South Africa

Throughout the second half of the 20th century South Africa was regarded by most of the world as a pariah state where the ruling white minority passed a range of draconian laws to subdue and enslave the black majority. All this changed in 1994 with the release from prison of world-renowned freedom fighter and icon of the oppressed, Nelson Mandela. A new age of democracy was ushered in, and South Africa was suddenly revealed to the world in her beautiful true colours: a rainbow nation with a kaleidoscope of cultures and a host of attractions to enthral and entrance visitors.

A decade later tourists are flocking to sunny South Africa in droves, particularly to the Western Cape with its magnificent scenery, beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and green winelands.

The Republic, at the southern tip of Africa surrounded by ocean on three sides, offers a taste of the African experience with the chance to visit traditional tribal villages, game reserves and sprawling townships. At the same time it also offers the trappings of a first world holiday experience, with luxury hotels, sophisticated shopping, exciting theme parks and clean beaches. Have breakfast in a New York style deli; lunch in an African shebeen; cocktails on a sunset cruise; and dine in style in a fine British colonial restaurant. This is all possible in a South African city.

It is not only cultural diversity that makes South Africa magical. The country has a wealth of animal and plant life scattered across its varied climactic zones from desert to snow-covered mountains, forests to grasslands and mangrove swamps. Historically, too, there is plenty to discover, from the fossils of ancient hominids, to the pioneering spirit of the Dutch 'voortrekkers' and the settlement of the Eastern Cape frontier by the British colonialists.

South Africa has been billed as 'a world in one country', and any visitor who has experienced its delights, from the jumble of Johannesburg, the city built on gold mines in the north, to the sophistication of Cape Town in the south, is bound to agree.

Climate

South Africa is a large country and has diverse climactic regions, but in general the weather is sunny and hot in the summer months (December to April), and mild during winter (May to November). Winters in the Cape are cold and wet, and snow falls on the mountain ranges here and in Natal. Gauteng and the northern areas experience thunderstorms regularly during evenings in the summer months, and winters are usually warm during the day and cold at night.

Language

South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely spoken.

Time

GMT +2.

Money

South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available (there is a daily limit for cash withdrawals) and major international credit cards are widely accepted, except in petrol stations where cash is required. Visitors should take care and be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs as there is a high incidence of credit card fraud involving the use of ATMs. Travellers cheques and some foreign currencies are accepted at larger hotels and shops, but commission is charged, otherwise all commercial banks will exchange them.

Activities

Shark Diving
Observing and diving with Great White sharks can provide one of the most thrilling experiences of a lifetime. Numerous operators run cage diving trips around Gansbaai (two hours from Cape Town) where the open stretch of water between Dyer Island and the mainland is referred to as the shark diving capital of the world. Trips aim to educate people about the Great White shark as well as provide an up close and personal encounter from within the safety of a cage lowered into the water from the boat. People have the opportunity to watch and photograph the sharks feeding at the surface alongside the boat, and the very brave can then take turns inside the cage, which is let down about three feet (1m) below the surface of the water. Great White sharks are in the Gansbaai area all year round, but are here in their highest density during the winter months from May to October.

Game Safaris
One of the main attractions of a trip to South Africa is a game-viewing safari. Numerous game parks are scattered throughout the country, but it is the oldest, largest and most well-known wildlife conservation area, the Kruger National Park, that is the destination of choice for most international visitors. 'Big Five' viewing opportunities abound in many of the parks and many private game reserves, particularly in the Eastern Cape, have the added attraction of being malaria-free. Parks offer guided walking and jeep safaris, and night drives, as well as self-drive safaris for those with their own cars.

Bungy jumping
The historic Bloukrans River Bridge at Storms River, situated on South Africa's scenic Garden Route, is the setting for the highest commercial bungy jump in the world, at 525ft (160m). The actual bridge is higher, but jumpers gain access to the arch support below the road by way of a specially designed walkway, which is a breathtaking experience in itself. The jump is operated by Kiwi Extreme who have more than 10 years experience in bungy jumping.

Whale watching
Every year from July to November whales can be seen along the southern coast of South African shores, travelling thousands of miles to mate and calve in the safe and warm waters of protected bays. The 'heart of the Whale Coast' is Hermanus, renowned as the best whale-watching area in the country, where Southern Right whales can be seen in Walker Bay, often within 33 feet (10m) from shore. Walker Bay is recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the top 12 whale viewing destinations in the world. In general, the whale route stretches from the Western Cape up the east coast, including places along the Garden Route such as Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay (especially Keurbooms River and Robberg Peninsula), and the Tsitsikamma National Park coastline. The De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is also popular during the whale season for its relatively new Whale Trail, a five-day hiking trail that offers fantastic whale viewing opportunities for three days along its coastal stretch. Numerous whale-watching boat excursions are offered in the Western Cape.

Passport Visa

Passports must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the period of intended stay. An onward or return ticket is required, as well as sufficient funds and documents needed for further travel. Note that visitors to South Africa must have at least one blank (unstamped) page in their passport, each time entry is sought; these pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South Africans who hold dual nationality should note that they are required to enter and leave the country on their South African passports.

Entry Requirements

United States nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days for business or touristic purposes. British nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days if passport is endorsed British Citizen, British Dependent Territories Citizen, or British Overseas Territories citizen. Those whose passports state British National (Overseas) may stay up to 30 days without a visa. All others require a visa. Visa extensions are possible if applied for at least 30 days before expiry date. Canadian nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days for business or touristic purposes. Australian nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days for business or touristic purposes. Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 90 days for touristic or business purposes. New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for touristic/business stays of up to 90 days.

Embassy Consulates

United States Embassy, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 431 4000.

British High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 421 7733.

Canadian High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 422 3000.

Australian High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 423 6000.

Irish Embassy, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 342 5062

New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria: +27 (0)12 342 8656/7/8/9.

Health

Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate, otherwise no vaccinations are required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and northeastern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and precautions are advised when travelling to these areas. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere, as there are periodic outbreaks of cholera in the poor communities of rural South Africa, particularly in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces. Drug-resistant TB has been reported throughout the country. Food poisoning is rare. Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash upfront and public hospitals are best avoided.

Safety

Visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's high incidence of crime. Although this tends to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country, for example in the township areas, opportunistic crime is fairly widespread. Travellers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions. Doors should be locked when driving and one should not walk alone at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas. Berea and Hillbrow in Johannesburg are high risk areas and visitors should be cautious in the area. There have been recent incidents on hikers walking on Table Mountain in Cape Town and visitors should avoid walking alone on the mountain. Vigilance when using ATMs and carrying valuables. It is worthwhile noting that the South African authorities do give high priority to the protection of tourists.

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are standard.

Business

South Africa's multicultural status means that business etiquette may vary with different people, and according to individual sectors, though it is most often similar to dealings in Europe and the United States. Although there are 11 official languages, English is the primary language of business. It is best to dress formally for initial meetings. Generally South Africans are regarded as relaxed and informal with regards to introductions and the handling of business cards. Shaking hands is common for both men and women. The giving of gifts is uncommon and unnecessary. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.

Communications

The international access code for South Africa is +27. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). As of 8 January 2007, South Africa has changed to 10-digit dialling (so city codes must be included e.g. 021 for Cape Town) and international dialling has changed from 09 to 00. International phone cards cannot be used in South Africa. The country is served by three GSM mobile phone networks. Mobile service providers offer very cheap 'pay-as-you-go' Sim cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some time. Internet cafes are widespread. Card and coin operated pay phones are also widespread.

Duty Free

Travellers to South Africa do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre spirits; perfume up to 50ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods to the value of R3,000. All other goods brought in from abroad by South African residents must be declared on arrival. These will be subject to import duties. For goods to be re-imported, travellers must complete a DA65 or NEP-form that is issued on departure. Prohibited items include meat and dairy products, all medication except for personal consumption, flick knives, ammunition, explosives and pornography containing minors and bestiality.