Women’s Justifi Trip to South Africa
March 20 – April 1, 2022
Participation and Legal Entry Requirements
South Africa does not require a visa in advance for passport holders from the US or Canada visiting for less than 90 days. See www.visahq.com to confirm your status.
All Justifi participants must submit proof of full vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. On arrival, travelers will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure. Where a traveler has not done a COVID-19 test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost. All travelers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat COVID-19 test is conducted. All travelers will be asked to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app. Policies change frequently, so check the US Embassy to South Africa’s website for the latest news.
Prior to the end of the trip Justifi will schedule PCR testing through a certified laboratory to provide proof documentation enabling you to fly back to the United States (note that the testing fee is at your expense).
Accommodations
Our 4-star hotels in Cape Town and Johannesburg are located in safe, fun areas with a variety of restaurants, activities, and shopping in the area to explore. Accommodation is based on double occupancy and you’ll be able to request a roommate (or we can pick for you!).
A true highlight of the trip will be the 3-day/2-night safari in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve by the
world-renowned Kruger National Park. We will be staying at the exquisite Dulini Lodge for the adventure of a lifetime. In between game drives and bush walks led by expert trackers and rangers you’ll have the opportunity to be pampered with a selection of lavish treatments in the Lodge’s private Wellness Center.
Flight Booking Details
International Flights
- Your outbound flight should depart the United States on Sunday, January 2 to arrive in Cape Town
(airport code: CPT) on Monday, January 3 - Your return flight should depart Thursday, January 13 after 7pm from Johannesburg (airport code: JNB)
- A note for the savvy traveler: it may be more cost effective to book a round trip flight to/from
Johannesburg. This would require an additional booking of a separate one-way flight on a local airline to get from JNB to CPT on arrival day. Remember to leave sufficient time in JNB to clear customs, collect luggage and recheck in! We recommend FlySafair Airlines since they offer flights to Cape Town later in the evening. You may also want to check Kulula, South African Airlines, CemAir, Airlink or Lift.
Domestic flight
The Justifi Trip to South Africa itinerary also requires the purchase of a one-way flight on Sunday, January 9 from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Instructions for which flight to purchase will be available after you have confirmed your slot on the Trip. You can expect this to cost approximately $90-$160.
Leaving the airport
Justifi recommends pre-booking a private airport pickup for a nominal fee. Upon arrival at the Cape Town airport your name will be prominently displayed in the Arrivals area on the pick-up board with your driver’s information. Alternatively, Uber is a safe and reliable option (keep in mind that your mobile phone will need a data connection for the App).
Cash
The currency in South Africa is called the “rand” and its symbol is R. Currently $1.00 is approximately R14.00. There are ATM machines and money changers in the public concourse of the international arrivals terminal (after collecting your luggage and clearing customs). The rates they offer are reasonable. We recommend that you withdraw/change at least R1,400 (roughly $100) to get started, but you will be able to find ATM machines throughout South Africa. International credit cards are widely accepted but there are still many shops and venues that only accept cash.
Mobile phone usage and SIM cards
Check with your phone company in advance to find out the possibility and cost of using your existing phone/data plan while in South Africa. It is generally significantly cheaper to use a local South African SIM card for your unlocked phone from back home. There are a number of mobile phone shops and service providers in the international terminal upon arrival. There is also free wifi nearly everywhere we stay (quality varies!) allowing you to stay in touch with family and friends even without an active data plan on your phone.
What’s included?
Justifi has operated trips in South Africa every year since 2011 so we have a deep understanding of the culture, geography, opportunities, and challenges of this important destination. Check out the Sample Itinerary to get a sense now for the awesome activities and experiences on the Trip and a final itinerary will be sent out a few weeks before the Trip begins. Justifi handles all the logistics and arranges for local transportation, accommodations, cultural experiences, tours, volunteer projects, experienced guides and educators, entry fees, permits, and two or three meals each day. Except where noted below, your Program fee includes all of this!
What’s not included?
In addition to the Program Fee, you’ll also have these expenses:
- Round trip flights to South Africa
- Domestic flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg (see above, approximately $90-$160)
- Tips for the local staff (suggested $100). Note: Justifi staff will collect this to distribute appropriately
- End of trip COVID PCR test to leave South Africa (approximately $75)
- An additional meal on certain days, as per the itinerary
- Souvenir shopping, activities on your own, extra snacks and drinks, etc
These items can be booked in advance through Justifi:
- Emergency global medical and travel insurance ($65)
- Pre-booked private airport pickup upon arrival in Cape Town ($30)
- Guaranteed Single Occupancy in Cape Town & Johannesburg ($500)
- Single Occupancy in Safari Lodge is not currently available