---
title: "South Africa-Camping: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to camp in South Africa? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Land-Rover-African-Bush.jpg
---

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# South Africa-Camping: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![South Africa-Camping: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Land-Rover-African-Bush.jpg)

### About South Africa

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/south-africa-camping#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

South Africa, is the gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary adventures. Whether you fancy diving with great white sharks, embarking on a game drive in search of lions, or simply relaxing on sandy beaches surrounded by rugged mountains, your journey in South Africa will open your mind to infinite adventures.

 

**For camping itineraries, **please note, this is a participatory camping trip, where all travelers will assist in setting up camp and cooking meals. Guides will teach you the best methods for quick set up and take down of tents and will lead the cooking, providing clear instructions and oversight. If you’ve never set up camp or cooked outdoors before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn under expert supervision!

 

**Capital City:** Pretoria (Executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial), Cape Town (Legislative)

**Population:** 60 million (2021 est.)

**Currency:** South African Rand (ZAR)

**Time Zone:** South Africa Standard Time (GMT+2)

**Emergency Number:** 10111

**Outlet: **Types C, D, M and N

![Person-on-Game-Drive-Africa](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Person-on-Game-Drive-Africa.jpg)

![Springbok-SA](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Springbok-SA.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for long days on your feet and comfort on those trails. Since you will be trekking through the bush, we recommend closed-toes shoes.

**Layers** - For camping, a good rule of thumb is to pack for colder temperatures than you're expecting and in layers. Always bring a warm insulating layer, a light rain shell, and a warm hat, even if it isn't expected to be windy or rainy.

**Lightweight Long-Sleeved Shirts** - For warmth and to help prevent insect bites.

**Swimsuit** - We'll be hitting the water, so a backup suit is always a good idea.

**Hat & Sunglasses** - Keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a lobster sunburn. Protect your skin from unwanted damage by loading up on SPF.

**Towel** - Quick dry is our go-to.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Toiletries** - Soap, body wash, lotion, etc.

**Bug Spray ** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

**Binoculars** - Great for spotting the big 5 on safari.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Sleeping Bag** - A 3–4 season sleeping bag because it can get very cold at night in winter months in the desert and mountainous regions.

**Travel Pillow** - A soft place to rest your head after a long day of adventuring.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Headlamp** - Dont forget the spare batteries.

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Day Packs** - Great for long adventure days.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

**Local Currency ** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

Language: There are at least 35 languages indigenous to South Africa. The 4 most common languages are Zulu (22.7%), Xhosa (16%), Afrikaans (13.5%), and English (9.6%).

 

- **Good morning** - Sawubona (Zulu), Mholo (Xhosa), Goeie more (Afrikaans)
- **Good night** - Ulale kahle (Zulu), Mholo (Xhosa), Lekker Slaap (Afrikaans)
- **Good bye** - Hamba khale (Zulu), Sala kakuhle (Xhosa), Totsiens (Afrikaans)
- **Thank you** - Ngiyabonga (Zulu), Enkosi (Xhosa), Dankie (Afrikaans)
- **How are you?** - Unjani (Zulu), Icomo estas (Xhosa), Hoe gaan dit (Afrikaans)
- **I’m fine** - Ngiyaphila (Zulu), Ndiphilile (Xhosa), Dit gaan goed met my (Afrikaans)
- **I’m Sorry** - Ngiyaxolisa (Zulu), Ngiyaxolisa (Xhosa), Ek is jammer (Afrikaans)
- **How much?** - Malini (Zulu), Yimalini (Xhosa), Hoeveel kos dit (Afrikaans)

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

![Hippos-In-Pond](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Hippos-In-Pond.jpg)

#### Weather

[PRETORIA WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/n25d7528d23/pretoria/?unit=us) [BLOEMFONTEIN WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/n29d0926d16/bloemfontein/?unit=us) [CAPE TOWN WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/n33d9218d42/cape-town/?unit=us)

#### Fun Facts

- South Africa is a wildlife paradise, including the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and African buffalo - South Africa also boasts great white sharks, African penguins, giraffes and zebras to name just a few. In fact, despite only covering 1% of the earth's land surface, South Africa possesses 10% of the world's bird, fish and plant species as well as 6% of its mammal and reptile species.
- Although our images of lions are that of ferocious beasts, on safari, you will most likely spot them resting in the shade or taking a nap under a tree. Lions typically hunt at night and spend roughly 20 hours a day resting.
- Regardless of its bulky stature and portly demeanor, the hippopotamus is quite the athlete and can run at a top speed of 20 miles per hour.
- South Africa is known as the 'Rainbow Nation' for its diversity as a cultural melting pot. South Africa has 11 official languages: Zulu, Xhosa, English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Sesotho, Northern Sotho, Setswana, Swati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga.
- In 1994 Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected president of South Africa. It was also the first year he was allowed to vote. He was 75 years old.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $5-10 per guide and safari tracker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $10 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants(full service)**  |  | 15% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/south-africa-travel-advisory.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling. 

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Tap water in South African cities is considered safe to drink but in rural areas, it is advised to take precautions when necessary.

 

**Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, click [here](https://www.southafricavisa.com/evisa-requirements/#:~:text=All%20visitors%20need%20a%20passport,person%20and%20provide%20biometric%20data). Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa)

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please take a look at our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What facilities are available? **Please be aware that not all campsites have shower facilities. Please have cash or spare change on hand as you may need to purchase shower tokens.

 

**What does public transportation look like?** In major cities, public transport in South Africa includes public buses, passenger trains (Metrorail) and public taxis - (FYI It is not advisable to use public taxis). There are private company taxis. 

 

**I****s Uber or Lyft available?** Uber and Lyft both operate in all major cities in South Africa along with Taxify and Zebra Cabs.

 

**What about Wifi?** Internet and cell access are widely available along the N2 and big cities and towns.

 

**Power Outages: **South Africa has been experiencing rolling blackouts. Locally, they are called load shedding. In cities such as Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, load shedding is daily. Your Guide should have a good idea of when the scheduled times are.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

### Book With Confidence

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