This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian and European cultures. Spend your days discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines in the picturesque Cape Winelands.
Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across unfenced game reserves. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
Entry Requirements
Foreigners travelling to South Africa for leisure or business may be granted visitors' visas in order for them to visit the country for 90 days or less. The requirements for these visas differ from country to country. Foreigners who wish to visit South Africa should contact their nearest South African consulate.
Please note that minors (children under 18 years) travelling with both parents require an Unabridged Birth Certificate. In the case that a minor is travelling with only one parent, an Unabridged Birth Certificate is required as well as a Parental Consent Affidavit and a Letter of Special Circumstances issued by Director-General of Home Affairs. For more information about this, please visit http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/civic-services/traveling-with-children.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency is the South African 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 cities, and are generally open from 09h00 to 16h00 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays, but are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Most of them offer foreign exchange services, with cash, bank, credit cards and travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs), which are widely found across the country. Several international banks have branches in the main city centres.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.
Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways. There are two 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. 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, however, find gravel roads in rural areas. South African roads and highways are well signposted and easy to navigate.
Please note:
-A valid international driver's licence is required.
-Cars 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
Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Rovos Rail and Shongololo Express. There is also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni and OR Tambo International Airport.
Health and Medical Information
South Africa has first-rate private hospitals and medical centres, offering travellers excellent health care services and good specialist services. The public hospitals also offer good care and treatment.
South African doctors are highly skilled, well-trained and held accountable by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Visitors to South Africa do not need to worry about sourcing good medication, as the pharmacies are well-stocked and stock most international medications.
Safety Notices
Foreign visitors in South Africa are advised to take basic safety precautions. Car doors and windows should be locked at all times and visitors should park in a well-lit area at night. It is helpful to be vigilant at all times, particularly when using ATMs or when walking around after dark.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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.
Climate and Weather
South Africa has a lovely moderate climate, with relatively warm and sunny weather all year round. In-land cities tend to be a lot hotter in summer and a lot colder in winter than the cities along the coast.
The temperature in South Africa is measured in Celsius, with an average summer maximum temperature of 28˚C and a minimum of 15˚C; winter temperatures range anywhere from 5˚C to 18˚C. Coastal cities have a sub-tropical climate while in-land is drier. High mountain ranges are prone to snow, and in very rare instances snowfall in cities has been reported. Autumn and spring tend to be South Africa’s rainy seasons in the Western Cape, receiving more rain than most other provinces.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Summer
Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get rather humid in some areas. Don't forget a swimming costume and towel.
Winter
The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas, so be prepared with jerseys, jackets and coats.
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.
For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful. A good pair of walking shoes and warm jacket is also advisable.
For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes, with Wi-Fi available
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes, in major cities
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances.
