Frequently Asked Questions

Question Icon Who is the tour aimed at?
Do you have a sense of adventure and dream of travelling to Africa with an expert to guide you through the wonders of this mysterious continent, yet wish to do so in a Shomer Shabbos environment complemented by superb Kosher cuisine?
Do you have an interest in Nature and wish to experience some of the best wildlife in the world?
Do you dream of having the opportunity to photograph giraffe, elephant and lion in their natural environment with an expert on hand to help you take your wildlife photography to the next level?
Are you in awe of the intricacies of The Kodosh Boruch Hu’s myriad creations and yearn to gain a deeper insight and understanding into how Hashkofah relates to nature?
If you have answered Yes to any of the above questions, then this tour is most definitely for you!
For those looking for a relaxing holiday spent on the beach or by the swimming pool, this might not be for you, as we have a fully-packed schedule replete with the very best that Kruger has to showcase.
We respectfully request that both male and female participants are sensitive to the laws of Shabbos and Modesty.
 
Question Icon Are families with children welcome?
Yes, families with children are most certainly welcome. However, this is subject to the availability of suitable accommodation which is very limited. Practically, children under the age of 7 years old may find the tour schedule slightly arduous and struggle with being confined to a vehicle for lengthy periods. However, we are more than happy to discuss your requirements and see whether we can accommodate your family’s needs.
 
Question Icon Getting to South Africa
Johannesburg International Airport is serviced by many of the world’s major airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, KLM, Swiss, Lufthansa, Emirates, El Al and Delta. South African Airways also flies to many international destinations. Cheaper ticket options are often available if you are willing to transit with one of the European airlines. Ticket prices are often cheaper if booked between five and six months before travel, but don’t wait too long to book as the cheap options often get snapped up quickly.
Cape Town is the other major international travel hub in South Africa. Flying time from Cape Town to Johannesburg is approximately two hours, and this route is also serviced by several domestic budget airlines.
While Nishmas Safaris does not take responsibility for booking international flights for our customers, we are happy to offer advice to anyone needing help with the process.
 
Question Icon Do I need a visa to enter South Africa?
Tourists of some nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival in South Africa. We highly recommend that participants contact their local South African consulate to inquire about their individual circumstances. However, remember that this is Africa and things can sometimes work differently to the way they do in first world countries. It would be best if answers are obtained in writing and any such correspondence should be brought along with you.
 
Question Icon What Travel Documents do I need?
Most adults will only need a valid passport in order to enter South Africa. As with most countries, the passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your date of arrival. You are also required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.
When it comes to travelling with children under the age of 18, South Africa recently introduced some of the most stringent regulations in the world. The situation is still fluid with regards to what documentation is required and how the rules are implemented on the ground.
We advise speaking to your local South African consulate to obtain up-to-date information pertaining to your specific circumstances.
Nishmas Safaris cannot take responsibility for the accuracy of any details provided here as rules and regulations may change at short notice.
 
Question Icon Do I need Travel Insurance?
It is compulsory that all participants take out their own personal travel insurance. This should include cover for flight delay or cancellation, tour cancellation, medical insurance or accidents including medical evacuation in case of emergency in remote areas, luggage loss and full cover for all personal belongings including valuables such as jewellery and electronics.
 
Question Icon What currency can I use in South Africa?
The South African currency is the Rand. Current exchange rates can be found at www.xe.com. Major currencies such as US Dollars, British Pounds and Euros can be easily changed into Rands at Bureaux De Change at the airport and some of the larger shopping malls. Major international credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa are also widely accepted but American Express is not as popular. Most major credit cards are accepted in ATM’s and this is generally the most cost efficient way to draw out local currency. Foreign currencies are not generally accepted in most shops.
 
Question Icon Weather & Climate
South Africa has a mixture of climates. Johannesburg has a temperate climate, with summer rainfall keeping the days from getting too hot, and a dry winter. As you will be visiting in the middle of winter, expect daytime temperatures to reach the low 20’s Celsius (70 Fahrenheit). The evenings can be cool with lows generally around the mid to low teens Celsius, but dropping to single digits if there is a cold snap. Pack layers that can be removed as the day warms up and be added in the evening.
The Kruger Park has a subtropical climate. Even in the depths of winter daytime temperatures can reach the low 30’s Celsius (High 80’s Fahrenheit). Early mornings and evening in August can drop to the mid to high teens Celsius (65 Fahrenheit) so layers are recommended. Remember that as South Africa is in the Southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed, with December/January being high summer and July/August being winter time.
Question Icon Healthcare & Immunization
Visitors to South Africa are generally recommended to be up-to-date with all their immunizations. Advice varies, but many doctors advise receiving additional vaccines such Tetanus and one or more of the Hepatitis vaccinations. Please speak to your local healthcare professional and follow their advice.
 
Question Icon Malaria
The Kruger National Park falls within a malaria area in which the Anopheles mosquito, which hosts the malaria parasite, is highly prevalent.
Up-to-date advice MUST be sought from a competent medical consultant with specialist knowledge of the Kruger area and the available malaria medication options.
 
Question Icon Smoking
The tour is a non-smoking tour. There will be no smoking permitted aboard the vehicles or inside the accommodation. We respectfully request that any smoking take place at a distance where it will not adversely affect other people.
 
Question Icon Is Safety & Security an issue?
Despite South Africa having a bad reputation when it comes to safety and security, over thirteen million tourists visit South Africa every year with the vast majority of them enjoying a trouble-free holiday. Several initiatives have launched in recent years to tackle crime and these have had good success at reducing the crime rate.
While crime has never been a major issue in the Kruger Park it is still not advisable to leave valuables unattended.
South Africa is considered as relatively low-risk for terrorism.
 
Question Icon How safe will I be from wild animals in Kruger?
Very safe, as long as common sense is used and instructions from your guides are followed at all times.
 
Question Icon Food & Hechsherim
There is not much that can beat a juicy steak fresh off the braai (B-B-Q), served under African skies painted with the vivid streak of the Milky Way while a lion roars triumphantly over his own dinner a few hundred meters away!
Meals will be provided by the Open Flame, a well known Johannesburg-based caterer under the supervision of the Johannesburg Beth Din. From Argentina to Zimbabwe, Open Flame has the experience to provide gourmet Kosher Food in exotic locations around the world.
A full time on-site Mashgiach will be present to ensure that the food is as spiritually satisfying as it is gastronomically.
 
Question Icon Will we spend the whole tour in the Kruger Park?
As opposed to Safaris held in the “Greater Kruger Region” and mostly within the confines of the small, outlying lodges on the borders of the Kruger National Park, Nishmas Safaris takes place entirely within the Kruger Park itself. This allows a much larger range of habitat and game diversity to be explored and enjoyed by our guests.