Welcome to South Africa
The land of the Rainbow Nation, Nelson Mandela and the Big Five.
Breathtaking Bio Diversity , a rich cultural heritage and a friendly
proffesional hospitality industry make South Africa an enjoyable
and unique holiday destination.
The country is divided into 9 Provinces that cover the southern
tip of Africa from the Atlantic Ocean in the West to the Indian
Ocean on the East Coast. The diversity in climates and ecologies
provide for plenty of variety, with some areas enjoying summer
sunshine, others gentle drizzle and light mists, or year round
rainfall, or to the extreme complete drought. The natural vegetation,
marine,animal and abundant bird life are
varied enough to draw fascinated visitors back time and again.
What to Do
South Africa has many cities which lend themselves to many activities,
such as nightclubing, theatres, shopping malls, gambling, fine
dining and watching sport.
For the nature lover and adventure enthusiast there are activities
such as hiking, moutain climbing, surfing, canoeing, sailing,
abseiling, scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, white water rafting
and even snow skiing. For the golf enthusiast there are also
a number championship golf courses. For the less adventurous
there is a wide selection of spas and wellness centres.
For photographers and nature lovers their is ample oppurtunity
to photograph and view the wonders of our diverse wildlife and
take an off-road exscursion in 4x4 vehicles. One cannot forget
our national pastime boerewors, camping and braaivleis (Barbeque)
with friends.
General Information
Time Zone
GMT +2
Climate
South Africa has large variations in climate.While Cape
Town and the surrounding Western Cape have a mediterranean
climate, the Garden Routehas year round rainfall, The
inland Karoo is largely arid while the East Coast is hot
and humid. The Northern Escarpment attracts summer thunderstorms.
Summer : Oct - March
Winter : May - Aug (possible snow fall in Mountainous regions)
Clothing
Clothing should be cool and light in summer and warm in winter.
it is preferable to dress in layers, so that warm clothes
can be shed as the temperature can change rapidly in certain
regions.
Languages
There are 11 offcial languages in south Africa, although
English and Afrikaans are the most widely spoken. Twenty
- Three percent speak Zulu and 17% Xhosa.
Population
Sotuh Africa has a population of 44 819 778 of which 32% are under 14.
Health
Anti Malaria precautions should be taken wnen travelling
to Noerthern and Eastern parts. Tick bite fever in areas
where there is long grass. Other than a certificate of
innoculation for travelling from a yellow fever area,
no other innoculations are compulsory.
Transport
Air Travel internally and internationally is good and
fairly frequent. The main international Airport is Johannesburg
International. The main seaports are Cape town Durban
and Port Elizabeth. The Countries roads are also generally
good.
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Communications
There are over 5 million telephone lines and 7 million
mobile users in the country. Internet connections and
cafes are also widley available. There are also numerous
radio and television stations.
Electricity
The Electricity supply is 220/240 Volts AC, 50 Hz.
Water
Tap water is safe accross the country and botteled water
is also obtainable at most supermarket and general stores.
Currency
The national currency is the South African Rand which
is divided into 100 cents. All Major credit cards are
accepted at most establishments. ATM are also widley available.
Travellers cheques can be exchanged at airports and most
banking institutions.
Public Holidays
January 1 - New Years Day
March 21 - Human Rights Day
Good Friday (variable)
Easter Monday (variable)
April 27 - Freedom Day
May 1 - Workers Day
Junje 16 - Youth Day
August 9 - National Womens Day
September 24 - Heritage Day
December 16 - Day of Reconciliation
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Day of Goodwill
If the public holiday falls on a Sunday the Monday following
is a public holiday.
Entry Regulations
All Visitors need a valid passport and proof of return booking. It is advisable to check with South African embassises for Visa requirements.Transit and multi-entry visas are advised for visitors intending to visit neighbouring countries. |
