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.
Entry Requirements
Please click on the link to view the current COVID-19 entry requirements to enter South Africa:
https://www.gilt-edge.com/covid-19-protocols/#south-africa
The information on this page is correct to the best of Giltedge’s knowledge at time of publication. It’s reviewed on an ongoing basis. Given the evolving nature of travel in Africa due to COVID-19, we encourage you to check the official government website of the country you are intending to visit and their entry requirements.
It’s also important to check requirements with your airline prior to departure. Regardless of a country’s entry policy, most airlines are asking passengers to produce proof of a negative RT-PCR test performed within 72 hours of departure. Some airlines require this for both the inbound & outbound flight and others require this dependent on rules of country of final destination.
RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests are different. RDT results and home test results are unlikely to be accepted.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: South African Rand
Symbol: R
ISO code: ZAR
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand)
Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200
Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5
Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30
Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: South African Airways
International Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, King Shaka (Durban)
Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas
Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes, including Uber and Bolt
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, including luxury options like the Blue Train
Subway System: Gautrain in Gauteng
Water:
Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe
Local cuisine:
South African cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers' sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as "braai."
Drinks:
Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines.
Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.
Climate and Weather
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.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
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
Plug Type: M, N
Voltage (V): 230 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.
Entry Requirements
Please click on the link to view the current COVID-19 entry requirements to enter Mozambique:
https://www.gilt-edge.com/covid-19-protocols/#mozambique
The information on this page is correct to the best of Giltedge’s knowledge at time of publication. It’s reviewed on an ongoing basis. Given the evolving nature of travel in Africa due to COVID-19, we encourage you to check the official government website of the country you are intending to visit and their entry requirements.
It’s also important to check requirements with your airline prior to departure. Regardless of a country’s entry policy, most airlines are asking passengers to produce proof of a negative RT-PCR test performed within 72 hours of departure. Some airlines require this for both the inbound & outbound flight and others require this dependent on rules of country of final destination.
RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests are different. RDT results and home test results are unlikely to be accepted.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Mozambican Metical
Symbol: MT
ISO code: MZN
Subunit: Centavo (1/100 of a Metical)
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 meticais
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 meticais
Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 07:30 – 15:30, Weekends: Closed, Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: LAM Mozambique Airlines
International Airports: Maputo International Airport
Domestic Airports: Beira Airport, Nampula Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, mainly in urban areas
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes, in major cities
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, limited service
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes, to the Bazaruto Archipelago
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, if cooked thoroughly
Street food: Yes, from reputable vendors
Local cuisine:
Mozambican cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Seafood is a staple, especially prawns, served with piri-piri sauce. Coconut, lime, and spices enrich dishes like Matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and nuts. Corn porridge (Xima) is a common side.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include Laurentina and 2M beers, and Tipo Tinto rum.
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies greatly, from 500 mm in the south to 900 mm in the north
Average temperature: 28°C
Summer:
Average highs: 31°C
Average lows: 24°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 18°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November during the dry season when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and beach holidays.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season
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 Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes, in major cities
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes, in major cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: C, F, M
Voltage (V): 220 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.