Booking & Payment



To book with SA Surfari, a 50% deposit is necessary to hold any reservations. Full Payment is needed 30 days prior to arrival dates for packages and custom tours.



Arriving to South Africa



Upon arrival to South Africa, your SA Surfari guide will greet you outside the baggage claim doors in the designated airport and take you on a scenic route to your accommodation. A brief overview of the itinerary will be discussed and each guest will receive a paper itinerary with information on each stay and activity with opportunity to ask as many questions as you like.

​

Malaria

Most of South Africa is Malaria Free. Each tour destination, as well as the Umzumbe Surf House is Malaria Free. 



 

Currency and Exchange Rates

​

If you are bringing outside currency, you will be able to exchange your bills for South African "Rand" (also seen as ZAR100 or R100) on the first or second day.

​

Exchange Rates are ever changing and can be checked here before you travel
www.Google.com  Search “Currency Converter”

​

Credit Cards

​

Your credit cards will need to be notified before using them internationally. If you do not notify your credit card company they may refuse the transaction. Most credit cards will charge an international transaction fee. You can contact your credit card company for more information.

​

ATM’s & Cash Machines

​

ATM’s and cash machines are located abundantly throughout South Africa. There will be ATM’s in the Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town Airports that will dispense South African Rand at that banks given exchange rate. There are also ATM’s at all Petrol and Gas Stations.

​

Weather & Clothing



Spring    September to October    15-25*C or 60-75*F
Summer    November to March     20-35*C or 75-95*F
Fall                 April to May             15-20*C or 60-70*F
Winter          June to August          10-17*C or 50-65*F

​

Although South Africa hosts a warm summer climate, there can be unexpected change of weather, with high winds or cold fronts, so packing for a few cool days and nights is suggested.

​

Scenery 



South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Home to a wild array of biomes, we have mountains, beaches, farm land, wine country, dry desert, bushveld, and major metropolitan cities. You will experience each type of scenery on your trip.

 

​

Animals

​

Most of the “Big 5”, Rhino, Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, are found in game reserves where they can be viewed by professional game drives and walks. However, monkeys, antelope, zebras and other smaller furred critters are common around most of the country side and urban areas.

Internet & Wifi

​

Internet is usually a Slow to Medium Speed Wifi. Most places with Wifi will charge per MB or R30-R40 per hour.

​
Food & Dining Out​
 

The local foods in South Africa consist of meats, poultry,  salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, pizza, etc. As well as, traditional African and Malay food, Indian food, Sushi and Italian food. A casual sit down meal will cost around R100 per person ($12.00 US per person).​

​

What to Bring
 

Your Passport
Emergency Contact Information
Books and/or music
Camera
Beach Towel (or you can buy one here)
A Travel Neck Pillow (for those long flghts and car rides)

An International electrical plug compatible with South Africa’s outlets
A sweatshirt and warm pants (Although South Africa is a warm climate, we have very cool mornings and nights)
Sneakers or boots for walking and/or hiking

​

On Game Drives
 

Hat
Sunglasses
Scarf or Sarong (to protect you from wind and dust)
Camera

​

​On Surf Trips

Most surfing equipment is readily available through out SA and in some cases, cheaper then other countries. If you want to save yourself from packing a ton, leave your 10 sticks of wax at home. 

 

 

Things you should bring:
• Wetsuit (depending on where your surfing and when, inquire if unsure)
• Surfboard (see below)

• Rash Guard or Thermal Top

• Spare leash/s, spare fins, ding repair kits (these items are available in SA but tend to cost more)

• Surfing Etiquette (If you are unsure, we will teach you)



Traveling With Surfboards



Travelling with surfboards is almost always an issue. If you absolutely can not part with your magic stick then we advise you to book your flights around this and pack wisely. Some airlines have a “sporting baggage allowance” which includes surfboards and therefore they fly free, others do not and may charge you up to $200 per flight, international and domestic! Please check with your airlines sporting equipment policies to find out their rules and fees.



Renting or Buying a Custom Surfboard in SA

 

If you’re looking to try something new, you can save money by buying or renting a board when you arrive to South Africa, as surfboards are less expensive here. We have a full selection of rental boards, beginner to performance as well as a local shaper that could make you a custom board before you arrive.

​