It has a long summer season that is warm to very hot. It does get cold there, though, and very rarely it might even snow, but the cold doesn’t stay for long.
Visas can take a lot of time, so get started right away. Expedite passport if you don’t already have one.
Bring some sweaters for layering and a waterproof rain coat with a zip-out liner.
Pack some long sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a jacket. Short sleeves for the summer. Bring wrinkle free golf pants.
Good quality shoes are important. Cole Haan and Johnston and Murphy shoes have been recommended.
Robberies are common. Most missionaries report that they don't feel in danger, it is just a bummer if carrying id and debit card or sentimental items. Leave sentimental things at home.
Backpacks are allowed in this mission.
Packages aren’t super reliable not recommended, but takealot.com operates similarly to Amazon and is a nice way to send stuff to a missionary.
Have a suggestion or correction for the South Africa Johannesburg Mission? Submit it here.
Tips on Vaccinations like Yellow Fever and Typhoid: The cheapest options mentioned are Costco, GoodRX (request coupon), Walgreens, and County Health Department. You often have to request these vaccines and may have to pay for a travel consult. One helpful tip is to ask your doctor to send in a prescription for the vaccinations — some have had insurance cover the cost that way. Because of taking Doxycycline daily to prevent Malaria, probiotics have been recommended as very helpful for gut health. The Doxy also makes you more susceptible to the sun, so sunscreen is important.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.