South Africa - Basic Travel Information
By Andrew Muigai
Health
Visitors entering South Africa from yellow fever infected areas
require yellow fever international certificate of vaccination.
Certain low altitude regions in Northern Province, Eastern
Transvaal (including the Kruger National Park) and north east of
KwaZulu-Natal are prone to malaria. Visitors to these areas are
strongly advised to take anti-malaria medication before
traveling. Tap water is generally considered safe in urban areas
but not so elsewhere. Bilharzia occurs in the north and east of
the country where you are advised not to swim in fresh water.
HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country and due care is called for.
Visas
All visitors to South Africa require passports valid for at least 30
days after planned date of exit. For those visiting for upto 90
days no visas are required from citizens of Australia, New
Zealand, Canada, Japan, United States, Switzerland and the
European Union. There is also visa waiver for between 30-90
days for a few other selected countries. But visa requirements
vary from time to time and you are advised to check on
prevailing status well ahead of travel. Visas are not issued at
South Africa border points.
People & Culture
South Africa is such a vibrant country due to the diversity of its
people. There is a lot to be said for the wildlife and natural
attractions of this land but you will have missed much if you
have no encounters with its people. The Khoi-San (bushmen)
are entitled to claim of having the deepest roots and some of
their ancestors’ rock and cave paintings date back 26,000 years
ago. Other prominent members of this “rainbow nation” include
Zulu, Tswana, Ndebele, Xhosa, Sotho, Indian, Afrikaans and
those of British origin. The Zulu is one of the more vibrant of
traditional black cultures and their dance and dress is quite
striking.
In historic terms, apartheid has just recently been dethroned
and it is not surprising that colour is still such as an important
part of peoples identity. Some knowledge of English will help
you get by in urban areas and almost elsewhere in the country.
Beer and brandy are the popular routes to getting tipsy though
many are increasingly finding South Africa’s excellent wines
tempting. The music scene is vibrant and groups such as
Ladysmith Black Mambazo are now well known in the west. The
country has so many stories to be told as the grandees who
award the Nobel Prize for literature have recognized. The 2003
winner was Cape Town born J.M Coetzee, who follows in the
footsteps of Nadine Gordimer winner of the prize in 1991.
Communications
Telephone, fax, telegram, post and Internet services are
available. Direct dialing to many countries is available at most
hotels. The country code for South Africa is 27. Mobile phones
are based on GSM 900 network and coverage extends to most
urban areas. You can obtain a GSM card that will allow you to
make international calls to any country. E-mail is accessible at
Internet cafes around the country.
Accommodation
Hotels and resorts in South Africa are plenty in the popular
tourist routes and are equal to the needs of most. From the
discerning traveler who accepts none else than 5-star luxury to
the cost conscious who is happy to wake up in a plain and cosy
guesthouse. Accommodation options encompass hotels, game
lodges and camps, resorts, health spas, motels, guesthouses,
bed and breakfasts, holiday farms, beach cottages, holiday flats
and bungalows. There are also over 800 camp and caravan
sites in the country.
Money
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Foreign
currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, some hotels,
and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange
machines and ATMs are also available at limited locations.
Travelers cheques (i.e checks) are valid at banks, hotels, shops
and restaurants. You get the most reasonable exchange rates
for US dollar, Euro and Pound Sterling. Visa and Mastercard
credit cards have the widest acceptance. American Express and
Diners Club have slightly less acceptability.
Climate
In general South Africa has a warm temperate climate to the
delight of many sunshine-seekers. The country experiences
about seven months of sunshine. The colder part of the year
falls between May and August. But for such a large country there
are of course variations. The coast of KwaZulu-Natal,
Mpumalanga and Northern Province are generally hot and
humid and June and July are the preferred holiday months.
Winters are generally mild except at the higher altitudes where
there are occasional snowfalls to the consternation of those
visitors with fixed ideas about climatic conditions in Africa.
Summer can be uncomfortably hot in the Low Veld. The hotter
areas include the lower Orange River valley and the
Mpumalanga Lowveld. Regions in the north east of the country
can get quite humid. In Cape Town region rainfall is highest in
winter. Most of the rest of the country experiences the highest
rainfall in the summer. Those who have come to view game are
advised to travel in winter when the grass is short and the
animals are much easier to sight.
International Travel
Johannesburg is fast becoming a regional hub for air travel. The
country’s national carrier is South African Airways (SAA). There
are numerous direct and indirect flights for those traveling from
Europe and North America. There are also flights from other
parts of Africa, the Far East and South America. International
airports in the country are: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban,
Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. As Cape Town’s stature as a
destination grows, there is an increasing number of direct
international flights.
Local Travel
The road infrastructure is good and it is easy and convenient to
get around the country by car. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven
rental cars in South Africa are widely available. Visitors must be
in possession of an international driving license. The country
has taken after the British and driving is on the left.
The principal cities of Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East
London, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria
are serviced by daily flights. South African Airways among other
domestic carriers operates on the principal routes. Cruises
offer links between the country’s major ports such as Durban,
Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and East London.
Rail services of varying quality link the main cities. The luxury
and very pricey Blue Train offers an express service between
Pretoria, Victoria Falls, Hoedspruit, Port Elizabeth and Cape
Town. Long-distance trains are equipped with sleeping
compartments. You should reserve ahead of travel especially
for overnight journeys. A number of bus operators run intercity
express links using modern air-conditioned coaches.
Travel Insurance
There are world-class medical facilities in South Africa. Health
and the usual travel insurance are recommended.
What to Wear
If you travel in summer you should pack light cottons, linens and
rainwear. For winter you need warmer clothes and rainwear if
you travel to the Cape region. Casual wear will be adequate for
most occasions. On formal social functions however men
should turn out in dinner jackets and black ties and women in
full-length dresses.
Copyright © Africa Point
Author
Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter.
It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has
helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view
more info on South Africa safari and tours at the website.
By Andrew Muigai
Health
Visitors entering South Africa from yellow fever infected areas
require yellow fever international certificate of vaccination.
Certain low altitude regions in Northern Province, Eastern
Transvaal (including the Kruger National Park) and north east of
KwaZulu-Natal are prone to malaria. Visitors to these areas are
strongly advised to take anti-malaria medication before
traveling. Tap water is generally considered safe in urban areas
but not so elsewhere. Bilharzia occurs in the north and east of
the country where you are advised not to swim in fresh water.
HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country and due care is called for.
Visas
All visitors to South Africa require passports valid for at least 30
days after planned date of exit. For those visiting for upto 90
days no visas are required from citizens of Australia, New
Zealand, Canada, Japan, United States, Switzerland and the
European Union. There is also visa waiver for between 30-90
days for a few other selected countries. But visa requirements
vary from time to time and you are advised to check on
prevailing status well ahead of travel. Visas are not issued at
South Africa border points.
People & Culture
South Africa is such a vibrant country due to the diversity of its
people. There is a lot to be said for the wildlife and natural
attractions of this land but you will have missed much if you
have no encounters with its people. The Khoi-San (bushmen)
are entitled to claim of having the deepest roots and some of
their ancestors’ rock and cave paintings date back 26,000 years
ago. Other prominent members of this “rainbow nation” include
Zulu, Tswana, Ndebele, Xhosa, Sotho, Indian, Afrikaans and
those of British origin. The Zulu is one of the more vibrant of
traditional black cultures and their dance and dress is quite
striking.
In historic terms, apartheid has just recently been dethroned
and it is not surprising that colour is still such as an important
part of peoples identity. Some knowledge of English will help
you get by in urban areas and almost elsewhere in the country.
Beer and brandy are the popular routes to getting tipsy though
many are increasingly finding South Africa’s excellent wines
tempting. The music scene is vibrant and groups such as
Ladysmith Black Mambazo are now well known in the west. The
country has so many stories to be told as the grandees who
award the Nobel Prize for literature have recognized. The 2003
winner was Cape Town born J.M Coetzee, who follows in the
footsteps of Nadine Gordimer winner of the prize in 1991.
Communications
Telephone, fax, telegram, post and Internet services are
available. Direct dialing to many countries is available at most
hotels. The country code for South Africa is 27. Mobile phones
are based on GSM 900 network and coverage extends to most
urban areas. You can obtain a GSM card that will allow you to
make international calls to any country. E-mail is accessible at
Internet cafes around the country.
Accommodation
Hotels and resorts in South Africa are plenty in the popular
tourist routes and are equal to the needs of most. From the
discerning traveler who accepts none else than 5-star luxury to
the cost conscious who is happy to wake up in a plain and cosy
guesthouse. Accommodation options encompass hotels, game
lodges and camps, resorts, health spas, motels, guesthouses,
bed and breakfasts, holiday farms, beach cottages, holiday flats
and bungalows. There are also over 800 camp and caravan
sites in the country.
Money
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Foreign
currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, some hotels,
and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange
machines and ATMs are also available at limited locations.
Travelers cheques (i.e checks) are valid at banks, hotels, shops
and restaurants. You get the most reasonable exchange rates
for US dollar, Euro and Pound Sterling. Visa and Mastercard
credit cards have the widest acceptance. American Express and
Diners Club have slightly less acceptability.
Climate
In general South Africa has a warm temperate climate to the
delight of many sunshine-seekers. The country experiences
about seven months of sunshine. The colder part of the year
falls between May and August. But for such a large country there
are of course variations. The coast of KwaZulu-Natal,
Mpumalanga and Northern Province are generally hot and
humid and June and July are the preferred holiday months.
Winters are generally mild except at the higher altitudes where
there are occasional snowfalls to the consternation of those
visitors with fixed ideas about climatic conditions in Africa.
Summer can be uncomfortably hot in the Low Veld. The hotter
areas include the lower Orange River valley and the
Mpumalanga Lowveld. Regions in the north east of the country
can get quite humid. In Cape Town region rainfall is highest in
winter. Most of the rest of the country experiences the highest
rainfall in the summer. Those who have come to view game are
advised to travel in winter when the grass is short and the
animals are much easier to sight.
International Travel
Johannesburg is fast becoming a regional hub for air travel. The
country’s national carrier is South African Airways (SAA). There
are numerous direct and indirect flights for those traveling from
Europe and North America. There are also flights from other
parts of Africa, the Far East and South America. International
airports in the country are: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban,
Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. As Cape Town’s stature as a
destination grows, there is an increasing number of direct
international flights.
Local Travel
The road infrastructure is good and it is easy and convenient to
get around the country by car. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven
rental cars in South Africa are widely available. Visitors must be
in possession of an international driving license. The country
has taken after the British and driving is on the left.
The principal cities of Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East
London, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria
are serviced by daily flights. South African Airways among other
domestic carriers operates on the principal routes. Cruises
offer links between the country’s major ports such as Durban,
Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and East London.
Rail services of varying quality link the main cities. The luxury
and very pricey Blue Train offers an express service between
Pretoria, Victoria Falls, Hoedspruit, Port Elizabeth and Cape
Town. Long-distance trains are equipped with sleeping
compartments. You should reserve ahead of travel especially
for overnight journeys. A number of bus operators run intercity
express links using modern air-conditioned coaches.
Travel Insurance
There are world-class medical facilities in South Africa. Health
and the usual travel insurance are recommended.
What to Wear
If you travel in summer you should pack light cottons, linens and
rainwear. For winter you need warmer clothes and rainwear if
you travel to the Cape region. Casual wear will be adequate for
most occasions. On formal social functions however men
should turn out in dinner jackets and black ties and women in
full-length dresses.
Copyright © Africa Point
Author
Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter.
It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has
helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view
more info on South Africa safari and tours at the website.
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