General Information on South Africa
Land
South Africa is larger than Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands combined. It has the world's second largest game reserve - the Kruger National Park - that covers an area greater than Israel. South Africa is also known as "A World in One Country" due to the contrast in landscapes, climate and the people.
People
Approximately 44 million diverse people make up the "Rainbow Nation". Almost all citizens expect to be known as South Africans. There are 11 official languages. English and Afrikaans are widely spoken. French, Italian, and German are spoken by staff members in many of the larger hotel, guest houses and shops. The major native South African languages are Zulu, Xhosa and Tswana.
Climate
Western Cape - Mediterranean climate (warm, dry summers; cool, wet winters). Occasional winter snowfalls on mountains. Average maximum summer temperature is 26.2°C; winter 17.9°C.
Eastern Cape and Garden Route - elements of the Mediterranean climate of Cape Town as well as that of the summer rainfall regions to the east. Average maximum summer temperature is 25.0°C; winter 20.3°C.
Kwazulu / Natal - summer rainfall (typically subtropical) and cool, dry winters. Regular snow on Drakensberg in winter. Average maximum summer temperature is 27.0°C; winter 22.7°C.
Gauteng and Mpumalanga - summer rainfall. Mild, dry winters with occasional early morning frost on Highveld. Johannesburg: Average maximum summer temperature is 25.9°C; winter 18.0°C. Mid summer in Kruger National Park can exceed 35.0°C.
Seasons
- SUMMER: December to February
- AUTUMN: March to May
- WINTER: June to August
- SPRING: September to November
Minerals
South Africa is the world's biggest producer of gold, platinum, chromium, vanadium, manganese and alumino-silicates. The head office of De Beers, the biggest wholesaler of diamonds in the world, is in South Africa.
Flora and Fauna
South Africa has an enormous variety of Flora from forests to bush lands and flower paradises to sandy deserts and an amazing variety of wildlife, ranging from the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) to hyrax and pangolin. It has over 900 classified species of birds, 5000 species of spider and more than 100 varieties of snakes.
Banking
Major national banks are found in every large town in South Africa, as are automatic teller machines. Several international banks have branches in the main cities. All major national banks have international correspondents to facilitate overseas transactions.
Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted in South Africa. Ordinary credit cards may not be used for the purchase of fuel, only cash or a special "garage card" is accepted.
Currency
The South African currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R1 = 100 cents.
Customs
Personal effects are allowed into the country duty-free. Visitors are also entitled to bring in goods worth R500. Duty is levelled at 20% thereafter. One may not bring in or carry out South African bank notes above the value of R200.
Entry
Visitors to South Africa need a valid passport. Visa requirements have recently been relaxed and visas are not generally required, but please make sure at your local foreign affairs office. Visitors should have a return ticket and show that they can support themselves during their stay.
Border Posts
Motorists who wish to travel from South Africa to neighbouring African countries should contact the Department of Home Affairs for details of the opening and closing times of the relevant border posts. Phone +27 - 12 - 324 1860. Ensure with your local foreign affairs office that you do not need a visa for any of the countries you would like to visit.
Driving in South Africa
South Africans drive on the left side of the road and the roads are good and well sign posted, so travelling by car is a fine way to see the country. Driving standards vary widely and it is always wise to drive defensively. Drivers must have a valid international driving license (which carries a photograph and is either printed or authenticated in English), which has to be carried with your local driving permit. The speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h (75 mph); 80 - 100km/h (60 mph) elsewhere and 60 km/h (35 mph) in residential and commercial areas.
Electricity
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. Adapter plugs should be brought for razors and hair dryers.
Health and Medical Care
Vaccinations for cholera and smallpox are not required, but travellers from a yellow fever zone must have a valid certificate. Visitors to game parks must take malaria tablets and mosquito repellents, which are both available across the counter at any pharmacy. South Africa has no National Health Service, so medical treatment and hospital fees must be paid direct. Special travel insurance is recommended. Malaria regions include Northern Province, Mpumalanga and the northeast of KwaZulu / Natal. In a malaria region avoid wearing perfume or aftershave lotion, wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. The Bilharzia parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the country and visitors should therefore avoid contact with the water in these regions.
Water
Tap water is quite safe to drink throughout South Africa.
Sun Protection
The South African sun is very strong, with a high ultraviolet ray rating. Screening products with sun protection factors of 30 and over are recommended.
Taxis
Telephone for a taxi or go to a taxi rank. If the taxi does not have a meter, negotiate the fare in advance. Beware of sharp operators.
Tipping
In restaurants, 10% of the bill usually applies, depending on the standard of service provided. Restaurants do not usually include the tip in the bill. Taxi drivers should also receive 10% of the amount charged. R10.00 per bag is generally given to porters.
Telephones
A direct dialling service connects all centres except for villages in the more remote rural districts. The international telephone service links South Africa with countries around the world. Calls from hotels generally carry a surcharge and most hotels are equipped with fax machines. The international dialling code for South Africa is +27 followed by the area code (minus the first zero) and the subscriber's number. To make an international phone call from South Africa, dial the country’s international dialling code followed by the area code (minus the first zero) and the subscriber’s number. Telephone cards can be used at green public telephones.
Security
Throughout the world crime is prevalent in the big cities. South Africa is no exception. Don't walk in deserted areas or alone at night and don't carry more cash than you need. Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. Use the hotel safe deposit box for valuables including your passport and tickets.
Emergencies
In dire need, dial 10111 for the police Flying Squad and 10177 for an ambulance.
Shopping
Local manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship and at the current Rand value visitors can afford to be extravagant. Gold & diamond jewellery, art and craft, clothing and leather goods are recommended.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Currently set at 14%, VAT is included in the quoted price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors are not exempt from paying VAT on purchased goods. They may, however, claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250. The refund may be claimed at the airport of departure at various harbours and at customs offices. The following documentation is required: original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport. The items on which a refund is claimed must also be presented.
Religions
Most denominations are represented in South Africa. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are located in most major cities.
Sport
South Africa offers a big variety of sport activities and is also making history in sports as we can compete on an international level now. South Africa hosted amongst others, the Rugby World Cup, the Golf World Cup, the Cross-country World Championship, and the continent's premier soccer event, the Africa Cup of Nations.
Golf
South Africa's excellent climate makes golf a year-round attraction. There are over 400 registered South African golf courses to choose from and some are outstanding. Visitors are welcome. Book with the Club Secretary and ask for a confirmed starting time and dress codes.
Fishing
Angling is one of South Africa's most popular sports. Many game and nature reserves have dams or rivers - or even a stretch of coastline - where fishing is enjoyed. There are about 250 species of freshwater fish in Southern Africa (a permit is required for catching), and some 1 500 seawater species along its coastline.
Diving
In all major coastal cities you find diving schools who offer short diving experiences to the tourists, or even a registered diving course. Various other sports are available. Please don't hesitate to ask us if you have any queries.
Beaches
South Africa's beaches are not only beautiful, but swimming is exceptionally safe and hygienic. Tests conducted by the CSIR in November 1994 showed that the seawater of South Africa's beaches is among the cleanest in the world.
Facilities for the disabled
South African Airways provides passenger aid units at all major airports. Many hotels offer facilities for the disabled, as do most rest camps in the Kruger National Park. A Directory of Services for the visually handicapped is available from the SA National Council for the Blind.
Phone +27 - 12 346 1190
Clothing for South African Tours
Clothes for warm intermediate climate is necessary. Late afternoon, evening and early mornings can require warm clothes. In the game parks and at holiday resorts casual clothing is advisable. In city hotels and restaurants dress is more semi-formal. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes for travelling.
Should you require any additional information on South Africa, please do not hesitate to Contact Us
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