Travel tips and tourist information for travellers to Hoedspruit and the Kruger National Park in South Africa

African Bush Villas have compiled a handy tourist guide for visitors to Southern Africa and in particular the Kruger National Park. To find out more information about what to expect while on safari in Africa, please contact us!

Travel Tips

How to get to Hoedspruit: International flights run to Johannesburg and Cape Town. There is an excellent network of domestic flights between all major tourist destinations and there are two flights a day from Johannesburg Oliver Tambo airport to Eastgate Airport, 15km south of Hoedspruit. South Africa has a good road infrastructure, linking the largest metropolitan cities with the smallest rural areas. Hoedspruit is 450km from Johannesburg a scenic route that covers some of the varied geography of South Africa from the flat industrial lands of the highveld through the beautiful mountains of the escarpment you will emerge in the lowveld. See Directions [hyperlink directions]

Car Hire: There are hire car agencies at Johannesburg airport and Eastgate airport in Hoedspruit. A valid driver's license may be used for car hire, provided that there is a clear photograph with English text, but an International driver's permit is recommended.

Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in major cities, towns and game reserves. Bottled water is also available in most major cities and hotels. The water in all African Bush Villas properties is fit to drink unless otherwise stated.

Entry Requirements:  Passports needs to be valid for at least 6 months upon entering South Africa and need to contain at least one blank page. Most Commonwealth countries, European countries and the US will receive a free entry permit, allowing you to stay for 90 days. Check with your transport provider or local embassy prior to travel to check any changes in requirements that may occur from time to time. Travellers need to have proof of a return ticket as well as sufficient funds. Travellers arriving from a yellow fever zone require a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate and may be required to show this upon entry to South Africa.

Medical Requirements: When travelling to Malaria risk areas, the proper precautions need to be taken. Hoedspruit is in a malaria risk area which increases or decreases dependent on season. Please consult your doctor about suitable preventative measures and prophylactic medicines. Sun screen and good hydration will be essential to ensure you enjoy your holiday to the full. Remember that even in winter (the European Summer) the sun can be hot.

Adequate medical insurance needs to be taken before planning to travel. If you need access to a Doctor during your holiday we can provide you with the numbers of suitable local ones, they are also listed under Medical Practitioners in local telephone directories.

Climate: South Africa is renowned for its sunshine. Hoedspruit has an almost tropical climate where winters are sunny and warm in the day and cool in the early mornings and nights. Summers are very hot with thunderstorms and rain but interspersed with hot sunny periods. Don't forget seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. Game viewing is good any time of year but in winter the grass and bush die back so it is easier to view animals and they tend to congregate in the vicinity of waterholes. In spring and summer the bird life is amazing and you can still see a wide array of animals. There is never a bad time to come on a game viewing holiday!

Banks: Travellers Cheques can be exchanged at banks and foreign exchange bureaus. Credit cards are widely accepted. Major Banks are ABSA, First National Bank (FNB), Nedbank & Standard Bank. Rennies is the main foreign exchange bureau available in cities and large towns. Most banks are open from Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturdays from 09h00-11h00. ATMs are widely available as long as you know your pin number you will be able to draw directly from your account. As a foreign tourist don't forget you can claim the 14% VAT back on goods purchased. In order to get this refund you would need a receipt indicating the shop's VAT number and be prepared to have the goods inspected by a customs officer upon departure. The minimum value of your goods needs to be at least R250.00

Tipping: Tipping is customary in South Africa. The following guideline can be used. waiters – 10-15%, drivers – 10%

Phoning overseas from South Africa: You would need to prefix your international calls with 00 followed by the international code for example UK 0044. (you then drop the 0 in front of the start of the home number) If your home number is 01484 111777, you would then dial 0044 1484111777.

Shops and Supermarkets: Shopping is good in South Africa as many goods are cheaper than in Europe especially as the exchange rate is in many tourists favour currently. However, some goods can be dearer. Hoedspruit has a selection of small shops including arts and crafts shops, as well as supermarkets, banks, post office bars and restaurants. There are also spas, hairdressers, and beauty salons. Sports club, golf course and gym for the energetic among you.