A – Z VISITOR INFORMATION
Packing for your African safari is somewhat different to most other trips you’ll take.
Here’s some information to make your stay at the Saragossa Game Reserve all the more enjoyable.
A – Z VISITOR INFORMATION
Packing for your African safari is somewhat different to most other trips you’ll take. Here’s some information to make your stay at the Saragossa Game Reserve all the more enjoyable.
ARRIVALS
Check in time is 14:00. Early check-in may be arranged in advance
and is dependent on room availability
ARRIVALS
Check in time is 14:00. Early check-in may be arranged in advance
and is dependent on room availability
CHILDREN
Children aged 14 and older are welcome at the game lodge. The Twin Thorns Guesthouse
is family-friendly and we cater for children between six and 12 years old.
Safari activities may be tailored to suit families with children. In the interests of safety,
participation in game activities is at the discretion of your game ranger
CHILDREN
Children aged 14 and older are welcome at the game lodge. The Twin Thorns Guesthouse
is family-friendly and we cater for children between six and 12 years old.
Safari activities may be tailored to suit families with children. In the interests of safety,
participation in game activities is at the discretion of your game ranger
TIPPING
Tipping is standard practice in South Africa, in restaurants, bars, hotels etc. The norm is 10% to 15%.
- Parking attendants and security guards will often offer to look after your car.
- A tip of at least R5 should be offered, depending on the length of your stay.
- At petrol stations an attendant will fill up your vehicle, check your oil, water and tyre pressure, and clean your windscreen.
- A minimum tip of R5 is appropriate for this special South African service.
- It’s customary to tip roadside newspaper vendors. Just round off the cost of your newspaper.
- We normally tip hotel porters R10 to R20 per service.
- We actually tip for most services. Don’t forget taxi drivers, tour guides, hairdressers and beauticians.
You’ll soon find your way around our tipping etiquette. It’s easy, often much needed and always appreciated.
TIPPING
Tipping is standard practice in South Africa, in restaurants, bars, hotels etc. The norm is 10% to 15%.
- Parking attendants and security guards will often offer to look after your car.
- A tip of at least R5 should be offered, depending on the length of your stay.
- At petrol stations an attendant will fill up your vehicle, check your oil, water and tyre pressure, and clean your windscreen.
- A minimum tip of R5 is appropriate for this special South African service.
- It’s customary to tip roadside newspaper vendors. Just round off the cost of your newspaper.
- We normally tip hotel porters R10 to R20 per service.
- We actually tip for most services. Don’t forget taxi drivers, tour guides, hairdressers and beauticians.
You’ll soon find your way around our tipping etiquette. It’s easy, often much needed and always appreciated.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Foreign exchange can be arranged at airports, or in larger towns and cities. ATMs are available throughout the country and accept all major credit and debit cards. Be vigilant when using an ATM. It is not advisable to carry large sums of cash. Traveller’s cheques are also widely accepted. We accept American Express, Visa and Master Card.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Foreign exchange can be arranged at airports, or in larger towns and cities. ATMs are available throughout the country and accept all major credit and debit cards. Be vigilant when using an ATM. It is not advisable to carry large sums of cash. Traveller’s cheques are also widely accepted. We accept American Express, Visa and Master Card.
CLIMATE
Summer lasts from October to March. Daytime temperatures can reach highs of up to 42°C and lows of 20°C. Early mornings may be very cool. Summer is also when most rain falls in this area, which receives about 1 000mm of rainfall annually. Rainfall generally comes in the form of afternoon thunderstorms which last about an hour. The cooler winter months of May, June and July experience daytime highs of around 26°C and night-time lows of about 1°C. Spring and autumn are more temperate with less variance between day and night temperatures, which generally range between 12°C and 28°C.
CLIMATE
Summer lasts from October to March. Daytime temperatures can reach highs of up to 42°C and lows of 20°C. Early mornings may be very cool. Summer is also when most rain falls in this area, which receives about 1 000mm of rainfall annually. Rainfall generally comes in the form of afternoon thunderstorms which last about an hour. The cooler winter months of May, June and July experience daytime highs of around 26°C and night-time lows of about 1°C. Spring and autumn are more temperate with less variance between day and night temperatures, which generally range between 12°C and 28°C.
DIETRY ALTERNATIVES
We will gladly cater for any special dietary requirements you may have.
Please advise us ahead of your arrival.
DIETRY ALTERNATIVES
We will gladly cater for any special dietary requirements you may have.
Please advise us ahead of your arrival.
DRINKING WATER
Our tap water comes from a spring and is palatable.
Bottled water is available on request.
DRINKING WATER
Our tap water comes from a spring and is palatable.
Bottled water is available on request.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Power point adapters are provided in each unit. Most wall plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins. Adapters may be purchased locally. Some appliances manufactured in the US may require a step-up transformer. All rooms are equipped with 110v outlets for electric shavers and hair dryers.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Power point adapters are provided in each unit. Most wall plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins. Adapters may be purchased locally. Some appliances manufactured in the US may require a step-up transformer. All rooms are equipped with 110v outlets for electric shavers and hair dryers.
HEALTH
HIV is prevalent in South Africa. As in other countries, always take precautions and use condoms. Bilharzia occurs in some rivers. This is easily treated if diagnosed early. Always seek advice before swimming in dams and rivers. Ticks are common in early spring and can transmit tick bite fever. The condition is easily treated. Even so, take precautions. Our staff will assist. Vaccination against Hepatitis A and B may be advisable in certain cases.
Saragossa is malaria-free. Neighbouring territories and the Kruger National Park are low-risk areas; Mozambique and the northern parts of Kruger National Park are considered high-risk areas. Malaria prophylaxis might be advisable. Consult your general practitioner.
HEALTH
HIV is prevalent in South Africa. As in other countries, always take precautions and use condoms. Bilharzia occurs in some rivers. This is easily treated if diagnosed early. Always seek advice before swimming in dams and rivers. Ticks are common in early spring and can transmit tick bite fever. The condition is easily treated. Even so, take precautions. Our staff will assist. Vaccination against Hepatitis A and B may be advisable in certain cases.
Saragossa is malaria-free. Neighbouring territories and the Kruger National Park are low-risk areas; Mozambique and the northern parts of Kruger National Park are considered high-risk areas. Malaria prophylaxis might be advisable. Consult your general practitioner.
LANGUAGE
South Africa has no less than eleven official languages; many more are spoken. English is the lingua franca throughout the country, but you’ll find a hefty mix of languages spoken from all over the world. Most South Africans are multilingual but languages are often mixed, so you’re likely to hear isiZulu, for example, interspersed with English or Afrikaans.
LANGUAGE
South Africa has no less than eleven official languages; many more are spoken. English is the lingua franca throughout the country, but you’ll find a hefty mix of languages spoken from all over the world. Most South Africans are multilingual but languages are often mixed, so you’re likely to hear isiZulu, for example, interspersed with English or Afrikaans.
SMOKING
You are kindly requested to refrain from smoking indoors. All rooms and communal spaces have designated outdoor smoking areas and our cigar lounge is available to all lodge guests. South African law prohibits smoking in public places including restaurants, cafés and shopping malls.
SMOKING
You are kindly requested to refrain from smoking indoors. All rooms and communal spaces have designated outdoor smoking areas and our cigar lounge is available to all lodge guests. South African law prohibits smoking in public places including restaurants, cafés and shopping malls.
WHAT TO BRING
The summer heat can be intense and the sunlight harsh. Pack sunglasses and a sunhat and always apply a high SPF sunscreen and lip balm. In contrast, winters can be cold. Pack a warm jacket or coat, a scarf and a beanie or similar protection for your head.
Checklist for all seasons
Neutral-coloured clothing –
Comfortable walking shoes –
Sunhat, sunscreen, after-sun balm, sunglasses and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing –
Waterproof jacket, ideally with hood –
Binoculars –
Camera, spare memory card and battery –
Spare prescription spectacles –
Personal medications and prescriptions –
WHAT TO BRING
The summer heat can be intense and the sunlight harsh. Pack sunglasses and a sunhat and always apply a high SPF sunscreen and lip balm. In contrast, winters can be cold. Pack a warm jacket or coat, a scarf and a beanie or similar protection for your head.
Checklist for all seasons
Neutral-coloured clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunhat, sunscreen, after-sun balm, sunglasses and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing
Waterproof jacket, ideally with hood
Binoculars
Camera, spare memory card and battery
Spare prescription spectacles
Personal medications and prescriptions
SAFETY
Take the same precautions as anywhere else in the world.
Be vigilant when travelling and prepare your trip well.
- Take the same precautions you would, to any destination in the world
- Be vigilant when travelling and prepare your trip well. Please use the safe in your room, and do not leave money or valuables unprotected in your room. Our Golden Rule is: Thou shalt not tempt.
- Avoid the unnecessary display of jewellery or photographic / electronic and other valuable equipment in public places.
- Lock valuables and luggage in your car boot while travelling.
- Do not place handbags, cameras or other valuable items on car seats.
- Leave nothing at all in a parked vehicle.
- Never leave your luggage or other belongings unattended.
- Limit the amount of money you carry on your person.
- Keep your pin numbers secure and do not accept offers of assistance at ATMs.
- When using a credit card in restaurants, ask the waiter to bring a credit card speed point to your table and report stolen or lost cards immediately.
- Check that your roadmap or navigation system is up to date. If you need information or directions, ask someone trustworthy and knowledgeable.
- Only use reputable tour operators and travel & transport services. Ask your hotel to recommend a service provider.
- When driving in rural areas watch out for wild or farm animals on the road. Avoid deserted areas, especially after dark.
SAFETY
Take the same precautions as anywhere else in the world.
Be vigilant when travelling and prepare your trip well.
- Take the same precautions you would, to any destination in the world
- Be vigilant when travelling and prepare your trip well. Please use the safe in your room, and do not leave money or valuables unprotected in your room. Our Golden Rule is: Thou shalt not tempt.
- Avoid the unnecessary display of jewellery or photographic / electronic and other valuable equipment in public places.
- Lock valuables and luggage in your car boot while travelling.
- Do not place handbags, cameras or other valuable items on car seats.
- Leave nothing at all in a parked vehicle.
- Never leave your luggage or other belongings unattended.
- Limit the amount of money you carry on your person.
- Keep your pin numbers secure and do not accept offers of assistance at ATMs.
- When using a credit card in restaurants, ask the waiter to bring a credit card speed point to your table and report stolen or lost cards immediately.
- Check that your roadmap or navigation system is up to date. If you need information or directions, ask someone trustworthy and knowledgeable.
- Only use reputable tour operators and travel & transport services. Ask your hotel to recommend a service provider.
- When driving in rural areas watch out for wild or farm animals on the road. Avoid deserted areas, especially after dark.