Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Classic Kruger and the Garden Route

Example holiday

Classic Kruger and the Garden Route

We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.

The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.

Important travel information for visitors to South Africa is included at the back of this document.

All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.

All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.

Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Travel Butlers Team

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Classic Kruger and the Garden Route

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 14374

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Classic Kruger and the Garden Route

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 14 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.

When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: Classic Kruger and the Garden Route

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Arrive into Hoedspruit Airport. You will be met in the airport building by your transfer driver. Once you have collected your luggage you will then be transferred to the Timbavati Game Reserve.

The 60,000 hectare Timbavati Game Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing animals free range over 2 million hectares of African bush and ensuring guests to the area have the opportunity to view the huge diversity of wildlife that Africa has to offer. This lowveld area of wood and grassland is home to Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as many more species of predator and antelope. Creatures of every shape and size abound during the day and at night visitors are likely to see smaller, nocturnal mammals such as porcupines, servals, civets and genets. Bird-lovers will enjoy the bird watching as the Timbavati has recorded over 360 different species.

Timbavati Game Reserve

3 nights at Motswari Game Lodge


Day 4

After you return from your morning game drive you will have time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before you are transferred back to the airport, arriving in time to check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.

Airlink 4Z874 (Economy Class): Fly from Hoedspruit Air Force Base (HDS) departing at 14:20 to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), arriving at 15:25

Connect with your onward flight down to Port Elizabeth.

Airlink 4Z795 (Economy Class): Fly from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) departing at 17:15 to Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), arriving at 19:00

Collect your luggage then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your driver will be waiting for you and holding a sign board with your name on it. You will then be transferred to The Beach Hotel.

Claiming to have the best climate and more sunshine than any other coastal resort in the country, Port Elizabeth is a popular holiday destination, renowned for its beautiful coastline and long sandy beaches. Known more fondly as just PE, the warmth of the people have earned it the well-deserved reputation as 'The Friendly City'.


Day 5

Your hire car will be delivered at 09:00 this morning.

11 Day Car Rental: Group D Economy Auto - Hyundai Venue Automatic or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)

Drive to Knysna (approx 240 km / 2 h 40 mins). Situated right in the heart of the Garden Route and set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon, Knysna (pronounced 'Nysna') is a bustling little holiday town with a lively Waterfront area. The excellent selection of accommodation and restaurants, coupled with the many activities on offer, makes this a superb holiday destination and a perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of the Garden Route. The Knysna Lagoon is sheltered from the ocean by a coral reef and the Knysna Heads - 2 large cliff formations which form a natural narrow opening into the ocean. Several operators offer relaxing catamaran trips and sunset champagne cruises out to the Heads and into the open sea, which is a great way to escape the busy streets for a while.

continues on next page...
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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...continued from previous page.

Day 8

Drive to Hermanus (approx 410 km / 4 h 0 mins). The traveller's love affair with Hermanus began well over a century ago. The magnificent scenery and perfect setting between mountains and sea and the many opportunities for recreation and relaxation continue to attract visitors today.


Day 10

Drive to Franschhoek (approx 80 km / 1 h 0 mins), a small village nestled at the bottom of a valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands and surrounded by rolling green hills, strawberry farms and endless rows of grapevines. There are over 20 wine estates in the region and staying in the area will give you the chance to either search out the labels you are familiar with from home or to go on a voyage of discovery and find new favourites. One suggestion is to take a hop-on/hop-off tour on the Franschhoek Wine Tram - a totally unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as you trundle in an open-side tram bus through vineyards and stunning scenery, stopping at wine estates along the way.

The Cape Winelands

2 nights at La Fontaine


Day 12

Drive to Cape Town (approx 85 km / 1 h 0 mins). Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit. It is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa.


Day 15
Drive to Cape Town Airport, return your hire car and check in for your flight home.
 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Motswari Game Lodge

Timbavati Game Reserve: 3 Nights

Deep within the 60,000 hectare Timbavati Game Reserve lies Motswari Game Lodge. The open boundary with the Kruger National Park ensures that there is a constant flow of game through the reserve, offering plenty of excitement during safari activities. Qualified rangers accompanied by skilled Shangaan trackers will do their utmost to ensure that guests get the best possible sighting, and the area is renowned for its frequent sightings of the famed Big 5. Game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, when the animals are most active. Optional excursions such as guided bush walks and bush banqueting are also available.

The main lodge facilities include a traditional open-air boma, a spacious lounge and bar overlooking a beautiful dam, an art gallery exhibiting original wildlife art, and a refreshing swimming pool.

All 15 luxury en-suite rooms have air-conditioning and overhead fans, and offer magnificent bush and river views. The naturally-furnished interiors of each bungalow reflect the wonders of nature that exist just outside the windows.  There are two sets of interleading rooms for families.

Motswari also prides itself on its sumptuous, home-style cuisine and friendly attentive service. The staff are passionate about their way of life and guests will be made to feel a part of this, be it around the campfire or sipping sundowners at a waterhole.

Guests can also enjoy a private 'under the stars' sleep out at the Giraffe's Nest hide (additional cost). The hide sleeps just 2 guests and is situated close to the main lodge yet far enough away that you get a truly authentic overnight bush experience. Adding to your comfort is an eco-bathroom upstairs so there is no need to leave your platform above the landscape. For those looking for a truly unrivalled experience, be sure to leave the front section of the roof open so that you can enjoy the stars on a clear night from your bed. You may be lucky to hear hyenas, a leopard or lions calling or the nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars piercing the night.

Example Details For Motswari Game Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Room
Includes: All meals; local drinks; the Timbavati Conservation Levy; a daily bush walk; the Rhino Disharmony Levy; and morning/afternoon shared game drives are included. PLEASE NOTE: The additional tourism bed levy is NOT included (R10 per person per night - subject to change). IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a vehicle entrance fee of R280 per vehicle (subject to change), which is payable at the Timbavati Gate (cash or Visa/MasterCard credit cards only).

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on bush walks. In addition, children under the age of 18 years cannot partake in the overnight Giraffe Nest's safari walk experience.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Motswari Game Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Motswari Game Lodge

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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The Beach Hotel

Port Elizabeth: 1 Night

The Beach Hotel is situated on Port Elizabeth's magnificent beachfront, directly opposite Hobie Beach and next to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex. For history lovers, it is believed that the original Beach Hotel and surrounding area belonged to Piet Retief and his family. His home, a tennis court and servants quarters stood on this ground.

There are 3 onsite restaurants to suit everyone's palate. Enjoy a relaxing environment, sipping a cocktail white overlooking the ocean at The Verandah restaurant, or indulge in a buffet meal at The Crest.  Real foodies will love the fine dining cuisine at Ginger, voted one of the best restaurants in Port Elizabeth - it is definitely a must.

There is an outdoor swimming pool, and the hotel also offers complimentary high speed Wi-Fi.

The Beach Hotel offers homely comfort in its 58 spacious, en-suite bedrooms, some with stunning sea-views and others opening onto the tranquil courtyard.

The Non Sea-Facing Rooms are quiet, and overlook the tranquil surrounds of the courtyard. The Side Sea-Facing Rooms offer spectacular side views of the Indian Ocean whilst in the comfort of your stylish room, decorated in soft Mediterranean tones, and the Front Sea-Facing Rooms offer, as you would expect, front facing views of the ocean.

The Executive Rooms are spacious with large comfortable beds that invite guests to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean. The suites offer generous, well appointed lounge areas as well as stylish bathrooms with separate showers. Finally, the well appointed, stylish Suite consists of a spacious bedroom with en-suite bathroom equipped with a freestanding bathtub.

Example Details For The Beach Hotel

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Executive Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

The Beach Hotel Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

The Beach Hotel

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

The Rex Hotel

Knysna: 3 Nights

Situated right in the heart of the Garden Route and set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon, Knysna (pronounced 'Nysna') is a bustling little holiday town with a lively Waterfront area.

The excellent selection of accommodation and restaurants, coupled with the many activities on offer, makes this a superb holiday destination and a perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of the Garden Route. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival takes place mid-year in Knysna and is one of the area’s annual highlights, boasting amazing food, great music and friendly people.

The Knysna Lagoon is sheltered from the ocean by a coral reef and the Knysna Heads - 2 large cliff formations which form a natural narrow opening into the ocean. Several operators offer relaxing catamaran trips and sunset champagne cruises out to the Heads and into the open sea, which is a great way to escape the busy streets for a while.

The surrounding forests and nature reserves provide ample opportunity for leisurely walks or picnics, short hikes or more strenuous day walks, plus a number of biking trails. Nearby Brenton-on-Sea beach is a magnificent 7 km stretch of uninterrupted white sands around a half heart-shaped bay.

The Rex Hotel promises its guests superior service and exceptional comfort. This impeccably appointed hotel offers guests a gateway to world-class restaurants, lush forests and the shores of the peaceful Knysna Lagoon.

The Rex Hotel offers the choice of Standard Rooms, Luxury Studios and two bedroom Apartments that reflect an urban chic ambiance and mixes contemporary and classic décor with cool colours and rich fabrics. The studios and the apartments have an open-plan lounge, dining area and kitchenette.

The O Bar & Eatery at The Rex offers excellent service, superb cuisine and exciting specialities. The outdoor terrace area is the perfect spot to bask in the sunshine and indulge in coffee or light snacks.

Example Details For The Rex Hotel

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

The Rex Hotel Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

The Rex Hotel

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Auberge Burgundy

Hermanus: 2 Nights

Located on the south coast and within a 2 hour drive of Cape Town, Hermanus and Gansbaai are amongst the world's leading destinations for both land-based and boat-based whale watching. From June to December each year, whales can be seen as close as 20m from the shore and can come right up to the side of the whale watching boats.

With excellent accommodation options, fine restaurants and a glorious coastline in addition to the attraction of getting within a few metres of some of the largest animals ever to have lived on this planet, this is a place that every visitor to South Africa should try to see.

Hermanus is a pretty town and the local 'Whale Crier' walks the streets during the whaling season, informing visitors when the whales are present with a blast on his kelp horn. At the Old Harbour Museum, an underwater microphone transmits the whale songs and calls into the museum hall for everyone to hear. Don't miss Bientang's Cave restaurant, where you can watch whales less than 100m away whilst eating an excellent seafood lunch. Other good vantage points are from the Old Harbour wall or the cliff path.

Gansbaai, 50 km from Hermanus, is the starting point for more boat-based whale watching, as well as cage diving with great white sharks, as well as trips to the Dyer Island seal colony.

The Auberge Burgundy Guest House is a charming Provencal style establishment with fragrant courtyards and stone terraces. It is set above the picturesque Old Harbour in the historic heart of Hermanus (the hub of the famous Whale Coast). The guest house is surrounded by restaurants, craft markets, boutiques, art galleries and quaint shopping malls, and the cool blue sea of Walker Bay is just 50m from the doorstep.

Guests are offered a variety of accommodation options. The Middle Room is the smallest room type, situated on the first floor in the Main House. It has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, and whilst it does not have a balcony, it does have lovely mountain views and looks over Hermanus Town.

There are 13 Standard Rooms - 10 in the garden and 3 around the pool.  5 of the garden rooms are situated on the first floor and have balconies, and the other 5 open out onto the garden. The 3 Standard Rooms around the pool obviously have pool views!

The 2 Standard Suites are situated in the Main House, and have a lounge area and a balcony with views over Walker Bay.  The Poolside Suite has a separate lounge with a fireplace, a kitchen area, and a stunning sea view from the lounge balcony. The 2 Penthouse Suites can be interleading if required, and have sea views.

Example Details For Auberge Burgundy

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Poolside Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

Auberge Burgundy Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Auberge Burgundy

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

La Fontaine

The Cape Winelands: 2 Nights

Just an hour's drive from Cape Town and situated in the peaceful Franschhoek Valley, La Fontaine is just a short stroll away from the main village centre of Franschhoek.

With its friendly small village atmosphere, Franschhoek has a number of delightful art and design shops, as well as the Huguenot Museum or the famous Franschhoek Motor Museum. The village is also home to many award-winning restaurants.

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a totally unique and leisurely way to visit the vineyards and wine estates of the Franschhoek Valley, or the guest house also has bicycles for hire should you wish to explore by pedal power. Private wineland tours taking in not only a selection of the finest wines but also rolling vineyards and quaint Dutch homesteads can be arranged (on request and at an additional cost).

If rest is what you need, stay in and enjoy the tranquil gardens and swimming pools that stretch over 2 properties. The outdoor breakfast patio and front veranda under their vine and wisteria pergolas boast views of the surrounding mountains and tranquil settings.

There are 17 large rooms and suites to choose from, all decorated with individual themes and character.

The Mountain View Suites have a fully equipped bathroom with a large bathtub and separate shower. The larger of these 2 suites also has its own wood burning fireplace. The Luxury Suites have light bathrooms and a seating area for extra comfort.

The Luxury Rooms offer the same standard of luxury decoration but with a slightly smaller footprint. The Deluxe Rooms are the smallest room type but still retain their own charm and elegance.

Example Details For La Fontaine

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Deluxe Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

La Fontaine Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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La Fontaine

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Southern Sun The Cullinan

Cape Town: 3 Nights

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit and it is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.

One of the main tourist attractions is the tastefully restored V&A Waterfront with its many shops, bars and restaurants. There is also an aquarium and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity. The City Bowl is home to many museums and historical buildings which can all be viewed from a 'topless' hop on/hop off tourist bus, complete with interesting commentary as you ride around the city.

The adventurous can climb up (or abseil down) Table Mountain, windsurf or kitesurf at Bloubergstrand Beach, dive in shark tanks, or do any one of a dozen more adrenalin pumping activities. For a more relaxed pace of life, there are miles of sandy beaches for soaking up the African sun, or enjoy a quiet stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Southern Sun The Cullinan is a stylish and grand hotel that offers travellers easy access to most of Cape Town's venues and is within walking distance to the world-renowned V&A Waterfront.

Complementing the rich, cultural heritage of Cape Town through timeless architecture, the opulent decor creates a mood that is a world-away-from-home, while service and attention to detail ensure your every need is taken care of.

The 410 elegant and spacious hotel rooms all boast spectacular views over the many aspects of Cape Town - enjoy either the view of Table Mountain, the bustling Table Bay Harbour and Waterfront or the city centre.

Rooms are lavishly decorated with rich finishes and furnishing, and all offer luxurious private bathrooms and in room amenities to enhance your stay and make it as comfortable as possible.

The outdoor pool is ideal for those who enjoy a fresh dip in cool waters and the fully equipped gym is accessible to all guests of the hotel.

Example Details For Southern Sun The Cullinan

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

Southern Sun The Cullinan Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Southern Sun The Cullinan

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For South Africa

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

 

Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.

If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.

Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent.  There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.

Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.

South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.

Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.

There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Important Travel Information For South Africa

Continued

Languages And Culture

The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.

The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Book With Confidence

Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world.  In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.

Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel

Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.

If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.

You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19  to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.

Support whilst you are away

We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.

If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need.  You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.  Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.

Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday

All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19

You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:

Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.