FAQ

Travel to South Africa poses no medical threat. At most properties, and in most areas, the water is safe to drink, and is less chemically treated that you might imagine. In those rare cases where a property itself is concerned about water, bottled water is always provided. Indeed, bottled water is readily available at properties, and on safari. Complications from sunburn should also not be ignored – always wear a hat with a brim, and ensure that you carry a good supply of sun protection cream (the higher the screen factor the better).

Tap water is safe to drink in South Africa but bottled mineral water is available for purchase.

South Africa is a great family destination. There are activities for children of all ages and plenty of adventure for the whole family. During the summer months, the beaches are wonderful for children of all ages and numerous adventure activities like boat rides and cruises, horse riding, surfing, hiking and many others are offered. Sun City is a very popular family destination.

Health insurance is definitely advisable. The health services in South Africa are of a high standard but a private system for which you would require medical insurance is in operation. Insurance is also recommended to cover loss of baggage and flight delays.

All major credit cards, including Visa, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard, are accepted at most hotels, shops and restaurants. Proof of identity may be requested in some instances and it is useful to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times.

The check in luggage limits on the regional commercial flights is 20 kg pp (44 lbs per person) plus you are allowed 1 carry on bag. (South African Airways, British Airways, Nationwide Airlines, Kulula etc) Unless otherwise specified, if your African safari itinerary involves any light aircraft transfers in Botswana, Namibia or South Africa, there is a limit of 15 – 20 kg (44 lbs) per person. This 20 kg includes camera bag and equipment. Please ensure the bag is a soft carry-all (instead of a rigid suitcase).

Cape Town’s weather can change quickly in a single day, so packing smart layers is essential for a comfortable trip. Mornings and evenings can feel cool, even in summer, while afternoons can be warm and sunny — especially when exploring outdoors.

Here’s what we recommend packing:

Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be walking a lot when exploring attractions like the city, mountains, and coastal viewpoints
Sunscreen and sunglasses – The sun can be strong year-round, even on cooler or cloudy days
Light jacket or windbreaker – Especially important for Cape Town’s famous wind and cooler coastal conditions
Swimwear – For beaches, hotel pools, and warmer summer days
Layers for cooler evenings – A hoodie, jersey, or light sweater is ideal for nights out or winter travel

Depending on the season, you may also want to add a scarf or warmer jacket in winter (June–August), as conditions can become cold, windy, and rainy — especially near the mountains and coastline.

Packing versatile layers ensures you’re prepared for Cape Town’s changing conditions while still enjoying everything the city has to offer.