Page 11 - Portfolio Collection Guide, Agents & Travellers
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visas and travelling with children
For the most up-to-date information on visas and passport control, please visit our Useful Info page at portfoliocollection.com
exploring southern Africa by road
A Southern African self-drive holiday is a must-do experience. We have a solid infrastructure, friendly people and plenty of places to re-fuel and refresh en route. It’s the best way to discover the lesser-known areas of the country; the off-the-beaten track gems that tourists often miss. Our reservations team is your friendly local guide, and can suggest perfect stopovers along popular routes. Tips: there are numerous gravel roads in country areas, so check your route on a map before departing.
the best time to travel
Southern Africa is blessed with a wonderful climate and you can find sunshine and warm weather year round if you plan well.
Gauteng, Free State and Mpumalanga Highveld area – Summer weather is great with spectacular late-afternoon thunderstorms.
KZN, Mpumalanga Lowveld, Limpopo – Warm, dry winters which are ideal for going on safari and great on the KZN beaches.
Western Cape – Mediterranean climate, warm to hot in summer, dry and pleasant in the interior in winter.
Garden Route and Eastern Cape – Magic in summer, and less wet in winter than the Western Cape. The best land-based whale watching is from June to December, when seasonal specials are often offered.
West Coast – Spectacular in spring when the incredible wild flower display is in full bloom.
Karoo and Northern Cape – Wonderful in autumn and spring thanks to milder weather. Ideal for unrivalled stargazing year round.
For more information on specific areas, visit our online travel guides on portfoliocollection.com
Annual festivals and events
South Africa boasts a packed calendar of events and festivals. We cover many of these on our travel blog – simply search festival in our blog search bar and you’ll find one that tickles your interest, be it wine, cheese, book fairs or art exhibitions.
smoking
Smoking is banned in indoor public areas in Southern Africa. Most establishments prefer guests not to smoke anywhere indoors. If you require a smoking room/area, please check with the property before you book.
gratuities and tipping
Our thriving foodie culture will give you some of the best meals of your life, but please remember that gratuities are not usually included in the final bill at restaurants. Tipping is accepted as being between 10% and 20% depending on service. Tips are not added to your accommodation bill either, so if you wish to leave something for the staff, you can add it on – acknowledgment of good service is always welcome. If you’re on safari, you may wish to tip game rangers and trackers separately.
We suggest you check with management to find out the protocol at each establishment.
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