Southern Africa is one of the most diverse regions in the world. Two oceans, two deserts and a wide variety of Fauna and Flora to compliment it, various mountain ranges and numerous Ethnic Cultures interlinked with the Western Culture makes this a breathtaking experience to the traveler.

Geographically speaking Southern Africa is extreme in its' offering. Most of the area is bordered by the Atlantic- and Indian Oceans, but the region also offers the following:

These give new meaning to the word "Safari".

GENERAL INFORMATION

PASSPORTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

All visitors entering the Republic of South Africa must have a valid passport and, in certain cases, a visa. Currently no compulsory vaccinations are required. However, it is strongly recommended that visitors to malaria areas, such as the game parks and adjacent Bushveld, as Zimbabwe and Mozambique, take a course of anti-malaria tablets before, during and after their visit. Please consult a medical advisor in this regard. Visitors are responsible for their own medical needs and medical insurance should be purchased before departure from their country.

MONEY

There is no limit of the amount of money visitors can bring into South Africa in the form of foreign currency, travelller' cheques, etc. However, currently no more than R200.00 in South African currency may be brought into, or taken out of the country. All the major international credit cards are accepted by leading hotels, restaurants and stores.

The currency unit is the Rand - R1 = 100 cents.
Banknotes in circulation are: R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10.

Nickel R5, R2 and R1
Copper 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c

Banks are usually open Mondays to Fridays: 09h00 to 15h30 and on Saturdays: 08h30 to 11hoo. They are closed on public holidays.

(Currency Converter)

MOTORING

South Africa has a good network of modern highways - so every part of South Africa is easily accessible. Traffic drives on the left hand side of the road. There is a general speed limit of 120 km per hour on open roads and 60km per hour in built up areas.

CLIMATE

South Africa is considered to have one of the best climates in the world, which is generally temperate with high averages of sunshine hours. Summer extends from October to March, during which temperatures vary between 21 degrees C and can reach 35 degrees C. The inland plateau has summer rainfall (usually short, light showers) and a dry winter. The Cape is dry in summer and has winter rainfall. Autumn, winter and spring are from April to September. Temperatures average 18 degrees C, but can dip as low as 0 degrees C in the interior of the country.

LANGUAGES

English is spoken throughout South Africa. Afrikaans and several African languages are also widely spoken.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographic supplies are available in most cities, but are generally expensive. It is recommended that visitors bring adequate supplies of film and batteries. A telephoto lens of at least 200mm is useful for good wildlife photography. An ultraviolet filter and a dust cover (plastic bag) will also prove useful.

Most types of film material - colour slides and negatives, as well as videotapes are however readily available in all the major centers and holiday resorts. Fast, reliable processing services are available in the major centers and some resorts. Binoculars are always useful, though nor essential, in the game parks and on tour.

ELECTRICITY

Power is 220/230 volts at 50 cycles. Most hotels have dual voltage outlets for electric razors. Power outlets accept round pin plugs.

TIPPING

It is customary to tip porters, bellmen, taxi drivers, restaurant staff etc. depending on the standard of service given. As a rough guide, a tip should be about ten per cent of the service bought.

PERSONAL SAFETY

To ensure that you enjoy trouble-free touring, there are a few BASIC INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED safety precautions you should take.

1. HOTELS - most hotels have a safety deposit facility either in the rooms or at the cashier's desk in reception. Please use it. Do not leave any money, jewellery or other valuables (including your passport and tickets) in your room.

2. IN THE CITY - throughout the world's cities there is unfortunately a criminal element that preys on unwary tourists. South Africa has not escaped this phenomenon