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 make sure you have checked if you need a visa for South Africa. Parents with children under 18 should carry their full birth certificates and, if travelling with just one parent, a letter of consent from the other parent.
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
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. We drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Health and Medical Information
It's important to go to a health clinic before travellling to South Africa. In certain areas malaria medication is required.
Safety Notices
There is a high degree of crime in some areas of South Africa but generally tourists will visit areas that are safe. Even so show a high degree of vigilance when walking around and we suggest you do not wear expensive jewellery or watches when travelling as there is opportunistic crime. Most hotels will have a safe in your room and we suggest you use these.
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. We suggest that you drink bottled water. However, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas.
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.
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
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.
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. Mostly dress codes are very relaxed.
Internet Availability
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. It is possible to buy sim cards -- the two largest providers are MTN and Vodacom
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in the Republic of South Africa are Type M (SABS-1661). This is the three round pins. There are also often two round pins. 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.
