SAFETY AND SECURITY: 

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. 

During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. Please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). 

TRIP SPECIFIC SAFETY:

Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Johannesburg, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets are daring.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER:

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travelers. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Such activities are illegal in the area we operate in. 

Arrival Transfers:
Travellers are met at the international (or domestic) arrivals hall with a personalized board with the participant’s name on it.

Flights are monitored for updated arrival times, we will not charge a waiting fee for delayed flights.

For arrival clients we will wait for up to 1 hour if no updated or additional information has been received. When 1 hour is exceeded it will be charged as a no show fee (100% of the reservation).

Should an additional transfer be necessary, this can be arranged by calling the local E4K emergency number. This will incur a charge for the participants own account  and will need to be claimed back via travel insurance. The alternative is to make use of an Uber or airport taxi for the participants’ own account.

Should there be a flight delay prior to boarding your flight, a connection flight delay or new flight information, the local E4K emergency contact number +27 (0)84 587 3966 // +44 (0)777 118 3449 needs to be contacted with updated flight details and arrival time. Should you fail to provide us with the updated flight details and the transfer driver waits more than 1 hour, it will be considered a no show.

For new flight details we can reschedule the airport transfer up to 24 hours before the original arrival time.

Arrival Instructions:
Upon entering the International arrivals hall look for your driver and board with your name on it, if you are unable to locate your driver within 15min, please call the E4K local emergency number +27 (0)84 587 3966 // +44 (0)777 118 3449.

If you are unable to make calls, proceed to the nearest Information desk and ask the attendant to help you make a local call from the desk phone. You will be assisted to locate your transfer driver.

Cancellation policy that will incur cost:
A cancellation fee of 100% of the total price applies to short distance transfers cancelled less than 5 hours in advance.

Departure Transfers:

We undertake to provide all participants with their departure transfer details the night before the official end of the event. We will group participants with similar flight departure times together and the transfer driver will meet them in the hotel reception area. The transfer will depart approximately 4 hours before the departure time to arrive at the airport within the suggested 3 hours prior flight arrival time. It is the sole responsibility of each and every participant to not miss their airport transfer and E4K will not take responsibility for participants that miss their transfers. The trip ends on departure day upon check-out from the hotel. The last included service is the departure airport transfer. 

Included departure airport transfers are scheduled to depart only from the end hotel listed in the itinerary, they are not transferable to other people, pick up location or date.

Your experience is supported by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team dedicated to safety, conservation, learning, and storytelling. From planning and logistics to field expertise and medical support, our team is with you every step of the journey.

Our team includes:

• Logistics Specialists
  Ensuring smooth operations, transportation, equipment management, and daily coordination throughout the expedition.
• Conservationists
  Providing scientific insight, conservation context, and hands-on learning related to wildlife, ecosystems, and sustainability efforts.
• Tourism and Field Guiding Specialists
  Experienced professionals who lead field activities, interpret landscapes and wildlife, and ensure a safe, engaging, and culturally respectful experience.
• Remote Medical Specialist (24/7 Support)
  A dedicated medical professional available around the clock to support participant health, safety, and emergency response when needed.
• Camera and Media Specialists
  Capturing the journey through professional photography and media while also supporting participants interested in visual storytelling.

The Drakensberg escarpment ranges from roughly 1,500m (4,920ft) to above 3,000m (9,840ft) and some peaks. Expect cool mountain mornings and evenings, with warmer midday temperatures in spring and summer; weather can shift quickly.

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included daily unless otherwise stated.

Packed lunches are provided for active days (e.g., hikes or kayaking). For packed lunches you can expect a sandwich, 1 fresh fruit, a snack / energy bar and a juice.

A traditional potjie-kos cooking competition is included – A traditional South African potjie kos meal, cooked in a cast-iron pot, generally consists of meat, vegetables, and spices, layered and slow-cooked without stirring. The dish is characterized by its layered approach, where ingredients are added in stages, allowing flavors to meld together as it simmers over an open fire or on a stove.

We will cater for meal needs to the best of our ability, however it might be heavily dependent on availability of ingredients in rural areas. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options are available with advance notice.

Basic snacks will be provided during the day in the form of fruit and general snacks with water.

Your safety is our top priority, and although South Africa has both safe and high-crime areas, we will be running the trip ONLY in areas that are safe for visitors.

South Africa has both safe and high-crime areas.

Sandton is a relatively secure, well-patrolled business and tourism hub.

Rural areas like the Drakensberg are generally safe. Use common-sense precautions: be aware of pick-pocketing in crowded areas, avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and follow your guide’s safety instructions.

South Africa uses Type M plugs (three large round pins) and Europlug (Type C), with a standard voltage of 230 V at 50 Hz.

Universal Adapters is recommended for your packing list to ensure you can charge your devices.

Most of the accommodation establishments will offer Wi-Fi in general areas, but don’t expect reliable connections. Usually there is no connectivity in your room. If you would like, you can buy a local SIM card (e.g., Vodacom or MTN) and get a data package valid for 7-14 days.

Johannesburg/Sandton: High-speed internet and mobile data are widely available (4G/5G).
Drakensberg area: Mobile signal can be weak, intermittent or non-existent, especially in remote valleys. Don’t expect connections during hikes or kayaking.

Useful links:

• UK list of embassies (select South Africa):
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk
• UK Foreign Travel Advice – South Africa (health):
  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/health
• Travel Health Pro – Medicines and Travel:
  https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-and-travel
• ABTA guidance on travelling with medication:
  https://www.abta.com/help-and-complaints/frequently-asked-questions/i-need-take-my-medication-holiday-will-be-problem
• UK Government guidance on controlled substances and example doctor’s letters:
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/controlled-drugs-personal-licences

Summary guidance for participants

In short, any participant travelling to South Africa with prescription or controlled medication should carry a doctor’s letter. This is mandatory if they are carrying:

• More than a one-month supply of any medication, or
• Controlled / scheduled medications

We also strongly recommend carrying a doctor’s letter even for smaller quantities of prescription medication. If medication is lost or delayed, this letter gives local doctors something to work from and allows them to contact the relevant GP practice overseas if needed.

Important note:
Showing prescriptions via the NHS App on a phone does not count as a doctor’s letter.

Types of medication

This works similarly to visa requirements: South Africa can change import rules at any time, so there is no definitive list we can provide. Participants are responsible for checking the status of their own medication with official sources.

Based on current publicly available guidance:

• You are generally allowed to bring one month’s supply of medication for personal use.
• Anything beyond this, particularly controlled drugs (e.g. strong painkillers, anxiety or sleep medication, some ADHD medications), must be accompanied by a doctor’s letter or certified prescription.
• Best practice is to carry a letter for any regular prescription medication, to demonstrate it is for personal use and not for sale or distribution.

How to know if you need a letter

Participants should assume a letter is required if:

• Their medication is a controlled substance under South African law
• They are carrying more than one month’s supply
• The medication is prescription-only or not commonly available over the counter in South Africa

What the doctor’s letter must include

The letter should:

• Be on official doctor or clinic letterhead
• Include the participant’s full name and date of birth
• List all medications, including:
  • Generic names
  • Strengths, dosages, and frequency
• Confirm the medication is for personal use only
• Confirm the quantity does not exceed a three-month supply (or the duration of travel plus buffer)
• Include the doctor’s signature and professional registration details
• Briefly state the medical condition (helpful, though not always mandatory)

How medication should be packed

• Carry medication and the letter in hand luggage
• Keep all medication in original, labelled pharmacy packaging
• Liquids over 100ml must be supported by documentation
• Declare medication at customs if required

Final check

Participants should always confirm requirements with:

• The South African Embassy or Consulate in their country, or
• The South African Revenue Service (SARS) website

As regulations can change and final decisions rest with border authorities, this is the only way to ensure up-to-date, accurate information.

March in the regions we will travel is within South Africa’s summer rainy season, characterized by warm humid days and frequent afternoon thunderstorms – especially in the Drakensberg.
Expected temperatures – High / Low: 26–27 °C (78-80 °F) / 13–15 °C (mean ~ 55–59 °F)
Expected Rainfall: 80 mm (3.1 inches) over the month of of March.
Expected Humidity: 65–80%
Sunshine / Daylight: around 7–8 h of sun daily; daylight ~ 11–12 h

Dress and pack accordingly: layer clothing for mountain mornings and evenings; bring rain gear and waterproof footwear; sun protection is essential throughout, though UV risk decreases gradually from February to April.

The hike is moderate to strenuous, depending on pace and weather.
It’s around 14 km (round-trip), involves river crossings, some rock-hopping, and optional chain ladders to viewpoints.

A reasonable level of fitness, balance, and mobility is required. Guides will assist and adapt if needed. (Within reason and dependant on the rest of the groups experience)

Yes. Guests will meet local community members during the North Drakensberg Collaborative presentation, the archaeological site visit, and the cooking competition.

Be respectful and friendly: ask before taking photos, avoid flashy displays of wealth, and show genuine interest. Please do not give money to any locals.

Some basic Zulu greetings like “Sawubona” (hello) are always appreciated.

Your local guides will brief you on any specifics to be mindful of, should there be any.

Summer (Nov–Mar):
Highest flow – fed by seasonal rains. Tugela Falls is often in full cascade.

Autumn (Apr–May):
Reduced but still visible; misty falls may occur.
Note: Cloud cover can limit visibility of the falls from the gorge – clear mornings are best for viewing.

miniSASS is a citizen‑science tool developed in South Africa that lets participants assess river health by identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates in samples and scoring water quality. It’s designed to be accessible to non‑scientists, requiring no prior experience. The local team will walk you through the process before you do it.

The main roads between Johannesburg and the Drakensberg area are paved and accessible by standard vehicles.

Some access roads to lodges or activity points may be gravel and there will definitely be bumpy roads that are very rural that need expeditions vehicles.

A good level of fitness is required. Activities will be paced with regular breaks.
You should be able to hike for 2 hours intervals with a 10-15min rest period and paddle for 1 hour.
All activities are optional and you will be presented with an alternative activity where possible.

Hotels and lodges offer en-suite bathrooms with hot water and Western toilets.

During hikes/kayaking, facilities are limited and there will be no official facilities and you will ‘go’ in nature. Guides will advise on etiquette.

Campsites and picnic spots have basic toilets. Pack hand sanitizer.