Hotels

This year the President's Club winners and guests will be staying at two properties:​
 

Qwabi Private Game Reserve 
Farm Groothoek Rooiberg Road
Region, 0480, South Africa
Website

Belmond Mount Nelson
76 Orange Street, Cape Town
8001, South Africa
Website

Visa Requirements

Most passport holders from European countries, the UAE, Russia, and Saudi Arabia do not currently require a visa to enter South Africa. However, Lebanese nationals do require a visa for tourism or business travel.

Important: Visa policies can change - please check official sources well in advance for the most up-to-date information for you and your guest. For official visa exemption lists, see the the link below. 
www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

Once flights are booked, please check whether you need a visa for transit through any airports en route to South Africa.

Passport & Entry Requirements:

• Passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure from South Africa

• Must include at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps 

• Must hold a return or onward travel ticket

Climate

October in South Africa marks the height of spring, with warm, sunny days and cooler mornings and evenings. Average daytime temperatures range between 22°C and 28°C, while mornings and nights can drop to around 12–15°C. Rainfall is generally low in most regions, but you may encounter the odd short shower.

In Cape Town and surrounds, you can expect mild to warm weather with average highs of 20–25°C.

For safari destinations, October is an excellent month to visit with dry conditions keeping wildlife close to waterholes. However, early morning and evening game drives can be cold, so packing a light jacket or fleece is essential.

Clothing

African Safari
Pack mostly casual, comfortable clothing. Layering is essential, as early morning and evening game drives can be very cold (around 12–15°C), while midday temperatures can climb above 25°C. We recommend bringing:

• Clothing in neutral, earthy tones (avoid bright colours and camouflage patterns)Sun hat or safari hat

• Sunglasses

• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers

• A scarf or pashmina and lightweight gloves for cooler drives

• A small rucksack or backpack

• Insect/mosquito repellent and high SPF sunscreen

• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers (for sun and insect protection)

• A warm jacket or fleece for evenings

• A light windproof coat for early morning game drives

• Evenings at the lodge are casual — no formal wear is required

Cape Town
Daytime activities call for comfortable clothing and walking shoes. October can bring a mix of warm sunshine and cooler breezes, so keep a light jacket handy. For evening group dinners, smart casual is recommended. South Africa has a relaxed but stylish approach to dining, so think smart but not overly formal.

Credit Cards

Most hotels, restaurants and bigger shops will take credit cards.

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR).

Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Electrical

In South Africa, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type D, type M and type N are used. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
www.power-plugs-sockets.com/gb/south-africa

Flights

You will be asked for your preferred local airport during the registration process and flight options will be looked into and booked by the event team.

If you are attending the President’s Club without a companion, you may book your travel directly through Concur, in accordance with the QuidelOrtho travel policy

Flights to arrive into O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg on Monday 6^th October, during the morning. (This will most likely require departing on Sunday 5th October)

Flights to depart from Cape Town International Airport on Friday 10^th October, anytime after 12:00.

​The internal flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg to Cape Town will be booked for the group by the President's Club event team.
 

Language

There are 11 official languages in South African. English is the language of administration and is widely spoken.

Please see below some helpful phrases in Afrikannns

• Hello – Hallo (hah-loh)

• Goodbye – Totsiens (tote-seens)

• Thank you – Dankie (dun-kee)

• Good morning – Goeie môre (hoy-uh mor-ruh)

• Good night – Goeie nag (hoy-uh nahg – “g” as in Scottish “loch”)

• Please – Asseblief (us-uh-bleef)

• Yes – Ja (yah)

• No – Nee (nee-uh or nee)

• Excuse me – Verskoon my (fur-skohn may)

Liquids & Luggage

Please check all of the airlines that you will be flying with in regards to their luggage restrictions and liquids policy prior to departing.
 

Local Time

South African Standard Time (SAST) is one hour ahead of Central European Time (CET) and the same time as Central European Summer Time (CEST). South Africa does not observe daylight saving time.

International Dialing Code

The international dialling code for South Africa is +27.  Before travelling to South Africa, please check with your mobile provider if your coverage includes roaming in South Africa.

Safety on Safari

Please remember you will be in areas with wild animals. Do not attempt to approach, touch or feed the animals at any time. When on safari – please remain seated in the vehicles and do not make loud noises. You must follow your guide's instruction at all times.
 

Safety in Cape Town

Most visits to South Africa are trouble-free, but a small number of people encounter problems. You should take sensible precautions to protect your safety and posessions. Most violent crimes tend to occur in townships, isolated areas and away from the normal tourist destinations. However, always be vigilant and do not go out after dark on your own. Only get into official taxis.

Please leave passports and valuables in your safety deposit box in the hotel room. Do not bring expensive jewellery with you.
 

Shopping

There are many shops in Cape Town with a particularly large selection at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

Travel Insurance

QuidelOrtho employees are automatically covered under the company’s travel insurance policy. If your guest does not already have travel insurance in place, please let us know so that we can arrange suitable cover for them in advance.
 

Tips & Gratuities

Tips and gratuities will be managed on your behalf whilst you are with the group but of course do feel free to tip extra if you think a particular person deserves it.

Water

Tap water is of high quality in Cape Town and perfectly safe to drink.

Vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into South Africa unless you are arriving from, or transiting through, a yellow fever endemic area, in which case a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.

While not compulsory, it is generally recommended to be up to date with routine courses or boosters such as Diphtheria and Hepatitis A. Depending on your travel plans and personal health, your doctor may also suggest Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, or Typhoid.

We will be visiting Qwabi Private Game Reserve, located in the Waterberg Biosphere, which is recognised as a malaria-free area — so malaria medication is not required for this part of the trip.

We recommend consulting your local doctor or travel health clinic well in advance of your trip for personalised advice.