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Factor tipping into your African Safari budget.

Plan to spend US$15 to US$25 a day (per traveler) on gratuities. In South Africa tips are on the higher end of this range and usually are paid in rand (the local currency); you may also use U.S. dollars for tips, however. Elsewhere in southern Africa, U.S. currency is preferred.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on February 21, 2011 at 2:00:00 AM EST in Travel Tips
Top African Safari Destinations

Are you dreaming of an Out of Africa experience or capturing the Big Five—buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino—on film? Every day of an African safari is truly unforgettable, from early-morning game drives to amazing stargazing. To inspire your own adventure, here are our top regions to explore.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on October 26, 2010 at 5:53:27 PM EDT in Trip Ideas Tagged: Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Victoria Falls, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Face to Face with Jaws: Shark Diving in South Africa

It's not hard to get swept up in the frenzy that is the Discovery Channel’s annual Shark Week. If watching the great white sharks on TV doesn’t soothe your curiosity, then head to Gansbaai, South Africa May through August (a.k.a Prime Great White viewing season).

Posted by Fodor's Guest Blogger on August 05, 2010 at 2:39:46 PM EDT in Trip Ideas Tagged:
South Africa's Top Experiences: Beyond the World Cup

Inspired by the setting of the exciting World Cup? Even if it's too late to watch the final match in person, there are many exciting adventures to be had in South Africa long after the vuvuzelas quiet down. From coastal Cape Town to the wilds of Kruger Park, here are some other classic experiences to inspire your trip.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on July 06, 2010 at 8:50:23 AM EDT in Trip Ideas Tagged: Cape Town
South Africa: Be sure you can access your money

Program your credit cards for ATM use in South Africa before leaving home. (Most South African ATMs take five-digit PIN numbers.)

Posted by Fodor's Editors on June 13, 2010 at 2:00:41 AM EDT in Travel Tips
11 Cape Town Travel Tips for World Cup and Beyond

Whether you're traveling to Cape Town for the World Cup, or are inspired to go from the mesmerizing views of nearby Table Mountain you're sure to see, here's how to maximize your trip.

Posted by Alexis Kelly on June 09, 2010 at 9:12:10 AM EDT in Travel Tips Tagged:
5 Tips for Staying in Johannesburg Before Your Safari

Tourism is likely to increase once the world sees how much South Africa has to offer. While the spotlight will be on Capetown these next few weeks, Johannesburg is a fantastic jumping-off point for safaris and many other South African attractions. Here's how to make the most of your time there.

Posted by Alexis Kelly on June 07, 2010 at 5:08:39 PM EDT in Travel Tips Tagged:
South Africa: Monitor your passport's empty pages and expiration date

American citizens need a valid passport with two blank facing visa pages to enter South Africa for visits of up to 90 days; this includes infants. If your passport will expire within six months of your return date, you need to renew your passport in advance, as South Africa won't let you enter with a soon-to-expire passport.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on May 30, 2010 at 2:00:00 AM EDT in Travel Tips
African Safari: The 7 Best Luxury Lodge Experiences for Your Money

So you want to see Africa's legendary wildlife but don't want to rough it? No problem. Our favorite lodges will tempt you to defect from the real world forever to live like kings and queens.

Posted by Fodor's Editors on July 21, 2009 at 2:35:08 PM EDT in Trip Ideas, Hotels Tagged: Kenya,
South African Airways Offers New Nonstop Route from JFK to Johannesburg

Starting May 1, 2009, South African Airlines will be offering nonstop service from JFK to Johannesburg. Whereas the old schedule required most travelers to spend the night in Johannesburg before embarking on their safari (or making their next connection), the new schedule means they will arrive at 8:45AM with a day's worth of travel possibilities ahead of them. Flights from Washington D.C.'s Dulles airport, though not direct as of May 1st, will also be available. This savings on overnight accommodation in Jo'burg is a well-timed development in an economic climate where every penny counts.... Photo courtesy of WireLizard on Flickr...

Posted by Fodor's Editors on January 06, 2009 at 9:00:24 AM EST in Deals