The Best time to visit
Generally mild climatic conditions make South Africa a perfect year-round destination.
Deciding on where to go and what to see in South Africa is hard – there is just so much to see!
The choices are endless – Sea, Forests, Deserts, Savana, Mountains, something a bit more exotic or an adventure activity.
Public Holidays
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day |
| 21st March | Human Rights Day |
| 10th April | Good Friday |
| 13th April | Easter Monday |
| 27th April | Freedom Day |
| 1st May | Workers Day |
| 16th June | Youth Day |
| 9th August | National Women’s Day |
| 24th September……. | Heritage Day |
| 16th December | Day of Reconciliation |
| 25th December | Christmas Day |
| 26th December | Day of Goodwill |
Getting there
South Africa is serviced by many of the world’s major airlines with direct flights to Europe, America and the Middle East on a daily basis. South Africa’s three main gateway airports are:
OR Tambo International Airport previously known as Johannesburg International Airport
Cape Town International Airport
King Shaka International Airport
Hiring a car is the easiest way to explore at your own pace. Car hire companies have branches at most Airports and even at some large hotels. Remember – we drive on the left hand side of the road in South Africa.
Banking/Currency
South Africa’s currency is the rand, which offers most visitors great value for money.
The rand comes in a range of coins and note denominations of: R10, R50, R100 and R200.
Banking hours from Monday to Friday are generally 09h00 to 15h30. Some banks close at 16h00.
ATM’s are found almost everywhere. Visa and Mastercards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs, but check with your bank first.
Banks and Bureau de Change at major airports remain open until the last flight departs
Passport & Visa
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your entry date and that you have a minimum of 2 consectuive blank pages (they must be facing one another). In addition if a father (or mother) is travelling with his (her) children alone then a letter of consent, certified by their local police, must be signed by the mother (father) and carried with them. For more information about parents travelling with children click here.
Adapter
In South Africa you need the power plug type M. But do not worry if you forgot to buy one in your home country. You can get adapters at pic’n pay for about R60.
Health and Safety
South Africa has both private and public hospitals in most areas and many well qualified general practitioners to help with most medical matters.
Malaria is found only in some parts of the Lowveld of Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It is advisable to take prophylactics before visiting these areas.
South Africa is one of only 12 countries in the world with drinkable tap water. Our tap water quality is the third-best overall in the world. It is advisable though, to take bottled water with you when travelling to remote rural areas and the bush.
South Africa is as safe as any country in the world but there are certain basic precautions that people should take note of:
* When in the car, keep all doors locked and windows up at all times.
* When using an ATM be alert at all time. If you see something suspicious stop your transaction and leave.
* To avoid being mugged ensure that you carry your bag around your neck and diagonally across your body. Do not carry it hanging over one shoulder. Do not carry large amounts of cash on your person.
* When sightseeing, use only registered and qualified tour guides. Registered tour guides can be identified by a certificate that they carry.
Transport
Since the year 2013 the MyCity Bus network of Cape Town is well extended. Before using the busses you have to buy a MyConnect Card (R35), which you can get in all big MyCity Stations (e.g.: Airport, Civic Centre, Waterfront, Adderly, Gardens, Table View). Where you can buy a card it is also possible to upload them with points. When you are entering the bus or a station you scan the card and pay with the point. This way you do not have to use cash for using public transport.
Another safe and also quite cheap possibility to get from a to b is using Uber. Therefore you download the Uber App and connect it with your Credit Card. The Uber driver gets the information about where to pic you up, where to bring you and your first name. You on the other hand are getting the cars number plate, colour, brand and also the name of your driver. Like in the MyCity Bus you do not need any cash since you are paying by the creditkard supplied in your Uber Account.
Driving
South Africans do drive on the left handside. So make sure to watch on the right at first, before the you cross the street.
The road infrastructure is very well which makes driving a really good option to see a lot of different places in this beautiful country. But also be warned: As South Africa is huge it is not easily traversed in one day. Plan your journey carefully.
Drinking-water
It might taste a little bit like chlorine if you are for example used to the tap water from most european countries. But it is safe to drink and cook with tap water in South Africa when you are in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry maintains that South Africa’s national standard of water quality compares well with World Health Organisation standards. (By the way: Please do not waste water! For more info click here.)
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