Information for international visitors to South Africa

• Plug adapters
  The most common plugs used in South Africa are type M.  Please note that these plugs are generally not included as part of the most common universal adapters, so we strongly advise that you purchase an adapter either in advance or at the airport when you arrive.  Type C plugs are also sometimes used in South Africa, but they appear less frequently than type M.  There will be a limited number of adapters available for sale at the conference venue.
• Phone and internet access
  Sim cards and pay-as-you-go airtime and data are easy to purchase and are generally inexpensive.  We recommend that you purchase a sim card with data, as the internet at Zulu Nyala can occasionally be unreliable.  Vodacom has the best coverage in that particular area, and MTN works sporadically.  When purchasing a sim card, you will be asked to provide your ID/passport and proof of where you’re staying (your Zulu Nyala reservation will suffice).  It’s usually easiest and most convenient to purchase a sim card at the airport since you can use your boarding pass in place of proof of residence.  You may need to ensure that your phone is unlocked before you can use a South African sim card.
• Car rentals
  When renting cars in South Africa, please keep in mind that most rental cars have manual transmissions by default.  Automatic transmission cars are available, but you must explicitly make that request.
• Tolls
  If you are renting a car from King Shaka Airport and driving to Zulu Nyala, keep in mind that there are a total of about R55 toll fees along the N2.  You may wish to make sure you have some cash in hand before leaving the airport.
• Safety
  It is important to take a few basic safety precautions while travelling.  When driving, ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and keep all valuables either in the trunk or out of sight.  If you spend time in Durban or other cities, we recommend that you avoid walking through unfamiliar neighborhoods.
• Water quality
  Although the water at Zulu Nyala isn’t technically unsafe to drink, it is quite salty.  Bottled water will be available at the lodges, although you may wish to purchase larger bottles outside the lodge (in e.g. Hluhluwe town) for convenience.  The tap water in Durban and other urban areas is safe for drinking.
• Weather
  The weather at Zulu Nyala and in Durban is warm and sunny during February.  If you spend a significant amount of time outdoors, appropriate sun protection is recommended.
• Malaria and ticks
  The area around Zulu Nyala is considered low risk for malaria, and many locals and travellers don’t take anti-malarial medications.  However, if you are concerned about the possible risks, we recommend that you consult a medical professional for further advice.  The mosquitos can be annoying, however, so we recommend bringing insect repellent.  If you go hiking in the bush, be aware that ticks may be present and can carry tickbite fever; we suggest wearing closed toed shoes and long pants to reduce the risk of being bitten.

Further information, including details about local buses, trains, banking, etc, is available in this guide from Venues for Conferences in Africa.