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Travel advise for UK guests

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...  this covid thing …

[Updated 20 September 2021]

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Like you I’m sure, we’ve been following the UK’s draconian approach to international travel closely over the last few months. As things stand, SA remains on the red list, which as you know means that, unless you are able to transit through a Green or Amber list country for 10 days prior to returning to the UK, you will be required to quarantine in a UK Government approved hotel at your expense.

 

There are indications in the press that this position may be changing following strong lobbying from the SA Government. SA’s infection rate is currently low and around 25% of the population have had at least 1 vaccination dose. Around 1 million people a week are being vaccinated and SA has secured supply by setting up its own domestic production facility.

 

We (and most of our local friends and family who will be attending the wedding) are all double jabbed.

 

Lockdown restrictions have also eased locally, and there are no current local rules in force which would limit the wedding in any way.

 

SA allows international visitors, provided a negative PCR test result from within the previous 72 hours can be shown on arrival into SA. A record of vaccination is not sufficient.

 

If you do not have a negative PCR test result, you will have to take a test on arrival and, if positive, quarantine in a hotel at the airport at your expense.

 

The latest on travel as advised by the UK and SA governments can be found on the links below.

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  • UK foreign office travel guidance here (see Link). 

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  • South African Government advice here (see Link).

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Flights to South Africa

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  • Direct flights are available to either Cape Town or Johannesburg through both Virgin and British Airways, generally departing from and returning to London (Heathrow).

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  • These flights typically range between £450 - £600 return (economy), and are around 11 hours (overnight) in duration.

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  • We have seen direct tickets in the week of the wedding available from both Virgin and BA for around £480 return. These are “flexible” tickets:​​

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  • Virgin allow you to make free unlimited date changes provided you use your ticket by April 2023. You can also keep your ticket as “credit” to use as you like. Complete refunds are available but generally only where your flight is cancelled and there is no alternative to travel (see Link)

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  • BA also offers a very similar policy. (see Link)

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  • This is of course in addition to your travel insurance / credit card protection.

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  • Indirect flights are also available via Europe (typically France, Holland, Switzerland,Turkey or Germany) or the Middle East (Dubai or Qatar). These are usually slightly more affordable.

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  • Flights with transfers in Europe typically take between 13.5 and 15 hours each way. Flights with transfers in the Middle East are around 17-18 hours each way.

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  • We have seen indirect flights in the week of the wedding available from Swiss Air, Lufthansa and KLM for around £395 - £420 each way. All offer flexible tickets but you will need to read the specific terms.

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  • There are also similarly priced indirect flights through other African countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia. We see these as a last resort because travel standards, safety protocols and connections are not as slick as with European or Middle Eastern airlines.

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Travelling in South Africa

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  • I have lived here for just over two years and have only scratched the surface of what the country has to offer. It is an incredible place to visit and, if you have not been here before, you will be amazed by what you are able to do.

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  • You can see the views from Table Mountain in Cape Town, hop between the vineyards in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, safari in the National Parks, relax in the Garden Route, or even cage dive with Great White Sharks! All of which I have done … There is something for everyone!

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  • It is also cheap as chips! The Rand has fluctuated between 20 and 22 to the pound in recent years (so a pint will cost you around R25-30 at an expensive bar …).

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  • November is a Summer month here and so generally the weather is excellent,  but as it’s such a big country it does vary depending on where you go. Joburg is 1600 meters above sea level with hot sunny days at around 30C, low humidity but with regular torrential (and spectacular!) thunderstorms. These tend to pass quickly. The Cape has lower risk of rain,, although at the coast can be windy and temperatures are a little lower.

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  • Whether you’d like to come for 3 or 4 days or 2 weeks, we’ve set out some suggestions below. The longer you stay, the more you can experience!

 

 

Four Day Itinerary

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  1.      Flying in Thursday night (landing Friday morning) and returning Monday night (landing Tuesday morning).

  2.      Friday morning – land in Joburg and transfer to hotel (some recommendations are below).

  3.      Friday afternoon – an activity in Joburg (such as a visit to Vilikazi St in Soweto (Mandela’s home), shopping in Sandton, or having a few beers.

  4.      Saturday – the big day!

  5.      Sunday – overnight trip to Pilansberg National Park (big 5 safari), 2 hours drive away, returning Monday afternoon.

  6.      Monday evening – fly home.

 

 

One week Itinerary (Joburg/ National parks)

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  1.       Flying in Friday night (landing Saturday morning), and returning Sunday night (landing Monday morning).

  2.       Saturday morning – land in Joburg and transfer to hotel (some recommendations are below).

  3.       Saturday to Monday morning – activities in Joburg, such as a visit to the Apartheid Museum, Vilikazi St, or shopping in Sandton.

  4.       Monday morning to Friday morning – transfer to either Pilansberg National Park  (2 hours drive) or to the Kruger National Park (5-6 hours drive).

  5.       Big 5 safari for 3 days. If going to Pilansberg you also have the option of the activities at Sun City including a water park, casino and golf.

  6.       Friday afternoon – transfer back to Joburg.

  7.       Saturday – the big day!

  8.       Sunday – an afternoon of rest, perhaps time for a trip to the Irene farmers market before your flight home in the evening.

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One week Itinerary (Cape town / Joburg)

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  1.       Flying in Friday night (landing Saturday morning), and returning Sunday night (landing Monday morning).

  2.       Saturday morning – land in Joburg and transfer to hotel (some recommendations are below).

  3.       Saturday to Monday morning – activities in Joburg, such as a visit to the Apartheid Museum, Vilikazi St or shopping in Sandton.

  4.       Monday morning – fly to Cape Town – 2 hour flight (details below). Afternoon lounging at the V&A Waterfront.

  5.       Tuesday – Table Mountain in the morning, afternoon at Groot Constantia wine farm.

  6.       Wednesday – trip to boulders beach to see the penguins, perhaps stopping off at Kalk Bay for the legendary fish and chips at Kalkies! 

  7.       Thursday – Walk the City Bowl, take a day trip to Robben Island, or perhaps have a day in the fantastic Franschhoek.

  8.       Friday afternoon – transfer back to Joburg.

  9.       Saturday – the big day!

  10.       Sunday – an afternoon of rest, perhaps time for a trip to the Irene farmers market before your flight home in the evening.

  11.       Or do it all in reverse starting with the wedding!

 

 

Two Week Itinerary (Cape Town / Kruger / Joburg)

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  1.       Saturday morning – land in Cape Town and transfer to hotel

  2.       Saturday to Monday morning –  two days in the City, Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront

  3.       Monday morning to Wednesday – Franschhoek and the Winelands. Spend a day vineyard hopping on the famous wine tram!

  4.       Thursday to Saturday – transfer to Hermanus, a picturesque seaside town with spectacular views and a base for shark cage diving in Gansbaai!

  5.       Sunday – back to Cape Town via the coastal road, stop off at boulders beach to see the penguins and hike to the tip of Cape Point.

  6.       Monday to Friday – fly to Kruger National Park for a luxury 4 day safari at the incomparable Sabi Sands private reserve.

  7.       Friday – transfer to Joburg for a day of leisure

  8.       Saturday – the big day!

  9.       Sunday – relax and fly back home in the evening.

 

 

But I don’t want to see lions or Drink wine …

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  • South Africa is not all about going on safari or wine tasting at the vineyards!

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  • The Garden Route is a fantastic and relaxing place, with the option of hiking and other adventure activities (including the world’s highest bungee jump) for adrenaline junkies. The towns of Wilderness, Nature’s Valley, Knysna, and the beach towns around George are particularly great, and many have expat communities. We spent 2 weeks there during last Christmas.

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  • The Midlands and the Drakensburg mountains offer unbelievable scenery and hiking trails and mountain retreats.

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  • For the beach combers and sunseekers, the Indian Ocean coast has warm oceans and some of the best beaches in Africa. You cannot swim in Cape Town, the sea is too cold and rough, just FYI!

 

 

Accommodation in Joburg / Pretoria

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  • You will need accommodation in both Joburg and, if you chose to stay close to the wedding, in the Pretoria East area.

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  • In Joburg the best places to stay are either in Sandton or Rosebank, where the usual range of international hotels are all available. There are boutique hotels also dotted around the city. This will give you easiest access to most sights and attractions, and you will feel comfortable.

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  • If staying in Sandton or Rosebank the easiest, quickest, cheapest and safest way to get there is by the Gautrain from the airport. Alternatively, your hotel can arrange a transfer, or you can get an Uber. There is also car hire at the airport if self-driving, but if taking this option avoid the London Road (M40) through Alexandra (which is an area you should avoid).

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  • Do NOT stay in or close to the Joburg CBD (I.e. the old city centre). If in doubt please message me.

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  • On the night of the wedding there are plenty of local options (see the accommodation section of this site). A trip back to Joburg is possible in the evening, however it is 1 hour’s drive and it is best to stay off the roads late at night.

 

 

Some need to knows …

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  • South Africa has one of the starkest wealth divides in the world. You will see real poverty cheek by jowl with the rich. Despite this, the people are overwhelmingly positive and friendly.

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  • Given the levels of poverty, there is crime. However, generally this is confined to petty theft which you will find in any European city. Violent crime makes the headlines in the UK media, however for the most part this is gang violence confined to township areas.

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  • The Joburg CBD (I.e. town centre) should be generally avoided unless during the day, on an arranged tour or with a group of friends, and going to a specific destination. There are some very cool places to go (such as the Neighbourgoods market, Mad Giant brewery, and Maboneng district)  but you need to know where these are and when to go. Outside of those isolated areas the City is unpleasant and unsafe, particularly at night.

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  • However, the reality is that South Africa is completely safe for tourists who act sensibly. I have lived here for over two years, travelled extensively, and have not had a noteworthy incident.

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  • There are 11 official languages but everyone speaks English and it is the National language.

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  • Uber is widely available in both Joburg and Cape Town. Try not to get local taxis as they will rip you off.

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  • If self-driving be aware that, whilst the infrastructure is generally good, you should take close care because the roads can have deep random potholes, and minibus taxis drive erratically, stop randomly and ignore traffic lights.

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