South Africa is a tapestry of delights, offering an endless variety of experiences and landscapes. It has a wealth of wildlife, notably the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo) roaming freely around reserves such as the famous Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe, Kgalagadi Transfontier National Park, etc; Atlantic and Indian coastlines where whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and other exotic sealife can be seen. An unbelievable variety of landscapes from the soaring peaks of the Drakensberg to the colourful ochre dunes of the Kalahari desert, from idyllic beaches to the vineyards of the Cape, and, further inland, one of the highlights is the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga. A rich ethnic mosaic awaits discovery in all its cultural diversity and creative energy. The “Rainbow Nation” will astonish you, offering new delights every single day.


USEFUL INFORMATION

South African time
South Africa does not change its clocks during the year, and there are no regional variations within the country. South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean (or Universal Standard) Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time.

Tipping
Tipping is common practice in South Africa for a range of services. In restaurants the accepted standard is around 10% of the bill.

The seasons
Summer - mid-October to mid-February
Autumn - February to April
Winter - May to July Spring - August to October

Language
South Africa is a multi-lingual country. South Africa has 11 official languages (Afrikaans, English, IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, Xitsonga, Swazi, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga) but English is the most commonly spoken language in official and commercial public life.

Visa
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. Travellers 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.

Banks and Money
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 widely accepted.

Tax
Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

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.

Malaria
Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas.

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 jewellery 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. Safety Line on 083 123 2345.

Food and water
As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink.

Driving
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.

Vaccinations
Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

Shopping
Most major shopping centres and malls 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