Kingdoms & Peaks - Hiking South Africa & Lesotho (Self-Drive): Johannesburg – Royal Natal National Park – Lesotho – Cradock – Addo Elephant Park – Port Elizabeth

Nothing in the world quite matches the true glory of South Africa. Considered one of the most geographically varied countries on the African continent, it consists of dry savanna plains, wet marshlands, mountainous terrains and pristine, sandy beaches. Known as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa boasts 11 official languages and a diverse range of inhabitants. Travellers to South Africa will have their pick of attractions, from the Wild Coast's unspoiled beaches and the vibrant nightlife of Cape Town to the Kgalagadi Desert and the thick forest of Tsitsikamma. This country is home to the most upbeat, humorous and most hospitable people you will get the chance to meet. It offers world-class hospitality and incredible holiday experiences for tourists from around the world. Despite a past of struggle and separation, the country's future is filled with possibility and unity. South Africa is said by many to be the most beautiful country in the world and a must-see traveller's dream. 

Currency

The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.

Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways, operated by Comair. There are 2 low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com and Mango.

Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.

An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Note:

A valid international driver's licence is required.

We drive on the left hand side of the road.

Wearing seat belts is compulsory and cellphones can only be used ‘hands free'.

Speed limits are generally set at 120km on freeways, 100km on secondary roads and 60km in urban areas.

Toll fees apply on certain national roads.

Petrol stations are widespread.

Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa

Another means of getting around South Africa are luxury inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Trans-Lux. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone. There is a hop-on-hop-off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail. There is also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni and OR Tambo International Airport.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm) 
Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg) 
Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg) 

Winter: 
Average highs: 18°C (Cape Town), 17°C (Johannesburg) 
Average lows: 8°C (Cape Town), 4°C (Johannesburg) 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources. For beach holidays, mid-December to March is ideal, especially in Cape Town. 

Summer

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas.Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

General

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

If you are doing business in the country, business attire (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media for example generally dress more casually.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes, in major cities
Libraries: Yes

Lesotho is an independent country surrounded by South Africa. Two of the country's most notable attractions are its majestic mountains and guided hikes. The winter months cover the magnificent Drakensberg mountains with snow allowing visitors to ski atop their dramatic landscapes. Exploring the highlands and stopping at the Maletsunyane Falls can be explored by a popular form of native transport, pony-trekking. Lesotho's natural surroundings are breathtaking – plummeting waterfalls, lush green lands and more than half a year's sunshine make this southernmost kingdom of Africa a perfect place to relax and unwind. 

Currency:  
Local currency: Loti. The South African Rand is also accepted (LSL1 = ZAR1) 
Symbol: LSL 
ISO code: LSO 
Subunit: Cent  
Banknotes: LSL200, 100, 50, 20, 10 
Coins: LSL500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1 

Banking:  
Card Transactions:  
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours:  
Weekdays: 08h30 - 15h30 
Weekends: Saturdays 08h30 - 12h30 
Public Holidays: Yes/No *(If yes, add hours)  
Foreign exchange services: Yes/No  

Air:  
Main airlines: Mohahlaula Airlines   
International Airports: Moshoeshoe I International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Mejametalana Airport 

Road: 
Tar roads: Few 
Gravel roads: Yes  
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes. National driving licenses in English or with a certified translation are valid for 3 months.  
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: No 
 
Bus:  
Inter-city bus services: Yes, but run according to when it is full rather than a schedule  
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail:  
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 
 
Water:  
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No  
Leisure cruises: No  

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in cities 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes, in cities 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes, in cities 
 
Local cuisine: Basotho traditional foods are generally less spicy than other African countries. Popular dishes include Oxtail stew, “Braai” (barbecue), kebabs, curries, and seafood. Make sure to try the Borotho, a traditional African bread that originates here.  

Drinks: Maluti beer, traditional ginger beer 
 
Tipping: It is customary to leave a good tip. There is no set percentage. 
 

Annual rainfall: 761.2 mm 
Average temperature: 12.8°C 

Summer:  
Average in highs: 27°C  
Average in lows: 13°C  
 
Winter:  
Average in highs: 15°C  
Average in lows: -0.5°C  
 
Best time to visit: Summer is mild here when compared to several other African countries, but visiting towards the beginning (October or November) - or the end of the summer season (March to April) will mean less chance of rain or very high temperatures. Excellent skiing opportunities can be found in July, August and September. 

Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes

Winter and Autumn  

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes/No  
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes/No  
 
General  
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, in Maseru   
Accommodation options: Sometimes 
Restaurants: Sometimes 
Cafes: Sometimes in Maseru 
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in Maseru 
 

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