FAQ
Travel advice – flights
Check these sites for affordable flights from Brussels Airport or Schiphol to Johannesburg or directly to Kruger International: vakantiepiraten.nl, expedia.be, connections.be, Kilroy.be, tix.nl and usually also ba.com. Most of the time you will find transport with connecting flights at reasonable prices.
In the South African summer season, the months of December and January, prices are usually higher, but the rest of the year you should be able to book a return flight in economy class for around 450 €.
Local transportation – rental car
The easiest way to get around the wide area of White River is by car. In fact it’s quite essential to rent one. You normally have to travel greater distances in South Africa than in Europe. Although road signs and travel directions are really good, it is advisable to take Sat nav in your rental. But you could just as easily buy a local SIM card for an extra mobile phone just for data usage.
You will find car rental companies in Johannesburg and Nelspruit airports (Avis, Hertz, Budget …)
Cash – ZAR/Rand
Several Belgian banks offer money exchange into South African Rand (ZAR). The highest banknote is worth 200 ZAR (approx.. 12.50 €). There is an import/export limit of 25,000 ZAR.
You can also exchange euros on the airport. It is best to bring cash if you want to do this. Be sure to check the exchange rate. Some extra charges will usually apply …
You can of course also pay with Mastercard or Visa, this is available everywhere. There are also plenty of ATM’s for cash withdrawals with your credit card.
Payment and tipping
Everyday life in South Africa is a lot cheaper than it is in Belgium. Going to a restaurant costs less than half. But is customary to add a 10 % tip to your bar and restaurant bill.
Make sure to have a few 2 or 5 ZAR coins at hand. Service and friendly offered help on parkings, in supermarkets and petrol stations should be tipped.
Safety
Large cities like Johannesburg and Durban have certain neighbourhoods with high poverty numbers, which can result in some covert criminal activities.
White River and Nelspruit are smaller towns with natural surroundings. They are reasonably safe. Just like in Belgium you have to be aware of pickpockets and walking around in certain parts of town.
Likweti Bushveld Estate is fully fenced in. This is mostly to keep animals inside the compound. Nobody enters the Estate without owner/landlord/host permission. As a tenant you will receive a visitor card to freely enter and exit the Estate. An entrance guard is posted 24/7. The residential area boasts an extra double electrical fence, guarded by patrolling security staff. Besides security reasons the fence is also necessary to keep giraffes and zebras away from the houses …
Vaccination and medication
No mandatory vaccinations are required when travelling to South Africa.
It is advisable to use an insect repellent spray for malaria prevention when humidity is high, from October to April, especially in the Kruger Park.
My huis has “Peaceful Sleep” sprays at your disposal.
International passport & kids
You do not need a visa to enter South Africa, just a valid international passport.
Please pay attention if you travel with children: since a few years South Africa became one of few countries that require an original birth certificate (in English!) for all travelling minors, even when accompanied by their parents. Furthermore a parental consent is required if the child doesn’t travel with both of its parents (e.g. with only one parent, with its grandparents, other relatives etc).
To summarize: multi-lingual birth certificate extract, also in English. And if both parents don’t travel with their under age child, a written consent of the parent not accompanying the child (in English as well). Ask your local town hall office for a legalization/regularization of your signature.
Electricity
My Huis has standard 220-volt outlets of three different kinds: European (round and flat models) and South African.
Location
Arrival and departure
Upon arrival in your rental car you will be welcomed at Likweti gate by the host or the security guard. You will receive a digital entry card to access the estate as well as the villa.