Currency
1 South African Rand = 100 cents
Denominations: coins – 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5
Notes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200

Drinking Water
Tap water is 100% purified and safe to drink in major cities, towns & game reserves

Electricity
220/230 Volts AC

Visas
A 10 year British or EC passport is essential and must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended return date from South Africa. Visas not required by British citizens holding a British or EC passport and travelling on holiday for up to 90 days. You must also have a valid return air ticket.

International Calls & Mobile / Internet access
+27 is the international dialling code to South Africa
To make an international call from South Africa, dial 00, followed by the country code of the country you wish to call (the country code for England is 44), followed by the relevant area code (if there is one), followed by the phone number.

Mobile phone coverage is good throughout South Africa. Mobile service may be interrupted when driving through mountain passes. Most accommodation establishments offer WiFi either in guest bedrooms or via the reception.

It is important to check with your mobile provider regarding coverage as well as internet browsing charges as these can differ

Flight times
Flight time from the UK e.g. from London Heathrow is 11.5 hours to Cape Town and 10 hours to Johannesburg

South African time
South Africa does not change its clocks during the year, and there are no regional variations within the country. South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean (or Universal Standard) Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of the USA's Eastern Standard Winter Time.

Health
South Africa has excellent medical facilities with doctors listed under ‘Medical Practitioners’ in the directory. It is always a good idea to take out medical insurance as the South African medical system is largely private.

Vaccinations and other medical precautions are needed for travel to some countries, and advice is easily obtained through your local GP Practice. Have them well before your departure, to allow time for recovery from any side effects.

If you are on a prescription or if you take a specific medicine, take enough away with you, as you may not be able to get replacements. Carry your medical prescription clearly stating what medication you are taking just in case you have to purchase more during your summer holiday vacation. In this day of illegal drugs it is wise to carry them in the manufactures box/container so if stopped by a customs official he can clearly see the name and know that these are not illegal drugs. Always carry a doctor’s certificate for any prescribed drugs so you don't have any problems at customs. If you have prescription spectacles, carry a copy of the prescription for easy replacement should you lose or break them.

The Kruger National Park, Northern Kwazulu Natal, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia are Malaria areas - ask your local GP Practice for the right anti-malaria pills for your country of destination.

Climate
Seasons are opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Warm temperatures are typical of South Africa although from May to August, the temperatures drop during ‘winter’. April & May are the most temperate months. In the hot, humid KwaZulu-Natal coast, Mpumalanga and the Limpopo Province, June & July are the ideal holiday months. The wide expanses of oceans on 3 sides of South Africa have a moderating influence on its climate. More apparent are the effects of the warm Agulhas and cold Benguela currents along the east and west coasts, respectively.

Driving in South Africa
With an excellent and safe road network in place, driving in South Africa is an easy and pleasurable experience. As in England, they drive on the left and hire cars are of a good standard. A Group B car (which we use in our Self Drive pricing examples) is approximately the equivalent of a Toyota Yaris 1.4 in the UK (in SA the Yaris is a Sedan & not a Hatchback), although please check with us if the type of car is particularly important to you. Alternatively you can visit www.europcar.co.za and view the fleet on offer

Fuel
Please note that fuel can only be purchased with cash.

What to pack
Generally in the summer, lightweight casual clothing and rainwear is the norm however in winter, a jacket, thick jumper or fleece is recommended, particularly for evenings. Other items you may wish to pack include:

A camera or camcorder is essential. Batteries and film are available in main centres but it is a good idea to stock up before travelling to more remote areas. If going on safari, binoculars considerably improve the game viewing. A torch is often useful for seeing your way around the safari camps after dark. At game reserves, neutral colours such as brown, beiges and khakis are preferred on game drives. Bright colours or white may disturb the animals. Pack a sweater or fleece as early morning and evening game drives can be chilly. Take hiking or solid shoes as there may be the opportunity of going on a walking safari. Additionally please remember a sun hat, sun glasses, strong sunscreen, swim suit, insect repellent plus malaria tablets (if required).

Tipping
Tipping in Restaurants – 10% (or more, at your discretion)
Car Guards – Up to R5, but for your own discretion (they look after your parked car)
Petrol Attendants – Up to R5, but for your own discretion (they will fill your car up with petrol, wash your windows & check your oil & water)

Local Terms
Boma - A reed enclosed area built around a central campfire where you dine al fresco under the stars. Created originally so that travellers could eat in safety out in the bush, most game lodges have a boma
Sundowner - A beverage or alcoholic drink which is enjoyed at sunset
Braai - Southern African equivalent of a barbecue. Steak, game and boerewors (spicy sausage) will usually be found sizzling on the griddle
Biltong - Wind dried strips of beef or venison to accompany an aperitif should be tried
Bobotie - A Malay curried mince dish
Koeksisters - Platted syrupy pastry which tastes quite like a donut
Rondavel - A circular shaped hut
Robot - A traffic light
Lekker – Nice
Ja – Yes
Nee - No

Other Useful Information
Visitors can reclaim VAT on purchases (excluding food) at the airport. Invoices and the goods themselves must be produced so do not pack such items in your hold luggage if you wish to make a claim!