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South Africa in a Nutshell

Geographical Features

With an area of 1 227 200km² (472 359 miles²), South Africa is situated at the southern most tip of Africa. South Africa’s West coast borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Eastern coastline runs along the Indian Ocean. On the North, South Africa borders Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and in the North-East Mozambique and Swaziland. Completely enclosed by South African territory in the South-East, is the Kingdom of Lesotho. South Africa is divided into nine provinces: Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Northern Province, North West and Western Cape.   Climate In general, South Africa has a perennially sunny climate, but the sun can be extremely fierce. The use of a hat and sun screen is recommended. Midwinter occurs in June and July, midsummer in December and January. Climate ranges from Mediterranean in the Cape Peninsula to sub-tropical on the KwaZulu-Natal coast and in the North-Eastern interior, temperate conditions prevail on the highveld. Days of sunshine range from 265 days a year in Johannesburg to 197 days in Durban.

Photos: Courtesy GCIS

South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho (Southern Sotho), siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu. However, English is understood and spoken by most people.

Although the majority of South Africans practise Christianity, South Africa caters for most religious denominations.

Entry Documents and Customs Regulations

All visitors require a valid passport for entry into South Africa. Entry is regulated by the Department of Home Affairs.

Enquiries regarding visas and customs regulations may be directed to South African Missions or travel agents.

Department of Home Affairs:
Tel: +12 327 3500
Fax: +12 314 8516

Immunisation

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers one year and older entering South Africa within 6 days of leaving an infected country.

Foreign Representation South Africa currently has relations with 171 countries and hosts representation from 128 countries and 16 international organisations. More information can be obtained by contacting the nearest South African Missions or the Protocol (Administration) Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs at tel: +12 351 1000.

Travellers cheques and foreign currency notes of all major currencies can be exchanged at airports, commercial banks as well as major hotels. American Express, Diners Club and Thomas Cook operate in South Africa. Fluctuations in foreign exchange markets are reflected in rates quoted on a daily basis.

Banking Hours Monday to Friday 08:30 – 15:30 Saturday 08:30 – 11:00 Johannesburg International Airport offers a 24 hour banking service.   Value Added Tax

Value added tax (VAT) is included in the price of most goods and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods. VAT refunds may be claimed at airports, harbours and customs offices on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250,00.

For more information contact:
Tel: +12 422 6817
Fax: +12 422 5182

Credit Cards

Most credit cards as well as travellers cheques are accepted:  

Fuel cannot be paid for with standard credit cards.

South African tap water is extremely palatable and perfectly safe to drink. Bottled water is also available at most retail outlets.

Electricity

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Appliances of lesser voltage require a transformer. Adapters are obtainable locally.

Car Rental

An international driver’s licence is required. Cars can be rented at any of the nine major airports or through a travel agent.

For more information on individual car rental companies consult the Yellow Pages or phone 10118.

Rules of the Road

The basic rule of the road is: Drive on the left hand side of the road and give way to vehicles approaching from the right.

The general speed limit on national highways, urban freeways and other major routes is 120 km/h. On secondary roads it is 100 km/h, and in residential areas 60 km/h, unless otherwise indicated.

Drivers must be in possession of a valid international driver’s licence. Seatbelts are mandatory for both driver and passengers.

Public transport

Taxis are available at airports and on call. Most major centres have train and bus services. However, taxi and bus services in smaller towns are limited and it is advisable to make use of car rental facilities.

Information on train services can be obtained from:

Metro Passenger Services
Tel: +11 773 5878 Tel: +11 488 7111
Fax: +11 774 3027 Fax: +11 773 4418

South Africa has nine major airports:

Various sea and river cruises are availabale.

For more information contact your nearest travel agent or Computicket.

• Blue Train:

Gratuities

Provided the service is satisfactory, it is usual to tip porters, waiters/waitresses, taxi drivers, room attendants, golf caddies and petrol attendants.

Sport and Recreation

South Africa’s favourable climate makes sport a year round attraction. Over 160 sporting activities are represented with the major sports including soccer, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.   Golf South Africa has over 400 registered golf courses at which tourists are welcome to play.

It is however advisable to contact the golf course in advance to book starting times and establish dress codes.For more information contact:

The Pro Golfers Association of SA
Tel: +11 485 2327
Fax: +11 485 1799

Hiking Trails Nature enthusiasts can take advantage of the many South African hiking trails filled with a brilliant array of flora, waterfalls and breathtaking views in all nine provinces. For more information contact: The Hiking Federation of Southern Africa Tel/Fax: +11 968 1202   Fishing With some 250 species of freshwater fish and 1500 sea water fish species, South Africa offers the keen fisherman endless opportunities. Many game/nature reserves and holiday destinations have dams, rivers and coastlines where fishing can be enjoyed.   Water Sports South Africa’s coastal waters offer safe swimming conditions, and the coastline provides perfect conditions for a wide range of water sports.   Private Game Parks and National Reserves South Africa’s vast array of wildlife can be seen in their natural habitat in various private and national game parks or nature reserves, of which the most famous is the Kruger National Park. With a surface area of 19 000 km², the Kruger Park is one of the largest national parks in the world and home to 147 species of mammals, 507 species of birds, 114 species of reptiles and approximately 1950 species of plants. For more information contact: National Park Board Tel: +12 343 1991

Accommodation

South Africa has a wide range of: luxury hotels, self-catering apartments and cottages, game lodges and reserves, guest houses, holiday farms, youth hotels and bed & breakfast inns. More information can be obtained from individual hotel groups or from your travel agent.   Tourism Offices South African Tourism (SATOUR) Tel: +12 482 6200 / Fax: +12 347 8753 Web: http://southafrica.net/southafricantourism/ Association of Travel Agents (ASATA) Tel: +11 403-2923 / Fax: +11 403-3997 Eastern Cape Tourism Board Tel: +40 635 2115 / Fax: +40 636 4019 Free State Tourism Board Tel: +57 362 4842 / Fax: +57 352 4825 Gauteng Tourism Board Tel: +11 327 2000 / Fax: +11 327 7000 Mpumalanga Tourism Authority Tel: +13 759 5438 / Fax: +13 759 5441 Northern Cape Tourism Board Tel: +53 832 2657 / Fax: +53 831 2937 Northern Province Tourism Board Tel: +152 295 2829 / Fax: +152 291 2654 North West Tourism Board Tel: +18 386 2476 / Fax: +18 384 2524 Western Cape Tourism Board Tel: +21 418 3705 / Fax: +21 419 4875 Tourism KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +31 304 7144 / Fax: +31 305 6693

Photos: Courtesy GCIS

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