Travel Guide - South Africa

South Africa

South Africa is among the most pristine tourist destinations not only in the African continent but also globally. Her modern set-up is akin to many first-world countries while her abundance of natural gems rivals any safari destination in the continent. The country boasts memorable sceneries including the sun-kissed shores of Indian and Atlantic oceans, her incredible deserts and picturesque mountains. If you are a lover of nature or the unique offerings of African modernity, then South Africa is your ideal destination.

Climate

South Africa is located in a subtropical region, moderated by ocean on two sides of the triangle-shaped country and the altitude of the interior plateau. These account for the warm, temperate conditions so typical of South Africa and so popular with its foreign visitors. The country is relatively dry with an average annual rainfall of about 464 metres. South Africa`s coastal regions have the warmest winter temperatures in the country.

Topography

South Africa's coastline stretches more than 2,500 Kilometres from the desert border with Namibia on the Atlantic coast, southwards around the tip of Africa, then north to the border with subtropical Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. The Karoo plateau, where rocky hills and mountains rise from sparsely populated scrubland, is very dry, and gets more so as it shades in the north-west towards the Kalahari desert. It gets extremely hot in summer, and it can be frosty in winter. There are two main rivers in South Africa; River Limpopo part of which flows in Zimbabwe and River Orange.

Language

Official languages are English Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

Electric Supply

220 to 230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3 prong or 5 amp 2 prong, with round pins. If an adaptor is called for, consider bringing one with you, although they can be purchased locally. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Time

South Africa Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT+2 ).

Banking Hours

Weekdays

Open: Between 08:30 hrs and 09:00 hrs

Close: Between 15:30 hrs and 16:00 hrs.

Saturdays

Open: Between 08:00 hrs and 08:30 hrs

Close: 11:00 hrs.

Communication

Communication includes a system of Telephone, Radio and Television broadcasts, Internet, mail, and several Newspapers,Telex, Fax and Airmail services. International direct calling is available at most hotels and the several Internet cafes.

Medical Services

South Africa has good health services, with some good government and private hospitals and clinics in the major cities and other towns. Air rescue services are also available.

Currency

The Currency for South Africa is the Rand

Credit Cards

International credit cards are widely accepted in the major hotels, restaurants and shops.

Working Hours

Shops and businesses are generally open from 08:00 hours and 17:00 hours on weekdays, with a lunch break between 13:00 hours and 14:00 hours. Some businesses are open on Saturday at least until Midday.

Public Holidays

Customs Regulations

Free import

• No more than 200 cigarettes and 20 cigars per person.

• No more than 250g of cigarette or pipe tobacco per person.

• No more than 50ml perfumery and 250ml eau de toilette per person.

• No more than 2 litres of wine per person.

• No more than 1 litre in total of spirituous and other alcoholic beverages per person.

Restricted items

• Currency: South African bank notes in excess of R25,000, Gold coins, coin and stamp collections and unprocessed gold.

• Endangered plants and animals: Species of plants or animals that are listed as endangered, whether they are alive or dead. The restriction includes any parts of or articles made from them.

• Food, plants, animals and biological goods: All plants and plant products, such as seeds, flowers, fruit, honey, margarine and vegetable oils. All animals, birds, poultry and products thereof, for example, dairy products, butter and eggs.

• Medicines: Travellers are allowed to bring in no more than three months` supply of pharmaceutical drugs and medicines for their personal use. All other pharmaceutical drugs and medicines have to be declared and have to be accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician.

Prohibited items

Narcotic and habit-forming drugs in any form, Fully automatic, military and unnumbered weapons, explosives and fireworks, Poison and other toxic substances, Cigarettes with a mass of more than 2kg per 1000, Goods to which a trade description or trademark is applied in contravention of any Act for example counterfeit goods and Unlawful reproductions of any works subject to copyright Prison-made and penitentiary-made goods.

Health Requirements

All visitors are advised to take an antimalarial prophylactic beginning two weeks before the arrival and continuing for six weeks after their departure. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from countries with infected areas. Other travellers are strongly advised to obtain vaccination against the disease before visiting the country.