Accommodation South Africa Information

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South Africa is an awesome holiday destination with so much to do that you will be struggling to choose. South Africa is internationally renowned as one of the world's top game viewing and birding destinations, but it also has some of the world's best flowers, which can be seen to great advantage, particularly in the Western Cape where the indigenous fynbos forms part of the Cape Floral Region, which is a world heritage site.

Very few people visit South Africa and do not spend at least some time in a game reserve or national park. There is a huge variety of game to be seen, and different areas offer different experiences but many tourists seem to have caught Big Fivefever and are determined to be able to go home and claim to have seen them all. The Big Five are the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.

There are over 900 species of birds in southern Africa, many of which can be seen to great advantage in the more popular game viewing areas but, if you're particularly interested in birds, there are a few spots you shouldn't miss. These include the Nylsvlei Wetland, in Limpopo Province, and the wetlands of the West Coast, including Langebaan Lagoon, Rocher Pan, and Verloren Vlei. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is also home to a number of interesting waterfowl.

As if that is not enough, South Africa also has 3,000 km of coastline with fabulous beaches and water sports, as well as great dolphin and whale watching sites. Cape Town and Hermanus are the best spots for land-based whale watching, while Cape Town, Hermanus, Gansbaai, and Plettenberg Bay are the best for boat based whale watching.

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ACCOMMODATION SOUTH AFRICA INFORMATION

INFORMATION TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS:

Time Differences

South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year. Therefore South Africa is an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

Flights to South Africa

The Oliver Thambo International Airport is the major airport in South Africa and handles more than 45 airlines from all five continents. Direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport are approximately 15 hours, direct flights between London and Johannesburg take approximately 10 hours, flights to and from the Far East are roughly 10 to 12 hours long.

Passports and Visas

The majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa has a straightforward and hassle-free entry into the country. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport and in some cases, a visa.

Free Entry Permit Sticker

Travellers from certain regions of the world, such as Scandinavia, Japan, the USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries, do not need to formally apply for a visa. Upon arrival in South Africa, countries falling into this category will automatically be given a free entry permit sticker, usually valid for a maximum of 90 days, though the immigration officer may tailor the time period according to the airline tickets held. Foreign nationals from some other countries are offered this service, but for a maximum of 30 days. If visitors want to stay for a longer period, they will have to apply formally for a visa, as opposed to relying on the automatic entry permit.

South Africa’s Immigration Act Regulations

Under South Africa's Immigration Act of 2002 (Act. 13 of 2002) in force since 7 April 2003, ‘(a) Immigration Act, 2002 the passport shall contain at least ONE unused page when presenting the passport for endorsements'. This requirement, reflects the entry requirements of many of the world's top travel destinations and failure to have a clear page can result in entry being refused.

Banks and Money

The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.

Tipping for Services

Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills, but it is customary to leave a 10 to 15% tip. Parking attendants and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated.

Tax

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

Disabled Travellers

Government is currently working on improving facilities for disabled visitors. An increasing number of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most of our sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. The Kruger National Park, South Africa’s Premier wildlife game reserve also caters for disabled travelers.

Climate and Clothing

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months, lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential for the summer months and the Western Cape winters. Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months.

Electricity

South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz

Exceptions: Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V)

Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Health and Safety

South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees.

Malaria

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it is always best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. The South African government has embarked on an extensive anti-malaria programme (in co-operation with Swaziland and Mozambique) and the incidence of malaria is decreasing. There is absolutely no way at all that you can contract malaria unless you are bitten by an infected mosquito. With modern insect repellents and some common sense one can reduce the chances of being bitten to close to zero. The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.

Personal safety

South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (eg not displaying expensive camera equipment or jewellery and not walking alone in deserted areas at night). Most major cities run organized crime prevention programmes Basic Safety Tip Guidelines will be 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 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

Food and water

In most regions, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is generally excellent.

Road safety

Our transport infrastructure is excellent and our roads are in good condition. However, the distances between towns are significant and sometimes very long especially in the Northern Cape. If you are planning to self-drive, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary carefully. Gas stations are available in all towns and cities. Avoid long car journeys that necessitate driving at night as this always carries more risk. In some of the more remote rural areas, the roads are not fenced so there may be stray animals on the road, which can prove dangerous at night when visibility is limited.

South Africa has very strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Speed limits vary from a maximum of 120kmph on the open roads and highways to 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns and villages. Be aware that even major national roads pass through residential areas so there may be a speed limit of 80 or 60kmph on some national roads.

Driving

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 drivers 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.

Vaccinations

Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

Shopping

Most major shopping centres and malls operate 7 days a week, but you will find that in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on Sundays.

Monday - Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00

Sunday: 09:00 - 14:00

Links

To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website at:

http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za.

For more information regarding airports in South Africa, visit the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) website on:

www.airports.co.za

For information on driving in and around South Africa visit the Automobile Association of South Africa website at:

www.aasa.co.za

For any health-related questions you may have visit: www.travelclinic.co.za

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