Hello everyone. My Wife and I, our two children and dog are going to be moving to Stellenbosch in about 18 months. Visas won't be too much of an issue as we have family living there and will be bringing over the required sum of savings into the country.

Putting the crime debate to one side, I am interested in any help you can give on moving experiences including removal fees and pet relocation.

Welcome, Hopefully you'll get some helpful information, I unfortunately cannot offer any. I do hope you'll be very happy it is certainly one of my favorite local places. Whether sitting out under the oak trees in a street café in the town, or on the really hot days taking a bottle of Chardonnay and sitting under the waterfalls in Jonkershoek looking up at the blue sky and towering mountains. These are some of my "moving" experiences. [Sorry could not resist that]
Also they have the best Indian restaurant in the Cape.

I must point out to all the troops how a little bit of humor and a few photos has now started an avalanche of people flocking to South Africa! We are soon to be three plus one and a dog . We'll probably all considered to be the " rough bunch " at the bottom of the forum. I often imagine it is a place judging by the viewing numbers, that the Spanish or American ex-pats come when they are feeling brave, read then quickly retreat before they are traumatized or identified. Probably breathing a sigh of relief as they go back and contribute to the 15th page of "what the weather is like", or 'how they cannot cope, because the British shop has run out to Rich tea biscuits".

I think the Africa forum rocks if you can handle it the cholera, crime, gollywogs, loosely packed kebabs , the laughter and tears. May You Live in Interesting Times.

well that was helpful....

back on topic.....you forgot the wonderful valley of franschoek..

Edward,
Google Keringa .co.za regarding pet travel and regs,
I gather Tanya comes highly recommended.
Just remember that your pet is going to have a fur coat that is suited for a different season.
AFIK, the problem is not taking a pet into SA,its taking it out again as there is normally a 6 month Kennel Quarantine period to return to the UK/ireland

Got to protect my cats,more dogs than people out here!

Cats give good Muti!! ask any Sangoma!

Thought they'd dropped that. The channel tunnel makes it pretty pointless.

Not as of 3 months ago.

Daxk is right - we are considering moving back (for family reasons before general excitement ensues)...and we have a couple of options - quarantine for 6 months or they can fly to France, stay with relatives for 3 months before being taken to the UK (with vaccinations and a health certificate).

We bought our dog and cat with us - cost a bloody fortune, but the process was easy enough. First thing to do is speak to your vet. Some general tips:

1. Do it yourself - it's much cheaper than using an agent and not as complicated as you think.
2. Make sure the animals fly direct, and land on a weekend as customs clearance is much, much, much simpler.
3. You will need all your vaccinations to be up to date, including rabies - the animals need to be tested after the vaccinations and before they fly, and certificates presented on landing.
4. You will need to buy IATA / DEFRA approved crates - expensive but necessary.
5. We used SAA - the whole thing cost just under a grand.
6. You will need an import permit from Pretoria - your vet should point you in the right direction but it will be much simpler to have someone here get it for you. Costs around a tenner.

All this was true 2 years ago - doubt much has changed. If you are in or around west London, let me know as our vet did most of the paperwork and it was smooth as silk - and I'll put you in touch with him.

Both the dog and cat have adapted fine - the cat sleeps all day (no longer indoors but now on the roof) and the dog enoys sleeping in the sun and barking at anyone who he thinks is a burglar, which is pretty much everyone.

And further to Tigger's comment, the lack of class on this forum has only really occurred since he showed up. It was the epitome of decorum and sophisticated wit before that arsehole appeared.

Good luck,

Ed

Hi Edward Staines, Congrats on your move to Cape Town, its beautiful.I can help a little with regards to moving expenses or our experience in May this year.We had a 40ft container full to the brim that was collected door to door,It was packed by the removal company going out and unpacked on arrival.It cost 8000 pounds and took about 4 weeks to get here.We had actually allowed 6 weeks.The container went into Durban though and cleared customs there.You must take insurance and if possible dont share container as it is very open to theft that way.Our container was not opened at customs, the seal was still on and checked with us before opening.A few broken items but minor, you know glasses etc.

Did not bring any animals with us.

If you would like any more info just let me know.

Was in Cape Town this last weekend, wish I lived in Stellenboch.

Saw it coming years ago Ed. No excitement or joy. Just sadness at seeing so many hopes dashed and a fine country needlessly going to the dogs (no pun intended).

Thanks chief. Maybe if there was quarantine here fewer "dogs" would get in?

It will be a cheaper, and may I add more sensible option, to send the hound first class and let the wife and kids work their passage on a tramp steamer, thus giving the whole family a more authentic feeling of belonging when they enter the great port of Slaap Stad after an invigorating 6 month journey through the tropics

I'm not sure you are taking this whole forum thing seriously Mr Special. However, your posts do make me laugh so hard a little bit of wee comes out, so carry on sir.

Life is too short to be taken too seriously, lost a lot of mates in Rhod'ies to the savages