General Information:

South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by northern neighbors Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It encompasses the independent mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland and is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east - giving the country its spectacular range of biodiversity. South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer the traveler a unique and inspiring experience. South Africa occupies 4% of the continent's total landmass, covering an area of 1 221 040 square kilometers. The country is five times larger than Great Britain and three times the size of Texas.

Climate:
The seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. South Africa's mild climate lends itself to near-perfect holiday weather year round. Cape Town has cool and rainy winters from May to September and warm dry summers. Johannesburg and Gauteng have dry and crisp winters from April to August with occasional frosty nights and warm days, hot summers with rain generally in the form of quick thunderstorms. The subtropical coastline of Kwa-zulu Natal has summer all year round with warm, dry winters and hot, humid months from December to March.

For daily and long-term forecasts for South Africa, visit www.weathersa.co.za

Entry Requirements:

Passports:

To travel internationally you must be in possession of a passport. To obtain a passport please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.php for instructions and an application form. Alternatively contact your local post office and they will advise you of your nearest passport issuing office. All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay.

For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. However, it is important to note that under South Africa's Immigration Act of 2002 (Act. 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, (a) Immigration Act, 2002 the passport shall contain at least ONE unused page when presenting the passport for endorsements'. This requirement reflects the requirements of many of the world's top travel destinations, in line with the majority of global destinations' requirements and failure to have a clear page can result in entry being refused.

Visas:

Travelers from certain regions of the world (Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need to formally apply for a visa. Upon arrival in South Africa, countries falling into this category will automatically be given a free entry permit sticker that outlines how long they may remain in the country. This automatic entry permit is usually for a maximum of 90 days, though the immigration officer may tailor the time period according to the airline tickets held. Foreign nationals from some other countries are offered this service, but for a maximum of 30 days. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they will have to apply formally for a visa, as opposed to relying on the automatic entry permit.

To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website at:

http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za

Tax Refund:
Foreign tourists visiting South Africa can have their value-added tax (VAT) refunded provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250. VAT is refunded on departure at the point of departure.

VAT of 14% is levied on nearly all goods and services. Foreign tourists may claim back VAT paid on items that will be taken out of the country. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is claimed, must be presented at the VAT refund administration office or an appointed RSA customs and excise official on departure, and the total VAT on these items will be refunded.

When purchasing your products, you should request a tax invoice. The shop’s VAT number must appear on this invoice. As you are checking in at the airport ready to depart from South Africa, you should approach the customs official who will compare your invoices with the goods purchased. Once your invoices have been approved and stamped, the VAT Reclaim Office will refund you the appropriate amount. VAT Reclaim Offices are found at Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town airports.

Departure Tax:
There is an airport departure tax of US $20 payable by all U.S. citizens.

Currency:

The local currency is unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Major credit cards are generally accepted in most tourist facilities. Further to the use of credit cards, we advise that before you depart the US, call your credit card company to advise them you will be traveling and to expect to see charges from the destination/s in which you will be using your credit card.

Vaccinations and Health:

Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world. In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

It is recommended that you check with your local doctor for any recommended precautions for travel into South Africa, or the Center For Disease Control - CDC for up to date information on health concerns in countries you are traveling to.
Phone: 1-800-311-3435
Website: http://www.gov/healthservices/immunize

Time Zone:
South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year.

Language:
There are 11 officially recognized languages, most of them indigenous to South Africa. English is one of these, and everywhere you go, you can expect to find people who speak and understand it. English is the language of the cities, of commerce and banking, of government and official documents. Road signs and official forms are in English. The President makes his speeches in English and at any hotel; the service staff will speak English.

Tipping:

Service is not usually included in the bill. It is usual to tip hotel and railway porters, waiters, taxi drivers, room attendants, golf caddies, game rangers, tour guides and trackers. Generally speaking, gratuities should amount to around 10-15% of the cost of the service. Parking and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Telecommunications:

South Africa's mobile phone operators utilize the GSM system so if your phone is GSM compatible, set up international roaming with your service provider before you leave home. Alternatively, you can rent a phone at the airport on arrival, and use a "pay-as-you-go" (which means exactly what it says) card during your stay. Fixed line telephones are reliable and dial abroad. The country's telecommunications operator Telkom, is the 28th largest in the world, and accounts for 39% of the phone lines on the African continent. Direct dialing to and from South Africa is very easy, though rates can be expensive. To access South Africa, dial 011 (the International Access Code), plus 27 (Country Code) followed by the local city code and phone number.

Internet:

Internet cafés are to be found in most major cities and towns in South Africa. Major hotels have a fax and Internet service. You may wish to set up a net-based (free) email account such as Hotmail or Yahoo so you can receive email from any computer.

Electricity:
South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.

Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)

Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins or the three large rectangular pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer. Some game lodges run on generator power for lighting and refrigeration and do not have regular electricity.

Business Hours:
As a general rule of thumb, business hours in most major shopping centers and banks operate 7 days a week, but you will find that in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on a Sunday.

Monday - Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00

Sunday: 09:00 - 14:00

Travel Insurance:

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect you and your travel investment if you need to cancel your trip for covered reasons prior to departure, or if other covered unforeseen circumstances arise during your trip. Excellent medical care is available in South Africa, but the cost of transportation from a remote area to a local hospital, or in extreme cases, repatriation, is high and generally not covered by your regular medical insurance.

Clothing/Packing List:

Depending on the area you are traveling and the activities you are planning. Jeans and shorts are accepted everywhere but in fine dining restaurants and at some formal lodges, where trousers and a button down shirt or sweater would suffice. If you use the layering system (several layers that can be worn alone or in combination, rather than taking one heavy jacket for cold weather) you’ll be ready for any conditions and won’t have to over-pack.

Clothing:

Neutral colors are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing

T-shirts; Shorts or a light skirt

Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days

Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer; they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)

Bring an elegantly casual outfit for dinner at the smarter hotels.

Swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
Comfortable walking shoes

Layers:

Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives (necessary, even in summer)

Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer

Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day and night temperatures: warm-up suit/sweats— good for sleeping in during winter months

General Items:

Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!

Binoculars and a camera are a must

Towel, flashlight and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from most safari operators)

Important:

Packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport so you will need to restrict your baggage to 12-15kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment. All else is optional, and most of it is superfluous!

Driving:

In South Africa, people drive on the left – not the wrong – side of the road. The steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car, and most important road rule to follow is to Give Way (Yield) to your right. All visitors intending to drive are required to obtain an international drivers permit, visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. Visitors will also not be able to rent a car without a valid driver's permit. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law.

Road safety:

The transport infrastructure is excellent and roads are in good condition. However, the distances between towns are significant, so if you're planning to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary to ensure you don't drive long distances as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as it always carries more risk. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas, the roads are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road - which could be very dangerous at night. (Cows don't have headlights.)

South Africa has very strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Speed limits are 120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns. Be aware that even major national roads cut through residential areas so there may be a speed limit of 80 or 60kmph on a road that looks like an autobahn. This is to protect pedestrians, especially children, so we really do encourage people to comply.

Speed/distance Reckoner:

Pleading ignorance of conversion values will not save you from getting a speeding ticket!

Km per hour = Miles per hour

Metric Conversion:

Here is a rough conversion chart:

To convert from to divide by

Centimeters inches 2.5

Meters yards 0.9

Kilometers miles 1.6

Liters gallons 3.8

Grams Ounces 28

Kilograms Pounds .45

Hectares acres .4

Personal safety:

For tourists, South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewelry you carry Most of the crime that takes place in South Africa is between people who know each other and random acts of violence are the minority of cases. Most major cities run organized crime prevention programs Basic Safety Tip guidelines will be available at hotels and tourism information offices

If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

Food and water:

As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful microorganisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush.

Disabled Travellers:

Generally speaking, facilities for disabled visitors can be improved, and this is an area the government is working on. An increasing number of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most of the sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. Most public buildings also cater for wheelchair access.

Indigenous People:

South Africa is home to some 43 million people - a colorful population as diverse in makeup as the country's geography is varied. Almost 77% are black (or African), 11% white and 9% "colored", the local label for people of mixed African, Asian and white descent. Just over half the population live in the cities. Three-quarters are Christian and most of the other major world religions are represented here. Interaction with the locals can lend much to your trip, but in your enthusiasm to learn, please be sensitive to local customs. If you are asked to dress or behave in a particular way to attend an event hosted by indigenous people, please abide by the request.

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