KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS (HAZYVIEW, MPUMALANGA)

• Rates exclude Kruger National Park entry fee (unless otherwise stated)
• ID documents/passports are required for entry into the Kruger National Park
• Free hotel pick up from Sabi River Sun, Hazyview for half-day and full-day safaris*
• Set pickup point is at Perry’s Bridge Trading Post in Hazyview (unless otherwise stated)
• Collection at lodges outside of our pick up range may incur additional transfer fees
• Maximum of 10 guests per open vehicle is applicable for morning, afternoon, and full-day safaris.
• Rates according to number of persons/booking (not per vehicle, unless it is a private vehicle for our morning/afternoon/full day safaris)
• Kids rates apply to children 6-11 years accompanied by 2 paying adults
• Private vehicle tours are required for families with kids <6 years (not applicable to Sabi Sand Safaris or Sunset Safaris)
• No children under 6years old are allowed on shared scheduled safari vehicles
• Please note, the Kruger Park is a cashless facility, so please bring along your credit or debit cards to pay direct at the gate.

LOGISTICS:

Please note that being on time for collection is essential, whether the operator is collecting you at the TOURS & TICKETS pickup point or at your lodge. Vehicles have scheduled departure times at each point, and regretfully can not wait if you are late, and 100% “no show” cancellation fees will apply.

Please return to the vehicle on time after breaks in the camps, otherwise, the guide may have to rush to get back to the drop-off point at the appointed time, and be forced to pass by game sightings!

KRUGER PARK ENTRY FEE:

Please note that the Kruger National Park entry fee is not included in our rates. Please note, that Kruger Park is a cashless facility, so please bring along your credit or debit cards to pay directly at the gate.

SIGHTINGS COMMUNICATIONS:

It is strictly against the Operators Service Levels Agreement with the Kruger National Park to call in sightings by radio. The guides are selected for their safari expertise and knowledge of the area and are in group contact with each other on a private company sightings app which is silent and therefore less intrusive, especially at sightings.

CLOTHING & EXTRAS:

Always bring warm clothing or a blanket, as well as rainwear on overcast and rainy days – Open Vehicles can get very cold, especially in the early mornings! In case of inclement weather, there are fleece-lined weatherproof ponchos in all our open vehicles. Mineral water is available on the vehicle – please ask your guide.

MEALS:

Rates do not include meals, but you do stop at the Kruger Park camp restaurants for breakfast (and lunch during the full day safari), for your own account. We can offer a quotation for catering for groups or special events.

WEATHER:

Safaris will still go out in the rain as it is not weather-dependent. Safari guides usually carry rain ponchos on the vehicle in case of inclement weather, and the sides of the safari vehicles in Kruger National Park can be brought down to protect against rainfall. In fact, going on safari in the rain can be an exciting and refreshing experience! The summer rain cools things down, the park receives much-needed water, and there’s still a good chance for exciting wildlife sightings. We do recommend dressing appropriately for changing weather conditions to make the most of your adventure.

PAYMENT:

All safaris and tours have to be pre-paid in full.

Guide gratuities are gratefully accepted. Please refer to the tipping guidelines.

CHILD POLICY:

Private vehicle safaris are required for families with children under 6 years.

GENERAL:

Baggage and personal belongings are carried entirely at the owner’s risk.

TOURS & TICKETS reserves the right to terminate any services if adults/children are not behaving properly or causing a disturbance, or guests are intoxicated and/or causing a disturbance.

The rainy summer season is associated with an increase in the numbers of malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquito and a considerably enhanced risk of contracting the illness within the endemic areas of southern Africa. The risk is highest between September through to the following May, which is considered to be ‘malaria season’ in South Africa.

Facts and myths about Malaria, amended from information supplied by Netcare

• The female Anopheles, which also feeds from plants, requires a ‘blood meal’ before her eggs will develop. If she bites a person infected with malaria she will ingest malaria parasites.
• When she bites the next person she first injects an  anti-coagulant through which she passes the parasite on to the next person. After a good meal she will normally sit on a nearby wall for a while before flying off to lay her eggs.

It’s not possible to avoid mosquito bites completely, but the less you’re bitten, the less likely you are to get malaria.

To avoid being bitten:

• Stay somewhere that has effective air conditioning and screening on doors and windows. If this isn’t possible, make sure doors and windows close properly.
• If you’re not sleeping in an air-conditioned room, sleep under an intact mosquito net that’s been treated with insecticide.
• Use insect repellent on your skin and in sleeping environments. Remember to reapply it frequently. The most effective repellents contain diethyltoluamide (DEET) and are available in sprays, roll-ons, sticks and creams.
• Wear light, loose-fitting trousers rather than shorts, and wear shirts with long sleeves. This is particularly important during early evening and at night, when mosquitoes prefer to feed.
• There’s no evidence to suggest homeopathic remedies, electronic buzzers, vitamins B1 or B12, garlic, yeast extract spread (such as Marmite), tea tree oils or bath oils offer any protection against mosquito bites.

DEET insect repellents

The chemical DEET is often used in insect repellents. It’s not recommended for babies who are less than 2 months old.

DEET is safe for older children, adults and pregnant women if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions:

• use on exposed skin
• don’t spray directly on to your face – spray into your hands and pat on to your face
• avoid contact with lips and eyes
• wash your hands after applying
• don’t apply to broken or irritated skin
• make sure you apply DEET after applying sunscreen, not before

Antimalarial tablets

There’s currently no vaccine available that offers protection against malaria, so it’s very important to take antimalarial medication to reduce your chances of getting the disease.

However, antimalarials only reduce your risk of infection by about 90%, so taking steps to avoid bites is also important.

When taking antimalarial medication:

• make sure you get the right antimalarial tablets before you go – check with your GP or pharmacist if you’re unsure
• follow the instructions included with your tablets carefully
• depending on the type you’re taking, continue to take your tablets for up to 4 weeks after returning from your trip to cover the incubation period of the disease

Check with your GP to make sure you’re prescribed a medication you can tolerate. You may be more at risk from side effects if you:

• have HIV or AIDS
• have epilepsy or any type of seizure condition
• are depressed or have another mental health condition
• have heart, liver or kidney problems
• take medicine, such as warfarin, to prevent blood clots
• use combined hormonal contraception, such as the contraceptive pill or contraceptive patches

Fever, chills, headache, and other flu-like symptoms are common symptoms of malaria. Proper diagnosis and early treatment can usually prevent severe illness and death. 

AT THE FIRST SIGN OF FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS A FEW DAYS AFTER VISITING A MALARIA AREA – SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. PLAY IT SAFE AND RATHER TREAT UNDIAGNOSED CASES FOR MALARIA, ESPECIALLY IF SYMPTOMS ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A FEVER.

If in doubt, contact the 24hr Malaria Info Hotline 082 234 1800

Safety While Travelling in South Africa

South Africa is a land of extraordinary beauty and diverse cultures, offering travelers a unique and enriching experience. From its breathtaking landscapes to its vibrant cities, South Africa is a destination like no other. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that safety is a concern worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. While incidents can happen anywhere, we believe that with awareness and some precautions, you can navigate South Africa safely.

SAFETY INFORMATION

SAFETY TIPS: As you explore the wonders of South Africa, it’s essential to keep these safety tips in mind:

• Secure Your Belongings: Always use the safe provided at your accommodation to store valuable items such as passports, jewelry, cameras, and mobile phones. Avoid displaying expensive items in public to reduce the risk of theft.
• Get Travel Insurance: Prior to your journey, invest in comprehensive travel insurance. This coverage can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events and emergencies.
• Plan Your Route: Before setting out on any adventure, plan your route in advance. Familiarise yourself with local maps and destinations, and share your itinerary with someone you trust.
• Vehicle Safety: When driving, keep your vehicle doors locked and windows up at all times, especially in urban areas. Be cautious when leaving your vehicle unattended.
• ATM Awareness: When using ATMs, stay alert. Avoid using machines in poorly lit or secluded areas. Shield your PIN, and be cautious of strangers offering assistance.

Remember, these are general safety tips that apply to travelers worldwide. For a full list of safety tips click here. Your safety is priority, and by staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy your South African journey to the fullest.

TRAFFIC FINES: South Africa has strict rules for handling traffic fines. It is illegal to pay cash to a traffic officer or any official on the roadside. Legitimate fines should be paid at a police station or magistrate’s court, where a receipt must be issued. Road tolls, where applicable, must be paid at official toll plazas only. If you have doubts or encounter any issues, please call the SA Police Corruption Line at 082 451 7044, available 24/7.

SECURA SAFETY APP: For peace of mind while traveling in South Africa, consider using the SECURA Safety App. This newly launched & invaluable tool from SATSA provides immediate response and professional support. It aggregates safety reports, identifies hotspots, deploys resources efficiently, and offers aftercare, ensuring a safer travel experience for tourists.

• Emergency Services: The app integrates a range of affordable services, including emergency medical responses, breakdown assistance, and crime-related incident support.
• Smart Technology: With GPS location services, the app automatically identifies and dispatches the closest response unit when the emergency button is activated. The 24/7 Operations Centre offers immediate contact and can engage a specialist tourism support team of traveler ambassadors, translators, and logistical facilitators.
• Cost and Accessibility: The SECURA Traveller App offers vouchers at R49 valid for a 30-day period.
• Click HERE to read the app guide.
• Click HERE to purchase vouchers.

Download the app here from Google Play.

Download the app here from Apple Store.

Stay Safe, Explore South Africa, and Make Unforgettable Memories!

Visit the official COVID-19 government website to stay informed: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/ 

In the event that there is a COVID-19 related travel ban, health or quarantine restriction at your point of departure or at the destination that restricts you from traveling to the destination, our cancellation policy will remain in place, and we will evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis.

We highly recommend that guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover a range of eventualities, including expenditure associated with extended stays in the country as a result of any mandatory COVID-19 quarantine or isolation, which may be subject to available capacity. We also advise that trip cancellation insurance is obtained to cover late cancellation fees and/or losses which fall outside of the operator’s and Tours & Tickets SA’s current COVID-19 policy – which policy is subject to change at the sole discretion of the company.

Tipping & Gratuities in South Africa

Tipping is a common practice across Africa, but it is entirely at your discretion. Below are some guidelines:

Transfers/Driver-Guides:

• Transfers: R25 per person per transfer
• Half-Day Tour: R50 per person
• Full-Day Tour: R100 per person

For multi-day tours, we recommend tipping your guide at the end of the trip.

Day Tours & Day Safaris:

For day tours or day safaris, it’s recommended to tip between R100 – R200 per person. If you’ve booked a private vehicle, consider doubling this amount to reflect the personalised service.

Restaurants/Hotels:

A 10-15% tip is standard in restaurants and hotels, provided you’re satisfied with the service.

On Safari:

At private safari lodges, tipping is entirely optional, but customary for great service. Tips are often given to:

• Ranger/Guide: R250 per room, per day
• Tracker: R100 per room, per day
• General Camp Staff: R100 per room, per day (pooled for housekeepers, waiters, etc.)

Lodges usually provide envelopes to simplify tipping.

Porterage:

Tipping for porterage is generally R10 per person, per bag. Informal workers such as car guards, petrol attendants, and porters typically appreciate small tips of R5-R10.

Golf Caddies:

Golf courses charge a caddy foundation fee (R20-R50) to support their well-being. In addition, caddies are paid directly by golfers, typically R250-R300 per round. If you’re satisfied with their service, an additional tip of R150-R200 is customary. At halfway houses, please offer a minimum of R40 for the caddy to cover lunch or a drink.

RESERVATIONS

Send a booking enquiry to srs.activitydesk@tours-tickets.co.za  or make a booking through our website by selecting the product that you would like to book.

Please note: The BOOK NOW button is an enquiry only – no payment is required upfront when clicking on the Book Now button.
Submit Your Enquiry: Click BOOK NOW, fill in your details, and send your request. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible during office hours to confirm availability, pricing, and times.
Secure Payment Link: Once everything is confirmed, we’ll send you a secure payment link via email or WhatsApp.
Booking Confirmation: Your booking is only confirmed once payment is received. After that, your official Activity Ticket will be sent to you.

FOR SAME DAY BOOKINGS, PLEASE CALL OR WHATSAPP TOURS & TICKETS ON 082 574 2345

PAYMENT POLICY

Full prepayment is required for all bookings before they are deemed as confirmed.

• Credit Card payments: A secure YOCO link will be sent to the client to process payment. Note that we can only accept Mastercard and Visa card payments.
• Cash: Unfortunately we do not accept cash payments for online bookings.
• EFT/Bank Transfer: Should you wish to pay with a bank transfer, please note this on your request and we will send you our banking details. For any Cash Bank Teller or ATM Deposits, please add 2% for bank charges.
• FOREX: We only accept bank deposits from foreign bank accounts (outside of South Africa) by prior arrangement, on the condition that the amount is paid in ZAR and that the payee covers all forex banking costs (Tours & Tickets cannot carry the costs of international payments). We prefer credit card payments for international transactions. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

We understand that plans can change. Please read our cancellation policy below, which applies to all bookings unless otherwise stated by individual activity providers.

FIT (Individual) Bookings

• All cancellations/refunds are subject to a minimum 20% admin fee
• More than 2 weeks before activity: 20% of total amount
• 1 week before activity: 50% of total amount
• 48 hours or less / No-shows: 100% of total amount

Group Bookings (8 people or more)

• All cancellations/refunds are subject to a minimum 20% admin fee
• 4 weeks before activity: 50% of total amount
• 15 days or less / No-shows: 100% of total amount

Operator Cancellations (e.g., due to bad weather)
If the activity is cancelled by the operator, and they approve it, you may choose one of the following options:

• Reschedule for another day (subject to availability and operator approval)
• Receive a voucher to the value paid, valid for 6 months and redeemable for an activity in the Tours & Tickets SA portfolio.
• Request a refund, which will be processed less a 20% admin fee (please allow up to 7 working days)

Important Notes:

• Each operator may have unique terms – contact us if you’d like the specific policy for a particular activity.
• All refunds are subject to a minimum 20% admin fee.
• No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
• Tours & Tickets SA cannot accept any liability in respect of a complaint that is not reported to us in writing within 1 week of the client’s experience.

REFUNDS

Please refer to our cancellation policy and note that all other refunds are subject to a minimum 20% admin fee, and take approximately 7-working days to process. Once our finance department has processed your refund, we will send the notification through to your provided contact details. 

We are only able to refund to South African bank accounts via EFT bank transfer. If you do not have a South African bank account, please reach out to us. International bank transfers will be subject to an administration fee. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend that guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover a range of eventualities, including expenditures associated with extended stays in the country as a result of any act of god or unforeseen circumstances, which may be subject to available capacity. We also advise that trip cancellation insurance is obtained to cover late cancellation fees and/or losses that fall outside of the operator’s and Tours & Tickets SA’s current policy – which policy is subject to change at the sole discretion of the company.

LATE ARRIVALS

Please arrive at your activity at least 15 minutes prior to start time.
Late arrivals are regarded as No Shows, and are subject to 100% cancellation fee/no refunds.

GENERAL

• Baggage and personal belongings are carried entirely at owner’s risk.
• All rates are subject to change and availability without notice.
• Tours & Tickets will not be bound by any verbal quotation provided.
• Availability and schedule of third party operators cannot be guaranteed by Tours & Tickets.
• All times and durations quotes are approximate and may change according to group size and other circumstances.
• Tours & Tickets reserves the right to terminate any services if any guest (adult or child) is not behaving properly or causing a disturbance, or intoxicated and/or causing a disturbance.
• Acceptance of the reservation is regarded as an acceptance of Tours & Tickets terms & conditions.
• On receipt of the confirmed booking voucher; Tours & Tickets, its service suppliers, agents, nominees, and sub-contractors are hereby exempted from and shall not be liable for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, consequential, or otherwise caused to and/or suffered by the client or any other party