Travel Tips
Climate
The country has a warm to hot climate and is often referred to as “Sunny
South Africa”. This makes it one of the best year-round destinations in
the world. Being a large country, the climate ranges from Mediterranean
to sub-tropical, with areas of semi-desert in between. Summer
temperatures range from temperate to swelteringly hot.
The Cape Province experiences rain in winter, while other areas enjoy
summer rainfall in the form of spectacular afternoon thunderstorms.
Winters can be very cold in inland areas, with snow sometimes occurring,
especially on the mountain peaks. Conversely, subtropical areas have
such mild winters that you would never guess it is winter at all.
Getting Here
International access to South Africa is via air travel. O.R. Tambo
International Airport in Johannesburg is the major airport in South
Africa and is the hub for 55 airlines from all 5 continents.
Entry Requirements
Entry is straightforward and hassle-free for the majority of foreign
nationals who travel to South Africa on vacation. All visitors to South
Africa must be in possession of a valid passport, but visas are not
required for short-term visits by citizens of many countries. For the
latest visa requirements, click on the links below.
For general visa information go here.
For visa types go here.
For consular information go here.
Travellers from
yellow fever infected areas are officially required to have inoculation
certificates if over the age of 1 year.
Facilities
South Africa boasts a world class transport infrastructure,
telecommunications, banking, medical and tourism facilities.
Accommodation caters for all needs and is accredited by the national
Tourism Grading Council, which upholds very high standards.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of
Pretoria (230V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250V). Most plugs are of the
3-pin or 2-pin variety. Adaptors can be purchased, but may be in short
supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer. Most hotel rooms have
110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances.
Driving
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and
valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and
signature of the holder and is in English. If your driver’s licence does
not meet these requirements, an international driver’s licence is
required. Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.
Health
Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga (including the Kruger
National Park), in Limpopo (north-eastern areas, near the Zimbabwean and
Mozambican borders) and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal
(north-east as far south as the Tugela River).
The malaria risk is
highest from October to May. Although the actual incidence of malaria is
rare, it is best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit
these areas. In addition to malaria prophylaxis, insect repellents and
mosquito nets can be effective.
Medical facilities are on par with the best in the world and South
Africa is a global leader in many medical disciplines. A large network
of hospitals offers excellent service, but these are privatised
facilities, so ensure that you have adequate health insurance.
Safety
Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists, provided
you take basic common sense precautions like not walking alone in
deserted areas at night, not flashing photographic equipment or
jewellery and maintaining a safe following distance in traffic.
Most
major cities run organised crime prevention programmes and Basic Safety
Tip guidelines are available at hotels and tourism information offices.
If you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction,
contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on +27 (0)83
123-2345. This number may also be used for assistance in replacing lost
documents or reporting incidents.
Shopping
Modern shopping malls, arts & crafts routes and markets, flea markets
and informal vendors provide a wide variety of goods, curios and
shopping experiences.
South Africa’s fashion, gold and diamond
jewellery, and art are widely sought after. So are traditional
handcrafted items such as Zulu beadwork; carved chessboards; painted
ostrich eggs; colourful woven baskets, handbags and soft furnishings;
mohair or sisal rugs; traditional wooden masks and carvings; pottery and
leather items. And don’t forget the world renowned Cape wines, exotic
fruit liqueurs, brandy, rooibos tea, dried fruit, biltong (dried meat
snacks) and chutney.
Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7
days a week, but small town shops are often closed on Sundays.
Food & Water
South Africa’s tap water is potable and some of the safest and cleanest
in the world. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots the standards of
hygiene and food preparation are generally top-notch. It is safe to eat
fresh fruit, vegetables and salads and to put as much ice as you like in
your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the
bush. Restaurants provide a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are
normally very impressed with the food. The country’s many cultures make
for varied traditional fare that is definitely worth exploring.
Time Zone
South Africa is in the GMT+2 time zone (UTC +02), which is the same as
Athens, Bucharest, Cairo, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Harare and Helsinki. It
does not apply daylight saving, so its relative time remains constant.
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Applicants arriving without visas will be refused entry into the RSA and placed on return flights in terms of legislation.
