General Info:

South Africa is divided into nine provinces: Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North-West.

During 2010 World Cup every province will host major events.

Information on 2010 World Cup will be available on Action Travel website.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest metropolis. Most popular holiday destinations are Cape Town and the Kruger Park.

Small towns of particular historical and cultural interest are Stellenbosch, Knysna, Pilgrim’s Rest and Phalaborwa.

An extended summer season from October to March is enjoyed throughout the country.

The Western Cape coastal area has almost a Mediterranean type climate while the KwaZulu-Natal is characterized by mild, dry winters and rainy, hot summers.

The inland plateau has sharper variations in temperature.

Climate:

South Africa has an average of 8,5 daily hours of sunshine, compared with 3,8 in London. The sun can be very strong and the use of a hat and sunscreen is recommended.

The moderating affect of the seas around the subcontinent ensure comfortable temperatures in most areas throughout the year.

Geographical location places:

South Africa in a standard time zone two hours ahead of Greenwich and one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time.

South Africa

Rome

London

Home to an estimated 45 000 000 people, South Africa embraces a diversity of cultures often contrasting in lifestyle.

South African Languages:

In South Africa there are eleven official languages: English (the unofficial lingua franca), Afrikaans, isiNdebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu.

German, French and Italian are often spoken in some Hotels and Lodges.

South Africa’s currency:

Unit is the Rand. Banknotes are issued in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10. The international symbol for the South African Rand is ZAR.

Foreign banknotes of major currencies will be exchanged at international airports, commercial banks and major hotels. Banking hours are from 08:30 to 15:30 on weekdays and from 08:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays.

Johannesburg International Airport provides a 24-hour banking service.

Currency exchange:

Regulations require that Reserve Bank clearance be obtained should visitors wish to leave the country with more than R500,00 in cash.

Currency Converter

Visa, MasterCard and American Express:

Are generally honoured although petrol cannot be paid for with standard credit cards.

Other than for the ATMs (automated teller machines), banking after hours or on Sundays is not available.

Value-added tax (VAT),:

Currently set at 14%, is included in the price of most goods and services. Foreign visitors may claim refunds on VAT on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250,00.

Claims must be made at departure airports, harbours and customs offices by presenting the purchased items together with purchase slips.

Locally manufactured goods are normally of very good quality and reasonably priced.

Trading hours:

Are from 08:00 to 17:00 Mondays to Fridays and from 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Shopping Centres are generally open on Sunday mornings.

Convenience stores:

Convenience stores Located at service stations are normally open 24 hours a day.

Tiping:

Restaurants do not usually include the tip in the bill and a 10% gratuity is considered fair.

Luggage porters are generally given R10,00 per item of luggage and taxi-drivers expect a tip of about 10% of the fare.

Telephone and Cellphone Rates:

An internationally compatible system for cellular phones operates in South Africa. Cellular phones can be conveniently rented at international airports. Phone cards can be purchased at airports and coffee shops.

Electricity:

The standard electricity supply in South Africa is 220 Volts. Adapters compatible with international plugs are need to be obtained locally.

Clothing:

For a tour of about two weeks including the Kruger National Park the recommended clothing should include:

* 3 x cotton T-shirts
* 3 x cotton short sleeves shirts
* 3 x cotton long sleeves shirts
* 2 x cotton short trousers
* 2 x cotton long trousers
* 1 x strong leather belt
* Underwear
* Cotton and woollen socks
* Light jersey
* Sweater
* Light windbreaker
* Pyjamas
* Bath costume
* Light trekking shoes
* Strong sandals
* Bush hat

Best colours for a wildlife safari are the ones that go well with Nature, as dark green, beige and brown. To be avoided is white and all colours that are too showy. Walking shoes should be comfortable and well worn.

Avoid rigid suitcases and all unnecessary clothing. Everything needed for a two week vacation in South Africa should not weight more than 15 Kg and will be more conveniently carried in a strong soft bag.

Leave the jewellery at home.

Do not forget:

o Valid passport, minimum six month validity and two blank pages, left and right
o Internationally accepted currency, preferably Euro
o Credit Card Visa or MasterCard
o Toiletries
o Sun screen, personal medications and insect repellent
o Sun glasses
o Small torch with spare bulb and batteries
o Utility knife
o Photographic equipment
o Compact binocular about 7X

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