Booking your flights:
Most airlines fly to South Africa, we recommend you contact the following agents / sites:

For international Flights:
Flight Centre
Expedia

For domestic Flights within South Africa:
(You need to be there 1 hour before flight- If flying into Johannesburg make sure that you have ample time to get to domestic departures as there is a 15 minute walk between terminals)
Fly Mango
Kulula Air
South African Airways

NB: Please confirm project arrival and departure dates with Edge of Africa before booking any flights

Pre-project accommodation:
If you are over-nighting in Johannesburg a good option for finding accommodation is the The Portfolio Collection
The Backpackers Ritz is a popular backpackers stop over.

Alternatively you can book a hotel once you arrive at the airport but these are generally quite expensive.

If you are over-nighting in Cape Town, we recommend the following backpackers:
Ashanti Lodge
The Backpack

For transport in and around South Africa:
The Baz Bus can pick you up from a selection of Backpackers and Hostels around the country and transport you direct to and from our selected project pick up/drop off points, as well as some great South African towns.

Please note that we only recommend The Baz Bus as an intercity Bus/Coach service and will not assist or arrange collection or drop offs with any other unreliable coach or bus carriers.

If you are travelling further through South Africa, please consider that EDGE of AfFRICA provision of costs will end on your departure date however we are more than happy to provide any advice or support in planning your onward journey

We are able to assist with any of the above bookings and book on your behalf.

For more details visit tourist information for Knysna, Cape Town and South Africa.

Health and medical information: Always make sure you carry your medication in its original packaging and an original prescription for prescribed medication. It is also a good idea to carry a signed and dated letter from your doctor outlining any medical conditions you have, medication (with generic names) that you are on, and if you require needles or syringes, the reasons why.

Vaccinations: The World Health Organization recommends that all travellers are covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, hepatitis B regardless of the country you travel to.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following vaccines for South Africa:

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and measles. Travelers are only required to have a vaccine for Yellow Fever if coming from an infective region (Kenya and Tanzania).

Malaria: The most threatening tropical disease you may encounter in South Africa is Malaria; however the Garden Route is a MALARIA-FREE ZONE. If you are travelling further North to Swaziland and in Eastern South-Africa (Kwazulu-Natal, towards Mozambique etc.) it is recommended that you consult with a travel clinic to see which malaria medication is the best option for you.

HIV/AIDS: South Africa has more people living with HIV than any country in the world. The virus is spread through infected blood and blood products, by sexual intercourse with an infected partner and from an infected mother to her baby during child birth and breast feeding. We strongly suggest you take this into account before considering taking part in any activities which may put you at any risk whatsoever.

Dehydration: Africa can be hot! You will be working outdoors and you may be doing physical work. Bring a water bottle or buy one when you arrive and make sure you stay hydrated in the heat! Bring plenty of sunblock and a decent wide-brimmed hat, because the African sun is hotter than you think.

Heath Care in South Africa:The health care in South Africa is of international standard. In Knysna there are several well stocked chemists, travel clinics as well as a government and private hospital. Prescriptions are generally required for most medication. We have our own volunteer doctor who is on call 24/7 and our private hospital is of high standard.

All volunteers need to have full travel and medical insurance before participating on EDGE of AFRICA volunteer projects.