How To Plan A Trip To South Africa
Let the countown begin!
It was over a year ago that I decided that I would plan a trip to South Africa. I always knew that this would be my goal after turning 30 and now, it is happening THIS WEEKEND! For the next 3 weeks, I will be traveling to Zanzibar, Cape Town, and South Johannesburg with a group called Away to Africa. Shout out to Tiffanie Anderson for putting up with my group for the last year of questions and most likely, stress. LOL I think we have about 25 people coming on this trip to be exact. The idea of celebrating New Year’s Eve at Afropunk in South Johannesburg sounds magical as I type this. In preparation for this trip, there are a few things that needed to be handled in order to go. First, you need to really save a coin or two for this experience. Second, figure out what airlines partner with overseas airlines so that you can get these points! Third, make sure you get the necessary passports, visas, and shots before you leave. Last, but not least, live in the moment and have a good time! You are probably wondering how I went about this process. Check out some details below:
What Airline Am I Using
I am traveling with Emirates and Kenya Airways because they partner with JetBlue. I use JetBlue all the time when I fly. Sometimes I pay $5 for a flight because I have accumulated so many points with them. Figure out what airline you use the most or sign up to be a member for all of the airlines to receive points on your travels.
What To Pack
South Africa is known to have a rainy season during our winter months here on the east coast. I packed a mixture of shorts, jeans, bathing suits, sandals, jackets, rain boots, an umbrella, and comfortable sneakers.
What Documents Do You Need
Make sure you bring your passport, travel insurance, visa(s), and valid ID (license). I always make copies of these documents when I head out for the day, only because I keep my real documents locked away in my room.
Vaccinations
Honestly, it depends on where you travel to. I needed the yellow fever for Zanzibar. Tyfloid and Hepatitis shots are recommended, but it depends on what activities you are doing. You should check with your travel curator for those details. Also, I received malaria pills and diarrhea pills from the CDC clinic in NYC. It is advised that you start taking your malaria pills two days before you leave.
How To Exchange Your Money 💰
You can go to any travel exchange currency to change your money, but I will be doing mine when I get there since our tour guide has a “go to person.” Remember, it is more expensive to exchange your money in the airports.
Credit Cards and Cash
People always ask me about credit card use, but I really don’t swipe my card overseas unless it is an emergency. However, I did some research and I chose Chase Sapphire. Why? Because there is NO INTERNATIONAL FEE when you swipe overseas. Luckily, we don’t need much cash since our excursions, travel, and meals are included for this trip.
Tanzanian (Zanzibar) Currency
Zanzibar’s Currency is identified as Tanzanian Shilling ‘TZS’ and is different from the Kenyan Shilling. The current exchange rate of USD to Shilling is currently 2243.96 Shillings = $1.00 USD. Please note that this rate can change daily.
South African Currency
South Africa’s Currency is identified as Rand ‘ZAR’. The current exchange rate of USD to Rand is currently 13.84 Rand = $1.00 USD. Please note that this rate can change daily.
Zanzibar’s Weather
‘The weather is extremely nice in December and visitors can expect to feel daytime high temperatures in the range of 28°C (82°F). Average nightly lows will be in the area of 25°C (77°F) which is perfect weather for wandering through the evening markets and bazaars in Stone Town or for walking along a moonlit beach. The average water temperature at the beaches around the island is 27°C (81°C). Average rainfall for December is just a little less than for November at 194mm or 7½ inches. Visitors can expect approximately 10 hours or so of sunshine each non-rainy day. There is a relative humidity of close to 67% in December.’
Cape Town’s Weather
‘November to March is summer in Cape Town, though because of its coastal location and its position in the path of many local prevailing winds, summers here can be relatively mild. Meanwhile, the overnight temperatures can drop significantly when the strong sun goes down. The average low temperature for the month of December, for example, is 15°C (59°F), while the average high temperature for that same month is 25°C (77°F).
Often even the warmest summer days are cooled by a South Easterly wind, which is known locally as the 'Cape Doctor.' As the Cape Doctor blows across the city it rids the area of heavy pollution and brings clean air and cooler temperatures.
Johannesburg’s Weather
‘The climate quite comfortable around this city the month of december. The high seasonal norm is 27°C (80.6°F). In the morning the temperature drops to 21°C (69.8°F). Thus, the mean temperature average in December in Johannesburg is 24°C (75.2°F).’
Happy Holidays and stay tuned for my 3 part series!
