Solo-ish South Africa - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What does 'Solo-ish' mean for this adventure?

  This trip is designed for solo travelers to join a crew of like-minded explorers. Accommodation is in twin-share rooms, fostering new friendships and avoiding single supplements.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  The tour includes stays in Hotels (5 nights), Lodge (2 nights), and Tented Camps (2 nights), all on a twin-share basis. If you've booked the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• How many meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners. Vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements can be specified prior to arrival.

• What are the main activities and highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include savoring views from Table Mountain, a farm-to-table lunch at a Planeterra Project community garden, kayaking with penguins at Boulders Beach, thrilling safari drives in Kruger National Park, adventurous bush walks, and classic bush dinners under the stars.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes planes (for the internal flight from Cape Town to Kruger), safari vehicles for wildlife viewing, private vans for longer journeys, and walking.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 18 travelers, with an average of 16.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. For some combo tours, international flights may be included; please check with your booking agent.

• What currency is used and what should I know about spending money?

  The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). It's recommended to bring a combination of foreign currency (USD, British Pound, Euro, preferably in smaller notes) and Visa/Plus system debit cards. Credit cards are accepted in major cities but not widely, and may incur a 5-10% fee. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, for unexpected circumstances.

• Is tipping customary and what are the guidelines?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. Guidelines suggest $5-8 USD per day for the CEO, $2-3 USD per day for local guides and safari guides/drivers, and 10-15% of the bill for restaurant staff.

• Are there any specific health advisories or vaccinations required for this trip?

  It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are traveling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, and prophylaxis combined with insect repellent is recommended. Always consult your family physician for the most up-to-date health information.

• Who will lead the group and what is their role?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and an expert driver. The CEO acts as the group manager and leader, providing information, suggestions, and handling logistics. Local guides are also used for specific activities.

• What safety advice should I be aware of during the trip?

  Look after your personal items, do not leave valuables visible in cars or rooms, and lock your hotel door. Avoid displaying flashy jewelry. Keep important documents in your room safe. When on safari, view animals from the safety of your vehicle. In cities at night, stay in small groups and use taxis. For water activities, participate only when accompanied by a guide.

• Are there any specific rules I should be aware of?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and the exploitation of people in the sex trade is strictly against the tour philosophy. Violation of these rules may result in expulsion from the group.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate. You must be covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and luggage loss coverage are also strongly recommended.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Please ask your guide/CEO to arrange laundry services where available; they will advise guests in advance.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting community-owned businesses.

• What are the rules regarding drones in national parks?

  The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

• What kind of travel style is this tour?

  This is a "Solo-ish Adventure" designed for like-minded explorers to join a group, even if traveling solo.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The trip highlights include stunning views from Table Mountain, a farm-to-table lunch, thrilling safari drives in Kruger National Park to spot wildlife, an immersive cooking class in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap, an adventurous bush walk, and a classic bush dinner under the stars.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 18 travelers, with an average of 16.

• What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?

  Accommodation includes 5 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Lodges, and 2 nights in Tented Camps, all on a twin-share basis.

• Can I have my own room if I'm traveling solo?

  Yes, if you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Otherwise, single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners.

• How are dietary restrictions handled for included meals?

  Vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation methods include plane (for the internal flight from Cape Town to Kruger), safari vehicles for wildlife drives, private vans/buses for longer journeys, and walking.

• Is there a tour leader, and what are their qualifications?

  Yes, you will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who acts as the group manager and leader, along with local guides. All leaders in Southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides with broad knowledge of the region's history, cultures, and wildlife.

• Are there any optional activities available during the trip?

  Yes, in Cape Town, optional activities include an Urban Explorer Day Tour (1900 ZAR per person) and a South African Wine Tour and Tasting. In Kruger, you might have free time for activities like ziplining.

• What are the health considerations for this trip, such as vaccinations or malaria?

  We recommend consulting your physician or a travel clinic at least one month before departure. A Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some African regions, so prophylaxis and insect repellent are recommended.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000.

• What currency is used in South Africa, and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). USD, British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged, but USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. ATMs are available in major centers but can be unreliable. Credit cards are accepted in major cities (often with a 5-10% fee) but should not be your sole source of money. Travelers' cheques are not recommended.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What is the tipping etiquette on this tour?

  Tipping is expected but not compulsory, serving as an appreciation for service. Guidelines suggest $5-8 USD per day for the CEO, $2-3 USD per day for local guides/safari drivers, and 10-15% of the bill for restaurant staff.

• Are there any specific safety guidelines I should be aware of?

  General safety precautions include securing valuables, avoiding large amounts of cash, not displaying flashy jewelry, and keeping important documents locked up. For city nights, it's recommended to travel in small groups and use taxis. Drones are prohibited in national parks. Water-based activities should be done with a guide. Illegal drugs and the use of paid sex workers are strictly prohibited and can lead to expulsion from the group.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses, which are integrated into the tour operator's itineraries. The tour operator covers all operating costs, so 100% of donations go directly to Planeterra projects.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 18, and the maximum age is 100.