Attractions in South Africa

Information on South Africa

Car rental: facilities are available throughout the country. An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with the smallest villages. South Africa drives on the left. The speed limit in urban areas is usually 60 km p.h; on rural roads 100 km p.h. and on freeways 120 km p.h. unless otherwise indicated. A valid driver’s license is accepted, provided the photograph is an integral part of the document, and provided it is printed in English. If your license does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before your departure to South Africa.

Currency:            the Rand (R). R1=100 cents.

Denominations come in R1,00, R200, R5,00 coins as well as R1 0,00, R20,00, R50,00, R1 0000 and R200,00 notes.

Drinking water: is generally safe in major cities and towns and most game reserves. Tap water is purified and 100% safe to drink.

Electricity: 220/230 volts AC

Entry requirements: Passport holders of more than 80 countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan and the EU, can visit South Africa without visas. For further information, contact your nearest Satour office or the diplomatic or consular representative of the South African government in your area.

Immunizations: People arriving in South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunization against cholera and smallpox not required. 

Medical services: It is advisable to obtain travel insurance covering accidents, illness and hospitalization during the period of your stay. South Africa is renowned for the quality of its med­ical care. Doctors are listed in the local telephone directories under ‘Medical Practitioners’. 

Transport: Apart from international airlines, and domestic airlines that operate services between the main cities, there are charter services available. Coach tour operators provide daily services throughout the country. Translux Express, Greyhound Citiliner and lntercape are among the larger companies. lntercity train services are good and most cities have regular bus services. As a rule, local taxis don’t cruise. Telephone the taxi company or go to a taxi rank (usually centrally situated in towns and at major airports). Always ensure that the meter starts from zero. 

Climate: Seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere. Average maximum temperatures in degrees Celsius: 

Only the Western Cape is a winter rainfall region; the rest of the country has rain in summer.