Throughout the second half of the 20th century South Africa was
regarded by most of the world as a pariah state where the ruling
white minority passed a range of draconian laws to subdue and
enslave the black majority. All this changed in 1994 with the
release from prison of world-renowned freedom fighter and icon of
the oppressed, Nelson Mandela. A new age of democracy was ushered
in, and South Africa was suddenly revealed to the world in her
beautiful true colours: a rainbow nation with a kaleidoscope of
cultures and a host of attractions to enthral and entrance
visitors.
A decade later tourists are flocking to sunny South Africa in
droves, particularly to the Western Cape with its magnificent
scenery, beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and green
winelands.
The Republic, at the southern tip of Africa surrounded by ocean
on three sides, offers a taste of the African experience with the
chance to visit traditional tribal villages, game reserves and
sprawling townships. At the same time it also offers the trappings
of a first world holiday experience, with luxury hotels,
sophisticated shopping, exciting theme parks and clean beaches.
Have breakfast in a New York style deli; lunch in an African
shebeen; cocktails on a sunset cruise; and dine in style in a fine
British colonial restaurant. This is all possible in a South
African city.
It is not only cultural diversity that makes South Africa
magical. The country has a wealth of animal and plant life
scattered across its varied climactic zones from desert to
snow-covered mountains, forests to grasslands and mangrove swamps.
Historically, too, there is plenty to discover, from the fossils of
ancient hominids, to the pioneering spirit of the Dutch
'voortrekkers' and the settlement of the Eastern Cape frontier by
the British colonialists.
South Africa has been billed as 'a world in one country', and
any visitor who has experienced its delights, from the jumble of
Johannesburg, the city built on gold mines in the north, to the
sophistication of Cape Town in the south, is bound to agree.
Climate
South Africa is a large country and has diverse climactic
regions, but in general the weather is sunny and hot in the summer
months (December to April), and mild during winter (May to
November). Winters in the Cape are cold and wet, and snow falls on
the mountain ranges here and in Natal. Gauteng and the northern
areas experience thunderstorms regularly during evenings in the
summer months, and winters are usually warm during the day and cold
at night.
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages, including
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely
spoken.
Time
Money
South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided
into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change
and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available (there is a daily
limit for cash withdrawals) and major international credit cards
are widely accepted, except in petrol stations where cash is
required. Visitors should take care and be vigilant when drawing
cash from ATMs as there is a high incidence of credit card fraud
involving the use of ATMs. Travellers cheques and some foreign
currencies are accepted at larger hotels and shops, but commission
is charged, otherwise all commercial banks will exchange
them.
Activities
Shark Diving Observing and diving with Great White sharks can
provide one of the most thrilling experiences of a lifetime.
Numerous operators run cage diving trips around Gansbaai (two hours
from Cape Town) where the open stretch of water between Dyer Island
and the mainland is referred to as the shark diving capital of the
world. Trips aim to educate people about the Great White shark as
well as provide an up close and personal encounter from within the
safety of a cage lowered into the water from the boat. People have
the opportunity to watch and photograph the sharks feeding at the
surface alongside the boat, and the very brave can then take turns
inside the cage, which is let down about three feet (1m) below the
surface of the water. Great White sharks are in the Gansbaai area
all year round, but are here in their highest density during the
winter months from May to October.
Game Safaris One of the main attractions of a trip to South Africa
is a game-viewing safari. Numerous game parks are scattered
throughout the country, but it is the oldest, largest and most
well-known wildlife conservation area, the Kruger National Park,
that is the destination of choice for most international visitors.
'Big Five' viewing opportunities abound in many of the parks and
many private game reserves, particularly in the Eastern Cape, have
the added attraction of being malaria-free. Parks offer guided
walking and jeep safaris, and night drives, as well as self-drive
safaris for those with their own cars.
Bungy jumping The historic Bloukrans River Bridge at Storms River,
situated on South Africa's scenic Garden Route, is the setting for
the highest commercial bungy jump in the world, at 525ft (160m).
The actual bridge is higher, but jumpers gain access to the arch
support below the road by way of a specially designed walkway,
which is a breathtaking experience in itself. The jump is operated
by Kiwi Extreme who have more than 10 years experience in bungy
jumping.
Whale watching Every year from July to November whales can be seen
along the southern coast of South African shores, travelling
thousands of miles to mate and calve in the safe and warm waters of
protected bays. The 'heart of the Whale Coast' is Hermanus,
renowned as the best whale-watching area in the country, where
Southern Right whales can be seen in Walker Bay, often within 33
feet (10m) from shore. Walker Bay is recognised by the World
Wildlife Fund as one of the top 12 whale viewing destinations in
the world. In general, the whale route stretches from the Western
Cape up the east coast, including places along the Garden Route
such as Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay (especially Keurbooms
River and Robberg Peninsula), and the Tsitsikamma National Park
coastline. The De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is also popular
during the whale season for its relatively new Whale Trail, a
five-day hiking trail that offers fantastic whale viewing
opportunities for three days along its coastal stretch. Numerous
whale-watching boat excursions are offered in the Western
Cape.
Passport Visa
Passports must be valid for at least 30 days beyond
the period of intended stay. An onward or return ticket is
required, as well as sufficient funds and documents needed for
further travel. Note that visitors to South Africa must have at
least one blank (unstamped) page in their passport, each time entry
is sought; these pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment
pages at the back of the passport. South Africans who hold dual
nationality should note that they are required to enter and leave
the country on their South African passports.
Entry Requirements
United States nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is
needed for stays of up to 90 days for business or touristic
purposes.British nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed
for stays of up to 90 days if passport is endorsed British Citizen,
British Dependent Territories Citizen, or British Overseas
Territories citizen. Those whose passports state British National
(Overseas) may stay up to 30 days without a visa. All others
require a visa. Visa extensions are possible if applied for at
least 30 days before expiry date.Canadian nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed
for stays of up to 90 days for business or touristic purposes.Australian nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is
needed for stays of up to 90 days for business or touristic
purposes.Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is
necessary for a stay of up to 90 days for touristic or business
purposes.New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is
necessary for touristic/business stays of up to 90 days.
Embassy Consulates
United States Embassy, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 431 4000.
British High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 421 7733.
Canadian High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 422 3000.
Australian High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 423 6000.
Irish Embassy, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 342 5062
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 342
8656/7/8/9.
Health
Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas
require a yellow fever vaccination certificate, otherwise no
vaccinations are required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying
areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger
National Park) and northeastern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and precautions are
advised when travelling to these areas. There is a high prevalence
of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban areas but sterilisation is
advisable elsewhere, as there are periodic outbreaks of cholera in
the poor communities of rural South Africa, particularly in
Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces.
Drug-resistant TB has been reported throughout the country. Food
poisoning is rare. Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but
medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect
cash upfront and public hospitals are best avoided.
Safety
Visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's
high incidence of crime. Although this tends to be concentrated in
pockets throughout the country, for example in the township areas,
opportunistic crime is fairly widespread. Travellers should always
be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions.
Doors should be locked when driving and one should not walk alone
at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas. Berea
and Hillbrow in Johannesburg are high risk areas and visitors
should be cautious in the area. There have been recent incidents on
hikers walking on Table Mountain in Cape Town and visitors should
avoid walking alone on the mountain. Vigilance when using ATMs and
carrying valuables. It is worthwhile noting that the South African
authorities do give high priority to the protection of
tourists.
Electricity
230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are
standard.
Business
South Africa's multicultural status means that business
etiquette may vary with different people, and according to
individual sectors, though it is most often similar to dealings in
Europe and the United States. Although there are 11 official
languages, English is the primary language of business. It is best
to dress formally for initial meetings. Generally South Africans
are regarded as relaxed and informal with regards to introductions
and the handling of business cards. Shaking hands is common for
both men and women. The giving of gifts is uncommon and
unnecessary. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to
Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications
The international access code for South Africa is
+27. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). As of 8 January 2007, South
Africa has changed to 10-digit dialling (so city codes must be
included e.g. 021 for Cape Town) and international dialling has
changed from 09 to 00. International phone cards cannot be used in
South Africa. The country is served by three GSM mobile phone
networks. Mobile service providers offer very cheap 'pay-as-you-go'
Sim cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some
time. Internet cafes are widespread. Card and coin operated pay
phones are also widespread.
Duty Free
Travellers to South Africa do not have to pay duty on
200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1
litre spirits; perfume up to 50ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and
other goods to the value of R3,000. All other goods brought in from
abroad by South African residents must be declared on arrival.
These will be subject to import duties. For goods to be
re-imported, travellers must complete a DA65 or NEP-form that is
issued on departure. Prohibited items include meat and dairy
products, all medication except for personal consumption, flick
knives, ammunition, explosives and pornography containing minors
and bestiality.
