Frequently Asked Questions

General

How much does a Tugela Tour cost?
As each tour has a different length and activities, they are each priced individually. For details and prices visit our Tours page or email tours@tugelatours.com.

How long does a tour take?
Tugela Tours offers a variety of tours from 7 days to 10 days. Please visit our Tours section for full details. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, we’re happy to create a customised tour itinerary just for you.

Where do the tours go?
Tugela Tours operates in South Africa with a variety of tours. We’re currently focusing on tours operating within KwaZulu-Natal as it’s where the company is based but we’re happy to chat about any other tours that you’d be interested in taking with us anywhere in South Africa.

Do I have to do the full tour?
Yes, we prefer our guests enjoy the full tour experience.

Can I combine some of the tours options?
Yes, please feel free to tell us your perfect itinerary combining any or all of Safari, Golf, Fly Fishing and the Beach and we’ll make sure you get your dream holiday. Please get in touch via tours@tugelatours.com for customised itineraries.

Do Tugela Tours run year-round?
Yes we do. We’re incredibly lucky in KwaZulu-Natal to have hot summers and warm winters. Some of our activities, like golf and fly fishing, are affected by the seasons; so we’ll always make sure to provide you with the best advice and recommendations for your chosen tour. The average temperature in summer ranges around 24 °C (75 °F), while in winter the average temperature is 17 °C (63 °F).

Can you arrange my flights?
We prefer not to, but we can put you in touch with a travel agent in your country, should you need it.

Is it safe to travel through South Africa?
Yes. The safety of our guests is a priority for us and we will never compromise on this. For this reason, we’ve chosen the best partners and safest areas to travel within. The core team of Tugela Tours are actually from a combination of the UK, Australia, and Zimbabwe and we’ve all chosen South Africa as the home to raise our families.

Are meals, drinks, and excursions included in the price?
In some cases, yes. Lunches, snacks and soft drinks are provided when playing golf. All meals, snacks, and teas/coffees are included while on safari. All meals and drinks provided on our rustic Fly Fishing Tour are included in the price. Drinks ordered from the bar or waiters on golf days, on safari, or at the hotel are excluded from the tour price. Additional excursions, spa treatments, private lessons, golf club fittings, and equipment hire would be additional costs.

Can you cater for special dietary requirements?
We will do our best to cater for dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, diabetics, etc.) provided a detailed request has been made in advance. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare suitable meals with the ingredients available. We regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

What languages do the staff speak on tour?
We operate our tours in English, but we’re very happy to arrange a tour translator should the need arise, which would be an additional cost.

Do I need to leave a gratuity for the Tugela Tour?
Gratuities for the staff are at your discretion. If you wish to show your appreciation in this manner, you can do so directly to the Tour Executive who will distribute any amounts between the Tugela team. An amount between US$10 and US$20 per person per night is typical.

What currency do I need?
South African Rands only. All major credit cards can be used throughout South Africa and for this reason we advise guests that there is little need to exchange and keep large quantities of cash on them or in their rooms.

Does Tugela Tours take children?
Tugela Tours does accommodate children, but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated and adult atmosphere we endeavour to maintain on our tours. This is particularly pertinent to our tours that include safari or stays at our mountain lodges. There are unfortunately no child-minding facilities on tour and no activities specifically geared towards children.

Can disabled people join a Tugela Tour?
If you are wheel-chair bound, then we’d look forward to speaking with you about customised activities that will ensure you enjoy an active and memorable holiday in South Africa. We are also able to accommodate guests with walking, sight, or hearing difficulties although we recommend that an able-bodied guest accompany you. Should you have any special requirements please inform your travel agent or the Tugela Tours team at the time of booking.

Are there laundry services on the tours?
There is a full laundry service while staying at one of our hotels or safari lodges but there is no laundry service at our rustic fly fishing lodge. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for items that may be damaged or lost in the laundry process. There are no dry-cleaning facilities on safari but this can be provided at our hotels.

Is there mobile reception?
The reception is great in almost all locations apart from while in the mountains or on game drives, and our guests love it that way. It is advised to contact your service provider to ensure the correct settings for network services are activated.

Is there wifi?
Internet is available at our hotels and in some parts of the safari lodges.

Will I require visas for my trip to South Africa?
The onus is upon the client to ensure that passports and visas, as may be required, are valid prior to departure for Africa. We travel through South Africa and sometimes into Lesotho. Some nationalities are eligible to purchase port-of-entry visas. Immigration forms will be available at the Lesotho border. Please enquire with us or check with the relevant embassies in good time regarding applications. Visas are also available through booking agents. Passports must have at least three blank VISA pages and must be valid for at least six months from your return-home date.

Will I need insurance for my trip?
Cancellation insurance is compulsory as our terms and conditions will be strictly adhered to and cancellation fees, where applicable, will not be waived. For international guests we suggest you contact your local travel agent or credit card service provider for assistance. Please bring a copy of your travel insurance policy stating clearly the company, policy number and 24-hour medical emergency telephone number.

Do I need to take anti-malaria medication?
We do not operate tours in high-risk malaria areas but anti-malarial precautions are recommended if you have concerns. Please consult your medical practitioner.

Do I need any vaccinations?
Although South Africa does not require Yellow Fever vaccinations, the countries guests visit from or return to after the trip often require one. Please consult your clinic or doctor. Additional information regarding South Africa can be found at Travel Doctor on 0861 300 911 locally or +27 (0)11 214 9030 from abroad.

How do I book as an agent?
Contact tours@tugelatours.com or Make an Enquiry on our website.

How do I book as a guest?
Contact tours@tugelatours.com or Make an Enquiry on our website.

How do I pay for my tour?
We require a 50% deposit when the booking is made and then the remaining 50% 21 days before the tour begins. We prefer payment directly into our bank account.

Activities

Are different abilities of golf or fly fishing supported on the tours?
Yes, we welcome all standards from beginners to experts. We can also arrange golf and fly fishing lessons as the start of the tour or along the way. Our tours are all about creating lifetime memories for our clients, whether this means making your first par or shooting the round of a lifetime, or catching your first trout in Africa.

What if my partner of I don’t want to join an activity for the day?
This will not be a problem at all. We can always arrange engaging alternative activities for the day or we’re very happy to leave you to rest and relax at the accommodation.

What is the dress code on the golf courses and while on tour?
South Africa is generally a little more relaxed than Europe when it comes to golf attire. We advise shorts below the knee or trousers and collared golf shirts. Please include waterproof clothing just in case. With regard to other activities, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, suntan lotion and hats as well as warm clothing for the game drives, which are on open vehicles and can get cold.

What happens if it rains on a golfing day?
As long as the golf courses remain open, we’ll be playing golf. If the courses are closed due to weather, we’ll aim to provide alternative engaging activities, but we ask our guests to understand that we are sometimes at the mercy of the weather.