Wildlife & Warriors

Every country in the world displays some diversity but South Africa, stretching from the lions in the Kruger National Park to the iconic Table Mountain in the Cape, takes some beating. Enjoy the country’s sweeping valleys of the Winelands, Cape Town’s jumping nightlife, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers or KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which alone has five distinct ecosystems attracting both zebras and dolphins. There is something here for any person, with any interest, of any age. Although the country has its fair share of problems, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere - from farmers in the rural north who tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (‘good morning’ in Xhosa).

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 and 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, and most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa. 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.

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.

South African temperatures 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 in the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side less than 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 clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas. Don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit). Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer, as this is when most of the country gets its rain.

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

This tiny, land-locked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems – towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions.

Currency:
Local currency: Lingaleni. South African Rand (ZAR) is also accepted. (E1 = ZAR1) 
ISO code: SWZ 
Central bank: The Central Bank of Swaziland  
Subunit: cents 
Banknotes: E200, 100, 50, 20, 10 
Coins: E5, 2, 1; 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1c 

Banking: 
Card Transactions:  
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes/No 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: In some places  
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08h30 - 14h00 
Weekends: Saturdays, 08h30 - 13h00 
Public Holidays: No 

Foreign exchange services: Yes/No 
 

Air: 
Main airlines: Royal Swazi National Airways 
International Airports: King Mswati III International Airport 

Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: An English or English-translated national licence is allowed. International Drivers Licenses are also allowed.  
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: Yes 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 
 
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 towns and cities  
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: Yes, in towns and cities 
Meat: Yes, if well-cooked / hot  
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine: The menus here feature the Portuguese influence of neighbouring Mozambique, including wonderful fresh seafood and prawns. Traditional Swazi dishes include Umncushu (Porridge), Umncweba (dried uncooked meat or jerky, known as biltong in neighbouring South Africa), and Umbidvowetintsanga (made with cooked pumpkin leaves and peanuts).     

Drinks: Tjwala: Traditional home-brewed beer made from maize meal. 
 
Tipping: 15% 

Annual rainfall: 500 mm – 1, 500 mm 
Average temperature: 15°C - 23.4°C 
 
Summer: 
Average in highs: 23°C 
Average in lows: 15°C 
 
Winter: 
Average in highs: 17°C 
Average in lows: 6°C 
 
Best time to visit: This is a fantastic year-round destination. The dry winter – from May to September – is arguably the best time to see wildlife. Summer, hot and wet, brings spectacular birdlife and lush green scenery to the setting.  

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 
 

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

Plug Type: M 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 
 

* A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.