Polokwane Info online directory Top 10 Attractions in South Africa

South Africa is one of the most varied and captivating countries in the world. The traveller will experience the beauty and varied landscapes, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife and year-round sunshine that South Africa has to offer. South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

South Africa occupies 4% of the African continent, covering an area of 1 221 040 square kilometres, is five times larger than Great Britain and three times the size of Texas.

South Africa lies in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in South Africa are the opposite to of those in the northern hemisphere. December and January are the main summer holiday months. An extended summer season from October to March is enjoyed throughout the country. In May and June, Autumn brings warm days and cool nights. The climate is at its best at this time in most parts of the country. Autumn and Spring are the best seasons for hiking. From the beginning of July to the end of September, you can expect cold conditions in most of the country, and rain in the Western Cape. Snow sometimes falls on the Natal Drakensburg and the Cape mountains in winter. South Africa boasts an average of 8,5 daily hours of sunshine, compared with 3,8 in London and 6,9 in New York. The sun can be fierce and the use of a sunscreen and hat is recommended. South African Weather Services

Average temperature

Cities Summer Winter

Bloemfontein 29,0 18,5

Cape Town 24,0 22,6

Durban 25,5 22,6

Johannesburg 24,7 18,0

Kimberley 32,0 20,0

Nelspruit 28,5 23,0

Polokwane 27,5 21,0

Pretoria 27,5 21,0

Currency - All major currencies will be exchanged at commercial banks, bureaux de change, at airports as well as at major hotels. Foreign exchange rates are quoted at exchange points on a daily basis. Banking hours are from 08:30 to 15:30 on weekdays and from 08:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays. Johannesburg International Airport provides a 24-hour banking service.

South Africa’s currency unit is the rand R1 = 100 cents. Banknotes are issued in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20, and R10. Coins are minted in denominations of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. ZAR is the international symbol for the currency.

Credit cards or travelers cheques are recommended traveling currencies. American Express, Visa Card, Master Card, Thomas Cook and Diner’s Club travelers cheques are generally honoured. Petrol (gasoline) cannot be paid for with standard credit cards. Other than for effective, automated teller machine networks across the country, banking after hours or on Sundays is not available.

Value-added tax (VAT), currently set at 14%, is included in the price of most goods and services. Visitors are required to pay VAT on purchased goods but may claim refunds on VAT on items taken out of the country when the total value exceeds R250,00. Claims can be made at departure airports, harbours and customs offices by presenting the items with purchase slips. For more information contact info@taxrefunds.co.za or +27 (0)11 394 1117.

Electricity - 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are universal, so take an adapter. Most hotel rooms have 110-volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances.

Banking Hours

Monday to Friday:09h00 to 15h30

Saturday:09h00 to 11h00 Auto banks (ATM's, automated teller machines) are found in most towns and operate on a 24 hour basis.

Tipping - is customary in South Africa. A guideline for visitors - Porters R5 per item, taxis 10%, waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10 - 15%.

Telephone system - the system is the best developed and most modern in Africa. In 2002 there were 4.844 million main lines in use. In 2003 it was estimated that South Africa had 16.86 million mobile cellular users. Internet - 3.5 million users.

The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent. It borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho, an independent enclave surrounded by South African territory. South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, and is widely regarded as the most socially and economically developed country on the continent.

South Africa has experienced a different history from other nations in Africa as a result of early immigration from Europe and the strategic importance of the Cape Sea Route. European immigration started shortly after the Dutch East India Company founded a station at (what was to become) Cape Town in 1652. The closure of the Suez Canal during the Six Day War exemplifies its significance. The country's relatively developed infrastructure made its mineral wealth available and important to Western interests, particularly throughout the late nineteenth century; then, with international competition and rivalry during the Cold War. South Africa is an ethnically diverse nation with the largest white, Indian, and racially-mixed communities in Africa. Black South Africans, who speak nine officially-recognised languages and many more dialects, account for slightly less than 80% of the population.

Racial strife between the white minority and the black majority has played a large part in the country's history and politics, culminating in apartheid, which was instituted in 1948 by the National Party (although segregation existed prior to that date). The laws that defined apartheid began to be repealed or abolished by the National Party in 1990 after a long and sometimes violent struggle (including economic sanctions from the international community) by the Black majority as well as many White, Coloured, and Indian South Africans.

A number of philosophies and ideologies have developed in South Africa including ubuntu (the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity); Gandhi's notion of "passive resistance" (satyagraha), developed while he lived in South Africa and also Jan Smuts' holism.

Regular elections have been held for almost a century; however, the majority of South Africans were not enfranchised until 1994. The economy of South Africa is the largest and best developed on the continent, with modern infrastructure common throughout the country.

South Africa is often referred to as the "Rainbow Nation" a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and later adopted by then-President Nelson Mandela. Mandela used the term "Rainbow Nation" as a metaphor to describe the country's newly-developing multicultural diversity in the wake of segregationist apartheid ideology. The country's socially progressive policies are rare in Africa. By 2007, the country had joined Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada in legalising same-sex marriage.

South Africa hosted and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup at their first attempt, and then followed this up by hosting and winning the 1996 African Cup of Nations football tournament. It has also hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup and will be the host nation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first time the tournament is held in Africa. It will also host the first Twenty20 Cricket World Championship in September 2007.

Cities

Capitals

Bloemfontein -- Location of the Supreme Court of Appeal, the highest court in non-constitutional matters. The Constitutional Court in Johannesburg became the highest court in constitutional matters in 1994.
Cape Town -- The legislative capital and seat of Parliament. A world-class city named for its proximity to the Cape of Good Hope. Also within a stone's throw of South Africa's winelands.
Pretoria -- The administrative capital of the country
Others
Durban -- Largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and one of the biggest ports in Africa.
East London -- Industrial town in the Eastern Cape centred around motor vehicle manufacturing.
George -- The largest town on the Garden Route.
Johannesburg -- The business centre of South Africa.
Kimberley -- Capital of the Northern Cape known for its diamonds
Nelspruit -- Capital of Mpumalanga.
Pietermaritzburg -- Capital of KwaZulu-Natal, near Durban.
Polokwane -- formally Pietersburg, and capital of Limpopo Province.
Port Elizabeth -- Capital of the Eastern Cape
Upington -- Large town in the Northern Cape

Public Holidays

The public holidays in South Africa are:

January 1. New Years' Day
March 21. Human Rights Day
Easter weekend. ("Good Friday", "Easter Saturday", "Easter Sunday" and "Easter Monday") : a four day long weekend in March or April set according to the Western Christian dates.
April 27. Freedom Day
May 1. Workers Day
June 16. Youth Day
August 9. Woman's Day
September 24. Heritage Day
December 16. Day of Reconciliation, (see Bloodriver)
December 25. Christmas Day
December 26. Day of Goodwill

If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday following will be a holiday

School holidays occur middle December to middle January, early in April, middle June to middle July and late September. Most South Africans go on leave during these times and accomodation will be harder to find.

Visas

Most nationalities get up to 3 months entry on arrival. Check with the Home Affairs and your travel agent whether you need to prearrange a visa. Do not show up without a visa if you are required to have one, as visas will not be issued at points of entry. If needed, you can extend your visa in South Africa. With an extension the total amount of time you are allowed to stay is 6 months. Additional information as well as Visa application forms can be found at the Department of Home Affairs, ph: +27 (0)12 810 8911

Make sure you have 2 blank pages back to back in your passport and that it is valid for at least six more months or you will be sent back! Make sure you have a return ticket available or they will send you back. If you need to pick up a ticket at the airport have the flight number and details handy and speak with the customs guy, they should check your story out and let you in (be firm). Be wary of arriving with a damaged passport as new security measures might trip up your entry.

Talk

South Africa has 11 official languages. Most people other than rural black Africans speak English, although not many as a first language. Afrikaans is also widely-spoken, especially by the white and coloured population. Often Afrikaans is incorrectly called 'afrikan' or 'african' by foreigners. Note this is very incorrect as 'African' for a South African corresponds with the native-african languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi etc. (and, of course, there are thousands of languages in Africa so no single language can be called 'African') Afrikaans has roots in Dutch, so it can be understood by Dutch speakers and sometimes deciphered by German speakers. Other widely spoken languages are Zulu (mainly in KwaZulu-Natal) and Xhosa (mainly in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape), as well as Sotho and Venda. This changes, according to the region you are in. There is also a very large Portuguese community and you will very often find that someone will understand you when speaking Portuguese.

A few words you may encounter are:

eish - as in, "eish, it's hot today", "eish, that's expensive" or "eish, that's too far to drive"
lekker - Enjoyable
howzit - How is it? (generally a rhetorical question)
yebo - Yes
boet, bru, china or ou - Brother or man (equivalent to dude or bro
koppie - A small hill (can also mean a cup)
Madiba - Nelson Mandela
robot - Traffic light
tannie - Respectful term for an older woman
tinkle - phone call
boot - trunk of a car
just now - sometime soon (from Afrikaans "net-nou")
now now - sooner than just now! (from Afrikaans "nou-nou", pronounced no-no)
braai - barbecue.
cheers - we use this for saying good-bye, as well as saying thank you and for the occasional toast.
heita - Hello
sharp - (usually pronounced quickly) OK
sure-sure more pronounced like sho-sho - Correct, Agreement, Thank you

You’ll find the Wikipedia page on South African English well worth reading.

Spelling

In general English spelling follows British rules rather than American; litre rather than liter, centre rather than center etc.

Buy

Money

South African notes and coins.

The currency is the Rand (ZAR), divided into 100 cents (c). Notes are in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Higher value notes are slightly larger in physical size than small value notes. All notes have a metallic security strip and a watermark. Note that there are two types of R5 coins in circulation. One is a solid silver coin while the other is silver with a copper insert. Both are legal currency.

Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. Production of 2c and 1c coins were suspended in April 2002, but those still in circulation remain legal tender. All transactions are rounded down to to the nearest lower 5c, so as not to require a 2c or 1c coin.

Rough conversion rates are: 7:1 (USD), 9:1 (EUR) and 14:1 (GBP). Carry one of the above currencies, as conversion between any of them and the Rand can be done at any bank without trouble. The Rand is also used in Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland, although it is not an official currency in these countries.

Traveller's Cheques are a safe way of carrying money around. You can exchange them at all banks (you will find one even in the roughest places) and you will get a refund if they are stolen. The disadvantage is that you cannot pay with them and you will need change when exchanging them into Rand. Use ATMs instead if possible.

Automated teller machines (ATMs), linked to all major international networks, are available throughout the country and will generally dispense money in a mixture of denominations between R200 and and R10, with about 80% of the value requested being high value notes and the rest in smaller denominations. You can use any Cirrus or Maestro card as well as all major credit and debit cards at the ATMs.

It is best to use only ATMs that are inside a mall or other building. Always be careful to make sure no one is watching you enter your PIN, and be vigilant about scams (e.g. machines that seem to eat your card and won't give it back after you enter the PIN). The till points at some major retail (such as Pick 'n Pay) also act as ATMs; simply tell the checkout clerk that you would like to withdraw money.

VISA and MasterCard's are accepted almost everywhere, while American Express and Diners Club are also accepted, but not as widely.

Most retail stores accept credit cards and pin based debit cards as payment. Don't be surprised if the teller still insist that you have to sign the slip when paying with a pin based card, certain banks require signatures as authorisation over and above the pin authorisation and the store may be penalised if this is not obtained from the card holder. It is a requirement to always sign the slip, a line with "Cardholder Signature" under it is provided for this purpose.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is levied at 14% on almost all products in South Africa . By law advertised prices should be inclusive of VAT except when explicitly stated otherwise. Foreign passport holders may claim back the VAT on products that were bought in South Africa and is being taken out of the country, provided that the total value of the goods exceed R250. Full details of the procedure to follow is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and their new TAX Refund for tourists site. VAT Refund Administrator's offices are available at both OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports.

Costs

Petrol and Diesel

Liquid fuel prices in South Africa are regulated and fixed monthly. During 2006 a liter of petrol would cost anywhere from R5.20 to R6.80. See the current prices.

Toll roads

The most expensive toll gate in South Africa is the Machado plaza on the N4 between Pretoria and Nelspruit, cost is R43 for a normal car. In total, road tolls between Pretoria and Nelspruit or between Johannesburg and Cape Town will cost you just under R100.

Food

You can buy three McDonalds burgers (a hamburger, cheese burger and chicken burger) for just under R17

A sit down lunch in an average establishment will cost you between R60 and R120 per person.

A decent 30cm pizza will cost you between R35 and R45

Shopping

Prices in shops are fixed, but prices in open markets or from street vendors are open to barter. Tipping is the norm in restaurants and at gas-stations (which are all full-service). Indeed, most of these businesses pay their staff the legal minimum-wage, relying on customer-tips to bring staff incomes up to live-able levels. Tips of around 10% of the bill are considered the norm.

Eat

South African cuisine is just as diverse as its cultures, with influences from British, Dutch, German, Indian, Malay, Portuguese and of course all the indigenous tribes.

Braaivleis, meat roasted over an open wood or charcoal fire, is very popular and generally done at weekend social events. The act of roasting the meat as well as the social even is referred to as a braai.
Pap, a porridge made with corn meal. Slappap (runny porridge), is smooth and often eaten as a breakfast porridge, Stywepap (stiff porridge) has a doughy and more lumpy consistency and is often used as a replacement for rice or other starches. Krummelpap (crumby porridge) is drier, resembles couscous and is often served at a braai covered in a saucy tomato relish.
Potjiekos, a meat and vegetable stew make in a cast iron pot over an open fire. A favourite at braais.
Boerewors, a spicy sausage. Boerewors Rolls are hotdog buns with boerewors rather than hotdogs, traditionally garnished with an onion and tomato relish.
Biltong and Droewors, seasoned meat or sausage that has been dried. Beef, game and ostrich meat is often used. A favourite at sports events and while travelling.
Bunny chows, half a loaf of bread with the inside replaced by lamb or beef curry is a dish not to be missed when traveling to KwaZulu Natal.
Bobotie, meatloaf with a Cape Malay influence, seasoned with curry and spices, topped with a savoury custard.
Marog, a wild spinach on it's own or with potato. Sometimes served with pap.
Waterblommetjiebredie, mutton and indigenous water lily stew.
Masonja, for the culinary adventurer, fried Mopanie worms.

Fast food

You will find the usual array of international fast food outlets, McDonalds, KFC and Wimpy is well represented throughout the country. Local franchises worth mentioning are Black Steer and Steers for the best burgers and Nando's peri-peri chicken.

Pizza delivery is available in most urban areas.

Drink

Municipal tap water is safe to drink.

The legal age to purchase and drink alcohol in South Africa is 18. Almost all restaurants are licensed to serve liquor.

Be very careful if someone offers you witblits or mampoer; those are the local names for moonshine or firewater. It's extremely high in alcohol content and packs a lethal blow.

Beer

Local beer production is dominated by SABMiller with the Castle, Amstel and Windhoek , Black Label and Castle Milk Stout being most popular brands

Imported beers such as Stella Artois, Heineken and Grolsh are also widely available.

Prices can vary widely depending on the establishment. Expect to pay anything from R7 to R18 for a beer.

Wine

South Africa has a well established wine industry with most of the wine produced concentrated in the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape and along the Orange River in the Northern Cape

Liquors

Amarula Cream is made from the amarula fruit. The amarula fruit is a favourite treat for African elephants, baboons and monkeys and in the liqueur form definitely not something to be passed over by humans. Pour over crushed ice and enjoy. The taste, colour and texture is very similar to the world famous Baileys Irish Cream. Cape Velvet is a favourite in and around Cape Town.

Tea and Coffee

The local Rooibos tea, made from a herb from the Cederberg Mountains is a favourite for many South Africans. You will find coffee shops in most shopping malls, such as Mug & Bean and House of Coffees. Coffee shops, similar in concept to Starbucks, like Seattle Coffee Company and Vida e Caffe (Portuguese themed) are becoming commonplace.

Sleep

Grading

Establishments in South Africa can have themselve graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa on a 5 star basis. Many establishments make use of this service and you will see the star grading displayed on most advertising material.

1 star - Clean, comfortable and functional.
2 star - Good: Quality furnishings, service and guest care.
3 star - Very good: Better furnishings, service and guest care.
4 star - Superior: Excellent comfort and very high standard furnishings, service and guest care.
5 star - Exceptional: Top of the line quality and luxurious accommodation to match the best international standards. Flawless service and guest care.

Hotels and Holiday Rentals

A hotel provides accommodation to the travelling public, has a reception area and offers at least a "breakfast room" or communal eating area. In general a hotel makes food and beverage services available to a guest, though these may be outsourced or provided by the hotel.

There are a number of Hotel chains that operate nationally

Best Western, +27 (0)21 461-0727 (info@capesuites.co.za), From R590.

City Lodge, +27 (0)11 557-2600 (info@citylodge.co.za), From around R400 sharing.

Formula 1, +27 (0)11 807-0750 (all@formule1.co.za), R249 per room (max 3 people).

Protea Hotels, +27 (0)21 430-5000 (info@proteahotels.com), From R200 per person sharing.

Southern Sun, +27 (0)11 461-9744 (contactus@southernsun.com), Wide range of accommodation from budget to splurge

B&Bs

Bed and Breakfast establishments are becoming very popular. The accommodation is usually provided in a family (private) home and the owner/manager lives in the house or on the property. Breakfast is usually served. Bathroom facilities may be en-suite. In general, the guest shares the public areas with the host family.

Self Catering

A house, cottage, chalet, bungalow, flat, studio, apartment, villa, houseboat, tents or similar accommodation where facilities and equipment are provided for guests to cater for themselves. The facilities should be adequate to cater for the maximum advertised number of residents the facility can accommodate.

Guest House

A guest house is either a converted house, manor, etc adapted to accommodate overnight guests or it may be a purpose built facility. A guest house is run as a commercial operation and is often owner-managed. A guest house has areas which are for the exclusive use of the guest. The owner/manager either lives off-site, or in a separate area within the property.

Camping and caravaning

A small caravan park on the Gamtoos RiverCaravan parks can be found in most towns that are holiday destinations. Most caravan parks also offer camping sites where you can pitch a tent. The parks generally have central ablution facilities.

Timeshare

There are many timeshare resorts in South Africa, most participate in international exchange agreements such as RCI. Many timeshare owners also rent their time when they can not make use of it.

Long-term

Many real estate agents in South Africa also offer rental services. The rental properties are mostly available on unfurnished long term lease, but you will also find furnished properties on offer with 1 to 12 month lease agreements

Your local branch of an international estate agent with a presence in South Africa might also be able to assist you

Learn

University of South Africa.Non-South African citizens need to be in possession of a study permit in order to study inside the country. You should apply for one at a South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of origin, or in the nearest country, should there be no South African representation is available in your country. Government form B1-1740 needs to be completed for the application.

You will need to do some preparation in order to gain a study permit. At a minimum you will need acceptance by a South African University, repatriation guarantees, return air ticket and proof that you can cover living expenses while in South Africa before a permit will be issued. The cost for obtaining a study permit is R425 and applications take about 6 week to process.

Expect to spend about R5000 per month on general living expenses (accommodation, food, travel, etc) in addition to tuition fees.

There are many secondary and tertiary education centres in South Africa.

University of South Africa (UNISA), Preller Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, +27 (0)11 670-9000 (study-info@unisa.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)11 471-2987), Located in Pretoria, this university offers full-time classroom as well as distance learning courses.
University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), Braamfontein, Johannesburg, +27 (0)11 717-1000 (studysa@international.wits.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)11 717-1065),
University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, +27 (0)11 489-3129 (international@uj.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)11 489-2191),
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, +27 (0)21 650-2128 (admissions@bremner.uct.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)21 650-5189),
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown and Westville, +27(0)31 260-3414 (education@ukzn.ac.za),
Rhodes University, Grahamstown, +27 (0)46 603-8111 (registrar@ru.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)46 622-5049),
South African Film School (AFDA), Johannesburg and Cape Town, +27 (0) 11 482 8345,
Stellenbosch University (Maties), Stellenbosch, +27 (0)21 808-4514 (beo1@sun.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)21 808-3822),
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, +27 (0)51 401-3219 (niemannaja.rd@mail.uovs.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)51 401-9185),
University of Fort Hare, Alice, +27 (0)40 602-2011 (dmc@ufh.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)40 653-1554),
University of Limpopo, +27 (0)15 268-9111 (fax: +27 (0)15 267-0152),
North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, +27 (0)18 299-1111 (regcfvdw@puk.ac.za, fax: +27 (0)18 299-2799),
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, +27 (0)21 959-3900,

South Africa is also an excellent venue to learn new skills such as flying, sailing and scuba diving since costs are generally far lower than in more developed countries while quality of training will be equal or better. Examples of companies that offer these kind of courses include:

Blue Chip Aviation, Main Terminal, Wonderboom Airport, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 543-3050 (bluechip@bluechip-avia.co.za),

Divetek, +27 (0)11 791-1095, For PADI dive courses

Flight Schools South Africa, +27 (0)31 208-7960, Obtain a Private Pilots License

Ocean Sailing Academy, +27 (0)21 425-7837 (academy@oceansailing.co.za), Offers Royal Yachting Association courses.

Work

There are very limited opportunities for working in South Africa. However, people with certain technical skill sets may find themselves in demand. Research the situation before leaving home.

Non South African citizens are only allowed to work in South Africa if they are in possession on a work permit.

The process of applying for a work permit is similar to applying for a study permit, contact a South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of origin, or in the nearest country, should there be no South African representation is available in your country. Government form B1-159 (A&C) needs to be completed for the application. Processing of the application will take 8 to 12 weeks.

Applications will be approved based on whether or not a South African citizen is available to fill the position you applied for.

Stay safe

South Africa has a high rate of violent crime (the world's highest for rape, and second-highest for murder), which calls for extra precautions.

Do not accept offers from friendly strangers.
Do not wear jewellery or expensive watches.
Do not wear a tummy bag with all your valuables. Distribute your valuables in inside pockets and other pockets.
Do not carry large sums of money.
Do not walk by night in deserted places.
Don't make it obvious you are a tourist - conceal your camera and binoculars.
Do not leave your valuables in plain sight when driving in your car, as "smash and grab" attacks do sometimes occur at intersections, and keep your car doors locked, and windows closed. Know where to go so that you don't have to reveal you're lost or need a map -- simply all the obvious "I am a tourist" signs.

Visiting the townships is possible, but don't do it alone unless you really know where you're going. Some townships are safe while others can be extremely dangerous. It's best to go with an experienced guide. Some tour companies offer guided visits to the townships, and this is perfectly safe.

South Africa has very few earthquakes, cyclones, tornadoes, floods, terrorist incidents or contagious diseases (with the notable exception of HIV).

Please also note that taking an evening stroll, or walking to venues after dark can be very risky! It simply is NOT part of the culture there, as it is in Europe,North America or Australia. Best to take a taxi (a meter cab - not a minibus taxi) or private vehicle for an "evening out". The same applies to picking up hitchhikers or offering assistance at broken-down car scenes.

Important telephone numbers

Road signs will remind about emergency numbers,The National Tourism Information and Safety Line, +27 (0)83 123-2345. Operated by South African Tourism

From a fixed line

107 - Emergency

10111 - Police

10177 - Ambulance

082911 - Netcare911 and The National Sea Rescue Institute

From a mobile phone

112 - Emergency

911 - Netcare911 and The National Sea Rescue Institute

Wildlife

One of the main reasons travellers visit South Africa is to experience the outdoors and see the wide range of wildlife.

When driving in a wildlife reserve, always keep to the speed limits and stay inside your car at all times. On game drives or walks, always follow the instructions of your guide.

Ensure that you wear socks and boots whenever you are walking in the bush; do not wear open sandals. A good pair of boots can stop snake and insect bits and avoid any possible cuts that may lead to infections.

In many areas you may encounter wildlife while driving on public roads, monkeys and baboons are especially common. Do not get out of the vehicle to take photos or otherwise try to interact with the animals. These are wild animals and their actions can be unpredictable.

Sometimes you might find yourself in the open with wild animals (often happens with baboons at Cape Point). Keep your distance and always ensure that the animals are only to one side of you, do not walk between two groups or individuals. A female baboon may get rather upset if you separate her from her child.

Always check with locals before swimming in a river or lake as there may be crocodiles or hippos. Most major beaches in KwaZulu-Natal have shark nets installed. If you intend to swim anywhere other that the main beaches, check with a local first. Note that shark nets may be removed for a couple of days during the annual sardine run (normally along the KwaZulu-Natal coast between early May and late July). This is done to avoid excessive shark and other marine life fatalities. Notices are posted on beaches during these times.

Stay healthy

Emergency and Medical Assistance

There are a number of independent emergency assist companies in South Africa

Netcare 911, 49 New Road, Midrand, +27 (0)11 254-1927,

One of their products is comprehensive EMS cover for the inbound traveller to South Africa. Some travel agents offer Netcare911 cover as an option, but you can deal with them direct or find out if your existing cover has an association with them.

ER24, Manor 1, Cambridge Manor Office Park, corner Witkoppen and Stonehaven, Paulshof, Sandton, +27 (0)84 124,

A large and well represented emergency assist company incorporating the Medi-Clinic chain of hospitals.

Hospitals

It is best to avoid public hospitals where possible. Private hospitals (such as the Netcare Group) are of world class standard.

Water

Municipal tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. In the Western Cape mountain water is safe, even if it has been stained brown due to vegetation. A strong risk of bilharzia exists for still-standing water.

Sunburn

Many activities in South Africa are outdoors, see the sunburn and sun protection travel topic for tips on how to protect yourself. there is about 15% of water in S. Africa

HIV and AIDS

South Africa has one of the largest HIV infection rates world-wide. 5.4 million people out of a population of 48 million are HIV-positive (South African Medical Research Council.

The HIV infection rate in the total population older than 2 years varies from around 2% in the Western Cape to over 17% in KwaZulu-Natal (Avert [45]), and all together 18.8% of South Africans over 15 years of age are HIV-Positive (UNICEF [46]). One in four females and one in five males aged 20 to 40 is estimated to be infected (Avert [47]).

Only about 10% of the world's population lives in Sub-Sahara Africa, but the same population includes 70% of the world's HIV infected individuals (CDC [48]).

For your own safety, DO NOT HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX.

Malaria

The north-eastern areas of the country (including the Kruger National Park and St. Lucia and surrounds) are seasonal malaria zones, from about November to May. The peak danger time is just after the wet season from March to May. Consult a physician regarding appropriate precautions, depending on the time of year you will be traveling. The most important defences against malaria are:

using a DEET-based mosquito repellent
covering your skin with long-sleeved clothing, especially around dusk; and
using mosquito nets while sleeping.
Tabbard and Peacefull Sleep are commonly used mosquito repellents and can be bought almost anywhere.

Also read the Malaria and Mosquitoes travel topics.

Smoking

Except for pubs, smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, these include airports, shopping malls and theaters.

Most restaurants do have smoking sections, either ventilated indoor areas or outdoor open areas.

Respect

South Africans are generally polite, friendly and accommodating to tourists.

Public behaviour is very similar to what you might find in Europe. Heterosexual displays of affection is public is not frowned upon unless you overdo it; homosexual displays of affection will probably generate unwelcome attention, especially around children.

Men generally greet with a firm handshake, while woman will do the continental kiss on the cheek .

Except for designated beaches, nude sunbathing is illegal. Bikini's for ladies and swimming trunk for men (speedos if you really must, but be prepared to be laughed at and don't be surprised if people say Yebo Yah when walking past you, in reference to a Vodacom TV advert a couple of years ago) are acceptable. Eating places are casual except when otherwise indicated.

Eating is generally done the British way with the fork in their left hand and the tines pointed downward. Burgers, pizzas, bunny chows and any other fast foods are eaten by hand. It is generally also acceptable to steal a piece of boerewors from the braai with your hands. Depending of what cultural group you find yourself with, these rules might change. Indians often eat biryani dishes with their hands, a white person from British descent might insist on eating his pizza with a knife and fork or a black person might eat pap-and-stew with a spoon. Be adaptable, but don't be afraid to also do your own thing; if really unacceptable, people will generally tell you so rather than take offence.

South Africans are proud of their country and what they have achieved. Although they themselves are quick to point out and complain to each other about the problems and shortcoming that still exist, they will harshly defend against any outsider from doing so.

Race

Those who are practised in North American racial terminology should understand that familiar words have different meanings in South Africa, and the rules for what terms are polite or not are different.

If you wish to refer to South Africans of solely African ancestry, "black" (the term used under apartheid) is still considered appropriate. It might help to practice thinking "black South African" instead of "African American". (Indeed, many black South Africans scoff at the term "African American", claiming that there is very little of Africa residing within the average "African American".)

The term "coloured" is neither synonymous with "black", nor offensive; it refers to a cultural group with both white and black ancestors from the early colonial period.

White South Africans are can quite simply be called "white" or "white South African". White South Africans in general speak either Afrikaans (derived from Dutch) or English, thus Afrikaners and English South Africans. A typical white South African considers himself as "African" as any person born in the United States considers himself "American"; most have family who have lived in South Africa for generations and the only continent they can call home is Africa.

The fourth racial category left over from the apartheid system is "Indian" (from India).

In general, it is wise to avoid racial or political remarks while in South Africa, because the country's very diverse cultural disposition means that "putting your foot in it" is easy.

South Africa is now in its second decade since the end of apartheid, but it is always easier to change laws than people. You will occasionally still hear overtly racist remarks, from any race group in South Africa, not only white South Africans. This is more common from the older generation than the younger ones. The best thing to do is simply ignore it; leave the responsibility for enlightening lectures to other South Africans, who know the subject at least as well as any foreign traveler.

Interracial marriages are becoming quite common, and except for possibly some of the older generation, people no longer take offence if you and your partner are not the same colour.

Contact

Phone

South Africa's country code is 27.

Phone numbers within South Africa are of the format 0XX YYY ZZZZ.

Large cities have area codes 0XX (Johannesburg is 011, Pretoria 012, Cape Town 021, Durban 031, Port Elizabeth 041, East London 043, Kimberley 053, Bloemfontein 051,Polokwane 015)

When dialing a South African number from outside the country, one should dial +27 XX YYY ZZZZ.

Dialing within the country one should use all 10 digits, 0XX YYY ZZZZ.

To dial out of South Africa, dial 00 followed by the country code and the rest of the number you are trying to reach.

Pay phones are available at airports, shopping malls and some petrol stations. The number of pay phones in open public areas have been reduced over recent years, but you should still be able to find one when you need one. Pay phones use either coins or prepaid cards that are available at most shops and petrol stations ; coin phones are generally blue while card phones are usually green.

South Africa has an extensive GSM network, working on the same frequency as the rest of Africa and Europe.

There are four cell phone providers in South Africa:

Vodacom,
MTN,
Cell-C and
Virgin Mobile.

The networks support GPRS countrywide and 3G, EDGE and HSDPA support is available in larger urban areas.

Do not assume you will not have network coverage just because you can not see a GSM tower. Many of the towers have been built to look like trees (Vodacom) or other structure (MTN) in order to better blend into the surroundings and not be an eyesore.

Internet

There are plenty of Internet cafes and access rates are cheap.

Even cheaper and more mobile would be to buy a prepaid cell phone starter pack (less than 10 rand) and access the Internet with GPRS or 3G. Generally 2 Rand per MB for out of bundle data from most providers, but it becomes a lot cheaper if you buy a data bundle. Vodacom prices range from 38c per MB on a 500MB bundle to 19c per MB on a 1GB bundle. MTN prices range between1 Rand per MB on a 10MB to 39c per MB on a 1GB bundle.

WiFi

Always-On seem to be leading the way in prepaid WiFi access. Their hotspots can now be found at Cape Town and OR Tabmo airports, some City Lodge Hotels, most Mugg&Bean restaurants and various other places.

Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100MB. Their support desk can be contacted on +27 (0)11 575-2505.

Cope

Photography

You can have film developed at most pharmacies and shopping malls, even in small towns. Automated machines to print (or copy to CD) from digital media (CF, CF, MMC, Memory stick etc) are also becoming quite common and easy to find. Larger shopping malls have dedicated photography shops where you can buy cameras and lenses or have a camera repaired. Most major camera manufacturers are well represented.

Embassies and Consulates

Australia, 292 Orient Street, Cnr Schoeman Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 423-6000. High Commission
Austria, 1109 Duncan Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 452-9155 (pretoria-ob@bmaa.gv.at). Embassy
Brazil, Block C, Hatfield Office Park, 1267 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 426-9400 (pretoria@brazilianembassy.org.za). Embassy
Germany, 180 Blackwood Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 427-8900 (GermanEmbassyPretoria@gonet.co.za). Embassy
Greece, 1003 Church Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 430-7351 (embgrsaf@global.co.za). Embassy
Ireland, Southern Life Plaza, 1059 Schoeman Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 342-5062. Embassy
Japan, 259 Baines Street, Cnr Frans Oerder Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 452-1500 (enquiries@embjapan.org.za). Embassy
Netherlands, 210 Queen Wilhelmina Avenue, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 425-4500 (nlgovpre@cis.co.za). Embassy
Portugal, 599 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 341-2340 (portemb@satis.co.za). Embassy
United Kingdom, 255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 421-7500 (media.pretoria@fco.gov.uk). Her Britanic Majesty's High Commission
United States of America, 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, +27 (0)12 431-4000. Embassy

If your country is not listed here, have at look at the list provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

International banks

A number of international banks operate branches in South Africa.

ABN AMRO, 2 Exchange Square, 85 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, +27 (0)11 685-2000, [49].
Barclays Bank, Any ABSA branch, +27 (0)21 670-2300 (fax: +27 (0)21 670-2328), Now part of ABSA
Citibank, Citibank Plaza, 145 West Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, +27 (0)11 944-0417.
Commerzbank, 5 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, +27 (0)11 328-7600 (fax: +27 (0)11 328-7635).
Deutsche Bank, 3 Exchange Square, 87 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, +27 (0)11 775-7000 (fax: +27 11 322 6899),
HSBC, 2 Exchange Square, 85 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, +27 (0)11 676-4200 (fax: +27 (0)11 783-9119),
Standard Chartered, ? +27 (0)11 217-6635 (account.info@za.standardchartered.com),

Stay Legal

There are some laws that the average tourist might not be aware of

If you intend to do any angling, either freshwater or at the coast, you will require an angling licence for the province you are in. These can be obtained at any Post Office and the price depends on the province, but is generally under R50. Fishery and environments officials do from time to time check if anglers are in possession of a licence and you can expect to be fined if you are caught fishing without a licence. Also pick up a booklet from the nearest angling shop that will tell you what the size limits for each species of fish is.

Except for specific areas, clearly indicated by notice boards, it is illegal to drive a vehicle onto any beach.

Tickets

You can get tickets online at Computicket for most major events that occur in South Africa. Every till point at Shoprite/Checkers is also a computicket outlet.

Information courtesy of Wikipedia