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Full country name: Republic of
South Africa
Area: 1,220,430 sq. km
Population: Approximately 40 million
Legislative Capital: Cape Town
Judicial Capital: Bloemfontein
Administrative Capital: Pretoria
Independence: 1994
Time: GMT plus 2
Currency: South African Rand (R1=100cents)
South Africa is a country which has undergone a miraculous
transformation. From the days of apartheid has emerged
a nation with it's focus on building a future for all.
An essential component for this growth is the sensible,
disciplined and sustainable use of the natural resources
of the country to provide jobs, housing and education
for everybody. Visitors to South Africa, keen to see
the wild places and experience the myriad of cultures
here, bring much needed dollars and pounds which are
vital to the growth of the country. Here there is an
amazing variety of wildlife and a range of habitats
stretching from Agulhas, the southern tip of the continent,
to the tropic of Capricorn, mountains and marshland,
coastal plain and bushveld savannah, arid desert and
luxuriant forest, all sustaining an astonishing variety
of insects, reptiles, birds and mammal life.. Fascinating
African culture, stunning scenery and wonderful hiking.
It has a wide range of accommodation and activity choices
- from simple tented camps to ultra luxurious hotels
and international class restaurants. Truly ..... South
Africa is a world in one country!
Of all the territories on the African continent South
Africa has by far the most developed tourism infrastructure.
The quality and variety of available accommodation,
golf courses, scenic attractions and adventure activities
is enormous.
Travel Considerations
When to Go
South Africa is an all year round destination. However
there are certain regions which are more popular at
different times:
ˇ The northern regions are good destinations in the
winter months as the game viewing is at its best and
the temperatures are very mild (maximum 20-23ēC). There
is very little winter rainfall in the north.
ˇ The southern regions are summer destinations with
low summer rainfall and temperatures reaching 28-30ēC
or higher on beautiful days.
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SELECT Tours 2008
Spirit of South Africa (11 days/10 nights)
Kruger + Cape Town
(Extensions: Victoria Falls, Garden Route & Madikwe Private Game Reserves)
Create your own South African itinerary from an assortment of destination choices and capture the true spirit of this rainbow nation - from the scenic splendour of Cape Town to the wilds of the famous Kruger National Park.
Main Attractions
Cape Town & Winelands
A naturally beautiful and enchanting city of immense
charm and historical interest. With Table Mountain as
its backdrop, the winelands on its doorstep and surrounded
by stunning coastal vistas, Cape Town offers scenic
delights seldom matched.
Kruger
NP
One of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries bounded
by numerous private game reserves to make this region
a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
ˇThe
Garden Route
A coastal area of superb natural scenery, mountain ranges,
stunning beaches and wonderful holiday accommodations
- not to mention being an unsurpassed whale-watching
destination from June to November.
Kwazulu-Natal
(St. Lucia, Sodwana, Kosi Bay and Rocktail Bay)
Somewhat off the beaten track, but no less forgotten
- recommended.
Historical
Sites
Golf
Railway
Journeys
Private
Game Reserves
South Africa has a number of well established Private
Game Reserves well worthy your consideration, including
Tswalu, Bushmanskloof, Madikwe, Sabi Sands, Timbavati
and others that border the Kruger National Park. |
National Parks
- Link to National
Parks: South Africa
Accommodation Options
- Link to South
Africa : Places to Stay
Climate
SUMMER : October - April WINTER : May - August
Summer temperatures average between 15-30ēC (60-96F) at midday.
Despite regional differences, South Africa's climate is generally
mild throughout the year. Snowfall is limited to the highest
mountain peaks.
South Africa is on the whole a dry country with a mean annual
rainfall of 500mm. In fact, South Africa ranks high in the
world as far as the number of sunshine days per year is concerned.
KwaZulu Natal has a sub tropical climate with high humidity
in Summer.
The Lowveld (Mpumalanga & Northern Province) enjoys mild winters
but is hot in summer.
The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate with warm,
dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Health
Issues
There are no compulsory inoculations. However,
please do note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate
is required for travellers over the age of 1 year and entering
South Africa within 6 days of leaving an infected area. Anti-Malaria
prophylactics are recommended for travellers to Mpumalanga
and northern KwaZulu Natal. If you have any concerns you should
consult your own doctor. At the risk of stating the obvious,
please do not underestimate the effects of the sun. It would
be a pity to lose a day of your holiday to sunstroke, by over
indulging in the African sun. Plenty of sun cream, a good
sun hat and gradual adjustment are recommended.
Entry
Requirements
As for all international travel, the visitor to South Africa
is required to be in possession of a valid passport. Travellers
from certain countries also need a visa. Visas are issued
free of charge. Visitors who intend travelling to South Africa's
neighbouring countries and back are advised to apply for multiple
entry visas. In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders
of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements. Important:
visitors should have sufficient funds to support themselves
whilst in South Africa and should be in possession of a return
ticket or have proof of other means to return to their home
country.
Communications
A direct international dialing service is available from
the major hotels in South Africa. Both local and long distance
calls are metered on a time basis and every second counts
in terms of cost. Major hotels have a fax and internet service.
Remember that hotels levy a substantial surcharge on all calls.
Most lodges have telephone communication facilities, unless
they are in very remote areas, when they maintain radio contact
with "the outside world".
Electricity
Voltage in South Africa is 230 to 240 volts, 50Hz. You will
need an adaptor, which can be purchased in South Africa. Hotels
usually provide dual voltage razor sockets, 110 to 210 volts
or 220 to 250 volts. Some of the game lodges do not have electricity.
These lodges generally run on generator power for lighting
and refrigeration and this power only runs at certain times
on the day. Please be aware that you may not find plug sockets
in your rooms / tents at these lodges.
Concerns
Crime
South Africa has unfortunately gained the reputation as
a high crime risk destination. This is a very real concern
and visitors should be aware that this remains an ongoing
problem, predominately in the major cities. The real issue
being that a high proportion of these crimes are violent in
nature. As a visitor you should take the standard precautions
of staying away from unsuitable areas, do not wander the streets
at night and do not have your valuables in plain sight. Tourists
present an easy target - be on yuor guard!
Comment
South Africa is a wonderful country to visit, with many
fabulous attractions to lure the visitor. The cities are modern
and the infrastructure very much first world. The accommodations
are unbelievably luxurious and well presented with well-trained
staff to handle the most demanding guests. But - if you are
truly wanting to get close to and experience the 'real' Africa
- you will need to look north. For that more traditional rural
African experience or remote, rustic charm of a typical safari
camp in the wilds of Africa - don't forget to include in your
travel plans a visit to at least one of the less developed
countries.
Other
Considerations
Credit Cards
Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Mastercard are honoured
by most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental firms and
other points of sale and service. Proof of identity may be
requested in some instances and it is therefore useful to
carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all
times. Credit cards are not acceptable at petrol stations.
Rand travellers' cheques are handy to have.
VAT
Please note that a (Value Added Tax) VAT of 14% is levied
on all purchases (and services) in South Africa. Overseas
visitors taking goods out of South Africa are able to reclaim
the VAT which they paid on these goods. Reclaiming VAT is
only applicable for goods that you are able to produce at
the airport and not for any services whatsoever. When purchasing
your products you must inform the shop attendant that you
are a visitor to South Africa and request a tax invoice from
him/her. 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 need to approach the customs official who
will compare your invoices with the goods purchased. When
the customs official has approved and stamped your invoices
the VAT Reclaim Office will refund you the appropriate amount.
VAT Reclaim Offices are found at Johannesburg, Durban and
Cape Town Airports.
Languages
There are 11 official languages in South Africa: Afrikaans,
English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsongo,
Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. This said, the English-speaking
visitor will have no problem while travelling through the
country.
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