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It is often said South Africa is the world in one country... such are the extremes and variety of climate, vegetation, scenery, animals, cultures, human settlements, development and more. In one country you can travel within a day from a Mediterranean region, to desert regions, to Highveld grasslands, to tropical coastal terrain. In that same day you can be isolated somewhere with no other people in sight, yet travel to a bustling city with millions of people. No wonder the country has three capital cities and eleven official languages!
Situated at the southern tip of Africa, the country has a coastline of nearly 3,000km shared by the warm Indian and cold Atlantic Oceans. Exciting experiences on offer range from shark cage diving to river rafting, from close encounters with Africa's Big Five to lazy days spent on pristine, world-class beaches, from traditional tribal dancing to Broadway theatre productions, from shopping in large modern malls to buying roadside African artefacts, and so much more. For those who want to experience it all, South Africa truly is an incredible destination. |
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| English is spoken widely, despite 11 official languages. |
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| 3 capitals: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Administrative) and Bloemfontein (Judicial). |
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| Variety of climatic regions and tourist options allow for all year round visits.
South generally has hot, dry summers, with wet, mild winters.
North generally has hot summers with thunder storms and dry, mild-to-cold, yet sunny winters.
South-western parts have Mediterranean climate, while north-eastern parts are tropical, and north-west has a desert climate, with variations in other parts.
Average summer day time temperatures are 25°C-34°C. Average summer night time temperatures are 15°C – 21°C.
Average winter day time temperatures are 17°C – 25°C. Average winter night time temperatures are -2°C – 12°C.
Summer is October – February, winter is May - August.
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| UTC/GMT +2 hours - no daylight saving time. |
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| Currency is the Rand, which divides into 100 cents.
South Africa has sophisticated, world-class banking sector. Many banks from other countries have branches here. ATMs for cash-withdrawals are everywhere. Online and cellphone banking.
All major credit cards, travellers' cheques, currency exchanges, cash transfers by money orders or internet. |
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| Excellent digital fixed-line, wireless and satellite telephone communication.
Countrywide cellphone coverage provided by three major mobile communications network operators: MTN, Vodacom and Cell C.
Excellent internet access with broadband, ADSL, 3G and VoIP and many internet service providers.
Internet cafes in all cities, towns and even some rural areas while most hotels, coffee shops and airports offer connectivity.
International roaming; cellphones can be hired; most hotels have business centres.
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| Good state and private postal services; many excellent courier services.
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Power supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ.
Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.
Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for shavers.
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| All major international airlines fly to and from South Africa's three large international airports at Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Several domestic airlines and many air charter companies, helicopter services and more.
Major airports in other cities, with some 90 regional airports, and small airports/landing strips in many regions, towns, national parks and game reserves.
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| Some goods subject to a limit, may be brought into the country duty-free, while all other goods have to be declared to Customs.
VAT of 14% is charged on most goods and services, but can be refunded when leaving the country.
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| Visitors from most Western European countries, Japan, and USA don't require visas.
Others must make apply for visas before leaving their country.
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| Vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A and B are required.
Most parts of South Africa are malaria-free. Some cholera risk areas exist.
Tap water is safe to drink, except in a few rural areas.
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| Foreign driving licences printed in English are valid, otherwise International Driving Permit.
Very good road, rail and air networks for domestic travel; roads range from modern freeway systems to gravel roads.
Driving is on left hand side of road.
All major car-hire firms operate here; standard metered taxis as well as minibus taxis; taxi and bus services from/to all major airports.
Many good scheduled inter-city and for-hire bus services; bus services in most urban and many rural areas.
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| South Africa is a stable constitutional democracy.
Most parts of South Africa are safe for tourists providing normal safety precautions are followed as in most other countries.
However, some areas experience high crime levels and caution is advised.
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South African Tourist Helpline
Tel: 083 123 2345, 083 123 6789
Email: info@southafrica.net
Mpumalanga Tourism
Web: www.mpumalanga.com
Western Cape Tourism
Web: www.capetourism.org
Northern Cape Tourism
Web: www.northerncape.org.za
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Department of Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)12 310 3911
Email: callcentre@deat.gov.za
North West Parks & Tourism Board
Web: www.tourismnorthwest.co.za
Limpopo Tourism
Web: www.golimpopo.com
Free State Tourism
Web: www.freestatetourism.gov.za |
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism
Web: www.zulu.org.za
Eastern cape Tourism
Web: www.ectourism.co.za
Gauteng Tourism
Web: www.gauteng.net
Police Tel: 10111
Ambulance Tel: 10177 or 082 911 or 084 911
Automobile Association of SA Tel: 0800 01 0101 |
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Proud to be associated with: |
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Website developed, hosted and maintained by Sitala Market. Website design by Sitala Creative. Disclaimer: Sitala Market is not responsible for any loss, damage,
injury or expense however caused, arising from the use of or reliance upon, in any manner, the information provided through this website. In addition,
Sitala Market does not warrant the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. All rights reserved. © Sitala Market. |
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