While you are here
Location
South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by northern neighbours 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
People
South Africa is home to some 43 million people - a colourful population as diverse in makeup as the country's geography is varied. Almost 77% are black (or African), 11% white and 9% "coloured", 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.
There are 11 officially recognised 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
Getting
Around
Buses
and trains
If you're not used to driving long distances, buses offer comfortable alternatives,
allowing you to relax and enjoy the landscape. There are a number of excellent
bus companies offering cost-effective deals for people to travel around the
country. Look out for the Greyhound and Trans-Lux buses, amongst others.
These luxury buses will transport you from one major city centre to another
at a very reasonable cost. For information about bus travel visit:
Domestic
flights in South Africa
South Africa
has a number of airlines flying between its major cities, and to some of its
smaller ones, with fares ranging from first-class to cut-price economy. Flights
can be booked online from anywhere in the world. For more information look
at
Car
Hire
There are a number of reputable car hire companies offering a wide range of
vehicles that vary according to the traveller's needs. One can hire vehicles
from the most basic (without air conditioning and radio) to the ultimate in
luxury (a Mercedes-Benz with all the trimmings). Some car hire companies even
rent out 4x4 vehicles for trips to the bush. Non-residents are permitted to
drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided
it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If
your drivers licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver's
licence is required. Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is
compulsory
Trains
Trains are also a popular way of moving around South
Africa . The standard
long-haul passenger trains operated by the state-owned Spoornet, called Shosholoza
Meyl, are inexpensive, clean and safe. There are three “classes” of travel:
four-sleeper, six-sleeper and sitter class. However, there are a number of
opportunities for travellers who want a little more luxury, including Spoornet's
Premier Classe (from Pretoria
via Johannesburg
to Cape
Town ) and the two
luxury trains that are the pride of the country – Rovos Rail and The Blue
Train. For information on train services visit
Time Differences
South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.
The currency unit is the Rand , denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are accepted for most purchases.
Health and Safety
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.
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 are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Hospitals and medical care
There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees.
Malaria
Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal . Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it is always best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis.
Personal safety
South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (eg not displaying expensive camera equipment or jewellery and not walking alone in deserted areas at night).
Public Holidays
New Year's Day January 1 Youth Day June 16
Public Holiday January 2 National Woman's Day August 9
Human Rights Day March 21 Heritage Day September 24
Good Friday April 06 Day of Reconciliation December 16
Family Day April 09 Public Holiday December 1
Freedom Day April 27 Christmas Day December 25
Worker's Day May 1 Day of Good will December 26
Provinces & Major Cities
South Africa is divided into nine provinces, namely Eastern Cape , Free State , Gauteng , KwaZulu- Natal, Limpopo , Mpumulanga , Northern Cape , North West and the Western Cape . Major cities include the modern economic hub of Johannesburg, coastal Cape Town picturesquely perched between mountain and sea, historic Pretoria and the 'sun and surf central' city of Durban.
Provinces of South Africa
The North West Province
Home to the fantastic Pilanesberg and Madikwe game reserves, North West provinces offers up the big five, fantastic bird-life and wide-open African skies. www.tourismnorthwest.co.za
Limpopo
Known as the ‘Great North', Limpopo province is home to ancient lands and pre-historic secrets.www.golimpopo.com
Northern Cape Province
This province boasts a colourful history and a variety of cultural tourist attractions and is particularly well known for its incredible annual floral display that takes place in Namaqualand . www.northerncape.co.za
Western Cape
The Western Cape is one of South Africa 's premier tourist attractions, and for good reason. It is home to the famous Table Mountain , vast winelands, magnificent beaches, world-class restaurants and cosmopolitan entertainment haunts. www.tourismcapetown.co.za
Gauteng
Gauteng is where the creative spirit of a nation converges in a dense, cultural heartland. It is the intersection of African and global trade – incorporating Johannesburg , Pretoria and Soweto . Gauteng is a cosmopolitan, multicultural mix of people from all walks of life, from all corners of the world. www.gauteng.net
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga - which means 'place where the sun rises'- is one of South Africa 's tourism hotspots, loved by both local and international visitors for its beauty and diversity.
KwaZulu-Natal
Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean , KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) with its subtropical coastline, sweeping savannah in the east and magnificent Drakensberg mountain range in the west, generously caters for just about every taste imaginable.
Free State
This tranquil land is the geographic and agricultural centre of South Africa .
Eastern Cape
Where else can you surf the world's biggest waves, ski down the only snow slopes in Africa, go on a `big seven' safari, visit the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and bungee the highest bridge in the southern hemisphere? The Eastern Cape, of course.
Places of Interest
South Africa is unique - with a number of attractions you won't find anywhere else in the world…
Table
Mountain
No visit
to Cape Town
is complete without a trip up Table
Mountain
– home to some of
South Africa 's
most breathtaking views. Take a guided walk on one of the many routes or simply
ride the cable car to the top - it will be one of your lasting memories of
SA. www.tourismcapetown.co.za
Robben
Island
A short
cruise from Cape
Town 's V&A Waterfront
by ferry, this legendary island is a must-see on any newcomer's itinerary.
This is where Nelson Mandela and his comrades were imprisoned for decades
during the Apartheid era. Former inmates will take you on an insightful tour
of the prison grounds. This historical island is now a World Heritage Site
and a proclaimed nature conservation area. www.robben-island.org
The
Garden Route
From Cape
Town along the coast to the Tsitsikamma Forest , this 600-kilometre stretch
of small towns, wineries, farms and sea villages has been a traveller's delight
for more than a century. Take your time, soak in the scenery, stay over in
a guest-house, enjoy the cuisine and let South African hospitality take over.
www.gartour.co.za
Beaches
From KwaZulu-Natal
to the Wild Coast, from the Eastern Cape to the West Coast, South Africa boasts
more than 3 000km of coastline. Pristine beaches, fishing communities, golf
estates, luxury hotels and guest-houses dot the landscape as you explore the
marine wonderland that is South
Africa .
Namaqualand
Every
Spring (August to September), the Northern Cape comes alive with vast fields
of daisies in a natural splash of vivid colour. Fed by winter rains, the flower
grounds of Namaqualand are a photographer's delight. www.northerncape.org.za
Cradle
Of Humankind
Declared
a World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind west of Johannesburg includes,
among its numerous sites, the Sterkfontein Caves, where anthropologist Dr
Robert Broom discovered the skull of Mrs Ples, a three-million year-old hominid,
in 1936. At the time she was thought to be the closest evidence the "missing
link" to be found. www.thecradle.co.za
Kruger
National
Park
About the size of
Israel ,
the Kruger Park
is the greatest
of South Africa 's
many national parks which attract a great number of visitors intent on drinking
in the wilderness. On guided walks, drives or self-drive, visitors have the
best chance of spotting the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo)
in this park . www.krugerpark.co.za
The
Drakensberg Mountains
A thousand kilometres
of mountain majesty, the Drakensberg ( Dragon Mountains ) range is the adventure
tourist's playground. It is also perfect for nature photography, easy walking
and simple relaxation. Full of game sanctuaries, Bushman rock art sites, challenging
peaks and cascading waterfalls, the views in the Drakensberg will compete
with anything the rest of the world has to offer.www.zulu.org
Soweto
Just
South of Johannesburg lies Soweto
- the largest of
South Africa 's
“townships”. This vibrant city is home to some 2 million people and a number
of historical sights. A typical visit to Soweto
includes a stop
at a traditional shebeen (drinking hall), where you can savour local beer,
food and hospitality, as well as a visit to the homes where Nobel laureates
Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived.