Overview
South Africa’s coastline serves up activities as varied as surfing, whale watching and shark cage diving. Inland, the country boasts incredible private game reserves – whichever you choose, you’ll stay in secluded designer lodges that let you max out on views and luxurious amenities. Foodies will love South Africa: choose from tiny restaurants in quaint fishing villages or chef’s tables at world-class restaurants. And in the Cape Winelands, sip local wines as the sun sets over the mountainous backdrop.
The ‘Rainbow Nation’ is all things to all people – and even that description doesn’t come close to the reality of what is one of the most captivating countries in Africa. Whether you’re a foodie, safari aficionado, wine buff, photographer, art ethusiest or history buff – you’ll find that South Africa offers all of these experiences and more. In the same trip, you can spend time with meerkats in the desert or go shark-cage diving. You can track the Big Five or relax with a superb glass of wine as the sun sets over the vineyards where it was made. There is no set itinerary for exploring South Africa – rather be guided by your interests. Your luxury South Africa safari starts here!
Highlights
- Relax with a superb glass of wine as the sun sets over the vineyards where it was made
- Feel the Kalahari breeze in your hair while on horseback
- Stroll along the cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap and learn about the colorful nature and architecture of the locals
- Join a professional guide to track black rhinos on foot at Phinda Reserve
- From June to November, spot southern right whales, which come to the Cape to mate and calve
- Meet the world’s most northly penguins on Boulder Beach
Gateway cities: Johannesburg, Cape TownBest time to travel: Year-round
USEFUL INFORMATION
Communications
The international country code for South Africa is +27. Cellular phone service providers in South Africa are Cell C, Vodakom, Virgin mobile, MTN and Telkom
Credit Card and Currency
The official currency is the Rand. Most hotels, lodges and main town shops and restaurants accept major credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club card are widely accepted.
Driving
Always keep left hand side of the road. All foreigners and visitors are required to carry an international driver’s licence.
Electricity
South Africa operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Languages
The official language is Afrikaan,English, Zulu and English is spoken most widely in the country’s main tourist areas.
Malaria
Anti-malaria precautions are highly recommended and all foreigners should take anti-malaria medication before traveling to South Africa. Tourist can help reduce the risk of malaria by using personal protection measures (mosquito net at night, long sleeves and long trousers at night, apply mosquito repellents to skin and clothing…) and prophylactics.
Safety
South Africa is generally a peaceful country but always exercise precautions like any other countries. Don’t walk around with things you can’t do without, like your passport or airline tickets. Carry minimum amounts of cash
Time
Two (2) hours ahead of GMT.
Tipping
Tipping is common practice in South Africa for a range of services. In restaurants the accepted standard is around 10% of the bill.
Visa
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country. Some Foreign Nationals require entry visas, which are available at point of entry but other Foreign Nationals don’t need Visa.
Important Note: This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Botswana consulate, embassy or Botswana diplomatic mission for up to date information.
Weather
South Africa has two seasons, summer and winter. Summer runs from November to April, hot and sunny with daytime temperatures as high as 38 °C. Winter runs from May to October and is dry, sunny and cool with daytime temperatures averaging 20 °C. Night can be extremely cold with temperature as low as 5°C
Vaccinations
All passengers must have a negative PCR result not older than 48 hours before departure. For those who received Covid 19 Vaccines should travel with their vaccination certificates or Passport. Also it would be recommended that the following vaccines be administered or up-dated prior to coming to the country: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, anti-polio and anti-meningococcal meningitis vaccines
Shopping
In general, shops are open from 08.00 until 17.00 and closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays
| Population | 59.8 Million |
| Currency | Rand(ZAR) |
| Climate | Semi Arid |
| Time Zone | +2 GMT |
| Attractions | Krunger National Park,Table Mountain national park, Cape of good hope,Bouldes beach and Maclears beacon |