Accommodation Banking Budgeting Currency Climate Clothing Crime Customs Documents Etiquette Facilities for the Disabled Health How to take your Money Insurance Languages Maps Medical Services Public Holidays Sales Tax Time Zone Useful Items

Languages

There are 11 official languages. The two major Black languages are Zulu and Xhosa.

English is the official communication language and is taught throughout the education system, though Afrikaans is still the lingua franca amongst many of the people.

The main ethnic languages fall into the Bantu and Khoisan language groups. Most black South Africans will also speak one or more African languages, whilst many white South Africans (especially those in the commercial farming communities) regard Afrikaans their first language.

The English speaking tourist will experience no difficulties, neither the Dutch nor Flemish speakers. Most of the larger institutions and operators cater for German, French and Japanese groups.

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Documents

All visitors must have a passport, which is valid for at least six months after they are due to leave, and an onward ticket of some sort. In practice, the second requirement is rarely even considered if you look neat, respectable and fairly affluent. Travelers from certain countries need a visa. Apply for multiple entry visas should you wish to visit neighboring countries.

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Accommodation

South Africa caters for a wide spectrum of visitors - from 5-star hotels to self-catering cottages. Guest houses and B&B's have become increasingly popular with visitors mainly because of lower rates and excellent service. National Parks and Game Reserves as well as the private reserves have their own accommodation facilities. Click here to see what is on offer in the Karoo Heartland.

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Banking

Automated teller machines (ATM's) are situated in all towns and shopping centres and are available 24-hours a day.

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Currency

The monetary unit is the Rand (R) which equals 100 cents. (International symbol is ZAR). Bank note denominations are R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10.

The best system is always to have some cash South African Rand whilst conserving these by using credit cards where you can. Normal banking hours are 08.30-15.30 weekdays and 08.30-12.00 on Saturdays, depending upon the town. Banks will cash traveler's cheques or give cash advances on credit cards, though the clearance required for a cash advance may take 30 minutes or so. In the remoter areas cash is essential. Wherever you are, petrol stations always require cash.

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Budgeting

Few, if any, of South Africa's attractions are intrinsically expensive. Many are protected in national parks, which are very reasonably priced. Private lodges, and operators who run trips to the remote areas of the country can be more expensive.

In all these cases you are paying for some combination of high levels of luxury, the skills of first-class guides, and the logistics of finding comfort in such remote places. By African standards, the prices of South Africa's private lodges and safari operations remain reasonable. Much better value than equivalent operations in any other African country. This is partially because the economy is tied to the low-value South African Rand.

If you eat in restaurants, lunch will cost around R30. Dinner, with perhaps a few beers or half a bottle of South African wine, will be nearer R80 per person. National park fees are now largely included in the accommodation and camping prices. The main additional expense is petrol if you are driving, for which assume about R4 per liter. The roads are usually open and easy, so expect to cruise at very economic speeds.

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How to take your money

South African Rand are essential for buying petrol and small items, whilst most hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept credit cards. Many travelers take most of their money as traveler's cheques (sterling or US dollars).

Banks in the cities will cash any travelers' cheques, but American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners are well recognised, and prompt replacements are issued if cheques are stolen. Drawing money at a bank via credit cards is easy, but it will take a few minutes longer than changing travelers' cheques.

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Clothing

Most of your days you will want light, loose-fitting clothing. Cotton (or a cotton-rich mix) is cooler and more absorbent than synthetic fibers. For men, shorts (long ones) are usually fine, but long trousers are more socially acceptable in towns and especially in rural settlements and villages. For women knee-length skirts or culottes are best. South Africa has a generally conservative dress code. Revealing or scruffy clothing isn't respected or appreciated by most South Africans.

Light cottons, with slightly heavier cottons or light woolens for evenings. In the evenings, especially for chilling rides in the back of safari vehicles, you will need something warm. Nighttime temperatures in the winter months can be very low, especially in semi-arid and Highveld areas. If possible, dress in layers, taking along a light sweater (polar-fleeces are ideal) and a long-sleeved jacket, or a tracksuit, and a light but waterproof anorak. Note that some excellent cotton safari-wear is produced and sold locally. Try the outdoor speciality shops in South Africa. Finally, don't forget a squashable sun-hat. Cotton is perfect. Bring one for safety's sake, even if you hate hats, as it will greatly reduce the chance of your getting sunstroke when out walking.

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Climate

Generally, South Africa's climate allows for a sunny holiday at any time of the year. However, your dress requirements may vary according to your particular destination, so rather be prepared!  If you intend spending a lot of time outdoors and definitely in summer, bring a hat for protection against the rather scorching sun. In the summer, lightweight cotton clothing is advised because daytime temperatures generally hover around 25-30 degrees Celsius.

For the brief period of January until Mid-March, temperatures sometimes reach 35 degrees. During this period, the nights might be just as hot. In the Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, there is no rain to cool down the air. You may or you may not want to bring a costume to swim in. There are a few topless and nude beaches in South Africa, but generally nudity is still frowned upon. Further inland there is often an afternoon or evening thunderstorm. In fact, the rain may become quite heavy, so a raincoat is advisable. In the summer evenings, the heat usually lessens and only a light jacket is required.

In the winter months (May to October) the sun shines almost every day. Daytime temperatures hover around 17 to 22 degrees Celsius. The evenings can get very cold. Temperatures have been known to plummet to below zero in most parts of the country. The greater South Africa experience semi-arid temperatures. Hot days with cooler (summer), to very cold (winter) nights.

Many visitors, who come to view game in the parks and game farms, prefer to visit these places in the drier winter months. With little rainfall at this time of the year, you are more likely to see animals congregating around the waterholes. The grass is shorter in winter, so spotting the game is easier. But the parks are busier in the winter. The game is just as prolific, but perhaps harder to see in summer. Summer can be unbearably hot specifically in the most northern parts of the game parks. The vegetation in the game parks of Natal, remain the same all year round, as does the weather generally.

Visitors coming to enjoy the unique spring flowerings of the west coast from September to November, usually experience very pleasant weather conditions. The veld is literally covered in carpets of the most beautiful, bright flowers.

There are sharks in the seas around South Africa, even where there are colder currents. The public beaches are well protected by shark nets, but be alert of the unprotected beaches. Some beaches can have rather strong and unpredictable ocean currents.

Visitors arriving in Johannesburg may feel a little drowsy at first because of the high altitude of 1800 metres above sea level.

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Customs

Duty-free allowances:

• Cigarettes 400

• Tobacco - 250g

• Alcoholic bev.'s - 1 liter

• Cigars 50

• Wine 2 liters

• Perfume 50ml

• Eau de Toilette - 250ml

• Gifts, souvenirs and all other goods - R500

Green Channel
No commercial or restricted goods and within Duty-free allowance.

Customs Charges
Pay duty (an average of 20%) on items over allowed limit before leaving Customs hall.

Public roads are well developed and well sign-posted with driving done on the left. Drivers must have an international driver's license and a minimum of 5 years' experience. It is wise to drive defensively as standards vary. This is probably the best way to see the country.

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Maps and navigation

South Africa has an excellent range of detailed 'Ordnance Survey' type maps available cheaply in South Africa at most book stores and news agencies. Petrol station usually stock some good maps as well. If you are planning a 4WD expedition, then you may need to buy some of these before you head out into the bush.

GPS systems

If you are heading into the more remote parts in your own vehicle, then consider investing in a small GPS: a Global Positioning System.

International driver's license

An international driver's license is appropriate.

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Facilities for the Disabled

All the airports, major hotels, most rest camps in the Kruger National Park and lately built shopping centers provide facilities for the disabled. The larger car hire companies can provide vehicles with hand controls. In general, however, facilities are still lacking.

South Africans are friendly people. Some guidelines might make your stay more relaxed.

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Etiquette

Greetings

African societies are rarely as rushed as Western ones. You should always greet the person first before making enquiries. Friendly handshakes are expected in the more rural areas.

Clothing

Your clothing is an area that can easily give offence. Skimpy, revealing clothing is frowned upon by most many South African cultures, especially when worn by women. Shorts are fine for the bush or the beach, but dress conservatively and avoid short shorts, especially in the more rural areas. Respectable locals will wear long trousers (men) or long skirts (women).

No immunization is needed when entering the country except when entering it within six days after leaving a yellow-fever infected area.

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Health

The Great Karoo area is malaria free, however, if you plan to visit other regions please read the following.

Malaria risks in the northeastern parts of the Northern Province, eastern Mphumalanga and northern Kwazulu Natal is high ( F. Falciparum strain).

Consult any chemist (drugstore) for details.
For a more comprehensive discussion of health requirements, the following website is recommended:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/safrica.htm The risk during summer months is high for malaria but for visitors visiting the northern areas of the country it is recommended that preventative measures should be taken throughout the year. 

The Mpumalanga Lowveld, Kruger National Park and Zululand in Natal, are all malarial areas. If you should go into these areas, it is probably best to leave as little of the body exposed when the mosquitoes are active after sunset. You are advised to use mosquito nets and vapour repellents too.

Rabies is present and if you are bitten by an animal you must seek medical assistance immediately. Vaccination against rabies is unnecessary for most visitors, but would be wise for those who travel for extended periods, or stay in rural areas.

Unless you are specifically told by authorities that the water is safe to drink, bilharzia can still be found in most of the malaria invested areas where there are lakes, lagoons, dams and stagnant water. Don't just drink any water and be careful about swimming in such places. The water is safe to drink in all main towns, but it is best to drink bottled water in rural areas.The Cape Provinces are generally safer.

An emergency kit is a must if you're going to stay and spend some time on foot in rural areas. There are scorpions, snakes and spiders, but if you leave them undisturbed, they usually shy away from you. Don't turn over rocks. It is best to wear long pants and boots to prevent possible bites, when out in the veld. Check yourself for ticks at the end of an outing.

Visit the SATOUR, or British Airways sites to ensure the correct information on health requirements.

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Medical Services

For visitors with health insurance, there are several first-class private hospitals and an efficient company, MediRescue, which provides emergency air evacuations from the rural areas.

Visitors to South Africa should always take out a comprehensive medical insurance policy to cover them for emergencies, including the cost of evacuation to bigger cities and towns within the region. Such policies come with an emergency number (often on a reverse-charge/call collect basis). You would be wise to memorise this, or indelibly tattoo it in as many places as possible on your baggage. 

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Insurance

Personal effects insurance is also a sensible precaution, but check the policy's fine print before you leave home. Often, in even the best policies, you will find a limit per item, or per claim - which can be well below the cost of a replacement. If you need to list your valuables separately, then do so comprehensively. Check that receipts are not required for claims if you do not have them, also that the excess, which you have to pay on a claim is reasonable.

Annual travel policies can be excellent value if you travel a lot, and some of the larger credit-card companies offer excellent policies. However, it can often be better to get your valuables named and insured for travel using your home contents insurance. These year-round policies will try harder to settle your claim fairly as they want your business in the long term. 

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Public Holidays

During South African's public holidays the towns shut down, though the national parks and other attractions just carry on regardless. Banks and big businesses are closed as well.

• January 1 - New Year's Day

• March 21 - Human Right's Day

• April 27 - Freedom Day

• May 1 - Worker's Day

• June 16 - Youth Day

• August 9 - Women's Day

• September 24 - Heritage Day

• December 16 - Reconciliation Day

• December 25 - Christmas Day

• December 26 - Day of Goodwill

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Crime

Crime is prevalent in the big cities.

Don't walk in deserted areas or alone at night. Follow the advice of the security staff of the hotels you are staying at. Don't carry large sums of money or expensive cameras in city centers. Use the hotel safe deposit box for valuables.

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Sales Tax

Tourists can have their sales tax (Value Added Tax or VAT) refunded at the port of exit provided the value of purchases exceeds R250.

VAT is currently 14% and levied on most items.

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Time Zone

GMT +2

South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT, one hour ahead of Central European wintertime and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard wintertime (USA).

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Useful Items

• Sunblock and lipsalve for vital protection from the sunSunglasses - essential - ideally dark with a high U-V absorption.

• Insect repellent, especially if travelling to the north or during the rains

• A 'Leatherman' multi-purpose tool. Never go into the bush without one of these amazing assistants

• Electrical insulating tape - remarkably useful for general repairs

• Binoculars - essential for watching game and birds

• Camera, film and long lenses (see Photography section)

• Basic sewing kit, with at least some really strong thread for repairs

• Electrical insulating tape - remarkably useful for general repairs

• Camera, film and long lenses (see Photography section)

• Basic sewing kit, with at least some really strong thread for repairs

• Cheap waterproof watch (leave expensive ones, and jewellery, at home)

• Couple of paperback novels

• Large plastic 'bin-liner' (garbage) bags, for protecting your luggage from dust

• A simple medical kit

• A magnifying glass, for looking at some of the smaller attractions

• And for backpackers, useful extras might include:

• Concentrated, biodegradable washing powder

• Long-life candles

• Nylon Para cord (20m) for emergencies and washing lines

• Good compass and a whistle

• More comprehensive medical kit

• Universal plug

• Film can be more expensive in South Africa, but print films are readily available in main towns, as are the more common slide films.

• Buying one polystyrene cool box just for films is a great investment. Protection from sun and heat is essential.

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