Wild facts
Practical and important information
Time of departure
Luggage
You can have your laundry done at the Mpala Lodge from day to day so you do not need to bring clean clothes for each day. You can rent golf equipment at the Hans Merensky Golf Club so golf players do not have to bring bags and more. The equipment may be somewhat worn. Please be aware that every pointy or sharp object – even as small as a nail cutter or file – is prohibited as hand luggage!
Please note that even if your luggage is checked in and tagged all the way to Hoedspruit, you must always pick it up yourself at the luggage belt right after passport control in Johannesburg. You must take it through customs and check it in again at Domestic. We have had guests who have been told otherwise at the airport from home, but this is a mistake. You will not get your luggage on the last flight if you do not collect it yourself in Johannesburg.
If any luggage is missing in Johannesburg, you must go to the counter and report it missing, so that you will receive a receipt with a reference number. Otherwise, it is very difficult to get the luggage to you.
Remember to pack all your medicine and all valuables in your hand luggage. Also consider carrying some clothes in your hand luggage so that you can manage a day or 2 without your luggage.
Tips
Flights
Climate
South Africa have more than one climate zone. The Mpala Safari Lodge and Kruger National Park are situated in the North-East part of South Africa, where it never gets really cold and where even the winter is pleasantly warm during daytime. November-March is the summertime with temperatures during the day between 28-35⁰ C or more and temperatures in the evening at 20-25⁰ C. The hottest months are December-February. During summer, brief and heavy thunderstorms occur, but a rainy season as we know it from e.g. Kenya do not exist here. Even after some rain, the air will shortly be very dry again, so the high temperatures of summer do not feel uncomfortable. During April-October, the weather is bone dry and with sunshine most of the time. Even during the coldest months it can be up to 28⁰ C and very seldom drops to under 20⁰ C during the day and 8-10⁰ C during the night. The Cape Region to the south of South Africa has a cooler climate than the northern part where Mpala is situated. Here, the climate is similar to the one we know from the Mediterranean and have summer from October to March. The winter here offers some downpour but also sunshine. The wine districts of South Africa are situated in the Western Cape Region.
Currency
Electricity
220/240 V. You will need an adaptor. At the Mpala Safari Lodge every room has an adaptor. NB! Not for plugs with 3 legs.
Insurances
Photographing
Remember to bring extra batteries or charger for your camera. It would be a shame to be in the middle of an exciting situation and run out of power. You should also bring an extra memory card. The really great shot is usual one out of many so take a lot of photos without having to fear you run out of memory.
Passport/Visa
For travels no more than 3 months, citizens from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden do not need a visa for visiting South Africa. Other nationalities must inquirer local authorities about the relevant demands. Passports must be valid for min. 6 months after the time of departure from South Africa. One page in the passport must be free for stamps.
The sun
Language
Vaccinations
In general:
If you need to travel for a shorter time (up to 3 weeks) to tourist areas: hepatitis A, diphtheria / tetanus
If you have to travel for a longer period of time in tourist areas, in addition: typhus, possibly. hepatitis B
If you are going on a longer stay or outside tourist areas, in addition: hepatitis B, possibly rabies, tuberculosis
Mpala Safari Lodge and all our excursion destinations are considered to be in tourist areas.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required by travelers coming from a yellow fever area, except Zambia and Tanzania
A yellow fever vaccine previously had to be renewed every 10 years. It has now been changed so that a vaccine makes you immune to yellow fever all your life.
COVID-19
Mpala Safari Lodge follows the applicable guidelines at all times to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
During the flight:
You must bring your proof that you have all the necessary COVID-19 vaccinations in written English. The voucher is used at check-in at the airport both on departure and on the return journey.
The authorities also accept the certificate electronically, but it can be expensive or difficult to get online when you need to show it, so it is a good idea to have it on paper. If you do not have all COVID-19 vaccinations, please read the required requirements here: Travel – Coronavirus COVID-19 | South African Government (www.gov.za)
Be aware that there may be requirements to wear medical mask in the airplane and at airports along the way.
Malaria
Malaria is found in many areas of southern Africa, so we recommend that you contact your general practitioner for further information on malaria prophylaxis.
Malaria prophylaxis does not provide 100% protection against malaria.
We recommend that you avoid being stung by mosquitoes.
Use mosquito repellent and be aware that mosquitoes are attracted to smelly feet. So wash your feet with soap before dinner and put on clean socks.
If you experience side effects from the medicine or in other any way feel uncomfortable, please contact our experienced staff at the lodge for assistance.