice pages here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended exit date from South Africa, in line with South African immigration regulations. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months of validity on the date of entry to South Africa. To avoid problems at the airport on arrival, you’re advised to ensure your passport meets this requirement. 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. 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!

    Emergency Contact

    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

    Arrival in Cape Town

    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.

    Accommodation

    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 accommodation we choose for our tours. Accommodation may vary from tour to tour. Note: All accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis. If you would like to have your own room, please contact us as we do offer limited Single Supplements.

    Accommodation providers for our 2024 female tours are confirmed:
    *Accommodation for Private Tours may vary.

    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 6 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. Your stay will include daily breakfast and apartment cleaning. These beautiful sea-facing apartments offer private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a coffee machine, a spacious open-plan lounge with a dining area as well as a compact kitchen. A full back up generator during load shedding and of course, a beautiful swimming pool to cool off in.

    An exciting NEW addition. Family-owned Jordan Wine Estate, situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa, the heart of the Cape Winelands, has been transformed to become one of the leading estates in South Africa. Featuring a wine-tasting centre, luxury accommodation, a delicatessen-style bakery and a world-class restaurant. Jordan Wine Estate boasts spectacular panoramic views of Table Mountain, False Bay and the Stellenbosch Mountains. Tucked away, the luxury rooms on Jordan Wine Estate are individually designed and uniquely decorated with free Wi-Fi, HD LED TV with DSTV satellite channels, air-conditioning, Nespresso coffee machine, kettle, mini-bar fridge, spring water, Egyptian cotton linen, room safe, hairdryer en-suite bathroom and the best part, beautiful panoramic views of the vineyards and Stellenbosch Mountains. Jordan Wine Estate is off the grid and also has deep underground water reserves, which means that they don’t experience load-shedding and although they are cautious about their water consumption, they will not run out of water.

    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. Surval has back-up generators during load shedding and has a lot to offer; relax at the sparkling pool, take a guided walk, do olive tasting, do mountain biking and more. 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.

    Set against the backdrop of the majestic Langeberg mountain range, the Garden Route Game Lodge guards the entrance to the world-famous Garden Route Coast. This malaria-free private game reserve is home to an abundance of animals and birdlife- including the Big-5. A range of activities includes game drives, guided bush walks, educational tours, mountain biking and more. Elegant twin bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms are decorated in a contemporary African style with modern conveniences for a comfortable and relaxing stay. All come standard with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV as well as tea and coffee making facilities and minibars. During load shedding, GRGL has a back-up generator.

    Cost of Living

    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.

    Fitness / Hikes

    Please note, we encourage a moderate fitness level and strongly encourage every lady on tour to participate in all daily activities to enhance their group travel experience. Our current itineraries include hiking to Maclear’s Beacon and to the lighthouse at Cape Point, unless otherwise specified.

    Hiking on top of Table Mountain – one to tick off your bucket list! Towering 1,086 meters over Cape Town and around 540 million years in the making, Table Mountain is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Once an island, now boasting more plant species per square mile than the Amazon, this flat-topped monolith begs exploration. Trails run the length and breadth of the mountain, offering exceptional hiking for all experience levels. Whether you’re looking for adventure, escape or views, a hike up Table Mountain is not to be missed. Table Mountain hosts the richest floral kingdom on earth, with more than 1,470 floral species. The mountain is now officially recognised as one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature with the rocks on the mountain over 600,000,000 years old, making Table Mountain one of the oldest mountains in the world.

    Zebra Adventures make use of different trails and it may vary from tour to tour. You will be offered several hikes based on the group’s fitness and sense of adventure. The hiking trails vary in difficulty and technicality. We will make use of mountain guides when India Venster and Platteklip Gorge are on the agenda. Our mountain guides are qualified and highly experienced with an intimate knowledge of Table Mountain and a passion for mountains, ensuring you get the ultimate experience. You are in good hands as they respect nature and never skimp on safety.

    1. Maclear’s Beacon: Grade A+. 2-2.5 hours.
      At the highest point on Table Mountain, a hike to Maclear’s Beacon is for those who don’t like any of the uphill or downhill parts of hiking, this one is an almost completely flat walk with excellent views and amazing photos opportunities. There is a +/-10m downhill and uphill so 90% of the trail is flat. This is a great route for those interested in Cape Town’s fauna and flora while getting extraordinary views while not having to do any hard work to get them. You’ll start by taking the cable car up Table Mountain. Once on top, you’ll be guided along while seeing amazing vistas of the back of Table Mountain including the Hely-Hutchison Reservior and the rest of the Cape Peninsula on a clear day. It takes just over an hour to reach Maclears Beacon at 1085m above sea level, (our halfway mark). This stone mound is named after Thomas Maclear, a South African astronomer who set out to recalculate the dimensions and shape of the Earth. The beacon is still used by cartographers today. It has become a tourist attraction and hiking trails over the mountain pass next to the beacon. It is also a National Monument. From here you can relax and take in the spectacular views of Cape Town below, Devils Peak, Lions Head, the West Coast and the Winelands in the distance before making your way back to the cable car.
    2. Platteklip Gorge: Grade A. 3.5 hours.
      The oldest, quickest and easiest hiking route up Table Mountain, but also the least scenic and exciting. That doesn’t mean it’s NOT scenic and exciting – just the least compared to other routes. Also, it doesn’t mean it’s easy, just the easiest compared to other routes. The route leads up a deep ravine and consists of big rock steps. Most people who hike Table Mountain opt for Platteklip Gorge, not because it’s such a great route, but because it’s the easiest to complete and it is more exciting than taking the cable car to the summit. Ideal for those who have a fear of heights.
    3. India Venster: Grade B. 3.5 hours.
      The route ticks practically all the boxes of a perfect Table Mountain route: imposing topography, dramatic views, exciting hiking, and a moderate measure of adventure. India Venster is a great choice IF you’re okay with heights (narrow ledges) and if your fitness is above average. The route leads up a dramatic part of Table Mountain, threading an ingenious line through imposing cliffs. It involves scrambling (elementary climbing) and exposure to heights about 15% of the way – nothing extreme, but you need at least a fairly good head for heights and ideally also a sense of adventure. The views are sensational, the hiking engaging, and the surroundings stimulating. It is more technical (necessitates the use of hands to negotiate vertical rock sections). The route is child-friendly.
    4. Lighthouse Keeper’s: Grade A+. 1 hour
      The Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail is often overlooked by visitors eager to pay a visit to the iconic old lighthouse atop Cape Point, but this short trail that runs below the well-known landmark should not be missed. The trail begins just behind the upper funicular station, and a narrow but well-established path will lead you along a sheer cliff-face towards the lesser-known new lighthouse. It offers a fascinating perspective of the old Cape Point lighthouse which towers many metres above, and it walks you through historical bunkers and beautiful fynbos until the path runs out, at what certainly feels like the very tip of Africa.
    5. Cape of Good Hope: Grade A+. 1-2 hours
      The Cape of Good Hope trail takes you along a well-maintained and marked boardwalk towards the famous Cape of Good Hope sign, located on the rocky shoreline far below. The trail is popular for its accessibility and the unsurpassed views over the pristine Diaz Beach and rugged western shoreline. Make your way to the very end of the trail, and you’ll have reached the most southern point of the Cape Peninsula – a perfect photo opportunity to prove that you’ve visited the most South Western corner of Africa.
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    Early Arrival and Late Departure

    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 3 pm on the starting day of your tour. Please arrive well in advance.

    Safety

    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.

    Power

    Voltage is 230V and 50Hz. Power outlets are type C and M. Remember to bring a suitable convertor plug along.

    Food

    The tour operates on a Half Board basis (2 meals per day; either breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner) except on Day 3, which is Full Board. On the days where your lunch or dinner is not included, restaurant reservations are in place to complement the tour, see Itinerary. You will be responsible for the cost of meals not included. Please notify us of any dietary requirements or allergies when booking. All the restaurants are hand-picked and showcase the best cuisine South Africa has to offer. From traditional Cape Malay to the freshest fish straight from the ocean, a light lunch here and a 14-course meal there. it will be a culinary adventure.

    Drinking Water

    You will receive one water bottle per day while on the road. The drinking water in Cape Town is of remarkable high quality. This is a result of a variety of treatment processes and because most of the water consumed in Cape Town is collected from unpolluted mountain catchments and aquifers. Cape Town water complies with the strict guidelines as specified in the South African National Standards (SANS 241:2015) for drinking water. They have won multiple Blue Drop awards from the Department of Water and Sanitation for their water quality.

    International Flights to South Africa

    The tour price does NOT include international flights. There are many ways to reach South Africa, whether to fly direct or indirect. 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 12 pm on the day your tour start. 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 also note that you should book your departure flight after 7 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

    Luggage and Domestic Flight

    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.

    Health / Vaccinations

    Cape Town and the Pilanesberg are free from malaria and safe for travellers of all ages. The Travel Doctor is an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers. However, it is essential to contact your GP a minimum of six weeks before travelling to South Africa regarding vaccinations and individual health recommendations. Once you have booked your tour, you will receive a basic medical form to complete. If you have received any medical treatment or sustained any injuries within six months before you arrive in South Africa, we require a ‘fit to fly’ letter from your GP. We do not want you to miss out on any of our exciting activities like kayaking, hiking etc. and keep up with a jam-packed itinerary. This will also ensure that the group is not being held back from activities. We encourage a moderate fitness level.

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    Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not mandatory for our 2024 travellers, but we strongly recommend medical cover for the duration of your time in South Africa. Travel insurance that covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, loss of luggage, and personal effects, is recommended but up to your discretion. Please validate that your travel insurance covers all the activities outlined in the itinerary.

    Photos and Videos

    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.

    Stay Connected

    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..

    • We highly recommend downloading WhatsApp on your phone before travelling to SA as we will be communicating using WhatsApp during your tour to confirm meeting times etc.
    • Zebra Adventures can supply you with a local SIM card and various data packages (example: 1GB data for R100 / roughly £5). Please inform us prior to your departure to South Africa. Buying a local prepaid SIM card, inserting it into your mobile or Internet device and operating on a top-up basis is one of the easiest and most convenient options (your phone must just be unlocked – check with your local service provider to make sure this is the case. This alternative allows you to keep your number forever as well as use your OWN phone with all your crazy apps, ringtones and important contacts. Keep in mind, if you’ve been a contract phone user your whole life, you’ll have to familiarise yourself with the concepts of data and airtime, the idea of buying prepaid vouchers/data and the notion of monitoring your credit so you don’t get 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.

    Internet

    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.

    Money

    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.

    Culture

    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.

    For many people in South, Africa poverty is a daily reality. It is hard not to engage, but giving to beggars or children does not solve their problems, instead, it encourages them to continue begging. If you want to donate, Zebra Adventures donates towards Nonceba Family Centre in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. You can ask your guide for more detail or you can follow this link.

    Gratuities

    Tipping is a great way to acknowledge and reward great service. It’s a normal part of the service industry in South Africa, as it is in many countries. Tipping is expected by most people involved in the country’s tourism industry. While tipping is not mandatory, it is very important. If your experience was excellent, a good rule of thumb is to tip your service providers the equivalent of R100-R200 per day. A 10-12% tip is normal in restaurants. Where Zebra Adventures are paying for your meal, the tip is already included. The staff working in the hotels you’ll be staying at or restaurants you’ll be eating at, often have tough jobs for lower end wages and tipping will always be appreciated.

    Plan ahead. A great idea is to bring small envelopes for your tips, perhaps with a thank-you note inside. Prepare small change in the local currency before leaving the airport or use an ATM while on tour. Whenever you tip during your tour in South Africa, it is important to use the local currency, that is South African rand (R), otherwise you’ll leave your service providers with cash they can’t use without paying high fees on currency exchange. We always encourage our ladies on tour to give from their hearts.

    R120 = £5.00 /$6.50 per day
    R220 = £9.50 / $12 per day

    Travellers Code of Conduct

    • Please ask before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes should an individual not be happy to be photographed.
    • Strive where possible to make your own contribution to environmental practices within the destination you are travelling to – leave a ‘zebra footprint’. We always leave a destination in a better condition than we find it.
    • Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t become angry or offended if you are unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with Zebra Adventures to our hotels, restaurants and events.
    • A good rule of thumb when it comes to wine-tasting, is to keep track of the number of tastings and alcohol you consume each day. Your headache may not only spoil your experience but will also affect the people with you on tour.
    • To enhance your group travel experience, we highly encourage every lady on tour to participate in all daily activities. We have an amazing itinerary lined up and some days build on each other. If there is something in the itinerary that you do not want to participate in, please talk to us, your wellbeing is our priority.
    • If you are unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to contact us. Our company representatives either live or have travelled extensively in the country you are visiting and will be more than happy to offer their considered advice.

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