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Health
Visitors entering South Africa from yellow fever infected areas require yellow fever
international certificate of vaccination. Certain low altitude regions in Northern Province, Eastern Transvaal (including the Kruger National Park) and north
east of KwaZulu-Natal are prone to malaria. Visitors to these areas are strongly advised to take anti-malaria medication before traveling. Tap water is
generally considered safe in urban areas but not so elsewhere. Bilharzia occurs in the north and east of the country where you are advised not to swim in
fresh water. HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country and due care is called for.
Visas
All visitors to
South Africa require passports valid for at least 30 days after planned date of exit. For those visiting for upto 90 days no visas are required from citizens
of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, United States, Switzerland and the European Union. There is also visa waiver for between 30-90 days for a few other
selected countries. But visa requirements vary from time to time and you are advised to check on prevailing status well ahead of travel. Visas are not issued
at South Africa border points.
People & Culture
South Africa is such a vibrant country due to the
diversity of its people. There is a lot to be said for the wildlife and natural attractions of this land but you will have missed much if you have no
encounters with its people. The Khoi-San (bushmen) are entitled to claim of having the deepest roots and some of their ancestors’ rock and cave
paintings date back 26,000 years ago. Other prominent members of this “rainbow nation” include Zulu, Tswana, Ndebele, Xhosa, Sotho, Indian,
Afrikaans and those of British origin. The Zulu is one of the more vibrant of traditional black cultures and their dance and dress is quite
striking.
In historic terms, apartheid has just recently been dethroned and it is not surprising that colour is still such as an important part of
peoples identity. Some knowledge of English will help you get by in urban areas and almost elsewhere in the country. Beer and brandy are the popular routes
to getting tipsy though many are increasingly finding South Africa’s excellent wines tempting. The music scene is vibrant and groups such as Ladysmith
Black Mambazo are now well known in the west. The country has so many stories to be told as the grandees who award the Nobel Prize for literature have
recognized. The 2003 winner was Cape Town born J.M Coetzee, who follows in the footsteps of Nadine Gordimer winner of the prize in 1991.
Communications
Telephone, fax, telegram, post and Internet services are available. Direct dialing to many countries is
available at most hotels. The country code for South Africa is 27. Mobile phones are based on GSM 900 network and coverage extends to most urban areas. You
can obtain a GSM card that will allow you to make international calls to any country. E-mail is accessible at Internet cafes around the
country.
Accommodation
Hotels and resorts in South Africa are
plenty in the popular tourist routes and are equal to the needs of most. From the discerning traveler who accepts none else than 5-star luxury to the cost
conscious who is happy to wake up in a plain and cosy guesthouse. Accommodation options encompass hotels, game lodges and camps, resorts, health spas,
motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, holiday farms, beach cottages, holiday flats and bungalows. There are also over 800 camp and caravan sites in the
country.
Money
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Foreign currency can be exchanged at
bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines and ATMs are also available at limited locations.
Travelers cheques (i.e checks) are valid at banks, hotels, shops and restaurants. You get the most reasonable exchange rates for US dollar, Euro and Pound
Sterling. Visa and Mastercard credit cards have the widest acceptance. American Express and Diners Club have slightly less acceptability.
Climate
In general South Africa has a warm temperate climate to the delight of many sunshine-seekers. The country
experiences about seven months of sunshine. The colder part of the year falls between May and August. But for such a large country there are of course
variations. The coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Province are generally hot and humid and June and July are the preferred holiday
months.
Winters are generally mild except at the higher altitudes where there are occasional snowfalls to the consternation of those visitors with
fixed ideas about climatic conditions in Africa. Summer can be uncomfortably hot in the Low Veld. The hotter areas include the lower Orange River valley and
the Mpumalanga Lowveld. Regions in the north east of the country can get quite humid. In Cape Town region rainfall is highest in winter. Most of the rest of
the country experiences the highest rainfall in the summer. Those who have come to view game are advised to travel in winter when the grass is short and the
animals are much easier to sight.
International Travel
Johannesburg is fast becoming a regional hub for
air travel. The country’s national carrier is South African Airways (SAA). There are numerous direct and indirect South Africa flights for those traveling from Europe and North America. There are also flights from other parts of Africa,
the Far East and South America. International airports in the country are: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. As Cape
Town’s stature as a destination grows, there is an increasing number of direct international flights.
Local
Travel
The road infrastructure is good and it is easy and convenient to get around the country by car. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven rental cars in South Africa are widely available. Visitors must be in possession of an international driving license. The
country has taken after the British and driving is on the left.
The principal cities of Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Johannesburg,
Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria are serviced by daily flights. South African Airways among other domestic carriers operates on the principal routes.
Cruises offer links between the country’s major ports such as Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and East London.
Rail services of varying
quality link the main cities. The luxury and very pricey Blue Train offers an express service between Pretoria, Victoria Falls, Hoedspruit, Port Elizabeth
and Cape Town. Long-distance trains are equipped with sleeping compartments. You should reserve ahead of travel especially for overnight journeys. A number
of bus operators run intercity express links using modern air-conditioned coaches.
Travel
Insurance
There are world-class medical facilities in South Africa. Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended.
What to Wear
If you travel in summer you should pack light cottons, linens and rainwear. For winter you need warmer
clothes and rainwear if you travel to the Cape region. Casual wear will be adequate for most occasions. On formal social functions however men should turn
out in dinner jackets and black ties and women in full-length dresses.
Contact us for Help and
Travel Advice Are you planning for your South Africa safari. Contact us through our Africa
safari feedback form and let us help you in picking the best hotel, and all your other travel arrangements.
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