Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
Footnotes
South Africa
THE TRIP
Sarah travelled as a guest of Mahlatini Travel (0289 073 6050; mahlatini.com). A 4-night trip to and beyond Phinda Forest Lodge costs from £3,415pp, including international flights, air transfers, all meals, game drives and the Pangolin Conservation Experience.
Vital statistics
Capital: Pretoria (executive); Cape Town (legislative); Bloemfontein (judicial)
Population: 59.62 million
Language(s): There are 11 official languages; English, Afrikaans and Zulu are widely spoken.
Time: GMT +2 (summer GMT +1)
International dialling code: +27
Visas: Not required
Money: Rand. £1=ZAR21
TOP TIP
Photographing pangolins is challenging. Lie low on the ground and use a wideangle lens (1635mm). Select a continuous focus to capture the animal as it comes towards you. Cameras with a flip out back screen will help to set the device lower on the ground.
When to go
May-september Pangolins are active year-round, but sightings are better in winter when cooler weather allows daylight foraging. Early mornings and late afternoons are best.
October Spring is mild and brings warmer temperatures to KZN. March-april Big rains bring an influx of migratory birds.
Health & Safety
For the latest advice on entry requirements, including information regarding COVID-19, visit the FCDO site (www.gov.uk). At the time of press, cases of the virus were rising in South Africa and travel from the UK was banned. A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours is mandatory for all arrivals to South Africa.
Follow local rules of social distancing and wear masks.
For information on boosters needed, check in with fitfortravel.nhs.uk for latest updates. There is low-to-no risk of malaria in Kwazulu-natal, but South African tick bite fever is common. Cover legs and arms on bush hikes.
Getting there
Emirates (emirates.com) fly via Dubai to Durban. Fares currently from around £600 return. A quicker option is to fly direct with British Airways (ba.com), with flights taking 11 hours.
Getting around
The writer used a private road transfer to reach Phinda, taking 3hrs 30 mins. Airlink (flyairlink.com) operates daily scheduled flights to Phinda from Johannesburg or Cape Town from around £500 return. At the time of press, timetables were reduced due to the virus. Guided game drives are provided on site.
Cost of travel
The Rand is weaker than Sterling, making the cost of living affordable for UK travellers. Safari camps tend to be more expensive, given their remote nature and difficulty of access. Be prepared to support conservation and tip local guides who can communicate the benefits of tourism to communities. For a cheaper self-drive and camping safari, Kruger also has wild pangolins but sightings are rare.
Accommodation
Forest Lodge (Phinda Private Game Reserve, KZN; and beyond. com). Smart semi-tented rooms are scattered within one of Africa’s last dry sand forests. Suites from ZAR8,980 (£430) per person per night (two sharing) full board.
Mountain Lodge (Phinda Private Game Reserve, KZN; and beyond. com). Built into a hilltop, suites and cottages with plunge pools overlook the Lebombo foothills. Suites from ZAR8,980 (£430) per person per night (two sharing) full board.
Food & drink
South Africans are big meat eaters, making braais (barbecues) and dried meats such as biltong popular. Sample what’s on offer at one of Phinda’s boma dinners.
Being close to the Indian Ocean, seafood is high quality. Pineapples and bananas are grown on fertile soils. South African wines are also excellent; try pinotage for a light red or chenin blanc for a white option.
Further reading & information
southafrica.net – South Africa Tourism
zulu.org.za – Tourism KZN
South Africa – Lonely Planet (2018)
Eye of the Pangolin – documentary on youtube.com
africanpangolin.org – African Pangolin Working Group