travel information
our blog
19 Jun 2013Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta - Botswana being one of the southern African countries we cover, we are always happy to read what travellers have to say about their trips to this amazing country. We came across this article from Africa Geographic and it's a great read. We hope it encourages you, our...read more
first time in africa
First time in Africa? - Parkers African Travel have developed an excellent reputation for looking after first time visitors to Southern Africa, so if you aren't sure where to start with your safari in Africa, just contact us and we'll guide you through the process. If you've never...read more
let us create your holiday
Choosing your safari - A typical day on a safari in Africa starts with a pre-dawn wake up call, coffee or tea and biscuits. As the sun rises, you will already be heading into the bush with your guide and tracker on a wildlife viewing drive or walk, stopping...read more
preparing for your trip
choosing your safari
Choosing your safari - A typical day on a safari in Africa starts with a pre-dawn wake up call, coffee or tea and biscuits. As the sun rises, you will already be heading into the bush with your guide and tracker on a wildlife viewing drive or walk, stopping...read more
First time in Africa?
First time in Africa? - Parkers African Travel have developed an excellent reputation for looking after first time visitors to Southern Africa, so if you aren't sure where to start with your safari in Africa, just contact us and we'll guide you through the process. If you've never...read more
Check list
Check list - Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light Sun hat Golf-shirts, t-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts Shorts / skirts Long trousers / slacks More formal attire (gents - sports jacket or lounge suit. Ladies -...read more
Flights
Flights - We will be pleased to book your international and domestic flights into and around Southern Africa at competitive prices, but only in conjunction with your holiday or tour. If you would like us to quote for your flights, just let us know and we´ll send...read more
Travel & Medical Insurance
Do you have the cover you need? We recommend that all travellers have adequate holiday insurance. These days, standard credit-card type cover simply isn´t enough. We suggest you consider the following when arranging travel insurance. 1. Ensure that medical cover and emergency medical evacuation insurance are included in...read more
passport regulations
Passports - Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your holiday. It is also mandatory to have two blank pages in your passport in order to receive entry and exit stamps. If you are visiting a number of southern African countries, it...read more
yellow fever entry requirement
A vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers coming from, or journeying through, yellow fever endemic areas and a valid Yellow Fever certificate is required for all passengers older than one year coming from an infected area. Yellow Fever certificates are valid for 10 years, starting 10 days after...read more
Paying for your holiday
Paying for your holiday - When the time comes to pay for your holiday, we recommend you use foreign exchange specialists Moneycorp who can save you money by offering the most competitive exchange rates available. Moneycorp will use their expertise to achieve the best possible rate of exchange; even...read more
during your trip
drinking water
Drinking Water - Drinking water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so use only bottled water in these areas. Avoid drinking water from streams and rivers,...read more
driving
Driving - Driving in most of southern Africa is on the left. The roads in South Africa and Namibia are generally good although roads in other parts of southern Africa may be pot-holed and in a state of some disrepair. Expect travel in the dry season to be...read more
electricity supply
Electricity - The electricity supply is generally 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are round 3-pin or 2-pin. Adaptors can be purchased at airports and retail outlets nationwide. US-made appliances may need a transformer. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances. read more
food safety
Food - Standards of hygiene in major towns and cities across southern Africa are generally high in hotels, bars and restaurants and it is generally safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads. Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries...read more
medical facilities
Health/Medical Facilities - Safety standards and regulations in southern Africa will not necessarily conform to European or western health and safety standards. In general, medical facilities across larger southern African towns are of a high standard, particularly private hospitals and clinics, as well as some of the large...read more
languages
Languages - There are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa and many unofficial ones. English is the official language of business, politics and media but on South Africa´s streets you´ll find a ready mix of languages being spoken, including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu and Xhosa. Road and other...read more
money
Money - There are banks and ATMs in all towns, most villages and in larger petrol stations. All large hotels, restaurants and shops accept Visa and MasterCard, although American Express is not often accepted. Travellers cheques can be exchanged in banks, bureaux de changes and some larger...read more
safety
Safety - Safety precautions across southern Africa are not unlike those recommended when travelling anywhere in the world. Apply common sense rather than hard and fast rules as safety precautions in southern Africa mostly require vigilance and sound travel preparation. Avoid deserted areas at night; secure valuables such...read more
tipping
Tipping/Gratuities - There are no hard and fast rules but we suggest R3 for petrol pump attendants and car guards, R5 per bag for airport porters or R10 per service from lodge porters, R20 for room maids on leaving, R25 per person per game drive for good game...read more
measurements
Weights & Measurements - The units of measurement used across southern Africa are metric. Road distances are measured in kilometers, petrol in litres and food in grams. read more
