FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Shopping

  There are many malls, markets, stores and informal vendors who provide a variety of goods and services. Traditional African artwork, jewellery and other goods are widely sought after by tourists and are readily available close to tourist attractions. Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7 days a week, but smaller town shops are often closed on Sunday.

  Jock Safari Lodge also has small curio stores, available at our main lodges.

• Money

  The local currency is the South African Rand (R1=100 cents), which exchanges favourably with major international currencies. Take note that currency can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus and at certain hotels. Foreign tourists can have their VAT (value-added tax at 14%) refunded at the point of departure, provided they present their original tax invoices.

  In addition, most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

• Gratuities

  Gratuities are not compulsory at Jock Safari Lodge, however, should you wish to leave a gratuity, they can be placed in the courtesy envelopes which are supplied in the rooms.

• Food & Water

  South Africa’s tap water is some of the safest and cleanest in the world. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation are closely monitored via inspections.

  Restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are usually very impressed with the standard and choice of award-winning cuisine on offer. The country’s many cultures make for varied traditional fare, which is worth exploring.

• People & Language

  South Africa is a nation that is home to a vast amount of cultures. In total, we have 11 official languages, including English, which is widely spoken throughout the country. The local population groups and cultures include Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Afrikaners, English, Cape Coloured, Indians, Khoi and San.

• Health

  South Africa has world-class medical facilities, with a large network of hospitals that offer excellent services. However, please ensure that you have adequate health insurance as a safety precaution.

• Safety

  While most parts of the country are perfectly safe for tourists to visit, it’s important that visitors take precautions. For example, walking alone in deserted streets, and exposing expensive equipment and jewellery is not recommended. Most major cities run organised crime prevention programmes and basic safety tip guidelines are also available at hotels and tourism information offices.

  If you’re in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on+27 (0) 831232345. This number may also be used for assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

• What are facilities like in South Africa?

  At Jock Safari Lodge, our 5-star luxury lodge accommodation is accredited by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa annually. Thorough inspections have been conducted in accordance with South African tourism standards. South Africa is home to a world-class infrastructure including transport, telecommunications, banking, manufacturing, mining and medical facilities.

• Travelling to South Africa

  Gaining access to South Africa is as easy as hopping on a plane to one of the many airports in the country.

  Visitors usually fly to Johannesburg and either hire a car or utilise our transfer service at an additional fee.

• Electricity

  The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin. Adapters can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer. However, a limited number of adaptors are available in each room.

  Additionally, most hotel rooms have 110V outlets for electric shavers and appliances. All three Jock Safari Lodge’s lodges are currently equipped with standby generators, as a precaution against a power outage.

  Please be sure to check your device specifications and requirements, before utilising our power supply source.

• Driving

  In South Africa, we drive on the left-hand side of the road and wearing a seatbelt is compulsory.

  Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving license issued and valid in their own?country. However, it must be in English and have the photograph and signature of the holder.

  If yours doesn’t meet these requirements, an international driver’s license is required.

• What do I need to pack?

  • Sun block
  • Hat/cap
  • Walking boots
  • Comfortable and casual clothing
  • Warm tops for game drives
  • Camera (300 – 600mm lenses for good photographs)
  • Medication for allergies
  • Jock Safari Lodge is in a low risk malaria area and we therefore recommend that a doctor is consulted prior to traveling
• What is the climate like?

  Kruger experiences winter and summer at the opposite times as Europe and North America and they correspond to the dry and wet season, respectively. The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and often humid. Dry winters (May to September) are warm and mild although it cools off considerably at night. It is advisable to take warm clothing for early morning and evening game drives. During the wet season it rarely rains all day, but afternoon thundershowers are common.

• What can my children do at Jock Safari Lodge?

  There are so many things for kids to do here that they won’t have an opportunity to be bored, and with both indoor and outdoor activities available, we cater to a variety of tastes. And, to sweeten the deal even more for the kids, Jock Safari Lodge has an entire lodge and programme dedicated to entertaining little ones. Read more information on our Kids on Safari page.

• Can I take my toddler on a game drive?

  Unfortunately, not. When on a game drive, we’re often required to be quiet and still, which can be a challenge for young children. Therefore, as safety is our primary concern, no children under the age of 4 are permitted on game drives.

  We do have childminding services available on request, in addition to a host of kid’s activities to keep them occupied.

• What is the best time of year for game viewing?

  Game viewing is not affected by the weather, seasons or time of year. Animals are active 365 days a year. If there is something you are specifically looking to see, consult with one of our safari experts upon making your booking.

  Additionally, it’s recommended that you bring warmer clothing along for the trip as it may get cold, regardless of the time of year.

• How do I get to Jock Safari Lodge?

  For an additional fee, private road transfers and charter flights can be arranged and booked when you book your accommodation.

  Self-drive and road transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (KMIA/MQP) are subject to Kruger National Park gate times. The Kruger National park prohibits the use of roads within the park once the gates are closed; therefore, guests need to be at their destination and transfer companies must be outside the park by the time the gates close. Jock Safari Lodge is approximately one (1) hour from the Malelane Gate and therefore we recommend that flights to / from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA/MQP) are booked to:

  • arrive at KMIA/MQP no later than 14h30 on day of arrival
  • depart from KMIA/MQP no earlier than 10h00 on day of departure

  Alternatively, if you are driving to Jock Safari Lodge, click here for directions.

• What will the daily programme be?

  Your allocated ranger will draw up a customised programme for you on the day of your arrival, which includes game drives and guided walks. For a guideline of what’s available, click here.

• What are the requirements to enter South Africa?

  When travelling to South Africa, it’s important to take note as to whether you’re required to have a Visas. Certain countries are exempt, you can find that list here.

  Please note: As of June 2015, people travelling with minors (people under the age of 18) are required to be carrying an unabridged birth certificate, as well as their passport.

  As per South African law, upon your arrival in the country, you need to ensure that your passport has at least two full pages open for passport control stamps.

  For the latest visa requirements, you’ll need to contact your nearest South African Embassy or consulate. You also need to note that travellers over 1 year of age coming from a high-risk area need to bear a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate.

  You can get more information here and here.