Africa Kosher Safaris

No visas are required for American citizens for South Africa, Botswana, or Namibia. However, American passports must be valid for 6 months beyond intended stay,and visitors must be in possession of tickets for return or onward travel. Visitors from other countries may require visa.Visas are required for Zimbabwe and Zambia. As most of our tours stay within the limits of South Africa (and sometimes Namibia and/or Botswana), this poses no problem. For all other passports, please check with your local South African Embassy or consulate regarding visa requirements.

Most of South Africa is malaria free. There is a risk of malaria in some of the low lying regions of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga, and in parts of northern Kwa Zulu Natal, mainly in the rainy season (November to April.) Much of Zimbabwe (low lying areas such as Victoria Falls, Kariba, and the Lowveld), Mozambique, Botswana (particularly the Northern parts, such as Chobe and the Okavango Delta),Namibia (particularly Etosha National Park), and Zambia are also malaria areas. Particularly during these times, visitors to the areas are advised to take anti malaria prophylactics.

Some places that we visit, such as the Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, are malaria areas and anti-malaria prophylaxis is advised for tours which include these venues, particularly during the summer months. We will always give you the most updated information regarding these requirements should it be relevant.

Please Note: the following should serve only as a guide. Detailed information can be obtained from the local malaria hotline.The risk of getting malaria is almost totally eliminated by taking the following precautions:
a. Embark on a full course of the correct anti malaria prophylactic where required
b. Use mosquito repellants and coils.
c. Wear long clothing after dark.

The South African climate is generally very mild and comfortable all year round. It does vary from region to region, but summers are generally warm to hot and winters are mild. O n the Kwa Zulu Natal coast, the weather and ocean temperatures are generally still warm enough for comfortable swimming, even in the middle of winter. In the interior, winter days are mild to warm and nights can be very cold. Please remember that in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern hemisphere : January is mid summer and July is mid winter! For December/January tours, summer clothing should be brought, but one sweater is advised for possible cold spells. For June/July tours, a combination of light summer clothing and warm winter clothing is required.

The South African currency is called the Rand and 1 American dollar is worth approximately 6 rands. Rands can be purchased on arrival, and Visa and Mastercard can be used in most South African shops.

The same applies for the Botswana Pula and the Zimbabwe dollar. We will always assist you in obtaining whatever currency is required.

Most of South Africa is very safe to travel in. Like in most countries, crime is a problem in some areas, particularly in parts of the main cities. We will guide you all the time you are with us to see that you stay away from trouble spots.

All meals consist of high standard strictly kosher cuisine. All products used are under the reliable supervision of the Johannesburg Beit Din (responsible for Kashrut in South Africa) .

Visitors may choose between two options:

Fully catered: These tours will be accompanied by a mashgiach trained by the local Beth Din.

Special keilim only used for fully supervised tours are used for these tours.

Semi catered: On these tours, all food is prepared for you, but you are responsible for basic hashgacha, such as turning on the stove for our non-Jewish chef, who is thoroughly trained in kashrut. Please note that our chef will insist on your turning on the stove and on upholding our strictest kashrut standards, even if you do not usually stick to these standards at home.

This option is most popular with small groups.

South Africa has an extremely high standard of first world medical care. Its clinics and hospitals are equipped to deal with all major medical situations. Our guides are all trained in basic first aid, and know who to contact in any emergency.

Travel insurance is a must for any travel overseas and should cover you for any medical requirement, as well as cancellations and loss to luggage.

Africa Kosher Safaris is run by Shomrei Shabbat Jews, and ours tours provide the chance for a very special Shabbat experience. Shabbatot are generally spent in major cities, where you can daven at the various shuls of the South African Jewish Community. Shabbat meals are spent together (unless otherwise requested) and our religious staff help to create a very special Shabbat atmosphere. Please note that although there is an eiruv in Johannesburg, all the laws of carrying on Shabbat apply in other areas of South Africa.

All our luxury tours include cell phone rental on a pay as you go basis, and we will give you your number in advance! Please note that although most areas of South Africa are within good cell cover, parts of some National Parks and most of other Southern African countries do not have cell cover.

In the bush, Internet access is very limited. Most resorts we use have fax facilities, and Internet cafe's are available in the towns and some tourist areas. Africa Kosher Safaris has its own e mail accounts, and we will be happy to send short e-mail messages for you during the tour.

We will do our best to help you contact anyone you know in South Africa. Please remember, however, that South Africa is a big place, and we cannot guarantee success. Should you wish to stay longer in South Africa, either before or after our tour, in order to spend some more time with relatives and friends, we will be happy to help you with accommodation arrangements.

The price includes all flights included in the tour itinerary between arrival in and departure from South Africa. Your flight from America (or other countries) to South Africa and back is not included in our tour price , and you are responsible to make these booking with your local travel agent or airline.

All taxes payable are included in the tour fee, with the exception of taxes relating to your travel to and from South Africa, which need to be arranged when purchasing your ticket.

Most of the sight seeing on the tour does not require much physical fitness. The more physical activities, such as hiking, rafting, and abseiling are purely optional, and may be easily substituted with alternative, more relaxing activities. We generally find, however, that many people who do not regard themselves as fit are able to participate in our adventure activities, and thoroughly enjoy them