South Africa

South Africa Tours and Safaris

South Africa is a paradise for anyone interested in nature and a wide range of wildlife and bird species that may be encountered in parks and private reserves. Add to it natural scenery, beautiful beaches, famous landmarks plus a well-developed infrastructure and all the modern amenities.

The Republic of South Africa lies at the southern end of the African continent.

With beautiful rural areas such as the Cape Winelands, the towering dunes of the Wild Coast, the magnificent game parks of Kruger and Zululand and the Kalahari and Karoo deserts, the possibilities for tourists are endless.

As an alternative the visitor finds sophisticated cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, or charming historic towns like Stellenbosch or Pietermaritzburg. Even the once infamous townships like Soweto are growing into vibrant cities in their own right.

Popular Destinations

• The Kruger National Park – one of the world’s largest game reserves.
• The Cape Town & Peninsula – includes Table Mountain, Cape Town and the famous Cape Point.
• Sun City – like Las Vegas, but created in the bush with facilities for sailing, swimming, golfing, gambling and game viewing.
• Pilanesberg – a few km from Sun City and closest Big Five Game Reserve to Johannesburg.
• The Garden Route – a stretch of coast 200km.’s long of beaches, forests and mountains.
• Kwazulu Natal Parks – various game parks in Zululand and the St. Lucia Lake area.
• The Drakensberg – enjoy the scenic splendor of South Africa’s highest mountains and mountain resorts.
• Johannesburg – trace the history of the “city of gold” and visit the sprawling ‘township’ of Soweto and see a different South Africa
• Winelands – a haven of gracious, white-gabled farmsteads evoking a rich, elegant heritage.
• Durban – on the east coast and 3rd largest city in South Africa.
• Port Elizabeth – popular tourist destination in the Eastern Cape.

Visas

Although these are correct at the time of publishing, please check with the necessary authorities, as such details are liable to change.

Required by all except:
(a) nationals of Britain, Australia, Canada, the USA, Japan and EU countries;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bahrain, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Cape Verde, Iceland, Israel, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Singapore, Swaziland, Switzerland and Uruguay for business, tourist or transit purposes;
(c) nationals of Costa Rica, Ecuador and St Helena for business, tourist or transit purposes of up to 90 days;
(d) nationals of all other South and Central American countries (except nationals of Colombia), Barbados, Belize, Benin, Comoro Islands, Czech Republic, Ivory Coast, Congo, Cyprus, Egypt, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Gabon, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jordan, South Korea, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Morocco, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Slovak Republic, Surinam, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Zambia for business, tourist or transit purposes of up to 30 days.

Please verify information with the relevant authorities as it is subject to change without notification.

Tours

Climate

Inland all the rain falls in summer (November to April). Summer temperatures are high while the altitude means that nights are cool. Winter nights can be fairly cold, but days are generally warm and pleasant.
The cold Benguela current keeps the coast of the Namib Desert cool, damp and free of rain for most of the year, with a thick coastal fog.

Map

Money

Currency: Rand (R) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange: Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines and ATMs are available at various locations.

Credit & debit cards: MasterCard and Visa are preferred. American Express and Diners Club are also widely accepted. Some ATMs will give cash advances with credit cards.

Travelers cheques: Valid at banks, hotels, restaurants and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1530, Sat 0800-1130.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.
Malaria risk exists in the northern regions and in Otjozondjupa and Omaheke from November to May/June and along the Kavango and Kunene rivers throughout the year.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water, but swimming pools which are well chlorinated and well maintained are safe.

Health insurance is essential.

Public Holidays

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Mar 21 Human Rights Day
Apr 9 Good Friday
Apr 12 Family Day
Apr 27 Freedom Day
May 1 Workers’ Day
Jun 16 Youth Day
Aug 9 National Women’s Day
Sep 24 Heritage Day
Dec 16 Day of Reconciliation
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Day of Goodwill

Note: Holidays falling on a Sunday are observed the following Monday.