Planning Your South African Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about booking a private tour, exploring South Africa, experiencing African wildlife and travelling with Rawson Touring.

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Planning Your Trip with Rawson Touring

Whether you are considering an Addo Elephant safari, a Schotia wildlife experience, a Garden Route journey, a Cape Town sightseeing tour or a longer Southern African adventure, planning your trip should be straightforward. We have answered common questions about our tours, reservations, travel arrangements and destinations. If you need advice about a particular itinerary, our team can assist with your enquiry.

01 / Reservations

Bookings & Reservations

Information about choosing a tour, making a reservation and preparing for your departure.

How do I book a tour with Rawson Touring?

You can book directly through the booking links on our tour pages using our WeTravel booking platform. Selected experiences may also be available through third-party travel platforms.

If you are interested in a private or customised itinerary, contact us with your travel dates, number of travellers and preferred destinations.

Explore Rawson Touring bookings

Can I enquire before making a booking?

Yes. You are welcome to contact Rawson Touring before booking if you need clarification about an itinerary, departure arrangements, accommodation or the suitability of a particular experience.

For customised journeys, we recommend discussing your requirements before confirming your itinerary.

Do you offer private tours or shared group tours?

Rawson Touring offers private and tailor-made journeys, alongside selected safari experiences where guests may join other travellers. The arrangement depends on the particular tour.

Check the individual tour description for its group format, vehicle arrangements and departure conditions.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend enquiring as early as possible, particularly for multi-day journeys, peak-season travel, accommodation-dependent itineraries and private tours.

Safari availability, accommodation and vehicle arrangements can affect the options available for your preferred dates.

Will I receive a booking confirmation?

Bookings made through an online booking platform should provide a confirmation through that platform. Keep your confirmation and booking reference available before travelling.

For direct arrangements, follow the confirmation instructions provided by Rawson Touring.

Can I change my travel date after booking?

Date changes are subject to availability, the conditions of your booking and any additional costs involved.

Contact us as soon as possible if you need to change a confirmed arrangement. For bookings made through another platform, its booking amendment process and conditions may apply.

02 / Experiences

Our Tours & Experiences

Learn about the destinations, tour durations and travel experiences offered by Rawson Touring.

What destinations does Rawson Touring cover?

Our tour portfolio includes experiences and journeys in:

  • Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula.
  • The Garden Route and coastal regions.
  • Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape.
  • Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia.
  • Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route.
  • Selected extended Southern African and Namibia journeys.

Explore our destinations

What is the difference between a day tour and a multi-day tour?

Day tours focus on a particular destination or experience within one day. Examples include an Addo safari, a Schotia safari or a Cape Town sightseeing experience.

Multi-day tours combine several destinations and activities over multiple days. Depending on the itinerary, accommodation, transport and selected meals may be included.

Always consult the individual itinerary for the exact duration and inclusions.

Where do your Garden Route tours start and finish?

We offer Garden Route journeys with different departure arrangements, including options starting from Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

The finishing destination depends on the specific itinerary. Some journeys travel between the two regions, while others follow different routes.

Explore our Garden Route tours

Can I combine Cape Town, the Garden Route and a safari?

Yes. We offer multi-day journeys that combine destinations and wildlife experiences. The best route depends on your available time, starting point, preferred accommodation and travel budget.

You can also enquire about a private itinerary designed around your preferred destinations.

Do your tours include accommodation and meals?

Inclusions differ between tours. Multi-day itineraries may include accommodation, selected meals, transport, guiding and attraction or park fees.

The individual tour description and itinerary specify what is included and what is excluded. Please review these details before booking.

Are airport and hotel pickups available?

Pickup arrangements depend on the particular tour. Some experiences offer collection from designated hotels, accommodation, airports or other agreed locations.

Always check the pickup information for your selected experience. For a customised private tour, provide your accommodation or flight details when requesting a quotation.

03 / Wildlife

Addo Elephant & Schotia Safari FAQs

Important information for travellers planning a safari in the Eastern Cape.

What wildlife can I see at Addo Elephant National Park?

Addo is well known for its elephant population. Visitors may also encounter lions, buffalo, spotted hyenas, antelope, zebras, warthogs and numerous bird species.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Animals move freely through the park, and sightings depend on natural conditions, location and timing.

Explore Addo safari experiences

Is Addo Elephant National Park malaria-free?

Yes. SANParks identifies Addo Elephant National Park as being in a malaria-free area. Insect repellent is still recommended, particularly during summer.

Travellers with medical concerns should consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Read SANParks visitor advice

What is the difference between Addo and Schotia?

Addo Elephant National Park is a large national park offering wildlife viewing across a protected natural landscape.

Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve offers a different safari experience, with guided wildlife drives and its own reserve environment.

Both destinations offer opportunities to experience African wildlife, but the landscapes, safari arrangements and activities differ.

Can I see the Big Five at Addo or Schotia?

Both destinations offer opportunities to encounter Big Five wildlife. However, no safari operator can guarantee sightings of every animal.

Wildlife sightings depend on animal movements, weather, habitat conditions and the timing of your safari.

What is the Schotia Tooth & Claw Sunset Safari?

The Tooth & Claw experience is a guided safari at Schotia Private Game Reserve. It is designed around wildlife viewing during the afternoon and sunset period, with dinner included in the relevant package.

The Rawson Touring package is approximately six hours including the associated transfer arrangements. Check the individual listing for the confirmed schedule and inclusions.

Explore our Schotia safari bookings

Can children join Addo or Schotia safaris?

Age restrictions depend on the specific safari, vehicle and activity.

SANParks has age restrictions for some guided game drives. For example, its official guided-drive information excludes children under six from those particular drives.

Please provide children’s ages before booking so that the suitability of the selected experience can be checked.

Check official Addo game-drive information

What should I bring on a safari?

We recommend bringing:

  • A camera or smartphone.
  • Binoculars if you have them.
  • Comfortable clothing.
  • A hat and sunscreen.
  • Drinking water.
  • A light jacket for cooler mornings or evenings.
  • Any personal medication you require.

SANParks also recommends binoculars, cameras, suitable walking shoes and seasonal clothing for Addo visitors.

04 / Scenic Journeys

Garden Route Tour FAQs

Information for travellers planning a journey along South Africa’s famous southern coastline.

What places can I visit on a Garden Route tour?

Depending on the itinerary, Garden Route journeys can include destinations and attractions such as:

  • Mossel Bay.
  • Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo.
  • Knysna.
  • Plettenberg Bay.
  • Tsitsikamma National Park.
  • Storms River.

Specific destinations vary according to the tour you select.

View Garden Route tours

How many days should I allow for the Garden Route?

The ideal duration depends on how many destinations and activities you want to experience.

Rawson Touring offers different multi-day options, including shorter journeys and extended itineraries combining the Garden Route with safari destinations.

Allowing more time can make the journey less rushed and provide additional opportunities to explore.

Can I start my Garden Route tour in Cape Town?

Yes. We offer Garden Route itineraries departing from Cape Town. These journeys can explore the coastline and selected inland destinations, depending on the itinerary.

Explore our Garden Route collection

Can I start my Garden Route tour in Port Elizabeth?

Yes. Selected journeys start in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and travel through the Garden Route.

Some itineraries continue towards George or other destinations. Check your selected itinerary for the exact finishing point.

Can the Garden Route be combined with Addo Elephant National Park?

Yes. We offer multi-day journeys that combine the Garden Route with Addo Elephant National Park and selected safari experiences.

The combination depends on your departure location, available travel time and preferred itinerary.

05 / Cape Experiences

Cape Town Tour FAQs

Answers for visitors planning sightseeing, coastal excursions and private Cape Town tours.

What attractions can I visit on a Cape Town tour?

Depending on the itinerary, Cape Town experiences may include:

  • Table Mountain.
  • Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Boulders Beach penguin colony.
  • Chapman’s Peak Drive.
  • Hout Bay.
  • Selected Cape Winelands destinations.

Not every attraction is included in every tour. Check your itinerary for the planned stops.

Is Table Mountain guaranteed to be included?

Table Mountain visits depend on the tour itinerary and operating conditions. The cableway may suspend operations because of strong winds, poor visibility or other weather conditions.

If Table Mountain is part of your planned experience, the day’s conditions should be checked before departure. Alternative arrangements depend on the tour and available conditions.

Can I visit Boulders Beach and see African penguins?

Yes. Boulders Beach is a well-known destination for viewing African penguins. It is included in selected Cape Peninsula sightseeing itineraries.

Wildlife is observed in its natural environment, and sightings or viewing conditions cannot be guaranteed.

Can I combine Cape Town with the Garden Route?

Yes. We offer multi-day journeys connecting Cape Town and the Garden Route. Some itineraries also include Addo Elephant National Park and safari experiences.

The best option depends on your available holiday time and preferred destinations.

06 / Before You Travel

Travel Preparation & Practical Information

Helpful information for international visitors preparing for a South African holiday.

What currency is used in South Africa?

South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Prices for tours may be displayed in South African Rand or another currency, depending on the booking platform and product listing.

Your bank or card provider may apply its own currency conversion fees.

Do international visitors need a visa for South Africa?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport and length and purpose of stay. Some visitors are visa-exempt, while others must obtain a visa before travelling.

Travellers should confirm the current requirements with the South African Department of Home Affairs or their nearest South African diplomatic mission before departure.

What is the best time of year to visit South Africa?

South Africa offers different seasonal experiences throughout the year.

Cape Town generally experiences warmer, drier summers and cooler, wetter winters. Safari destinations and the Garden Route have their own seasonal conditions.

The best time depends on your destinations, wildlife interests and planned activities.

What should I pack for a South African tour?

Your packing list should reflect the season and destinations on your itinerary. Useful items include:

  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Lightweight clothing.
  • A warm jacket for early mornings and evenings.
  • Sun protection and a hat.
  • A camera and charging equipment.
  • Personal medication.

Layered clothing is useful because temperatures can change between coastal, inland and safari regions.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for international visitors. Consider cover for medical emergencies, trip interruption, cancellation, baggage and unexpected travel changes.

Check the policy carefully to understand its exclusions and whether planned activities are covered.

Should I provide my flight details before an airport pickup?

Yes. If your booking includes an airport collection, providing your flight number, arrival time and terminal information helps coordinate the transfer.

Please also provide a working contact number and advise us if your flight schedule changes.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Please tell us about allergies, dietary restrictions or food preferences when enquiring or booking.

We can communicate the information to relevant accommodation or activity providers. Specific dietary arrangements must be confirmed with the relevant provider, particularly where meals are included.

Can guests with limited mobility join your tours?

Suitability depends on the vehicle, activity, walking requirements and accessibility of each attraction.

Please describe any mobility requirements before booking so that the appropriate arrangements can be discussed.

07 / Booking Conditions

Payments, Pricing & Cancellations

Understand the booking information and payment conditions before confirming your trip.

What payment methods are available?

Payment methods depend on the booking platform and the particular tour. Online bookings through WeTravel display the available payment methods during checkout.

Please review the payment information presented before completing your reservation.

When do I have to pay for my tour?

Payment schedules depend on the tour and booking arrangement. The applicable payment dates and amounts are displayed during the booking process or provided in your quotation.

Please check your specific booking conditions before making payment.

Are park entrance fees included in the tour price?

This depends on the particular tour. Some packages include specified park or attraction fees, while others may list certain charges separately.

Check the inclusions and exclusions on your chosen tour page before booking.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Cancellation and refund conditions depend on the booking channel, tour and applicable booking terms.

Please read the cancellation conditions displayed before confirming your reservation. For a confirmed booking, contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your arrangements.

If you booked through a third-party platform, its applicable cancellation process may also apply.

Are there additional costs I should budget for?

Potential additional expenses depend on the selected itinerary. These may include:

  • Meals not specified as included.
  • Optional activities.
  • Personal purchases and gratuities.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Any exclusions listed in the itinerary.

Review your tour’s inclusions and exclusions for a clear understanding of the total cost.

08 / Tailor-Made Travel

Private & Customised Tour FAQs

For travellers who want to combine destinations, choose their travel dates and develop a personalised itinerary.

Can Rawson Touring create a customised itinerary?

Yes. We can discuss a private journey based on your travel dates, starting point, destinations, accommodation preferences and interests.

The itinerary and quotation will depend on the requested route, duration, availability and services required.

Can I choose my own accommodation?

Accommodation preferences can be discussed when planning a customised tour. You can tell us whether you prefer guesthouses, boutique hotels, lodges or another accommodation style.

The final options depend on availability, location and your agreed travel budget.

Can I choose my departure and finishing destinations?

For a private itinerary, you can tell us where you would like to begin and finish. We can assess the route and advise on practical travel arrangements.

Your preferred route will be subject to driving distances, available time, accommodation and service availability.

What information do you need to prepare a quotation?

To prepare a relevant proposal, please provide:

  • Your preferred travel dates.
  • Number of adults and children.
  • Starting and finishing locations.
  • Destinations you want to visit.
  • Preferred accommodation standard.
  • Your approximate budget.
  • Any special interests or requirements.

This information helps us develop a practical itinerary and quotation.

Can you arrange longer Southern African journeys?

We offer selected extended journeys beyond the traditional Cape Town and Garden Route itinerary.

Depending on the proposed route, we can discuss combinations involving Johannesburg, Kruger, the Panorama Route, Namibia and other Southern African destinations.

Routes involving international borders require additional planning and confirmation of cross-border arrangements.

Explore Further

Discover South Africa with Rawson Touring

Explore our destinations and tour collections to find the experience that matches your journey.

Still Have a Question About Your Journey?

Every traveller has different plans. If you need assistance choosing a safari, comparing itineraries or arranging a private South African tour, speak directly with the Rawson Touring team.

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Tour details, availability, prices, inclusions and booking conditions are subject to the individual tour listing and confirmed reservation.