Congratulations on making a reservation with Singles Travel International for your next vacation!

WHAT NEXT? Complete your profile and post a message on the chat to say hello to your fellow travelers.

REVIEW the important information on the FAQ tab for this trip and visit our Help Center. We strongly encourage all our members to check the latest travel recommendations by the US State Department, CDC and air carriers to review the latest information for travel risks in order to make an informed decision about their travel safety.

SOCIALIZE Say hello to your fellow travelers on the chat and start enjoying our live, virtual community events for Singles 50+ where you meet singles your age all year round. Sign Up Today!

DON’T MISS OUT Get the best deals on optional “Add-ons”. Review the Trip Options and make all reservations so you don’t miss out on any limited or time-sensitive offers.

PASSPORT MANDATORY: A passport is required for travel to South Africa. Be sure to confirm that your passport is current and will be valid at least six months after your return date. If you do not have one or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit their website.

We recommend that you also make copies of your passport, driver’s license, photo identification card and/or birth certificate in case of loss, and carry them with you on your trip separate from your passport.

Non US Citizens are responsible for verifying their own required documentation for this tour.

FLIGHT & PASSPORT INFO Two months prior to your vacation, you’ll receive an email with a link to upload your flight and passport information. This is important for us to be able to schedule your included arrival and departure transfers, if applicable.

INSURANCE Travel Insurance for this trip is mandatory. In addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation.

When selecting a travel insurance policy, we recommend that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. We also strongly recommend that the policy cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us, if you have not received your quote within 3 days, or CLICK HERE to go directly to Travel Guard and request a policy quote. It only takes a few minutes.

Questions and comments after you have reserved your vacation are addressed promptly when you send a message to us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

The tour begins in Cape Town on May 12, 2023. The trip ends in Johannesburg on May 21, 2023. Therefore, the trip is 9 nights/10 days.

No COVID-19 Vaccine required to travel to South Africa at this time, updated June 22, 2022.

Should local requirements change, proof of COVID-19 vaccine may be reinstated within 65 days of your travel dates (from March 8, 2023), you will be entitled to postpone the trip to the next South Africa tour date scheduled with Singles Travel International.  Members are responsible for verifying their own required documentation for this vacation.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel almost anywhere. Please schedule a physical check-up, before your trip, to discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician.

You and your physician may access much more, very detailed health information for travelers (including tips on staying healthy while traveling) on the CDC website. Click their “Traveler’s Health” link or call toll-free 24-hours at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

Note that in the event terms for travel change in any way and members do not qualify, Singles Travel International will advocate for the refund of your money but cannot guarantee a refund and is not to be held responsible.  Travel is at your own risk and we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance at time of deposit to protect your investment.

Although Singles Travel International is committed to keeping our members informed regarding the current status of our partner-vendor policies, you are ultimately responsible for your health and well-being when making travel decisions. We  strongly encourage all our members to check the latest travel recommendations by the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO) and air carriers to review the latest information for travel risks so they make informed decision about their travel safety.

**For those who make the personal decision to travel and in order to assure a mutually respectful environment surrounding Covid-19 safety, each member will need to sign a Fit & Willing to Travel Commitment. Please familiarize yourself with our other new protocols by CLICKING HERE.

A deposit is due at time of reservation, and final payment is due on February 8, 2023.

We’ve made paying your balance online as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll be able to see your balance directly within your Singles Travel International profile. Under the shopping cart icon, choose “Reservations and Payments” from the drop down to view your dashboard. To see how to use this NEW reservation and payment feature, watch this quick VIDEO. You may also call us at 877-765-6874 ext. 4 and provide us with your preferred payment information.

If you make a reservation after February 8, 2023, full payment will be automatically charged at time of reservation and penalties will apply.

Yes. All cancellations must be made in writing to Singles Travel International (submit to service@singlestravelintl.com) and are subject to the following terms:

Because of the nature of this trip, the deposit is non-refundable – but transferable – to the same trip in another year.

*After final payment date of February 8, 2023, any cancellations or “no-shows” – 100% penalty.

COVID TERMS
Should South Africa or the USA reintroduce a COVID-19 red-list/travel ban within 65 days of your travel dates (from March 8, 2023), you will be entitled to postpone the trip to the next South Africa tour date scheduled with Singles Travel International.

Please arrive at the Cape Town airport (CPT) by 4:00 pm on May 12, 2023, in order to participate in the get-together planned for this evening at our hotel.

Your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information,” including transportation and how to meet up with the group, will be available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site 21 days prior to trip start date.

Singles Travel International is a vacation event company that plans singles events and markets our events at our expense to create a “singles only” experience. We do not allow guests to join the group unless the reservation has been made by Singles Travel International. Our policy is firm for tours and cruises, as well as pre and post trip hotel stays. Members and friends that “show up” will not be allowed to participate.

In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. Therefore, airfare is additional. Singles Travel International is a licensed ticketing agency and oftentimes has low negotiated fares. We have included all the details below and if you feel at all hesitant, please allow our helpful and expert team to do it all for you!

Make note that your air itinerary for this vacation is what’s called an “open jaw”. You will fly into Cape Town (CPT)  and leave from Johannesburg (JNB). In order to arrive on May 12, you will likely depart your home city on May 11.

Included Flights in Singles Travel International Package:

May 18, 2023 – Cape Town to Skukuza
May 21, 2023 – Skukuza to Johannesburg

Not Included in Singles Travel International Package:

May 12: Your international flight to arrive at the Cape Town airport (CPT) anytime on May 12, 2023
May 21: Your return flight from Johannesburg (JNB) on May 21, 2023, should depart in the evening after 6 p.m. (most flights back to the U.S. depart late at night) in order to accommodate the connection from Skukuza to Johannesburg (included in your package). If you have any questions, please call us before making your reservations.

You will be met at the door of the aircraft upon arrival in Cape Town by our VIP service! They will assist you through immigration and customs, delivering you to the hotel driver. The hotel is just 5 minutes from the airport. How’s that for service?!

We have also included your return VIP transportation/service in Johannesburg at the end of the tour!

Our tour does not include your international airfare, meals not included in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages (except when included in Singles Travel International events), incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, and tips for local guides, game rangers and trackers.

On touring days in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, your wonderful long-time Singles Travel International partner, Chris, will be your guide! Tips on touring days for Chris are suggested $20 per person per day. Note that on safari, tips are considered part of the pay. A tip of $20 per person per day is appropriate at the safari lodge to be split between rangers, trackers and lodge staff (you will tip only the lodge staff on those days, not also Chris). In summary, service gratuities will average $180-$240 for the entire tour.

During included group meals, the meal tip is included in the tour price. When you’re dining on your own, or if you decide to purchase drinks or food in addition to what’s included, a gratuity of 10% is customary.

Porters at airports, hotels or lodges may be tipped a $1 per piece of baggage.

Our affordable Premium Memberships allows solo travelers the ability to have Your Own Space™️️ for a lot less so that you never have to share. Review the special Premium Member rates on the Book Now page. You may join at the same time that you purchase your vacation or click here to learn more and purchase your membership.
Roommate matches are available by request if you already have a traveling companion. Contact us at 877-SOLO-TRIP to speak with one our teammates to make your reservation.

Please contact your preferred carrier directly to make your reservation. If Singles Travel International issues a promotional economy fare, granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline’s discretion. If the flights are eligible, to ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. In addition, save your boarding passes and the passenger receipt from your airline ticket. You may need to submit these to the airline (not to Singles Travel International) to claim any credit allowed.

Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every tour sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. In 30 years, we have perfected the singles experience. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you arrive at our Cape Town hotel, our local Singles Travel International partner, Chris, will be waiting to meet you at our Welcome Get-Together.

Yes! Singles Travel International is the only singles vacation company that features a travel community where members may send messages to one another at any time. Once you make a reservation, you are invited to post messages on the trip chat, which is great for finding out more about your fellow travel companions, coordinating taxi shares, setting up tours and more. Your trip chat is accessible from the trip page. Ask your Singles Travel International Reservation Guide for assistance.

Our program includes live, online connections with your travel companions before you depart. You will receive reminders as part of your booking privileges.  Additionally, you are invited to attend other events available as part of our Single Life Today community Be sure to sign up for reminders so that you don’t miss out on anything!

Our “Baby Boomer” vacations cater to singles in their 50s and 60s but you will often meet singles ranging anywhere from 45-75. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee ratios or ages.

We recommend that you meet the members of the Singles Travel International Community online where you may view and interact with members via “Who’s Going” on every trip page. This is the best way to find out exactly who will be on your vacation.

We also invite you to attend our live, virtual events @ Single Life Today and stay connected with others in our 50+ singles community when you are not on the road, before and after your vacation.  Membership is free and when you upgrade to Premium, you’ll save $1000s of dollars on Your Own Space™

May is autumn in South Africa, so expect the days to be warm and dry with average temperatures of 68°F (20°C) in Cape Town, Wine Country and Johannesburg and 80°F (27°C) in Kruger while we are on safari. Nights will be cooler and may get to 45-50°F.

We think this makes great weather for touring and sightseeing!  Read more about the weather in South Africa. 

For our program, due to restrictions on internal flights within South Africa, the limit is 1 suitcase per person that is a soft duffel bag that does not exceed 20 kilograms (approx. 44 pounds) with dimensions (H) 35 in x (W) 28 in x (L) 17 in ((H) 90cm + (W) 72cm + (L) 45cm).  Click here to view an mage of a sample bag. 

In addition, we recommend a day pack/back pack for day-to-day and as a carry-on instead of a purse. There are inexpensive laundry facilities available at each lodge. Suitcases and bags should be able to withstand plenty of handling. We recommend bringing a soft duffel bag with wheels.

The secret for successful packing on safari is MULTIPLE LIGHT LAYERS. Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get hot in some areas. Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer, as this is when most of the country gets its rain; don’t forget a swimming suit!

The most practical items to pack are:

• Hat, sunglasses and sunblock, as the sun will be strong.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Comfortable walking shoes, such as closed-toe Merrells.
• For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful (Khaki, brown, white and beige colors).
• For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.- Khaki, brown, white and beige colors
• Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts
• Heavy jacket and hat for evenings out and early morning/sunset game drives
• Bathing suit
• Binoculars for game viewing
• Plenty of photography equipment!

Yes, a valid passport is required to enter South Africa. Passports must have 2 unused pages for endorsements abroad, and they must also be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If you do not have one or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit their website.

We recommend that you also make copies of your passport, driver’s license, photo identification card and/or birth certificate in case of loss, and carry them with you on your trip separate from your passport.

U.S. and Canadian citizens are NOT required to obtain a visa to visit South Africa.

We suggest that you have a physical check-up before your trip, and discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician. Many large cities have a travel clinic or health center with doctors and nurses that are experts in travel immunization.  Following are recommended precautions by the CDC.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel to Africa to include the following.

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

Anti-malarial medication is recommended for travel to Kruger National Park (the main tourist areas of Cape Town and Stellenbosch are malaria-free). Consult your doctor or a specialist travel clinic for the latest advice concerning malaria prophylaxis, as it changes regularly. Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, always use mosquito repellent.

The only other health concern is the hot, strong African sun. You should not underestimate the effects of the sun; it is quite common for visitors to lose a day of holiday to sunstroke through overindulgence. Plenty of sunscreen, a good sun hat and gradual adjustment are recommended.

Two excellent websites outlining the major precautions are:
Visit the CDC website or call toll-free, 24-hours at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or WHO (World Health Organization).
South Africa CDC Recommendations
Zambia CDC Recommendations

Yes.  Our visit to Kruger National Park requires that you prepare to protect yourself. Follow the link to the CDC to learn more about Malaria protection and how to arm yourself when traveling to Africa.

Click here for a comprehensive review to share with your doctor before traveling.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa’s fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Restaurants are subject to South Africa’s food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government.  Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

High-quality tap (faucet) water is available almost everywhere in South Africa, treated so as to be free of harmful micro-organisms, and in any area other than informal or shack settlements, is both palatable and safe to drink straight from the tap. In some areas, the water is mineral-rich, and you may experience a bit of gastric distress for a day or two until you get used to it. Bottled mineral water, both sparkling and still, is readily available in most places.

The electricity supply in South Africa and Zambia is 220/230 volts AC, 50 HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request.

Click here to view multiple options for purchase of adapter/converters appropriate for US to South African Voltage.

You will need the converter in addition to the adapter to STEP DOWN the electrical current rom 240 (SA) – 110 (US) or your appliance will melt.

Some devices are dual voltage and will be listed on the back of the appliance. When the voltage reading is listed as a range of numbers, like 110V–220V or 100-240V, the device can handle AC voltage outlets from all over the world. This is considered a “dual voltage” or “world-wide voltage” device.

If in doubt, protect your device.  It could cost you 10 x more to replace it and nothing is worth negatively impacting your vacation!

South Africa is on GMT +1:00. For example, add 6 hours to Eastern Standard Time.

Currency

The currency is the South African Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services – with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are traveling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

English is widely spoken throughout South Africa. Estimates suggest that 45% of the population have a speaking knowledge of English. It is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and visitor establishments.

INSURANCE FOR THIS TRIP IS MANDATORY.

Travel Insurance is available through Travel Guard, and, in addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation.

If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us, at 877-SOLO-TRIP, EXT #2, if you have not received your quote within 3 days. CLICK HERE FOR A QUOTE

Your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information” including transportation and how to meet up with the group will be available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site 21 days prior to trip start date.

Questions and comments after you have reserved your vacation are addressed promptly when you send a message to us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In an emergency after hours, please contact Tammy Weiler at 815-715-6998.

All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, the United States has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items.

On return to the U.S., your baggage is subject to search by U.S. Customs. Currently, you are permitted to bring back $800 of goods duty free. Persons aged 21 or over may also bring in one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes. If you plan to purchase a lot of souvenirs or expensive items, it is important to retain all purchase receipts. However, please note that U.S. Customs may not accept a receipt as true cost if it seems unusually low for the estimated value of the item. You may access the regulations and restrictions governing US Customs on their official website, click here to learn more.

South Africa’s wilderness areas are famous worldwide. South Africa represents far more than you would ever expect, protecting and showcasing a broad range of habitats and species. Some of the many animals that you may see may include the fabled “Big Five”: Elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhino. Just a few other examples include: zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, giraffe, penguin, whale, hippo, crocodile, monkey, impala and over 350 species of magical bird life!