Please book your flight to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. OR Tambo (JNB) will be the main hub for wedding transportation and travel to Mongena

We recommend booking your flights and hotel about 4 to 6 months ahead if you can! South Africa is super popular (and for good reason), so the earlier you book, the better your choices and prices will be. Plus, if you're planning to stay where most of the wedding fun is happening, booking early helps you stay close to the action!

It’s not required, but we definitely recommend it! Travel insurance can save you a lot of stress if something unexpected comes up — like flight changes, lost bags, or if you need medical care while you're there. Private healthcare in South Africa is great, but it can be pricey without insurance. Having a policy just makes the trip a lot more worry-free!

No need! We'll provide transportation to and from Mongena Game Lodge from OR Tambo and group transportation in Cape Town. We recommend not renting a car, as driving is on the opposite side of the road, and most vehicles have manual transmissions. If you arrive early and stay in Pretoria, we'll also arrange transport to and from your hotel.

Everyone will be staying at Mongena Private Game Reserve for the wedding. If you arrive a day early, we recommend staying at a hotel near the airport for convenience. We recommend staying at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Pretoria Menlyn if you arrive a few days early. Our accommodations page has links to recommended hotels.

Six weeks before the wedding, we’ll email everyone who has RSVP’d with a link to our flight information form. This form will help us coordinate travel to and from Mongena and assist with any additional accommodations you might need. We’re here to make your travel experience smooth and stress-free!

Yes, you'll need a valid passport to travel to South Africa. It must not expire within 6 months of your travel dates. We recommend applying or renewing early, as processing times can sometimes take longer than expected.

A visa depends on your country of citizenship. If you're traveling with a United States passport, no visa is required for tourist visits. However, we recommend double-checking based on your specific nationality.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit:

www.southafrica-usa.net/homeaffairs/visitorsvisa.htm

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). You’ll find plenty of ATMs at the airport if you’d like to withdraw cash, but don’t worry—all major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. Just be sure to notify your credit card company beforehand that you’ll be traveling to South Africa.

Yes, your phone should work as long as you have an international plan. We recommend contacting your cell phone provider before your trip to confirm coverage, rates, and any necessary settings for international travel.

Wi-Fi access is widely available and very similar to what you'd find in the U.S.—you’ll have access at most hotels, coffee shops, and other public places, so staying connected should be easy and convenient!

Yes, most of South Africa's tap water is safe to drink. However, to be on the safe side, we recommend opting for bottled water when possible, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or are traveling to more rural areas.

The good news is that no special vaccinations are required for the areas we’ll be visiting, and these regions are malaria-free. Your routine vaccinations are more than sufficient for the wedding and Buddymoon locations.

However, if you plan on extending your trip to areas such as Kruger National Park or other higher-risk regions, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider about malaria prevention and any additional vaccinations that may be advised.

As with traveling anywhere in the world, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense. While South Africa does have areas that are best avoided, the locations included in our itinerary are safe and well-traveled, and we wouldn’t be bringing our loved ones here if we weren’t confident in that.

That said, we recommend being mindful and taking the usual precautions—just as you would in any new place. One fun tip to remember: “The Law of Africa” says the bigger object always has the right of way, so don’t expect cars to stop at crosswalks! Stay alert, and you’ll be just fine.

South Africa is incredible, and a little extra street smarts will help you have an awesome trip. Stick to busy, well-lit areas (especially at night), use trusted rides like hotel shuttles, and keep your valuables tucked away. Try not to flash expensive stuff like jewelry or fancy electronics, and use your hotel safe when you can. Mostly, just stay aware, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to ask us or your hotel if you’re unsure about anything!

Yes, tipping is customary in South Africa and generally depends on the level of service you receive. A standard restaurant tip is typically 10–15%; for exceptional service, feel free to go up to 20%.

It’s also good to carry some small cash for informal services, such as porters or attendants. For safari guides, it’s recommended to tip $10–$20 per person per day as a gesture of appreciation for their knowledge and incredible efforts.

Dining out in South Africa is more than just a meal—it’s an experience to be savored. Much like in many European countries, meals are meant to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. So sit back, take your time, and embrace the slower service—it’s all part of the charm! 😊

Many restaurants only accommodate one or two seatings per evening, which is quite different from the fast-paced dining style you might be used to in the U.S. It’s all about good food, great company, and soaking in the moment.

Absolutely! We’ve planned a few fun activities during the wedding weekend to keep the kiddos entertained, and childcare will be provided for the little ones on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Please note that, for safety reasons, children under three are not permitted to go on game drives.

For those joining us in Cape Town, we’re working closely with a tour operator to ensure plenty of family-friendly experiences are available. Our goal is for everyone—no matter their age—to have an amazing time and create unforgettable memories together!

For the Friday night Bush Braai, dress casually and bring a warm jacket — it gets chilly out in the bush after dark!
For the wedding, the dress code is semi-formal. Think dressed up but still comfortable — we want everyone to have fun and feel good.
For the rest of your trip, pack layers. It’ll be late summer heading into early fall, and the weather in South Africa can be a little unpredictable — sunny and warm during the day, but cooler in the mornings and evenings.
Game drives can get especially cold, so definitely bring a warmer jacket and maybe even a scarf or beanie if you get cold easily!