ESTATE TOURS, South Africa tours, safaris, wildlife, eco-tours with german tour guides and english tour guides.

ESTATE TOURS, South Africa tours, safaris, wildlife, eco-tours, Cape Town . Specialist SATOUR registered tour guides.

Tourism Information

Estate Tours provides a number of top class tours and associated accommodation throughout South Africa.

Please note that the information in these pages is meant to be an aid to travelers. The accuracy of this information can vary from time to time as a result of ongoing changes. Please check your travel information with your own travel agents and Embassy.

TRAVEL, MONEY, ACCOMMODATION, ETC., REQUIREMENTS...
AIRPORT - HOTEL TRANSPORTATION	INSURANCE	OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
ACCOMMODATION / HOTEL - CATEGORIES / RATES	CONFIRMATION OF HOTEL RESERVATION	MEDICAL / OPERATIONS
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS	HEALTH	TIPPING
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE	TRAVEL VISA	ELECTRIC CURRENT

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: The common language of use in South Africa is English. However, there are eleven official languages which include the languages of the major ethnic groups. Banking, Commerce, Tour and Holiday facilities are conducted almost entirely in English. Some tours are multilingual and can cater for most European languages.
ACCOMMODATION / HOTEL CATEGORIES & RATES: Hotels in South Africa are allocated "STAR" - ratings by an independent government agency. "Five Stars" are the highest and "One Star" the lowest rating. As a guide the following Hotels are listed with their rates per person per day. Rates will vary in and out of season. Please note that these rates are subject to change and are meant to be a guide only.

Rates are vaild until 31 October 2008

Radison Hotel (5 Star) :

(Single + Breakfast) R1800 per person

(Double + Breakfast) R1150 per person sharing

Holiday Inn Waterfront (4 Star):

(Single + Breakfast) R1200 per person

(Double + Breakfast) R700 per person sharing

City Lodge (3Star):

(Single + Breakfast)
R730 per person

(Double + Breakfast) R520 per person sharing

Breakwater Lodge (3 Star):

(Single + Breakfast) R630 per person

(Double + Breakfast) R460 per person sharing

CONFIRMATION OF HOTEL RESERVATION: We will make accommodation reservations for you as a part of our service. Reservations will be confirmed and are subject to availability. A deposit will be required upon confirmation of booking.

AIRPORT- HOTEL TRANSPORTATION
We provide a shuttle service to and from the airport for clients who have booked any of our tours. If you do wish to make use of this service you need to confirm this with your booking. Note: Airport taxis are expensive.; DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
South Africa has high standards of dietary supply, service and hygiene in all of its developed centers. South Africa also has a large third world component which has its own unique flair - which requires caution. Special dietary requirements at accommodation / hotels should be indicated on accommodation reservation.
HEALTH: It is safe to drink tap water anywhere, unless clear notices specifically warn otherwise. Sun screens should be used for skin protection. Malaria risks - predominantly in the malignant form P falciparum - exist throughout the year in certain areas in the northeastern South Africa (not in the Western Cape). Precautions should be taken when traveling, especially to game reserves in the northeast of the country. Resistance to cloroquine has been reported, and one of the recommended prophylaxes is cloroquine plus proguanil (but please confirm details with your doctor - this is important!). Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required from visitors traveling through, or disembarking in an infected country. Check further health requirements with your embassy and travel agency.

TIPPING
Tipping is expected in South Africa. Guidelines are: Porters - R5.00 to R10.00 per service and waiters 10% to 15% of the bill.; CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE
The South African currency is the Rand (R). The South African Rand exchange rate against other currencies can fluctuate and is presently strengthening.

[[ Click here for the latest exchange rate and Rand / Dollar conversion.]]

The Rand has strengthened against the above indicated currencies over the past year. Credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops. Currency may be exchanged at all South African banks and at most hotels but it may be more convenient at the airports. Most automatic bank teller machines accept the major credit cards for cash withdraws. Any reservations are subject to changes in price due to the fluctuation of the exchange rate.
TRAVEL VISA: Participants are advised to inquire from the South African Embassy or Travel Agent in their country if a visa or any other special procedures apply for entering South Africa, since tourist visa requirements are presently under review.
ELECTRIC CURRENT: The standard voltage in South Africa is 220V AC 50 Hz, and plugs are 3 pin (round pins). Most hotel bathrooms are fitted with a 220/110V 2 pin shaver's plug.
INSURANCE: Participants are advised to take out the standard international travel insurance to cover any losses incurred due to cancellations, medical expenses, or the loss of personal effects. Estate Tours and any of its operators cannot accept any liability for any accidents or injuries.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: There has been great concern at the lowering of standards in the general public health services. However, the medical facilities still maintain a standard that far above that found in most of Africa. As the medical standard in South Africa has been very high, the drop of standards has not been excessive.

OPERATIONS
The private and semiprivate medical facilities offer exceptional service and value for money for the the foreign patient with the latest in international technologies. The doctors that practice these procedures are as a rule excellent. The exchange rate implies that patients can visit this country, have their operation and return to their country for less than the cost of the same procedure in their own country.