PRACTICAL INFORMATION

 

ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa, located at the very south of the African continent, is 1 233 404km² in size and stretches into the Atlantic- and Indian Oceans. South Africa shares borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. The South African tourism industry is well established and features a thriving platform for adventure, sport, wildlife and nature holidays. South Africa is home to 52-million people (2011 census) of a wide variety of cultures, languages and religions. South Africa boasts 11 official languages, namely: English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. English is most widely understood, and is the second language of the majority of South Africans.

 

CURRENCY

South Africa's currency is the rand. The rand comes in a range of coins and note denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. The value of the rand against many foreign currencies makes South Africa an attractive travel destination.

 

CLIMATE

'Sunny South Africa' is known for its long sunny days. Most of the country has summer rainfall, whereas the popular Western Cape has winter rain. The high-lying areas of the interior can be chilly during winter. Our seasons are:

Spring: September, October, November

Summer: December through February

Autumn: March, April, May

Winter: June, July and August

 

WATER

Tap water in urban areas is usually of high quality and safe to drink. It’s safe to have ice in drinks and to eat salads. However, it is advised that you take your own drinking water or buy bottled water when travelling to remote areas.

 

ANIMALS and PLANTS

South Africa is one of the 17 megadiverse destinations in the world because of its rich biological diversity. See anything from the Big Five to great white sharks to meerkats to foxes to the wide range of endemic birds to the vast collection of plant species, notably fynbos.

 

ELECTRICITY

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Electricity is available almost everywhere.

 

AIRPORTS

The three major international airports are OR Tambo International Airport  in Johannesburg; Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For visa requirements, please contact your nearest South African diplomatic mission to obtain information concerning visa requirements. All visitors over the age of one travelling from an infected area, or having been in transit through an infected area (includes Zambia and Angola) will require a valid yellow fever certificate.

 

MALARIA

Most of South Africa is malaria-free. However if you intend visiting the Kruger National Park or other low-lying parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, you should be advised that you are entering malarial areas and should take precautions in the form of prophylactic medication.

 

TIPS and TIPPING

Give 10% to 15% to a waitron in a restaurant and about US$10 (or equivalent) per day to your safari ranger.

 

SECURITY

Keep valuables locked away and resist wearing expensive watches or jewellery, display expensive cameras, or walk in deserted areas. Keep your car doors and windows locked at all times. When in doubt, ask your guide or  lodge for safety guidelines.

 

Please contact Golden Moon Adventures directly for more detailed travel notes.