Discover South Africa: Culture, Safari & Soft Life

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Do I have to get a visa to visit South Africa?
It depends on the country you're from - if you have a U.S. passport, you do not require a visa to visit South Africa for less than 90 days. Most Caribbean islands do not need a visa, including Jamaica, but please check with your local embassy or consulate office (this goes for all other countries as well). Please note that a valid passport with at least two visa pages is required, and it is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into South Africa. 
 

Are any vaccinations required for entry into South Africa?
Vaccinations are not mandatory for entry, but the following are recommended if you are traveling to South Africa: COVID-19, yellow fever, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and rabies. 
 

Which airport should I arrive and depart from?
Your arrival airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and your departure airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
 

When should I purchase my airfare? 
As soon as possible! Once you register for the trip, we suggest you start searching for flights and booking your ticket early for the best prices. 
 

What are the accommodations like?
We will be staying at three beautiful 4 star hotels and one luxurious 5-star game lodge. Each deluxe room offers options for single or double occupancy with air-conditioning, wifi, and nature, wildlife, city, or pool views, depending on the accommodation. The first 3 nights will be in Johannesburg, then 3 nights in Madike, and the final 5 nights in Cape Town.

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Who am I rooming with?
Rooms are shared between two persons if double occupancy is selected. You may request a roommate if you are traveling with a partner, friend, or family member. Otherwise, you will be matched with someone of the same gender. Single occupancy rooms are available at booking for an additional cost. 
 

Are your trips exclusive only to people of color or within a certain age group?
Not at all! Shakespeare Agency does not discriminate. We welcome everyone of all races, ethnicities, backgrounds, and age groups. However, you must be at least 21 years old to join a trip.

How many travelers will be on the trip?
The trip has a capacity for up to 20 travelers. There will be 10 early bird spots and 10 regular spots. Early bird registrants will receive $200 OFF the price of the trip. In order to receive the early bird discount, you must be signed up for the Shakespeare Agency South Africa mailing list.
 

How does the deposit and payment plan work?

A $300 deposit is required at the time of booking in order to secure your spot on the trip. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable but is transferable to another Shakespeare Agency trip if you are no longer able to make the South Africa trip. You may sign up for a payment plan during booking where the payment balance will be divided based on the number of remaining months until the trip closes for all payments.
 

When do I need to pay for my trip?
The deadline to pay your trip balance is 30 days before the trip start date, which is September 12, 2024. 
 

What insurance coverage is necessary?

In order to attend Shakespeare Agency’s South Africa group trip, travel insurance with the option for trip cancellation is required. Due to our non-refundable policy, this allows travelers to have trip cancellation coverage in case an emergency occurs and you can no longer join the trip. Here are a few suggestions:

• Allianz Insurance

• World Nomads

• Insure My Trip

• Travel Guard
   

Will I be able to meet other people on the trip before the trip starts?

Yes, you will be invited to a group chat after the payment deadline (approximately one month before the trip starts) to meet the other travelers and start getting to know each other. There will also be 1-2 icebreaker Zoom calls so we can put faces to names and get comfortable with each other. 
 

When will you provide the final itinerary?
We will provide a finalized and timed itinerary, including airport transfers and hotel information at least 2 weeks prior to your trip including all necessary travel information. 
 

Do I need to speak any other languages to attend this trip?
No, English is a widely spoken language in South Africa.

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By purchasing and joining a trip from Shakespeare Agency, you acknowledge and are aware that the trip details are subject to change. The itinerary was curated in good faith, and any mention of specific destinations does not guarantee that they will be visited, nor does it forfeit the contract between the purchaser and the seller. Our itinerary has been put together with care and intention, however, as we may deem it fit to make adjustments that stem from political affairs, weather changes, local concerns, etc. Our number one goal is to ensure that we provide you with a memorable experience. You also acknowledge and agree that there are inherent risks associated with any activities you may partake in. Therefore, you understand, agree, and assume full responsibility for such risk that you alone are responsible for based upon your decision to participate in such activities. All payments (deposit included) are nonrefundable after booking and confirmation of your reservation. You may transfer your payments to another traveler for a fee of $100. This means you are permitted to resell your slot to another participant, but Shakespeare Agency is unable to offer a refund.