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WHAT IS THE TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEW YORK AND SOUTH AFRICA? South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia are all 6 hours ahead of New York City. When it is 12:00 Noon in New York, it will be 6:00 PM in South Africa.
WHAT WILL THE CLIMATE BE LIKE IN AUGUST? There are two or three distinct seasons (depending on the location) and are opposite of the United States. Summer (October-April) and Winter (May-August). August in South Africa is a beautiful time to see the floral carpet spread of the Cape Flower and great for a game safari. Visibility is best and it is birthing season! South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade average at high 26 C and a low of 6 C. August should bring temperatures averaging 65-70 F for Johannesburg, 83-90 F for Zambia and Botswana, with lows in the mid 40’s-50’s. The South African climate boasts more than it’s fair share of sunshine, recording an average 8.5 hours per day!
WHAT TYPE OF DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED? All U.S. citizens must travel with a passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond their intended stay (February 4, 2011) Your passport must also contain at least four blank (unstamped) visa pages at the back of the passport. These pages are in addition to endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. Without these blank pages, you could be refused entry into South Africa, fined and returned to your original point of entry at your expense. Airline tickets must match the name on your passport. If you enter a nickname on your registration, you will be responsible for any change fees imposed by the air carrier. Any guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the flight. If you hold a passport from another country please check with your embassy prior to your departure. To obtain a valid US Passport http://www.travel.state.gov
ELECTRICITY The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins. If an adaptor is called for consider bringing one with you although they can be purchased locally. US made appliances may need a transformer. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances.
HEALTH & SAFETY Vaccination requirements change from time to time and we suggest that you consult your local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions. Please consult with your personal MD or the Center for Disease Control regarding the use of antimalarial tablets prior to departure. There are many brands available and your doctor, health clinic or health department will advise the brand you should take.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK? Casual, comfortable wash and wear clothing is most useful. Jackets and ties are required in city hotel restaurants and golf clubs. The most practical items to pack for Safari are: Blouses with long sleeves, T-shirts, Shorts and a light skirt, Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days, Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (necessary), Comfortable walking shoes, Sunblock, lip balm, sun glasses, hat and insect repellent, Binoculars and a camera, Light compact rain coat, and a Swimsuit (there is a pool at the Chobe Game Lodge). Please note: the equipment scheduled between Johannesburg and Livingstone will have a 20kg (approximately 44 pound) weight limit per person. Hand luggage is limited to 7kg (approximately 15 pounds).
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP? Although not required, trip insurance is strongly recommended. Trip insurance can help you recover travel costs if you must cancel your plans due to an emergency. For more information, what is covered, pricing, and to buy a policy, CLICK HERE
CANCELLATION SCHEDULE: If for any reason you would need to cancel after registering for the MDC Group Leisure-Learn trip, cancellation fees would apply as follows: |
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