~FAQ~

LUGGAGE:

When booking your flight, please note that many airlines now charge separately for checked baggage. Most airlines allow 23 kg of checked luggage and 7 kg of hand luggage.

For domestic flights within South Africa, you can usually bring a maximum of 20–21 kg. If you’re connecting from an international to a domestic flight, smaller airlines have different rules.

Usually, they’ll accept whatever luggage allowance you arrived with from abroad.

If you’re flying with Emirates or Qatar and have extra luggage, they may allow it all, though sometimes you’ll be asked to pay a little extra.

If your ticket is booked all the way through to Hoedspruit, the airline usually transfers your luggage to your final destination without extra cost.

However, please be aware that even if your luggage is checked in to Hoedspruit and tagged with your final destination, you MUST always collect it yourself from the baggage carousel in Johannesburg.

Some passengers have been told otherwise by airline staff in Europe, but that information is incorrect. You must collect your bags, go through customs, and then re-check them for your domestic flight.

Customs clearance is only available at international airports – not in Hoedspruit. If you fail to collect your luggage in Johannesburg, it will not be loaded onto your connecting flight.

If your luggage is delayed or damaged during the flight, please report it immediately to the service desk at the arrival airport to file a PIR report, which your insurance company will need for any claim.

Remember to pack any medication and one day’s change of clothes in your hand luggage. There are special rules for golf bags – contact us for details.

Sharp or pointed objects such as nail scissors or nail files are not allowed in hand luggage.

CLOTHING:

Summer:

Pack light, comfortable summer clothes and swimwear. For evening safaris, a warm sweater and long trousers are recommended. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, wear long sleeves and long pants.

On safari, muted colors are best so you don’t scare the animals. A good hat or cap will protect you from the sun. Bring comfortable walking shoes, durable sandals, and possibly swimming sandals.

If you have space in your suitcase for clothes, shoes, mobile phones, or tablets you no longer use, we’ll gladly make sure they go to people who can benefit from them.

Winter:

Evenings can be cold, so warm sweaters and a good jacket are necessary. If you’re heading out early in the morning, gloves can be useful. During the day,

temperatures are pleasant enough for shorts and T-shirts. Bring swimwear if you’d like a refreshing dip.

In general:

Relaxed, comfortable clothing is best. We have our own laundry service, and washing is done several times a week.

PAYMENT:

At Serolo Safari Lodge, payment can be made in cash – Rand or Euro.

Most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards such as Visa, Eurocard, and Mastercard.

EXCHANGE RATE:

You can check the daily rate online. The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR).

TIPPING:

Tipping is customary in South Africa. We recommend leaving 10–15% in restaurants and for guides or service staff.

It’s also standard to tip during tours and meals while traveling.

If you wish to tip the staff at Serolo Safari Lodge, a fair amount is 1,500–2,000 Rand per guest for a 10-day stay.

This amount is shared equally among the staff.

We recommend giving the tip all at once – either on the evening before departure or at breakfast on the day you leave.

DRINKING WATER:

At Serolo Safaris / Terra Bona, the tap water tastes excellent and is safe to drink.

ELECTRICITY:

All rooms at Serolo Safaris Lodge have power adapters. Electricity is 220/240 volts.

INSURANCE:

The Danish yellow health card does not cover travel outside Europe, so it’s extremely important to take out insurance that covers both medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

Make sure your travel, health, and cancellation insurances are in order.

Some household insurance policies include travel coverage – check with your provider. Check your insurance carefully.

You must be 100% sure it covers the entire cost of your trip, including flights.

Ask your insurance company for a confirmation letter specifying the coverage amount.

SHOPPING:

The town of Hoedspruit is about 30 km away and has everything you might need.

BINOCULARS:

We highly recommend bringing a good pair of binoculars for game drives, and a reliable flashlight for use after dark.

It’s a real shame to go on safari without binoculars!

CLIMATE:

Serolo Safaris / Terra Bona is located in the Limpopo Province in northern South Africa, within a subtropical climate zone.

South Africa spans two climate zones – the northeastern part is tropical, while the rest is subtropical.

Subtropical climate:

Long, hot summers with average highs above 20°C.

Here, temperatures are usually between 25°C and 35°C, with nights around 20°C.

The hottest months are November to February, when temperatures can reach up to 40°C.

Winters are short and mild. Frost is rare, and the coldest months still average above 10°C.

From April to October, the weather is dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures rarely below 20°C and nights around 8–10°C.

The houses are not insulated, so it can feel chilly in the mornings and evenings – bring warm clothing for those times.

Remember that South Africa’s summer months coincide with the European winter.

Be careful of the African sun!

Always use high-factor sunscreen – and remember to apply it regularly.

On safari, we recommend a hat or cap and a T-shirt to protect your shoulders and back.

MEDICAL CARE:

There are doctors in Hoedspruit, about 25 km from the lodge, and they speak English.

We’re very fortunate to have a brand-new private hospital in Hoedspruit, and there are also private hospitals in Tzaneen, Nelspruit, and Phalaborwa.

MALARIA:

There have been occasional malaria cases in our area.

Please consult your doctor for preventive medication and guidance.

PASSPORT & VISA:

Please check entry requirements for a visa, with your respective embassy.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date and have at least two consecutive blank visa pages.

If you’re traveling with children under 18, additional documents are required. Please check with the South African Embassy for the latest regulations.

LANGUAGE:

South Africa has 11 official languages. At Serolo Safaris, nearly everyone speaks English.

Our staff all speak Shangaan, and some also speak English. Local white residents generally speak both English and Afrikaans.

VACCINATIONS:

We recommend vaccinations against Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis, type A) and Diphtheria/Tetanus.

Please consult your doctor for specific advice.

PETS:

We have two wonderful dogs at Serolo Safaris - they are crucial members of our team, and they bring nothing less than unconditional love, support and great doggo vibes.

Bella and Stella.

:)