Frequently Asked Questions

Going on a South African safari experience is so exciting!  At the same time, there are many questions that come with planning your holiday.  Please see our most frequently asked questions and answers below to help plan the perfect trip of a lifetime!

1) When is the best time to visit Sun Acres farm to enjoy the African Experience?

Depending on what you would like to do and see on your trip, South Africa can be visited year-round.  Safari and wildlife viewing in the Dinokeng Reserve is best from May to October when temperatures are more mild, and the vegetation is sparse.  The best months with the most pleasant temperatures and weather are March-May and September/October. Summer temperatures from September to April reach between 28 and 36 degrees Celsius. Due to African school holidays and extreme temperatures in December and January we are not able to give you the full African Experience. Therefore we don’t take any bookings for these two months to avoid disappointment.

2) What currency is best for a safari in Africa?
In South Africa, most establishments will take payment in EUR / USD but it is always advisable to exchange an amount into the local currency in case of an emergency. Prior to your arrival, Sun Acres farm staff will advise on currency exchange matters.  It is recommended for South Africa to exchange currency into the local Rand. Credit cards are not accepted on premises, however there is a nearby ATM where money can be taken out using your bank card.
3) What are the passport and Visa Requirements?

European Union and U.S. passport holders can get a visa on demand at the point of entry for entering South Africa if necessary. The expiry date of the passport must exceed at least six months the date set for the end of the stay in the country.  The passport must have two blank pages face to face for the stamp of entry and exit of South African territory. Allow at least three clear pages for connecting flights. In the event of travelling to other African countries (Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia) the passport must be valid 6 months after the set date of return.  If you are travelling with your children they must have their own passports and you have to bring their international under bridged birth certificate.

4) How can I be certain that my valuables will be safe?

We don’t have a safe in each guest room however, guests are welcome to leave any valuables in the safe at Sun Acres Farm main house.

5) Should I be concerned about Malaria?
NO, the DINOKENG AREA is a MALARIA-FREE zone.  While on a safari, it is necessary to protect yourself against mosquito bites by using repellents applied on the skin or on clothes. For protection against mosquito bites:

  • Wear long sleeves and long pants from the evening until dawn, when you are outside.
  • Use repellent creams or sprays.
6) Can I bring my children on safari?

Yes. Sun Acres Farm is extremely child-friendly with excellent facilities that can be utilized children of all ages. However, children under the age of 3 are generally not permitted to go on the guided game drives for safety reasons.

7) Is there electricity at the tents/ cottages at Sun Acres?
Yes all the tents / cottages do have electricity.
8) What electricity voltage do South African plugs require?

South African plugs have a voltage of 220 to 240V and a frequency of 50 Hertz. The plugs have three round-prongs.  There is also a USB port in most of the rooms for mobile devices.

9) Do I need any vaccinations?
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination.  No vaccination is mandatory for entering the Dinokeng Reserve area of South Africa except yellow fever for passengers arriving from areas affected by the disease.  There are some vaccinations that are recommended, but not mandatory. Please see your respective country guidelines or refer to your healthcare practitioner for further information.  The World Health Organization can be a great resource as well.
10) Is it safe to travel to South Africa on Safari?
Many people ask “Is it safe to visit Africa?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!”  It must be understood that travel safety concerns arising from a negative event in one African country do not apply to Africa as a whole – they are generally isolated to specific geographical areas.  As with many places around the world Africa has its places of danger and these will be avoided. South Africa is generally a safe destination to travel to if the necessary precautions are taken.  From the moment you step out of your airplane at OR Tambo to your departure to return back home, rest-assured your safety is our #1 priority.

Planning your trip with Sun Acres Safari will prevent any misunderstandings and allow you to enjoy what will certainly be your most memorable holiday.  Local South Africans are generally very friendly to – and interested in meeting foreign travelers, and visitors tend to have an exceptionally good reputation in rural Africa. The people of Africa have a gentleness, humbleness and optimism that we could all learn from.

Every safari has an element of danger, that’s what makes it exciting. While many of the animals you’ll encounter can be dangerous, the four that typically can pose the most risk are the elephant, lion, buffalo and hippo (add crocodiles to that list if you’re near water).  Game drive guides and staff at the Sun Acres Farm will stress basic precautions you need to take while game viewing.

11) Will I be guaranteed to see all of the big five on my African Safari?
There is no guarantee that you will see all of the big five on your safari, although it is likely.  This is dependent upon the circumstances. Please keep in mind, this is not a zoo. You will be witnessing these animals roam freely in their natural habitats in the wild.  
12) How do We / I Contact You to Book or Request for a Safari through Your Company?

The first step is to finalize your Safari Itinerary with us. Please ask any questions regarding your trip so we can best accommodate your needs.  We always strive to meet all your requests and will make suggestions and recommendations to add value to your holiday experience with us.  Once you approve the itinerary, you can book via our website to reserve your Safari stay.  Your accommodation will automatically be secured and transport can be arranged upon booking.   A deposit of 20% per person is required to secure your reservation.  Final payment for all Trips/ Excursions/ Safaris are due at least 45 days prior to arrival, unless otherwise stated.  

Payment: We accept payment by direct bank transfer. Prior to booking the Safari you may review the Cancellation and General Terms and Conditions on our site.  The payment procedure is simple and safe – You will receive our bank details on your invoice and international payment can be made via Internet Banking or you can go to your own bank for help. You will be liable for All Bank charges.

Bank Transfer: Bank transfer payments take approximately 2-5 days to process, and we will send you a receipt upon receiving funds.

13) How Far in Advance Should I Book My Safari?
It is highly recommended to make arrangements for your stay in advance as far as possible. 4-6 months is most convenient and assures you availability especially during the months of the high season, July-mid September.  It is also wise to secure flights at the time of booking to guarantee the best pricing for your travel to South Africa. This saves last minute searches which often find you compromising standards and with no guarantee of availability. It is possible that we sell out to full capacity  months ahead of departure dates. This is especially important for those planning to travel during peak seasons and for those adding extensions to scheduled trips.
14) What Clothing and Other Items Should We Bring?
A safari is a casual affair. Safari goers dress in casual, preferably neutral-toned colors (e.g. khaki, brown or green); Insect Repellent; T-shirts and shorts/skirts for during the day; long-sleeved lightweight shirts and long pants with socks for evenings outdoors (for mosquitoes); good walking shoes; swimsuit; warm sweater or light coat, scarf, gloves for early morning and nights especially during the winter months (June – August).  Sun protection such as hats, sunscreen, sunglasses should be packed. For optimal viewing binoculars are recommended. Don’t forget to bring a good camera to capture all of your wonderful moments!
15) Can Itinerary activities be changed or added?

Yes!  itinerary and activities can be customized to suit your needs.  If you would like to do something additional or different than what you see on your African Farm Experience itinerary please let us know!  Activities and Excursions can be swapped or added (if time allows).  To do so, please contact us about any questions or changes you would like to make.   Individual activity pricing applies.

16) Covid 19 ; What happens to my booking in case of not being allowed to travel?

It depends:

In case of a lockdown (not been able to travel decided by SA government) your booking will postponed to a later date in the year of booking or within 10 months of the initial booking if it’s different year. (Any extra costs of third party bookings under their cancellation terms will be charged and bookings that are moved to a different year might be charged extra due to inflation).

In case of a lockdown (not been able to travel decided by your own country’s government) the terms at no.23 stated in the  Terms and Conditions will apply. 

 

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact us directly and we will be happy to provide you with the requested information.

Email: info@sunacressafari.co.za

Tel: +27 82 839 8527

 

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