Freedom Travel - South Africa & Mauritius

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

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, and 10c.

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 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.

Several‌ ‌airlines‌ ‌operate‌ ‌domestic‌ ‌routes‌ ‌with‌ ‌regular‌ ‌links‌ ‌between‌ ‌Johannesburg,‌ ‌Cape‌ ‌Town,‌ ‌Durban,‌ ‌George,‌ ‌Nelspruit‌ ‌and‌ ‌Port‌ ‌Elizabeth‌ ‌and‌ ‌relatively‌ ‌frequent‌ ‌flights‌ ‌to‌ ‌several‌ ‌smaller‌ ‌towns‌ ‌and‌ ‌cities‌ ‌too.‌ ‌

An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Please note that a valid international driver's licence is required. We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa.

Another means of getting around South Africa are inter-city bus services. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis can be ordered and e-hailing services are available. There is the popular MyCityBus system in Cape Town and a hop-on-hop-off tourist bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains with  more luxurious options are available. There is also the Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province.

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 maintain hygienic standards.

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.

South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C to average lows of 8°C in the summer months, while winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C during the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm a year, making the country somewhat dry. Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.

Summer

Bring cool, light and comfortable clothes 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 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.

Most accommodation offer Wifi in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some South African restaurants offer WiFi access.

There are also outlets such as PostNet that offer internet, fax and postage facilities.  

Electrical sockets in the Republic of South Africa are Type M (SABS-1661). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug it in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in South Africa usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance built for 230-volt electrical input, or an appliance compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. A voltage converter will be necessary if your appliance isn't compatible with 230 volts.

Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, the idyllic island of Mauritius is a remarkably romantic holiday destination. While it's renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, gorgeous powder-white sand beaches, and a wonderful tropical climate, the island offers much more. Those who venture inland will dis­cov­er lush, jungle-clad mountains, glistening blue lagoons, impressive rivers and water­falls, extinct volcanic craters, charming little ramshackle towns and villages, and wonderfully friendly locals. Must-see attractions include the bustling capital of Port Louis with its lively local markets; the remarkable 85 metre-high Chamarel Waterfall; and Eureka, a historic plantation mansion turned museum offering visitors a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

Currency

The currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee - MUR or rs, which is divided into 100 cents

Do not change money in your home country as you are likely to get a lower exchange rate. The rate in Mauritius is much better. When you arrive at the airport in Mauritius you will see a host of exchange bureaus at the arrival halls. Just bring your own currency and change it over there for a better deal. If you do not manage to change at the arrival halls there are branches of Thomas Cook  and Shibani Finance in the popular tourist areas of Grand Baie and Flic en Flac.

Banking

Banks are open from Monday to Friday 09h15 to 15h15 and Saturday from 09h1 to 11h15 (Some banks only).

Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

One major highway runs north to south, otherwise a good network of paved, if sometimes narrow, roads cover the island. There are numerous car hire firms include major international and independent firms. People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Taxis are regulated and metered and linked to provinces or hotels, printed on a yellow panel on the drivers' door. Bus and taxi services are best used in urban areas. Bicycles and motorbikes are also available for hire.

Mauritius is a paradise for the senses, not only for the eyes with its beautiful landscape but also for the palate. Featuring culinary traditions from France, India, China and Africa, the best-known and appreciated cuisines in the world, have been passed on through generations.

Depending on the region, rice or a variety of flatbread called chapattis or roti, called farata (paratha) by the local people, is eaten with curries. The extensive use of spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves and herbs like thyme, basil, and curry leaves are the common ingredients that provide some powerful, yet subtle, savour.

You can buy many snacks on the streets of Mauritius. Mauritians have a sweet tooth and make many types of 'gateaux', as they are called. The cakes vary and you can find cakes very much like those in France and others similar to Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla among many others.

Mauritius produces a wide range of cane rum. Don't forget the coconut water with a dash of lime and a splash of local rum over ice. The local beer Phoenix and is usually served very cold.

The local water is relatively clean and the Mauritians drink it. You need therefore have no fear if you use it for cleaning your teeth etc. However, it is better you boil the water before drinking it or buy bottled water which is freely available in the local shops or at hotels and resorts.

The hottest time of the year on Mauritius is December / March when you can expect temperatures of 30 degrees C (approx. 90 F) but with less humidity. There is always a breeze from the ocean however so that most people will find it pleasant. Cyclones (tropical storms) can also occurr during this period.

For those people who do not enjoy warm weather or want a more active holiday, we recommend going in July/August when the temperature is 24-26 C. On the coast the temperature can go down to 16-18 C during the night so that we recommend taking a pullover.

As you can see the variation of temperature on Mauritius is small such that enjoyable holidays can be spent there at any time of the year. Although the weather is normally sunny it does rain. The rain showers are normally short and are a pleasant change from the sun.

Men can usually spend most of the time in short trousers unless you want to enter a hotel for the evening, in this case long trousers are required. Additionally the maid in the house washes and returns clothes by the next day so that you do not need to take much with you. Do not overload your suitcase with unnecessary clothes. Leave some room for any shopping that you do on Mauritius.

Mauritius has a well advanced textile industry so that instead of taking all your holiday clothes with you might consider buying them locally on the local market. The shops are full of ready to wear polo shirts, T-shirts, shorts, shirts, trousers, pullovers, dresses and beachwear at low prices.

Disposable nappies for babies cost about 2 times the price on Mauritius as they do in Europe. We recommend either taking enough with you or taking nappies which the maid can wash.

Most accommodation offers Wifi (free or paid) in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some restaurants offer WiFi access (free or paid).

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances - such adapters are also available at major airports.