Weather & Climate
In contrast to Central Africa, South Africa has four seasons, in which every season is characterized.|

In spring (September to November) the weather is dry and hot with temperatures between 22 to 28 ° C daytime and 12 to 17 ° C in the evening. The green grass is coming up everywhere. It is an ideal season to go game "spotting" because the bush has become thinner due to the dry winter months.

The summer (December to February) is generally warmer and rainy. It rains but not at a stretch. The rains are usually short, powerful showers in the late afternoon or evening. The advantage of the summer is that the bush turns into a green oasis. Temperatures range from 25 to 35 ° C during the day to about 15 to 20 ° C in the evening. February is the hottest Month. In the early evening and daytime in the shade it is pleasant. The advantage of the summer is that the bush will turn into green oasis.

Autumn (March to May) is the best time if you are looking for average temperatures, between 22 and 28 ° C during the day and about 10 and 15 ° C in the evening. The bush is still very green. In May and June the trees lose their leaves and the grass is gold. In May it is still warm enough, at night a sweater is needed.

The winter (June to August) is a dry and cool period. The grasses are almost completely dead and there are no leaves on the trees. The evenings are cool, you can now enjoy sitting around the crackling fire in the restaurant. Temperatures range from 18-25 ° C during the day to 5-10 ° C in the evening. This is certainly one of the best seasons to go on a "photo safari. The game is easier to find, even the somewhat shy animals struggle to hide themselves in this season. Especially in this period it is advisable to bring enough warm clothes. In the evening and at night it can be quite cool.

Clothing
Travel with thin cotton clothes that can be easily washed and dried. In the winter months (June to August) it’s important to bring enough warm clothes. In the winter months (July / August) the temperature can drop below 10 degrees. Think about bringing a warm sweater, robe, slippers and a warm jacket.

Throughout the year the sun is very bright in South Africa, so do not forget to bring a sun hat or cap with you. Hiking boots are necessary if you want to walk in the bush.

Language

South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. Afrikaans developed from Dutch.

Passport & Visa
You must be in possession of a valid passport. This passport needs to be valid for at least thirty (30) days after departure from South Africa. Additionally, your passport must contain a blank page. You can visit South Africa without a visa for a period of 90 days. If you want to stay longer here, you have to apply for a visa. If you do not have the Dutch nationality, other rules may apply. If you want more information about passports and visa’s contact the South African Embassy in your country.

Vaccinations
When you visit Kololo you don't need vaccinations. For personal advice contact your general practitioner or visit your local travel clinic.

Kololo is Malaria free
The Waterberg Biosphere, in which Kololo is situated, has been a malaria free environment for over 100 years malaria. The Waterberg plateau is over 1400 meters above sea-level. The malaria mosquito does not survive in this region. Therefore you do not need no take malaria tablets on Kololo. There is almost no Malaria in South Africa unless you go to the Kruger Park. This park is adjacent to Mozambique where malaria prevails. Visit www.malaria.org.za for a current map of South Africa. For personal advice contact your doctor or go to your local health agency.

Money & Currency
The South African currency is the Rand. The Rand is divided into 100 cents. The official abbreviation is ZAR. In South Africa the prices are indicated by R in front of the amount. Before leaving you can buy Rand. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to import more than R5000.

The price of the Rand fluctuates somewhat, you can calculate the current price of the Rand at the bottom of the website through the Currency Converter.

On Kololo you can either pay by cash (Not Euros and Dollars) and by credit card (when paying by credit card an administration fee of 3% will be charged). We only accept Visa and Mastercard on Kololo. In the nearby town of Vaalwater (30 km) is an ATM where you can withdraw from your European debit card.

Tips
It is customary to give a tip of 10%. At the reception we have a tips jar. You can put your gift in this jar. The proceeds will be divided amongst the entire Kololo team.

Time difference
South Africa is situated in the GMT 2 / UTC +2 time zone. The time zone is the same throughout South Africa.

Transportation
In South Africa they drive on the left side of the road. The main roads (N-roads) are in good condition and everything is very clearly marked in English and Afrikaans. A step below the N-roads are the R-roads. These routes aren’t given as much not the national interest of the N-roads. They are generally not so well developed and maintained.

Kololo Game Reserve is situated on the Bakkerspas Road, this is a dirt road. The condition of this road varies depending the season and rainfall. Keep in mind when renting a car that most rental companies only allow you to drive with a 4x4 vehicle on these roads.

Curios
There is a souvenir shop in the reception. Here you can buy caps, shirts and other clothing, decorated with the Kololo logo. There is also a nice collection of local souvenirs to support the local community. In the nearest village Vaalwater there are also several souvenir shops. In stores, at markets and roadside stalls you can get all sorts of souvenirs made by hand.

Voltage
The standard voltage in the entire country is 220/230 volts. For your own electrical equipment you need a special 3-pin adapter. If you have forgotten your adapter you can borrow/buy an adapter at the front desk.

Emergency Services
If you need help from the police, fire department and / or ambulance please use the following emergency numbers:

• Police: 10111
• Fire department: 10111
• Ambulance: 10177 (With a cell phone can also international calling 112).

Phone
The country code of South Africa is 0027 or +27.

Safety
Although the government is working hard to combat it, there is still crime in South Africa crime. Crime is especially common in large cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. However, this should not stop you from going to Kololo Game Reserve. South Africa is generally a safe country for tourists if necessary action is taken and caution is exercised.

• Don’t go out on the street alone at night.
• Avoid isolated, dark and deserted streets.
• Leave valuables behind in a safe in the hotel / lodge.
• Never leave your luggage unattended.
• Take a copy of your passport and carry it with you.
• Do not show that you have money, checks, credit cards etc. with you.
• Keep cameras out of sight, do not wear them around your neck.
• Try not to look like a tourist, do not dress too striking.