South Africa Travel Tips
About South Africa
South Africa is a large country covering 1,221,037 square kilometres, with a population of over 49 million people, composing of 11 official languages.
Ethnic Groups are broken down into 79.3% Black, 9.1% White, 9.0% Coloured and 2.6% Asian.
The country is divided by 9 distinct Provinces, namely the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State, North West & Mpumalanga. Each province offers some special & unique to the welcomed visitor.
On the West coast, the country is embraced by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the South & East Coast, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. South Africa is fondly known as "a World in One Country" or the "Rainbow Nation", offering the most diverse and enchanting landscapes, people, history & culture. Boasting a rich diversity of birdlife, wildlife & plant-life, South Africa offers a natural beauty unlike no other.
South Africa is a large country covering 1,221,037 square kilometres, with a population of over 49 million people, composing of 11 official languages.
Ethnic Groups are broken down into 79.3% Black, 9.1% White, 9.0% Coloured and 2.6% Asian.
The country is divided by 9 distinct Provinces, namely the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State, North West & Mpumalanga. Each province offers some special & unique to the welcomed visitor.
On the West coast, the country is embraced by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the South & East Coast, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. South Africa is fondly known as "a World in One Country" or the "Rainbow Nation", offering the most diverse and enchanting landscapes, people, history & culture. Boasting a rich diversity of birdlife, wildlife & plant-life, South Africa offers a natural beauty unlike no other.
Currency
The local currency is the Rand (R). Foreign currency travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks. Major credit cards are accepted in most places of business.
1USD = R6.89
1GBP = R11.15
1EUR = R9.74
(as of March 2011, subject to change) ATM's are available throughout the country.
The local currency is the Rand (R). Foreign currency travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks. Major credit cards are accepted in most places of business.
1USD = R6.89
1GBP = R11.15
1EUR = R9.74
(as of March 2011, subject to change) ATM's are available throughout the country.
Capital
The Capital City is Pretoria. The largest city is Johannesburg.
The Capital City is Pretoria. The largest city is Johannesburg.
Best time to Travel
South Africa can be visited comfortably any time of the year, but bear in mind that the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Winter (June to September) is cooler, drier and ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
Because vegetation is less dense and thirsty animals congregate around rivers and other permanent water sources, Winter is also the best time for wildlife-watching.
In the Eastern highveld, nights are often crisp and clear, with occasional frosts, so come prepared with a jacket.
The Western Cape experiences Winter rainfall, and can be chilly.
Spring (mid-September to November) and autumn (April and May) are ideal almost everywhere. Spring is also the best time to see vast expanses of the Northern Cape carpeted with wildflowers.
When planning your trip, take note of the school holidays. From mid-December to January, waves of vacation-hungry South Africans stream into the cities, with visitors from Europe and North America adding to the crush. The absolute peak is from Christmas to mid-January and is closely followed by Easter in April. At this time, accommodation in tourist areas and national parks is heavily booked and it's essential to book accommodation in advance. On the plus side, the high Summer months offer some great festivals, in addition to glorious weather.
For those wanting to travel during a quieter time, be sure to visit during the Autumn & Winter months to take advantage of some great special offers and lower hotel rates.
South Africa can be visited comfortably any time of the year, but bear in mind that the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Winter (June to September) is cooler, drier and ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
Because vegetation is less dense and thirsty animals congregate around rivers and other permanent water sources, Winter is also the best time for wildlife-watching.
In the Eastern highveld, nights are often crisp and clear, with occasional frosts, so come prepared with a jacket.
The Western Cape experiences Winter rainfall, and can be chilly.
Spring (mid-September to November) and autumn (April and May) are ideal almost everywhere. Spring is also the best time to see vast expanses of the Northern Cape carpeted with wildflowers.
When planning your trip, take note of the school holidays. From mid-December to January, waves of vacation-hungry South Africans stream into the cities, with visitors from Europe and North America adding to the crush. The absolute peak is from Christmas to mid-January and is closely followed by Easter in April. At this time, accommodation in tourist areas and national parks is heavily booked and it's essential to book accommodation in advance. On the plus side, the high Summer months offer some great festivals, in addition to glorious weather.
For those wanting to travel during a quieter time, be sure to visit during the Autumn & Winter months to take advantage of some great special offers and lower hotel rates.
Communications
South Africa is widely connected for telephone, cellphone and internet usage. Some remote areas however might not have access to the mobile network. Most stores sell Sim card Starter packs, and so you can obtain a local number while you are travelling through the country. Another alternative is to hire a cellphone. The country code is +27
South Africa is widely connected for telephone, cellphone and internet usage. Some remote areas however might not have access to the mobile network. Most stores sell Sim card Starter packs, and so you can obtain a local number while you are travelling through the country. Another alternative is to hire a cellphone. The country code is +27
VAT
VAT (Value Added Tax) is 14% on many goods. It can be reclaimed by non residents on departure at the international airports upon presenting your receipts and often the merchandise.
VAT (Value Added Tax) is 14% on many goods. It can be reclaimed by non residents on departure at the international airports upon presenting your receipts and often the merchandise.
Health
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (www.cdc.gov), recommend the following vaccinations for travel to South Africa: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Rabies and typhoid, and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and measles. Yellow fever is not a risk in the region, but the certificate is an entry requirement if you're travelling both from an infected region to some of South Africa's neighbouring countries such as Mozambique. Malaria – if travelling to the North and Eastern areas of South Africa, namely the Kruger National Park and some parts of Kwazulu Natal. Tick bite fever can be a problem AIDS is prevalent throughout Southern Africa.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (www.cdc.gov), recommend the following vaccinations for travel to South Africa: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Rabies and typhoid, and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and measles. Yellow fever is not a risk in the region, but the certificate is an entry requirement if you're travelling both from an infected region to some of South Africa's neighbouring countries such as Mozambique. Malaria – if travelling to the North and Eastern areas of South Africa, namely the Kruger National Park and some parts of Kwazulu Natal. Tick bite fever can be a problem AIDS is prevalent throughout Southern Africa.
Electricity
220 / 230 volts AC
220 / 230 volts AC
Water
Water is purified and safe to drink in most cities, towns and game reserves. Bottled Water is readily available.
Water is purified and safe to drink in most cities, towns and game reserves. Bottled Water is readily available.
Visas
The EU, most Commonwealth countries (including Australia and the UK), USA & Japan do not require visas. For visitors from other countries or for the most up to date information, please check with your local South African consulate or visit the Department of Home Affairs website (www.home-affairs.gov.za).
Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the end of your visit. For any entry – whether you require a visa or not – you need to have at least TWO completely blank pages in your passport, excluding the final blank page.
The EU, most Commonwealth countries (including Australia and the UK), USA & Japan do not require visas. For visitors from other countries or for the most up to date information, please check with your local South African consulate or visit the Department of Home Affairs website (www.home-affairs.gov.za).
Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after the end of your visit. For any entry – whether you require a visa or not – you need to have at least TWO completely blank pages in your passport, excluding the final blank page.
Local Time
The country only has 1 time zone and it is GMT + 2 hours
The country only has 1 time zone and it is GMT + 2 hours