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Facts & Figures
Electricity runs on 220/230V, 50Hz AC. Sockets take unique round-pinned plugs.
There is only 1 time zone throughout South Africa. GMT +2
The Rainbow Nation – Languages & People
South Africa is a country of cultural diversity, with a population of 45 million and 11 different official languages (English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, siSwati, Ndebele, North Sotho, Sesotho, Tswana, Venda and Tsonga). English is spoken in all main cities and tourist destinations.
Money & Banks
The South African currency is Rand & Cents. R1 = 100 South African cents
Travelers’' cheques are easily cashed in the major cities, however not in remote areas.
Credit cards are widely accepted, however they can’t be used to purchase petrol.
ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are generally open 24 hours in the cities.
Banking hours: 8:30 - 15:30, and bureau de changes usually stay open until 17:00.
School Holidays
Long school summer holidays stretch from early December to about mid January. Other school holidays are Easter, and a short spring break (late September/early October) and a winter break (late June/early July).
Post & Telephones
Post offices open until 16:30 on weekdays and are closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Stamps are also available at newsagents. (Postal service can be a little unreliable and slow.)
Public Telephones (accepting a pre-paid card or coins) are plentiful.
Mobile phones, known as cell phones, operate on the GSM digital system. The cheapest option is to buy a prepaid card from one of the networks, and enter a code into your handset. Alternatively you can hire cell phones from airports and main cities. Cyber cafes have now opened in all the main centers.
What to bring
Almost everything is freely available in South Africa. In general, bring a wide of range clothing, from swimming costumes to light-weight raincoats and a warm fleece. Sun hats & sunscreen are a necessity.
On Safari: Binoculars, warm clothes in subdued colours (brown, khaki or dark green) for morning & evening game drives, and "smart casual" wear for evening meals in the private game reserves.
Driving in South Africa
A valid Drivers License (we suggest an International License) is required when hiring a vehicle. Driving is on the left. 24 hour petrol stations are found in all major cities and along the freeways. However it is important to note that petrol has to be paid for with cash.
Travelling with children
South Africa is probably the easiest and most interesting country in Africa for travel with children. Basic necessities such as nappies (diapers), milk formula, wipes and baby food are easily available. There are first world standard private hospitals & doctors. Cots can be arranged in advance in the majority of hotels and child car seats can be booked through car rental companies at a small additional fee.
It is important to note that although children are welcomed at most safari lodges, in general children under the age of six are not permitted on game drives. In these instances, babysitters can be arranged at an additional charge.
Safety Issues
As with all major cities and travel destinations around the world, due care has to be taken to avoid pickpockets and bag snatchers in the tourist areas. Always check with your hotel or guest house whether it is safe to walk around in the evening. Alternatively taxis are easily available.
Health Issues
(Please note we are not Health Professionals and you must consult your GP before traveling)
There are generally high standards of hygiene and safe drinking water in the tourist areas, and international standard private hospitals.
Sun - Always use sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat and drink plenty of fluids.
Malaria - Most of South Africa is malaria-free, however there are risk areas, such as the Kruger National Park and northern KwaZulu-Natal. Highest risk time is in the rainy months from November to April. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes cover up during the early morning and evening, wear insect repellent, sleep under a mosquito net and burn a mosquito coil. Check with your local doctor or pharmacist about the areas you are visiting and what anti-malarial tablets they recommend.
Shopping
South Africa offers some excellent shopping, with a wide range of bargain-priced curios, crafts, jewellery, wines and leather goods, among a multitude of others. 14% VAT, included in the purchase price, is refundable at the airport prior to your international departure. Ensure you have retained your VAT receipts.
Climate – When to Visit
Cape Town and the Garden Route coastal belt have a Mediterranean climate, with warm/hot summers and cold wet winters. However it can rain any time in the year, and Cape Town can have strong winds in the summer. Best time to visit is from October to May.
KwaZulu-Natal has a subtropical climate, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. However it can be uncomfortably hot and humid in summer. Best time to visit is from May to November.
Mpumalanga (Kruger National Park area) has warm to hot sunny days with possible rainfall in summer and moderately warm winter days with cold nights and chilly mornings. Winters are generally dry and best game viewing time as the grasses die back and the game is easier to spot. This is also the lowest risk time for malaria. Best time to visit is from May to November.
Johannesburg & Sun City enjoy sunny summer days, with brief but intense thunderstorms and heavy rain in the afternoons. Winters are generally dry with chilly nights. Best time to visit – all year round.
Remember: South Africa has southern hemisphere seasons. Midsummer is December/January and midwinter is June/July. December has the long summer school holidays and Cape Town and the Garden Route, in particular are crowded with locals and foreign visitors on holiday.
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