South Africa is a land of extremes - it offers the most beautiful scenery, but also the worst squalor imaginable in the poor townships. South Africa is recovering from the firm grip of Apartheid, and you can sense the energy and optimism in many places in the country. The South African climate is very pleasant and it is one of the best countries to visit if you want to experience Africa's nature and wildlife. Visit South Africa and enjoy an experience for life.
Find your travel arrangement to South Africa here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Republic of South Africa
Capital
Pretoria is the administrative Capital (1,080,187).
Cape Town is the parliamentary Capital (2,350,157)
Bloemfontein is the judicial Capital (300,150)
Cape Town is the parliamentary Capital (2,350,157)
Bloemfontein is the judicial Capital (300,150)
Size
1,219,080 square kilometres
Principal Languages
Afrikaan, english, ndebele, pedi, sotho, swati, tsonga, tswana, venda, xhosa and zulu are all official languages in South Africa.
Principal Religion
Almost all religions are represented in South Africa but most people are Christian or Catholic.
Inhabitants
42,130,500 (1999)
Government
Republic
Geography
South Africa is a mountainous country with varied and sometimes almost unbelievably beautiful scenery - where woodland and rough rock landscape perfectly supplement each other. The country borders Namibia to the north-west, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north and Mozambique to the north-east. The climate is very different depending on which region you visit. But remember - when it is summer in Europe, it is winter in South Africa.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
Summer, from November to February, may be very hot in South Africa, especially in the lowvelds. The mountain areas are more pleasant but rainy. The northeast coast can be uncomfortably humid. Spring is a good time to go. This is when the whole scenery is in full bloom and the climate is pleasant. The winters are mild in all parts of the country, except at high altitudes and in the deserts.
Literature
Lonely Planet Africa: The South
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
In South Africa they use the following weights and measures:
Weight: kilo
Distance: metric system
Weight: kilo
Distance: metric system
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere in South Africa. If you visit places of religious interest you should ask about specific rules. Get permission before you photograph a person, and in Johannesburg it is not wise to wave your camera about under any circumstances.
Drinking water
Do not drink tap water, don't brush your teeth in it and avoid ice cubes. You can buy bottled water anywhere.'
Electricity
In South Africa they use the following power source:
220 volt AC/50Hz. However, in Pretoria they use 250 volt/50Hz.
220 volt AC/50Hz. However, in Pretoria they use 250 volt/50Hz.
Behaviour
It's okay to dress casually in South Africa. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas and theatres. If you visit somebody in his or her home the convention is - polite, but relaxed.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 9 am to 3.30 (Monday-Friday) and from 9 am to 11.30 am (Saturdays).
Shops are open from 8.30 am to 5 pm (Monday-Friday) and from 8.30 am to 1 pm (Saturdays). Several shops are also open Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Office Hours are from 8 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm (Monday-Friday).
Shops are open from 8.30 am to 5 pm (Monday-Friday) and from 8.30 am to 1 pm (Saturdays). Several shops are also open Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm.
Office Hours are from 8 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm (Monday-Friday).
Food and drink
On the South African coasts they specialise in inexpensive fish courses - oyster in particular. Typical South African food is sosaties - a kind of kebab, and bobotie, which is minced flesh seasoned with curry. Also there are bredies, which consist of flesh, tomatoes and vegetables. Beer is a popular drink in South Africa, for example 'umgombothi'.
Disabled travellers
South African holiday resorts and cities are very disability-friendly. But disabled people should not visit the national parks and the mountain areas alone or without helpers. Johannesburg, a very dangerous city as it is, is not advisable for disabled people either.
Holidays
New Year's Day, 1 January
Human Rights Day, 21 March
Freedom Day, 27 April
Workers' Day, 1 May
Youth Day, 16 June
National Women's Day, 9 August
Heritage Day, 24 September
Day of Reconciliation, 16 December
Christmas Day, 25 December
Day of Goodwill, 26 December
Moveable holidays
Family Day, beginning of April
Good Friday, end of March or beginning of April.
Human Rights Day, 21 March
Freedom Day, 27 April
Workers' Day, 1 May
Youth Day, 16 June
National Women's Day, 9 August
Heritage Day, 24 September
Day of Reconciliation, 16 December
Christmas Day, 25 December
Day of Goodwill, 26 December
Moveable holidays
Family Day, beginning of April
Good Friday, end of March or beginning of April.
Accommodation / Hotel
South Africa has a wide selection of overnight accommodation from inexpensive huts to five-star luxury hotels. There is also a wealth of B&Bs and guesthouses and in all central areas you can rent a flat. In all South African tourist resorts you can also camp - either in a tent or a rented a caravan. If you visit one of the national parks you can rent a hut almost everywhere.
Book your Hotel in South Africa here
Book your Hotel in South Africa here
Camping
There is a wide selection of camping sites in South Africa and facilities are very good almost everywhere.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
You can hardly find a town in South Africa, which doesn't have B&B or guest houses. It is wise to book before arrival.
Hostels
Hostels are available many places in South Africa, especially in connection with the cities. Facilities are usually good.
Other Accommodation
In the national parks you'll find protected areas where you can rent a hut with private bath and kitchen. Standards are usually high.
Local transport
Domestic Flights operate daily between several South African cities. Moreover, the country has an elaborate railway network where you can travel with both fast luxury trains and more humble local trains. All cities have a local bus service, minibus or combi-taxis will also transport you for longer distances, or you can travel with Greyhound or Translux buses. Road communication is good. Note that driving is on the left.
Planes
Domestic Flights operate between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, East London, Kimberley and Bloemfontein.
Bus
All South African cities have a local bus service. If you are going far you may consider a Greyhound or Translux bus, or you can share a minibus.
Trains
There are both fast luxury trains and local trains in South Africa. The Blue Train is a fast train which runs between the cities. Some train companies arrange special safari trips to the national parks, e.g Rovos Rail.
Taxi
You can't just hail a taxi when you need it; you have to call one from a taxi stand. You can also take a combi-taxi, a kind of minibus, which operates over long distances. Combi-taxis are cheap but not always safe.
car rental
You can rent a car in all major towns and cities in South Africa. In South Africa they drive on the left.
Boat or Ferry
The companies Starlight Cruises and African Sunset Adventure offer trips between the biggest harbours in the country.
Other Transport
Combi-taxis and minibuses operate from all major towns and cities. They are often used for longer distances. They are cheap and fast.
Special conditions
Johannesburg and other places in South Africa can be dangerous places to stay. Do not wear any visible valuables such as a camera and stay clear of the suburbs and never walk alone during the night. If you're threatened, then give up all your valuables immediately.
Region and City Guides
Region
City
