The Ultimate Travel Checklist for an Unforgettable Trip to South Africa

Planning a trip to the stunning and diverse landscapes of South Africa? Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer eager to venture out on your own, this expertly compiled travel checklist will help ensure your journey is nothing short of spectacular. From essential packing tips to insider advice on navigating the country, we’ve got everything you need to know to make your trip to South Africa successful and memorable.

 

Plan Ahead and Pack Appropriately

 

South Africa is a land of incredible contrasts, from vibrant cities and cultural landmarks to breathtaking wilderness and wildlife. To make the most of your adventure, it’s crucial to plan ahead and pack appropriately. Start by ensuring you have all necessary medications, vaccinations, and a well-stocked first aid kit. Pack clothing that suits the diverse climate—think lightweight layers for warm days and warmer clothing for chilly mornings and evenings. Don’t forget essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.

 

Explore with Confidence

 

If you’re planning to explore South Africa on your own, we’ve got you covered with tips on booking flights, arranging in-country transfers, and even driving on the left side of the road. We’ll guide you through everything from choosing the best accommodations to discovering hidden gems and must-see sites. Whether you’re embarking on a thrilling safari, soaking in local culture, or indulging in the country’s top wine regions, this checklist will help you navigate with ease and confidence.

 

For Those Joining a Global Conservation Force Ecotour

 

If you’re traveling with Global Conservation Force on one of our Ecotours, you’re in for an extraordinary experience where 90% of the planning is already taken care of. All you need to do is pack your bags, arrive at the right airport, and let us handle the rest. From accommodations and in-country transfers to unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural experiences, we’ll ensure that your trip is seamless, safe, and full of incredible memories. Just pack, show up, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

 

Learn More About GCF Ecotours – Click Here

Make Your Trip Unforgettable

 

Whether you’re exploring independently or with the Global Conservation Force team, this travel checklist is designed to help you make the most of your time in South Africa. With careful planning, the right gear, and a spirit of adventure, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful country. Start planning today, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!

 

Tips for Traveling South Africa Checklist

 

Medications / Vaccinations / First Aid Kit

  • Medications:
    • Prescription medications (in original packaging)
    • Over-the-counter medications for headaches, allergies, and stomach issues
      • Headache
      • Cold/Flu
      • Stomach Ache / indigestion
    • Malaria prophylaxis (if traveling to malaria-risk areas)
    • Anti-diarrheal medication
    • Insect repellent (preferably with DEET)
    • Basic bandaids
    • Anti-Itch creams for insect bites
    • Basic disinfectant 

Be sure to ask if where you are heading is a malaria zone. There are malaria free areas in South Africa.

  • First Aid Kit:
    • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
    • Antiseptic wipes
    • Tweezers
    • Scissors
    • Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen)
    • Antihistamine cream or tablets
    • Blister plasters
    • Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
    • Aloe vera gel (for sunburns)

Whether you’re camping in the bush or staying in a lodge, if you get sick or have a minor issue, it’s best to have the known medications and products from home that you are comfortable and familiar with. We’ve provided this basic traveler’s first aid kit as a guide.

  • Vaccinations:
    • Hepatitis A & B
    • Typhoid
    • Tetanus/Diphtheria
    • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
    • COVID-19 (check current requirements)
    • Yellow Fever (if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country)

These are general guidelines for most countries, but we recommend speaking to your healthcare provider to get the full story and all the information you may need. Many people ask if they’ll need a rabies vaccine; in our experience, if you’re staying at a lodge or in a city, your exposure chances are extremely low. That said, please consult your healthcare provider to be sure, given your specific travel plans.

 

What to Bring

  • Clothing:
    • Lightweight, breathable clothing for the day
    • Warm layers for early mornings and evenings (it can get chilly)
    • Waterproof jacket (for rainy season, October to April)
    • Comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots
    • Sandals or flip-flops
    • Swimsuit (for pools or beaches)
    • Hat and sunglasses
    • Scarves or sarong (for extra sun protection or to cover up in conservative areas)
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Quick-dry towel
    • Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)
    • Travel pillow and blanket for long flights or drives
    • Small daypack for excursions
    • Portable power bank for devices
    • Travel adapter (South Africa uses Type C, D, M, and N plugs)

Check the weather for your trip timeline. It can be very hot, but it can also get quite cold and rainy, depending on where you are in the country. We always recommend packing a good jacket because even on a summer night, it can get cold on the back of a game drive vehicle during a safari.

 

Cameras / Phones / Tech

  • Camera:
    • DSLR or mirrorless camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography
    • Extra memory cards and batteries
    • Lens cleaning kit
  • Phones:
    • Unlocked smartphone (for local SIM card usage)
    • Power bank or portable charger
    • Protective case (for outdoor activities)
  • Other Tech:
    • Tablet or e-reader for downtime
    • Travel-size Bluetooth speaker (optional)
    • Backup storage for photos (portable hard drive or cloud storage)
    • Noise-canceling headphones (for flights)

Tech is a special category, as many people travel to South Africa to capture those famous wildlife shots. While it’s great to take a nice camera and lens combo, you likely won’t need it for many regular activities. However, if you do plan to bring one, be sure to keep your equipment in your carry-on. We also recommend bringing backup batteries and more than one way to charge your devices, such as car and portable chargers in addition to wall chargers. Load shedding, or planned power outages, can hinder your ability to charge electronics if you’re staying somewhere affected by it. Wherever you are with your tech—except on game drives or at fancy lodges—we highly recommend keeping your items out of sight and safely stored away if possible.

 

Flights

  • Booking:
    • Book flights well in advance, especially during peak season (December to February)
    • Consider direct flights to major cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town to minimize travel time
    • Check baggage allowances and restrictions
  • Before Departure:
    • Confirm flight times and check-in requirements 24-48 hours before departure
    • Print or download your boarding pass and itinerary
    • Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights

For flights, we recommend using Google Flights to find flights from major city to major city for your primary round-trip international travel, then booking directly with the airlines via their websites. For example, if you’re flying from Los Angeles to Johannesburg, this will likely offer the best prices and times. Once you have those flights, use one of the main airports as your next round-trip hub for flights to rural areas or smaller airports. This will help you avoid strange layovers or connection issues and can save you a significant amount of money compared to booking through a third party.

 

In-Country Transfers

  • Domestic Flights:
    • Book domestic flights for long distances (e.g., Johannesburg to Cape Town)
    • Check-in for domestic flights 1.5 to 2 hours before departure
  • Car Rentals:
    • Rent a car if you plan to explore at your own pace (remember, driving is on the left side)
    • Choose a 4×4 with a good clearance if traveling to remote areas or game reserves
    • Ensure you have an international driver’s license
  • Shuttles and Transfers:
    • Arrange airport transfers and shuttles in advance, especially in remote areas
    • Use reputable companies for safety and reliability

We strongly recommend planning multiple ways to reach your destination and only driving during the day. Be aware of potholes and road closures that may cause issues. Driving in South Africa can be tricky in some areas, so be sure to ask lodges or your contacts which areas to avoid, where not to stop, and where you may need to reroute. We do not recommend using public transportation in South Africa.

 

Driving

  • Road Safety:
    • Drive on the left side of the road
    • Adhere to speed limits and be cautious of wildlife on the roads
    • Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
    • Be aware of potential roadblocks or protests and check local news or travel advisories
  • Navigation:
    • Use a GPS or a reliable map app (download offline maps)
    • Plan your route in advance, especially for long drives
  • Fuel:
    • Fuel stations may be sparse in remote areas, so fill up whenever possible
    • Many fuel stations take cards but sometimes it can be cash-only, so carry enough local currency (South African Rand)
  • Toll Booths:
    • Use a South African debit card or South African Rand
      • Toll booths do not accept international atm, debit or credit cards.

Accommodation

  • Booking:
    • Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
    • Consider staying in lodges, guesthouses, or B&Bs for a more personalized experience
    • For safaris, opt for lodges within or near game reserves for easy acces
  • What to Check: 
    • Verify the amenities offered (Wi-Fi, breakfast, etc.)
    • Check the security features of the accommodation
    • Confirm the check-in and check-out times

For accommodations, be sure to check the distance between stays and airports, and give yourself extra time between all travel to ensure a slow, steady, and safe journey.

 

 

If you want to hear a more thorough version of these tips, tune in to the Travel Tips, Hacks, and Tricks podcast episode on Coffee and Conservation. If you’re not traveling with a GCF Ecotour but would like extra help with your travel plans to South Africa, you can always book a consultation with the GCF team. And for those joining a GCF Ecotour, we’ll send you emails with tips and tricks and hold a pre-trip meeting to go over everything in detail. We’re here to make sure your adventure is as smooth and enjoyable as possible!