Customs | Electricity | Entry | Health | Medical Facilities
South Africa - Situated right at the tip of the most magnificent, most mysterious, wildest and most ancient of continents, South Africa is a land of spectacular contrasts, both physically and socially. It’s here you’ll find the world’s oldest rocks, the world’s oldest fossils, and the world’s newest democracy.
It was here that our distant ancestors became human, and from here, that we went out to populate the world. And, like almost every country on earth, we’ve had our bloody periods in history and our shameful past, but we are moving on. Our constitution has one of the best human rights clauses in the world, and we are actively working together to achieve harmony between, and a decent standard of living for, all our people.
We South Africans are mightily attached to our land and we often retreat to the sanctuary of the mountains or the bush, or take time out on our wonderful beaches. Our natural heritage is truly spectacular. With vegetation zones ranging from scorching desert to tangled forests, or snow-clad mountains to vividly flower-bedecked plains, there is some beautiful vista just waiting to be discovered around every corner.
The wilder areas of our country offer a truly unique experience, where you can spend days watching an enormous variety of animals, including impressive beasts such as giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinos and many others. There is nothing quite like sitting back, watching a big, red, sun go down over the African bush while a herd of elephants saunters past.
But there really is more to us than beasts and bush and beach. When you visit, do take the time to find out how we live and who we are. Visit our museums and villages, listen to our stories and dance to our music.
When you visit South Africa, you’re not just visiting a place, you’re visiting a people.
South Africa is unique - South Africa is bigger than France, Germany and Italy combined with a population of 40.6 million. There are 4 main race groups: Africans, Whites, Indians, Coloureds.Language - South Africa has 11 official languages, however, the two languages most widely used are English and Afrikaans. Most of the hospitality industry is versed in at least one other foreign language.
Climate - South Africa falls into the southern Temperature Zone enjoying a warm climate all year round. A Mediterranean climate prevails along the Cape coast with winter rainfall. The KwaZulu-Natal coast. Northern Province and Mpumalanga regions are sub-tropical. Mid-winter falls in June and July, Mid-summer in December and January.
Clothing - South Africa enjoys long hot summers and clothing is generally informal. In the more up-market hotels, evening entertainment venues or gala dinners, smart-casual wear is often required. For the summer months( October-March), pack lightweight clothing but include a jacket for the occasionally chilly evening. Neutral colours are best for safaris. Most of the country is in the summer rainfall region, so it is best to carry an umbrella or raincoat. Warm clothing is suggested for the winter months.
Communications - South Africa has an extensive automatic telephone system, two GSM cellular network, e-mail facilities at most hotels and a postal service. Cellular telephones are freely available for hire on arrival at all major airport.
Currency - The monetary unit is the South African Rand (ZAR) Denominations: Note R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins:R5, R2, R1.
Customs - Duty Free Allowance per person is as follows: 2 litres of wine, 1 litre of spirits, 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
Electricity - 220/230 volts AC. An adapter is necessary for international electrical appliances.
Entry - Visitors need a passport valid for 6 months beyond their scheduled date of departure from South Africa. Please enquire with your local consulate to verify whether you require a visitors permit or if this is issued on arrival in South Africa.
Health - If you intend visiting Northern Kwa Zulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Province, Swaziland, Botswana or Zimbabwe you are urged to commence a course of anti-malaria prophylactics - please consult your local practitioner for the most suitable medication.
Medical Facilities - South Africa offers first class private hospitals with all the equipment conforming to European and American standards.
