Your first trip to Africa: what to expect from landing to leaving

For many of our guests, this is their first time on the continent. That's exciting, and it comes with a lot of questions. Here's what to expect, step by step.

Before you go

• Passport. It must be valid for at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa, and it needs two completely blank visa pages. This one catches people out. Endorsement pages at the back don't count. (source)
• Visa. US passport holders don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. (source)
• Vaccines. A yellow fever certificate is only required if you pass through a yellow fever country on the way. Flying Atlanta to Johannesburg direct, you don't. Talk to your doctor about routine travel vaccines.
• Insurance. Travel and flight insurance is included in your package, and we send the policy details after booking. Read it, and add extra cover if you need it.
• Your phone. Check your carrier's international plan, or plan to buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival. Wi-Fi is good at our hotels.

The flight

Delta flies nonstop from Atlanta to Johannesburg overnight. It's roughly 15 to 16 hours going out and a little longer coming home, and you land the next afternoon. (schedule) One of us flies with the group from Atlanta, so you're not alone from the first gate.

Beating jet lag: Johannesburg is 6 hours ahead of the East Coast in our summer, 7 in winter. Sleep on the plane, stay up until a normal bedtime when you land, and get daylight the next morning.

Dress for comfort. It's a long flight. Wear loose, comfortable clothes and layers, and keep a sweater handy for the cabin. Then be ready to let your body clock adjust for a day or two. It's worth it.

Landing

The host who flew with you stays with the group off the aircraft. The second host meets everyone inside the terminal. We walk you through immigration and baggage together, then a private vehicle with a vetted driver takes you straight to the hotel. No taxi lines, no figuring it out alone.

While you're there

• Money. The currency is the rand. Cards and tap-to-pay work almost everywhere. Carry a little cash for tips and small purchases.
• Water. Tap water in Johannesburg and Cape Town is generally safe to drink.
• Power. South Africa has had scheduled power cuts, known as load-shedding, in recent years. Our hotels have backup power, so your stay isn't affected.
• Your hosts. You'll have 24-hour contact with us for the whole trip.

Coming home

We stay with you through the departures security line. Then it's the overnight flight home, with a camera roll full of photos and, I hope, plans to come back.