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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 that it is winter at all.
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 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. Travellers from yellow fever infected areas are officially required to have inoculation certificates if over the age of 1 year.
South Africa boasts 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.
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.
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.
Diverse people and cultures combine to create a colourful “Rainbow Nation”. Population groups include the majority Nguni (comprising Zulu, Xhosa and Swazi), Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Afrikaners, English, Coloureds, Indians, Khoi and San, and immigrants from Africa, Europe and Asia. The majority religion is Christian, but freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution. There are 11 official languages, including English. Most South Africans are multi-lingual and English is fairly widely spoken, particularly in urban centres.
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.
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.
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.
The local currency is the South African Rand (R1=100 cents), which exchanges favourably with all major international currencies. This makes South Africa an affordable destination where five-star luxury and items such as food, wine and lager can be purchased at much lower prices than in many global cities.
Most international traveller's cheques are accepted - however, it is advised that you bring a hard currency, such as US dollars or British pounds. Currency can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus and sometimes at hotels.
As a foreign tourist you can have your VAT (value-added tax of 14%) refunded at your point of departure, provided that you present the original tax invoices that you receive when you make your purchases.
Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.
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.
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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