COUNTRY INFORMATION SOUTH
AFRICA Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640 Fax: (425) 984-7676
GEOGRAPHY This wonderful country
consists of 9 provinces namely Northern Cape,
Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Kwazulu Natal, North West
Province, Mpumalanga, Northern Province and Gauteng. It is flanked by
the Indian Ocean on the east and the Atlantic Ocean on the west. It has
a coastline of 2,954 kilometres, a temperate climate and topography
ranging from highveld grasslands to semi-desert to subtropical swamps.
A wildlife safari in South Africa will allow you to explore diverse
plant and animal kingdoms, which includes the Cape 'Fynbos'.
The population statistics are
41 244 500. Average 33.8 people per
square kilometre.
ECONOMY First and foremost, South
Africa is a mineral exporting country with a
particular emphasis on precious stones and metals. There are also huge
deposits of coal, iron, ore, uranium and other minerals used by
industry. As a country completely dependent on oil imports, South
Africa has become a world leader in this area. There is a large
manufacturing sector, but the most significant sector outside of mining
is that of agriculture. South Africa produces a large share of the
subcontinent's food requirements and still has a surplus of grains,
fruit, meat and fish to supply international export trade. Wine is a
more specialised product for which the country is world-famous. You
should be able to find additional South African travel information at
various venues in and around the major cities.
CLIMATE Summer temperatures average
between 15 to 30C (60 to 96F). South
Africa's climate is generally mild through out the year and snow is
limited to the highest mountain peaks. As a whole it is quite a dry
country with rainfall about 502 mm a year. As far as sunny days are
concerned South Africa ranks high in the world. Kwazulu Natal has
mostly a sub tropical climate with a high humidity in summer. The
southern Gauteng has hot summers with occasional thunder showers and
frosty winters, while the Eastern part enjoys mild winters. The Cape
interior and the Free State have similar weather conditions to the
Southern Gauteng region. The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean
climate with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Foreign visitors
travel to South Africa all year round.
MAJOR TOWNS AND CITIES
JOHANNESBURG A popular destination for
business-related South Africa travel,
Johannesburg is situated on the Transvaal Highveld, 5751 feet above sea
level, and is the largest city and the commercial and financial centre
of South Africa. The city came into being when gold was discovered in
1886, since then it has grown from a shanty town to a modern
sophisticated city. Johannesburg is the main gateway to the major
tourist regions of Southern Africa. Points of interest vary from the
affluent northern suburbs to the hustle and bustle of Hillbrow in the
city centre to the world famous town of Soweto (SOuth WEstern
TOwnship). Soweto is the largest black residential area in South
Africa. This sprawling "city within a city" essentially acts as a
labour reservoir for the greater metropolitan area of the
Witwatersrand. In many ways, the story of Soweto is the story of South
Africa. Major points of interest in Soweto include Chris Hani
Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, Hector
Peterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela's former home.
Gold Reef City is another
South Africa travel destination. The city
that was founded way back in 1886 as a miner's village on the
Witwatersrand goldfields, which grew into what Johannesburg is today.
The Gold Reef City theme park and museum is built around the original
No.14 shaft of Crown Mines. It is a recreation of Johannesburg as it
was during the early days of the gold rush. Guided tours on offer
include an underground visit 220 metres below the surface, a gold pour
and tribal dancing, providing the visitor with an in-depth look at the
gold mining industry in South Africa.
PRETORIA Although Pretoria lies only 58
km (36 miles) north of Johannesburg,
South Africa's administrative capital provides a complete contrast to
Johannesburg, the City of Gold. The city was founded in 1855 and named
after the Voortrekker leader, Andries Pretorius. Often referred to as
the "Jacaranda city", this nickname refers to the thousands of trees
lining the streets, their purple blossoms heralding the approach of
summer each October. Some points of interest in Pretoria are the
Voortrekker Monument, a striking memorial built to honour the early
pioneers; the Kruger House Museum; and Church Square in the centre of
the city, where the statue of Paul Kruger looks down on the passers by.
The imposing Union Building, which houses the office of the State
President, provides an impressive view over the city. Your South Africa
tour operator will be able to give you information with regard to
further tourist attractions in and around Pretoria.
CAPE TOWN Cape Town is the oldest city
in South Africa. With Table Mountain as a
dramatic backdrop, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
It was founded in 1652 as a victualling station for ships of the Dutch
East India Company on their way to and from the East. It has now grown
into a modern complex, with its suburbs, busy harbour of Table Bay,
fishing villages, extensive vineyards, a spectacularly beautiful marine
drive, innumerable beaches along its two shorelines, several nature
reserves, including Cape of Good Hope Reserve, Kirstenbosch Botanical
Gardens and the newly developed Waterfront district. A safari in South
Africa simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Mother City,
as the city is affectionately called by her inhabitants.
DURBAN Durban, the holiday city,
offers a subtropical climate, endless
summers, an effervescent ocean lined with golden beaches and thousands
of pleasure options. When you're not playing golf, fishing or lying on
the beach, you can visit a crocodile farm, a nature reserve or follow
an arts and crafts trail. It is a city full of colour, bustle and
excitement with gleaming seafront hotels and miles of golden beaches
edging the Indian Ocean. South Africa accommodation in Durban often
boasts incredible ocean views
A short flight or drive will
take you to historic Pietermaritzburg,
gateway to the Natal Midlands and the charming Drakensberg.
MAJOR NATIONAL PARKS / GAME RESERVES / AREAS OF INTEREST
WESTERN CAPE A South Africa tour simply has
to include a foray to the verdant
Western Cape. It was the Cape Peninsula - first known as the Cape of
Storms, which was a critical landmark for early explorers during their
intrepid voyages, but the full history can be traced in the rock
paintings of the original inhabitants, the San or Bushmen, which date
back approximately 7 000 years. However, with the arrival of the Dutch
in 1653, colonisation began in earnest. These settlers were soon
followed by the French Huguenots and the British - nations which have
all played a part in shaping the province as it is today. Cape Town is
the centre of activity with a busy international airport,
well-developed port facilities and the landmark splendour of Table
Mountain. Scenic drives to be enjoyed include Cape Point Nature
Reserve, Simon's Town, Hout Bay (where the original Dutch settlers
harvested their timber - 'hout' being the Dutch word for wood),
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Signal Hill, Boulders Beach (known for
its penguin colony) and other places of natural and historical interest.
Home of the world-renowned
South African wine industry, Cape Town is
also the place where you will find the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
harbour development with its shops, hotels, theatres, museums and
amusements equal to any in the world. Robben Island, a World Heritage
Site, can be accessed via ferry from the harbour. Interestingly, Table
Mountain boasts more endemic species of flora than the total number of
indigenous flora species of the entire United Kingdom. A South Africa
travel destination second to none, Cape Town has attractions to suit
every taste and budget.
Inland from the West Coast are
the wheat farming and wine producing
areas of the Swartland, the Boland and the picturesque university town
of Stellenbosch. Across the Hottentots Holland mountain range lies the
Overberg area, an intensive wine and farming region nestling within
wide valleys and mountain ranges.Along the southern Cape coast is the
area known as the 'Garden Route', epitomised by breathtaking sea-views
and lush vegetation, which reaches down to secluded beach coves and up
to cliffs, which are traversed by the Blue Train. (A useful piece of
South Africa travel advice: if you plan to go wine tasting at one of
the myriad wineries in the region, determine beforehand who will be
designated driver. Or better yet, take a taxi!)
The town of Hermanus is famous
for its seasonal visits by birthing
whales, which hug the coast on their journey north, while Knysna and
Plettenberg Bay are two of the country's prime coastal holiday spots.
Inland from here is the Klein Karoo area, where populations of ostrich
thrive in a dry, hot climate. This is also the location of the Cango
Caves, a spectacular and accessible cave system regarded as one of the
wonders of the world. South Africa accommodation providers in this
region are known for their home-grown hospitality.
EASTERN CAPE From the Tsitsikamma National
Park in the south to Port Edward in the
north, this province features 800 kilometres of pristine natural and
cultural South Africa travel attractions. The home territory of the
Xhosa nation (from whose family former president Nelson Mandela is the
most famous descendant) this area features the cities of Port Elizabeth
and East London, both commercial centres famous for their tourist
facilities and warm water beaches. But don't ignore the smaller towns
like Port Alfred with 30 kilometres of navigable river, Bathurst with
its English country ambience or the university town of Grahamstown
where the premier contemporary cultural event on the South African
calendar, the National Arts Festival, takes place every July. South
Africa safaris often skip over these towns, which is a crying shame.
For those who are interested in visiting South Africa game parks in
this region, the Addo Elephant National Park in the Sundays River
Valley is an essential stop, where you can find elephant as well as
black rhino, Cape buffalo and numerous antelope. For the wild at heart,
Jeffery's Bay is one of the world's great surfing sites where, it is
said, you can find the 'perfect right-hand wave'.
The former Transkei region is
known for its so-called Wild Coast, which
is stormy and windswept. This is where many famous shipwrecks have
occurred, even in these days of modern seafaring technology. It is also
one of the world's most picturesque and untouched shorelines and will
make a wonderful stop on a wildlife safari through South Africa.
NORTHERN CAPE A semi-desert area which
stretches from the Karoo in the south to the
Kalahari in the north, this is South Africa's largest province, but
most sparsely populated area. The main city is Kimberley, famous for
the largest diamond rush in history, which took place from 1871 until
mining was strictly controlled in 1914. The Big Hole was the main
excavation, where some 30 000 men moved 25 million tons of earth to
produce 14,5 million carats of diamonds. Today, the 365 metre deep pit
remains as a monument to these hard and hopeful days. The southern
region is the Karoo, a giant semi-desert, not unlike Australia's
Outback, where sheep farming is also the main industry. The Vaalbos
National Park is where large herds of game survive on the water-storing
local plant life and is the traditional territory of the San
(previously known as the Bushmen), some of whom can still be found
here, along with many rock paintings left by their ancestors. Rock art
is a popular South Africa travel attraction and makes a good addition
to any South Africa wildlife safari.
In the interior lies the
Richtersveld National Park (an established
South Africa game park and nature reserve) and the region of
Namaqualand. The landscape is stark and rugged and the climate is hot
and dry, but when the seasonal rains come in spring, the area is
miraculously transformed into a carpet of colour, an annual event which
lasts for only a couple of weeks. People from all over South Africa
travel to Namaqualand to witness the botanical metamorphosis, which
starts in a matter of hours after the first rains have fallen. In the
northern extremity of the province is the Kalahari Gemsbok National
Park which shares an unfenced border with the adjoining National Park
in neighbouring Botswana to allow free movement of migratory animals
and the wandering families of San. The Orange River - South Africa's
largest - plummets 56 metres over the Augrabies Falls, a National Park
area where plentiful wildlife thrive along its banks. Some distance
below the falls, the river passes through an unusual channel with
sheer, black walls made from cooled magma. This area, known as the
'Alleyway', boasts some spectacular scenery through which white-water
rafting trips can be arranged. This is a South Africa travel experience
not to be missed.
FREE STATE The Free State has literally
been at the crossroads of the country's
history and is today a melting pot of local cultures where the San,
Xhosa and South Sotho nations have variously established their domains.
The seat of the country's judicial capital (the appellate division) is
the modern centre of Bloemfontein. Close by is the casino resort of
Thaba'Nchu which, apart from its Las Vegas style high life, offers
convenient access to the Maria Moroka National Park with its varieties
of antelope. The eastern part of the province is a scenic highland
area, the highlight of which is the Golden Gate National Park near
Bethlehem. The park boasts some of the most striking sandstone rock
formations in terms of colour, texture and dimension. Also present are
a number of outstanding examples of San rock paintings, a great South
Africa safari attraction. The central Quaqua area is the traditional
home of the South Sotho people and features mountainous terrain. It is
also one of the last refuges of the spectacular bearded vulture or
lamergaaier. In towns such as Clarens there are a number of art
galleries, local craft and traditional art centres.
NORTH WEST PROVINCE Although famous for its gold
and platinum mining, which together
account for about 60 percent of South Africa's export product, this is
mainly an agricultural region where the common crops are maize and
sunflowers. This area is equally well-known for its world-class casino
and resort operation at Sun City. The adjacent Pilansberg National
Park, a prominent South Africa game park, offers a more serious view of
the African wildlife and landscape.
Not far to the north lies the
Madikwe Game Reserve where a project to
restock the wildlife - in one of the largest animal relocation schemes
ever undertaken - has ensured that there are plentiful viewing
opportunities, especially of the endangered wild dog. Similar to
although not as impressive as Table Mountain's, is the Magaliesberg
cableway, which transports patrons to one of the range's highest points
overlooking the Hartebeespoort Dam. Here you can view hang-gliders and
para-gliders as they take off at close range.
The central part of the
province covers the Mafikeng region where the
important siege for control of the town took place during the
Anglo-Boer War. Fittingly, the town offers an excellent museum of the
region's history, much of which involved the late Sir Winston Churchill
when he was a lowly corporal in the British Army.
For those whose interest is
literature, Lichtenburg and the Groot
Marico area is a must, as this is the setting of author Herman Charles
Bosman's famous stories about life in South Africa. The home-distilled
spirit called 'mampoer' is still produced here - something any South
African safari participant must try. Lichtenburg is situated near the
'eye' of the Molopo River, and it is these clear, shallow bathing pools
that are reminiscent, though on an infinitely smaller scale, of
Botswana's famous and incomparable Okavango Delta. The Borphirima
region also takes you back to distant times at the town of Taung, where
the skull of an early hominid was discovered in 1924, beginning the
scientific debate of whether Man originated in Africa.
In the east of the province is
the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre -
established to help preserve this endangered species and which, more
recently, embarked on a successful wild dog breeding programme - and
the Borakalalo National Park which offers further South Africa game
park experiences.
LIMPOPO PROVINCE The Limpopo province occupies
10.2% of the country's land. Its northern
border is the Limpopo River, its northern neighbour Zimbabwe. Mountain
ranges include the northern Drakensberg to the west, the Soutpansberg
in the north and the Waterberg towards the east. The province is rich
in Bushveld and includes the northern part of the Kruger National Park,
a South Africa game park which itself borders on Mozambique. It has
variable summer rainfall. The far west, bordering on Botswana, is the
driest area. The province's centrally situated capital is Polokwane
(previously Pietersburg), which is both on the Maputo Corridor route -
a direct link with the Mozambique port - and on the N1 from
Johannesburg to the Zimbabwe border at Beit Bridge. Part of the Great
North Road, the N1 also conveniently connects the towns of Warmbaths,
Nylstroom, Potgietersrus and, virtually on the border, Messina. Other
significant towns are Phalaborwa, Thabazimbi and Tzaneen. Phalaborwa,
on the Kruger Park border, has the world's largest open-cast copper
mine; Thabazimbi is an important iron mining centre. Other minerals
include asbestos, coal, platinum, chrome, vanadium, nickel, titanium,
diamonds, phosphates and gold.
It is a major producer of
vegetables, and the subtropical climate
enjoyed by much of the province gives rise to the cultivation of tea,
coffee and fruit, especially tropical fruit. Forestry makes a major
contribution to the economy, as do sunflower, cotton, maize, groundnut
crops, and cattle ranching.
KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE One of the greenest and
best-watered areas of the country is
KwaZulu-Natal which accordingly, although it has only 7.6% of the area,
is the second most populous province. Lying in a broad strip with the
Indian Ocean as its western border, it borders on Swaziland and
Mozambique to the north. Its western border is marked by the dramatic
Drakensberg mountain range, which has several peaks well over 3 000
metres, and its topography combines mountainous areas, rugged green
hills and deep-cut valleys. Between the mountains and the humid,
subtropical coastline is savannah grassland, but there are also areas
of indigenous forest here and along the coast. The largest of its many
rivers is the Thukela. It is a summer rainfall area, with a climate
that ranges from extremely hot along the coast in summer, to heavy snow
on the mountains in winter. The Midlands are drier than the coast and
can be very cold in winter. KwaZulu-Natal has two capitals: the more
southern Pietermaritzburg (the province's second-largest city) and
Ulundi, the traditional capital, in the north (the two capitals a
reflection of the province's coalition government). Both are inland and
well supplied with South Africa accommodation venues.
The largest city is Durban, a
popular South Africa travel destination.
South Africa's two biggest harbours are situated in Durban and
Richard's Bay. The latter is a comparatively small town, its harbour
specialising in bulk exports, especially coal which is mined in the
interior. Heavy minerals are mined at Richard's Bay. Durban's is the
busiest port in sub-Saharan Africa. Other major towns are Ladysmith,
Newcastle and Estcourt. A world-renowned feature of the northern
coastline is the St Lucia Estuary: the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
is a World Heritage Site (as is the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park). The
fertility of the soil and comparatively good rainfall - more than 1 000
mm a year - make agriculture central to the economy. Sugar cane and
tropical fruit are major products of the coastal belt. Dairy, stock and
vegetable farming are important inland. Other land uses include
forestry and tea plantations. Within a little over 85,700 square
kilometres there are 71 Parks, Game Reserves and State Forests, ranging
from the peaks and vast natural amphitheatres of the Drakensberg
mountains to rhino sanctuaries in the sub-tropical bush of Zululand.
The three most rewarding aspects of a South Africa safari that includes
Kwazulu-Natal are the pleasures of the coast, the historical sites and
game reserves of Zululand and the crisp, sub-alpine scenery of the
Drakensberg.
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE This region is well known for
its spectacular scenery, wildlife and
historical interest. It is the province east of Johannesburg en route
to the Kruger National Park. You have the advantage of some stunning
scenery. The Mac Mac pools are worth stopping for and you can treat
yourself to a swim in the crystal clear waters. A small detour leads
you to the town of Pilgrim's Rest, a historic gold rush town well worth
exploring before you continue on to Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve.
Here you can feast your eyes on attractions like the Blyde River Canyon
and the view across the Lowveld from God's Window. It is a short drive
from here to the world famous Kruger National Park, a South Africa game
park that was originally established by the great Paul Kruger himself.
GAUTENG PROVINCE Gauteng is the financial hub
of South Africa and contributes transport,
technology, and telecommunications, as well as offering a host of
benefits to companies needing a commercial base in Africa. Gauteng is
the economic engine of the southern African region, and the key gateway
to doing business throughout Africa. Although the smallest of nine
provinces, covering only 1.4 % of the total land area of the country,
Gauteng contributes more than 38 % of South Africa's Gross Domestic
Product and 60 % of fiscal revenue. In fact, it generates 9 % of the
Gross Domestic Product of the whole of the African continent. With its
excellent air, road and rail network and its telephone and power lines,
Gauteng dominates the country's infrastructure. Most of the world's
leading airlines fly into O. R. Thambo International Airport (formerly
known as Johannesburg International Airport). New businesses are
attracted to the province largely by the excellent first world
infrastructure and the facilities on offer, and the proximity of the
big consumer market.
The attractions of doing
business in Gauteng are numerous. Electricity
is the third cheapest in the world according to a World Economic Forum
survey. Special discounts on electricity are given to large consumers
(Gauteng's gold mines each consume as much electricity as a small
city). Land and building costs in Gauteng are competitive by
international standards and there are many well-developed industrial
and commercial centres throughout the province. Occupancy costs for
commercial and industrial properties are among the lowest in the world.
South Africa has been established and recognised as the gateway into
Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, a fact that makes travel in
South Africa effortless.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK The first ever national game
park in South Africa, the Kruger National
Park covers an area of over 12 000 square miles of the Eastern
Transvaal bushveld - the natural habitat of hundreds of species of
animals and birds. Lion, elephant, cheetah, giraffe, wildebeest,
impala, waterbuck, crocodile, baboon, zebra, and a large number of
antelope are some of the animals often spotted in a day's game viewing.
Bird-watching is excellent with lilac-breasted rollers, vultures,
hornbills and secretary birds to name a few. The park’s rest camps
provide comfortable accommodation in huts and chalets and most of the
camps have restaurants and curio shops.
Just bear in mind that you
will need to be in the park before the gates
close for the evening, as well as through the gates for your camp. Paul
Kruger Gate opens at 05h30 and closes at 18h30. Recently a number of
private concessions within the Kruger Park's boundary have been awarded
to successful tenders from the private sector. These concessionaires
have built upmarket and exclusive game lodges that compete with the
private game reserves on its boundary such as the Sabi Sands Game
Reserve and Timbavati Private Nature Reserves, which provides upmarket
South Africa accommodation for discerning travellers.
HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is
one of the oldest South Africa game parks.
It covers an area of 23 067 hectares and is
linked to the nearby Umfolozi Game Reserve.
The reserve is a stronghold for White Rhinoceros, but a wide range of
other animals do occur such as lion, elephant, hippo, buffalo, leopard,
the elusive cheetah, wild dog and other bushveld species. It has 1 rest
camp situated in the north of the reserve by the name of Hilltop Camp.
Hilltop rest camp is situated high on the edge of a steep forested
slope and commands breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and
valleys. Accommodation ranges from luxury chalets fully contained and
those non self-catering.
KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK Where the red dunes and scrub
fade into infinity and herds of gemsbok,
springbok, eland and blue wildebeest follow the seasons, where imposing
camel thorn trees provide shade for huge black-mane lions and vantage
points for leopard and many raptors... this is the Kgalagadi
Transfrontier Park. The Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa
was proclaimed in 1931 mainly to protect migratory game, especially the
gemsbok. Together with the adjacent Gemsbok National Park in Botswana,
this South Africa game park comprises an area of over 3,6 million
hectares - one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in
the world. Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of
the Nossob and Auob show antelope and predator species off at a premium
and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi could be
considered a haven for birders especially when interested in birds of
prey. Kgalagadi (SA) has six different camps of varying size,
facilities and cost. Three traditional rest camps that have a basic
shopping facility and fuel are situated on the South African side of
the Park. Kgalagadi is the first Park to provide South Africa
accommodation in three wilderness camps that, with no fences, invite
the Kalahari and the tranquillity of Africa right into your room! The
rest camps are Twee Rivieren, Mata Mata and Nossob.
AUGRABIES NATIONAL PARK The Khoi people called it
'Aukoerebis', the place of the Great Noise,
referring to the Orange River thundering its way downwards for 60
metres in a spectacular waterfall. Picturesque names such as Moon Rock,
Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region,
characterised by the 18 kilometre abyss of the Orange River Gorge and
craggy outcrops dominating scrub-dotted plains. Klipspringer and
kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African
sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only
those that are able to adapt ultimately survive. The 28 000 hectares on
both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide
sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents,
birds and reptiles to springbok, gemsbok and the endangered black
rhino. There is one rest camp at this South Africa game park, called
Augrabies Restcamp, which consists of four-bed family cottages, two
bedrooms, bathroom (bath), air-conditioning and an equipped kitchen;
Bungalows (3 or 4 persons), bathroom (shower), air-conditioning and an
equipped kitchen and two three-bedded bungalows have been adapted for
handicapped persons.
CAPE PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK Lying at the south-western tip
of Africa, the Cape Peninsula National
Park encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain
stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south - a
distance of approximately 60 km. The narrow finger of land with its
many beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is bound by the waters of the
Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay in the
east. It has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks – the
majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope. These were
both important beacons for the early explorers. Many myths and legends
have sprung from them. Recognised globally for its extraordinarily
rich, diverse and unique flora, this singular land formation - with
rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats - is a truly remarkable
natural, scenic, historical, cultural and recreational asset both
locally and internationally. Nowhere else in the world does an area of
such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost
entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan
city of Cape Town. This is a must on any South Africa travel itinerary.
PILANESBERG GAME RESERVE & SUN CITY Situated in the North West
Province, just over an hour and a half's
drive from Johannesburg, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve offers the
visitor who has limited time in the country a Big 5 game reserve that
is close to Johannesburg and is malaria free. It has all the major
mammals as well as some of the rare species such as wild dog and brown
hyena. On its southern boundary (outside the reserve) is the famous Sun
City Resort, complete with all market accommodation and leisure
options. It has a wide range of sporting facilities of every
description and is host to the Million Dollar Golf Challenge as well as
championship boxing, casinos, cinemas, excellent restaurants and star
studded extravaganzas. A visit to the casino is a good accompaniment to
a South Africa wildlife safari.
GREATER ST LUCIA WETLANDS PARK The Greater St Lucia Wetland
Park, KwaZulu-Natal's coastal World
Heritage Site, is an extensive array of natural lakes along the
north-eastern coastal plain extending south from the border with
Mozambique for more than 220 kilometres to St Lucia. The terrestrial
section of the park varies from one kilometre to twenty-four kilometres
wide and the Marine Reserve, which extends five kilometres out to sea,
protects 155 kilometres of the coast. This magnificent wetland park is
the last remaining pristine subtropical area on the south-eastern coast
of Africa. The Park is characterised by a broad diversity of local and
migratory wildlife, and marine and bird species.
The wetland and coastal
ecosystems are believed to be of universal
importance because of their evolution after the fragmentation of the
Gondwanaland Super-Continent. The five interlinked ecosystems-the
marine system; the coastal dune system; the lake system, including
estuarine and freshwater habitats; swamps and the inland terrestrial
system have created an area of almost unrivalled natural diversity. The
Greater St Lucia area includes the oldest proclaimed South Africa game
park, dating back to 1895 when the first reserve was proclaimed along
the shores of Lake St Lucia.
TIMBAVATI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE The Timbavati Private Nature
Reserve is located in what is called the
"Lowveld", a vast tract of land that makes up the north eastern portion
of South Africa and encompasses the Kruger National Park. The Timbavati
Private Nature Reserve came into existence on July 1956, when a group
of conservation-minded persons who owned "game farms" on the western
boundary of the Kruger Park came together to form the Timbavati
Association. The idea of forming such a reserve was first mooted as
early as 1948, and for several years a handful of far-sighted men met
frequently to discuss ways and means to create a nature reserve of a
meaningful size in the area. These "leading spirits" of conservation
and sustainable land use eventually succeeded in convincing a
sufficient number of landowners in the region to join them in forming
an Association governed by a Constitution that would limit the "rights"
of the individual landowner for the benefit of all. Today the reserve
consists of prime wildlife habitat situated on the unfenced western
boundary of the world-famous Kruger National Park, a conservation area
of more than 2,000,000 hectares (over 5 million acres), which makes for
a fantastic South Africa travel experience.
MADIKWE GAME RESERVE The Madikwe Game Reserve is
situated in the North West Province near
the border with Botswana. It forms part of the very latest South Africa
game park developments. Opened in 1991 it comprises of 75000 hectares
of bushveld. It is currently the fourth largest game reserve in South
Africa. The terrain is mainly open grasslands and bushveld plains,
interspersed with rocky outcrops and single mountains. There is one
perennial river in the park called the Marico River. It runs in the
east of the park, and a number of game lodges have based themselves on
this beautiful stretch of permanent water. Other water points in the
reserve had to be built in the way of dams and pumped pans. Madikwe is
regarded as one of the finest conservation areas in Africa, offering
all the major species, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, both
white and black rhino, along with almost all the plain’s antelope
species. A special feature of Madikwe lies in its unique location, a
transition zone on the edges of the Kalahari, where a number of rare
species occur naturally.
SABIE SANDS GAME RESERVE Sabi Sands is found in the
Mpumalanga Province, south western boundary
of the Kruger National Park, near the Paul Kruger Gate. It covers an
area of 66 000 hectares. Lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo,
cheetah, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, crocodile, baboon,
zebra, and a large number of antelope are some of the animals often
spotted in a day's game viewing. Bird-watching is excellent with
lilac-breasted rollers, vultures, hornbills and secretary birds to name
a few. The terrain in Sabi Sands is mixed Combretum - Acacia bushveld.
It has one perennial river that traverses the park from the north west
to the south east. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is home to many famous
game lodges, such as Mala Mala, Ulusaba, Singita, Sabi Sabi, Leopard
Hills, Londolozi and many more. It is the country’s leading private
game reserve in terms of South Africa travel activities and popularity.
DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS The Drakensberg Mountain Range
is South Africa's principle mountain
range, with its highest peaks on the border of Natal and Lesotho. Along
the lower slopes are some of some of the most beautiful and appealing
country hotels, guest farms and nature reserves. Stone Age paintings
decorate the walls of many caves and rocky overhangs, the flora and
fauna of the mountains are a source of constant delight to naturalists
who travel South Africa.
THE GARDEN ROUTE The Garden Route is the
stretch of land and coast line that runs
between Mossel Bay and Storms River, which features lakes, mountains,
golden beaches, cliffs and dense indigenous forests. Its lush beauty
makes it a popular South Africa travel destination. The Oudtshoorn area
in the Little Karoo is famous for its ostrich show farms, Cango Caves
and Cheetah Ranch. The Knysna - Plettenberg Bay area has attractions
such the Knysna Lagoon, Tsitsikama Forests and Featherbed Nature
Reserve, Outeniqua Choo-tjoe Steam train, which runs between Knysna and
George. The garden route in general is host to lots of intimate South
Africa accommodation venues, including little country inns, lodges,
guest houses and hotels making this a delightful area to spend a few
days pottering around.
BEST TIME TO GO South Africa is a year round
destination; however there are some places
that represent more popular South Africa travel attractions at certain
times. The northern regions are good destinations in the winter months
(May to August) as game viewing is at its best and temperatures are
very mild (20 to 25 C). It is dry during the winter months, so there is
increased visibility through the bush and limited surface water in the
bush, hence this time of year being slightly better for game viewing.
The Southern regions are summer destinations with low summer rainfall
and temperatures reaching 28 to 30 C or higher on beautiful days.
Summer is between November to March. It is recommended that you reserve
all your South Africa accommodation as far in advance as possible,
since availability is at a premium.
BORDER POSTS ROAD: South Africa / Namibia Vioolsdrif Open 24hrs ROAD: South Africa / Mocambique Komatiepoort 07h00 - 22h00 ROAD: South Africa / Botswana Tlokweng 07h00 - 22h00 ROAD: South Africa / Zimbabwe Beitbridge 06h00 - 20h00 ROAD: South Africa / Swaziland Oshoek 07h00 - 22h00
BANKS Banking hours at most
commercial banks are: Mon - Fri 09h00 - 15h30 Sat 08h00 - 11h00 Automatic tellers are open 24
hrs and are located in most towns and
cities. Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most shops,
lodges and travel agencies take travellers cheques. Contact your South
Africa travel operator if you have any further queries.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS There are no compulsory
inoculations. However travellers whose South
Africa safari includes a yellow fever zone must have a valid yellow
fever vaccination certificate. Anti-malaria prophylactics are
recommended for Mpumalanga and northern Natal, and it is best to
consult your pharmacist or doctor in this regard. Do not underestimate
the effects of the African sun. Bring plenty of sun cream, a good sun
hat and gradual adjustment is recommended.
MEDICAL SERVICES Medical services are readily
available to all who enjoy travel in South
Africa. Visitors are advised to secure medical insurance before
arriving in the country. Major hotels have contracts with physicians
and dentists. You are advised to bring supplies of specialised
medication you may require during your stay. Other medication can be
obtained at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies are open all night in
major centres.
CURRENCY The currency unit is Rands and
Cents. 1 Rand = 100 cents. Major credit
cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores. To convert
this into your own currency, please just click into our currency
converter for up to date rates of exchange:
http://www.africantravel.com/currency.html
LANGUAGES Although the ‘New South
Africa’ boasts 11 official languages, the major
languages you will encounter when you travel South Africa are still
English and Afrikaans. The other major languages are Ndebele, Northern
Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
CULTURE AND RELIGION With nearly 400 years of
association with colonial settlers, most
communities are very much westernised, with only some African
traditions being preserved in more remote country areas. Among the
English-speaking community there are still many reminders of the days
of the British Empire, as well as a fairly large Indian community to be
found in KwaZulu-Natal, and a small population of Coloured people in
the Cape. Friendliness and an outdoor and sports orientated way of life
are hallmarks of the population. Most sectors of the community are well
educated and there is a thriving local arts and culture scene, which
you will surely encounter in some shape or form as you enjoy your South
Africa safari.
Christianity, mainly
Protestant, is the dominant religion but there are
large Jewish, Muslim and Hindu communities in some areas. Most people
in country areas also follow African traditional ceremonies in addition
to other religious practices.
SHOPPING Most shops are open from 08h30
to 17h00 Monday to Saturday and on
Sundays until 13h00. Most major cities boast magnificent flea markets
over weekends where you can pick up South Africa travelSouth Africa
travel itinerary.
LOCAL FOOD AND WINE Most of the dishes served in
restaurants are similar to those of Europe
and America, but typical South African dishes include sosaties (a type
of kebab), bobotie (a curried dish), various bredies (meat and
vegetable casseroles), crayfish (or rock lobster), and many other
seafood dishes traditional to the Western Cape. This area also produces
very fine wines, ranking among the world's best. Purchase a case or two
to be ferried home after your South Africa wildlife safari and impress
your friends!
ELECTRICITY In South Africa current is
220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second.
Please note that some game lodges in South Africa game parks do not
have electricity and run on generators. Plug points have three points,
so you will need an adapter for appliances requiring 2 point plugs,
such as battery chargers.
WATER Water is plentiful and safe to
drink in all but the remotest rural
areas of the country, so you may safely consume it during your South
Africa safari. Swimming in some areas where there are large numbers of
cattle or wildlife is not advised as there is a risk of bilharzia. Such
areas are generally well posted with cautionary signs.
SAFETY When self driving during the
course of you South Africa wildlife
safari, please bear in mind that the standards of driving are not as
high as that of the average road user in places like Europe, Britain
and North America. The roads are generally good and well marked, but
one must drive defensively, always anticipating the worst from your
fellow road users. It is advisable to carry cash (of the local
currency) with you as there are toll gates on certain national roads
where you will need to pay a fee. DO NOT try to bribe a traffic
official in the event you are stopped for a speeding fine or similar.
Your South Africa tour operator will be able to instruct you in the
correct course of action.
Crime has been a much reported
evil of certain areas in Southern
Africa, particularly in the big cities. We have had no problems of this
nature happen to any of our clients. The South Africa accommodations we
suggest are in good areas and you are invariably out of the "rough"
city centres. However we do urge guests to exercise the same common
sense they would in any other big city of the world, and not to openly
display cash and valuables whilst out on the street. If you will be
self driving as part of your South Africa travel itinerary, don't pick
up any hitch hikers or stop near informal settlements (shanty towns),
unless you are with a guide who will have good local knowledge and is
able to give you proper South Africa travel advice.
South Africa Visa Requirements Whilst African Travel Gateway
does not arrange visas, the following information has been provided to
assist you in finding out the visa requirements for the passport that
you are holding. While every effort is made to keep this information
updated, it is subject to change.
Most nationalities do not
require a visa for South Africa. Those who do need a visa will be
issued a visa on payment at port of entry.
The South Africa visa is
usually valid for a single entry within 3 months from date of issue
provided the passport remains valid. The length of stay is determined
at the airport on arrival. Visitors to South Africa traveling to
neighboring states such as Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, or Zimbabwe
must ensure they are in possession of visas valid for those countries,
if required. If they intend returning to South Africa, visas for the
RSA valid for more than one entry is required for which an itinerary
and written request must be submitted with the application. The written
request must be a separate letter.
Below is the issueing
authority in the Southern Africa region should you wish to get a visa
before departure. One should first however, check if there is a South
African Consulate in your country of residence. This will make the
process of applying for a visa a lot simpler:
The South African Consulate P.O Box 9536 Pretoria, 0001 877 Pretorius
St. Arcadia, 0083 Tel: +27 (0) 12 342 1048 Fax: +27 (0) 12 342 2244
The South African offices will be closed on all SA public holidays.
HEALTH & MEDICAL INFORMATION FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Health Requirements:
Malaria precautions are
advised if travelling to a malaria area.
MEDICAL NOTES FOR TRAVELLING: Although we have yet to have
one client that has returned home from a safari and reported to have
contracted an illness or received a snake bite, scorpion sting or any
of the sort, the following information is purely here to give you the
traveler to Africa some basic background on how to prevent and treat
any such ailments. However, you will invariably be hosted by a safari
camp, lodge or hotel at which the staff are prepared on how to
stabilize, treat as well as prevent typical injuries, bites, stings and
other conditions that may befall a person when out in the bush.
The number of travellers is
constantly on the rise. This means a greater risk of propagation and
contamination by contagious disease. These risks vary however, with the
region visited, the duration of stay and living conditions. The
situation is sometimes worsened by the illusion of effective health
protection at the borders, and by governments who delay or refute
notification of the onset of an epidemic. Thus, an increasing number of
those who are led to travel to tropical countries for business or
pleasure, tend to consult their physician either before their
departure, for qualified advice, or when a bout of fever, diarrhoea or
some other symptoms occur upon returning home. While specific
situations should be taken into account, physicians should be guided by
the basic rules:
general hygiene chemoprophylaxis immunization Additionally, consideration
should be made of:
any chronic disorder you may
have i.e. asthma, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disorder, epilepsy,
porphyria etc. any medication you may be
taking pregnant women, or anyone
planning a pregnancy children under five, or
breast-fed children pilots, mountaineers, divers allergies i.e. to insects
(bees), foods (nuts), medication
1. GENERAL HYGIENE Basic hygiene measures include
cleanliness of hands, food and body. Hints for travellers to avoid
food-borne infections
(a) Water avoid drinking or brushing
teeth with tap water.
Ice - common source of
contamination (including iced lollipops or frozen flavoured ices) Water purification by heat
(boiling) is the preferred method of purifying water. If impractical,
chemical disinfection using iodine-based products (2% tincture of
iodine). Apply certain caution for prolonged periods i.e. women who are
pregnant, in children, and travellers with thyroid disease.
Alternatively use chlorine tablets. Portable filters are currently not
recommended (these may only remove suspended materials, and to clarify
water).
(b) Food Avoid eating unpasturized
dairy products (e.g. milk, cheese, ice cream, creamy desserts,
yoghurt). Milk should be boiled before consumed. - Avoid eating uncooked foods,
leftovers, or cooked foods that have been kept for some time at room
temperature (especially important with minced meat dishes, e.g.
hamburgers) - Avoid eating salads, raw
fruits and vegetables not peeled. - Avoid purchasing food from
street vendors.
(c) Hands Should be washed thoroughly
and often, using soap. Do this diligently, when dealing with infected
adults, children, toilet visits, or animal contact. - Remember the old adage "boil
it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."
2. CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS Remember to take enough of
your own usual medication i.e. for asthma, diabetes, hypertentios,
depression, epilepsy, known allergies etc.
A.
In addition you may require
medication to relieve common symptoms of probable illness e.g.:
Antidiarrhoeals Anti-emetics - For nausea,
vomiting, abdominal cramps and dehydration Rehydration electrolytes Antispasmodics Anti-inflammatories Analgesics - To manage pain,
fever, inflammation (e.g. sprains etc) Antipyretics Antihistamines for known
serious allergies Antipruitics for skin itches Sunblock/lipice for excessive
sun exposure
B.
If required, a prophylactic
course of antibiotics for:
diarrhoea respiratory infections skin infection hypnotics: to provide a more
comfortable sleep during journey (i.e. aeroplane) or at your
destination.
C. Malaria Chemoprophylaxis
(a)
assess the risk of developing
malaria i.e.:
length of stay in the malaria
area time of year (i.e. wet or dry
season) type of accommodation (tent or
caravan is a greater risk than a hotel room) the prevalence of malaria in
the area, and if the area has chloroquine sensitive or resistant strain
of malaria parasite high risk group i.e. the
elderly, children under 5 years, pregnant women, or patients with low
immunity
(b)
Precautions to be taken in all
malarial areas:
apply insect repellents to
exposed skin wear light cotton clothing,
long sleeves, long trousers and closed shoes after sunset avoid perfumes and
after-shaves avoid going out between dusk
and dawn use mosquito nets, treated
with insecticide, or use mosquito coils or mats visit malarial area during dry
season, or when the rainfall is low
(c)
Chemoprophylaxis, using
appropriate anti-malarials: In Chloroquine sensitive areas
- use Chloroquine. In Chloroquine resistant areas - the choice is a
combination of Chloroquine and Mefloquine or Proguanil. Regardless of
the anti-malarial drug, it should be taken on the day of arrival in the
endemic area, and must be continued throughout the stay, and for six
weeks thereafter. Medication will only be effective if it is taken
absolutely regularly. A single omission is enough to interrupt the
protective effect.
3. IMMUNIZATION These vaccines are recommended
for travel to developing countries:
HEPATITIS A - recommended for all
travellers
HEPATITIS B - suggested for persons
working in hospitals, or living in endemic areas for a long period of
time
TYPHOID - (refer to information on
food-borne illness, especially shellfish and raw vegetables) vaccination should be
completed at least one week prior to travel for optimal protection vaccines provide only temporary
protection and periodic boosters are required.
CHOLERA - Cholera vaccine is not
recommended because it is NOT effective and the protective effect is
temporary and gives a false sense of security
POLIO - adults should have a single
booster before travel. children should have their
routine immunization schedule completed
YELLOW FEVER - strongly recommended
where the virus is active, regardless of duration of stay in endemic
country
RABIES - vaccination for travellers
who will stay in rural areas
TETANUS/DIPTHERIA - boosters should
be had by all people every 10 years
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS - required
only for pilgrims to Mecca and countries where it is prevalent
JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS - recommended
for travellers to certain parts of Asia
IN CONCLUSION, A SUMMARY OF EXAMPLES OF INFECTIONS FROM
VARIOUS EXPOSURES
EXPOSURE RISK EXAMPLE OF INFECTION
1. Consumption of raw undercooked or exotic foods a. Enteric infections b. Hepatitis c. Trichinosis
2. Drinking unheated water or milk and cheese consumption a.
Salmonellosis b. Shigellosis c. Hepatitis d. Viral gastroenteritis e. Brucellosis
3. Fresh-water swimming a. Shistosomiasis (Bilharzia) b. Leptospirosis
4. Sexual Contact a. HIV b. Syphilis c. Hepatitis d.Gonococcal and non
gonococcal urethritis e. Herpes simplex
5. Insect Bites
a. Mosquitoes - Malaria Yellow feve Dengue fever Japanese encephalitis Other arboviruses
6. Animal exposure or animal bites a. Rabies b. Q-Fever c. Tulaeramia d. Borreliosis e. Viral haemorrhagic fever f. Plague
7. Exposure to infected humans a. Hepatitis b. Typhoid c. Meningococcaemia d. Marburg, Ebola, Lassa
viruses
Notes written by Sister N. Twidale, with permission of Dr. J Southern
and Dr. I Schire of the S.A. Vaccine Producers (Pty) Ltd Rietfontein,
to use the booklet: The Diagnosis and Treatment of Envenomation in
South Africa. Published by South African Institute for Medical
Research, Johannesburg 1996.
TICK BITES These bites may be painful,
itchy and lead to necrotic lesions. Frequently, tick bites are not
detected immediately. Seek medical attention, especially if the
symptoms of "tic-bite" fever occur. To remove ticks, apply a drop of
petrol, oil, or nail varnish to smother the tick, so the head can be
successfully removed.
SNAKE-BITE Antivenom is generally not
indicated as it can be more fatal than the bite if inappropriately
administered. Before visiting an area known for snake prevalence,
record the telephone numbers of the nearest hospital, doctor, poison
centre, transport e.g. Medical Rescue International
Call for medical assistance
and transport immediately Lie victim on their back, of
left side position, keep them warm and immobile Reassure the victim all the
time, observe vital signs i.e. pulse, breathing, skin colour, swelling
and bruising Observe and record details
constantly Time of snake bite Place of body where bitten Snake identification e.g.
markings, colour, size, place of snake bite Do CPR if necessary and
continue until medical help is available, to take over from you Remove rings, jewellery, tight
clothing from limbs, neck and chest Inspect the wound, wipe away
venom, rinse well with water and clean wound with antiseptic lotion,
cover with gauze. If the would is very painful with associated swelling
which rapidly worsens, treat as cytotoxic envenomation (puff-adder,
spitting cobra) and do not apply crepe bandage. In all other cases
apply firm crepe bandage to the limb, from below to above the wound,
and immobilize with a splint and/or sling. If venom has entered the
eyes, rinse copiously with milk, water, or any bland beverage, and
cover the eye with gauze. Keep victim nil per mouth Keep recording vital signs
until medical help is reached If you are trained and
equipped, prepare to give Polyvalent Antivenom, if indicated by
patient's condition (i.e. progressive nerve involvement such as
difficulty in swallowing and breathing, or severe swelling spreading up
a limb). Antivenom should not be given indiscriminately as adverse
reactions are quite common.
BEES, WASPS, HORNETS, ANTS The venom from such stings may
be life threatening if the victim is allergic to the stings and/or if
multiple stings have occurred. Management:
Move away from the place of
the insect sting, quietly, as panic aggravates and attracts other bees.
Examine the wound for the
sting and scrape it with something flat e.g. knife edge, nail etc.
Avoid using tweezers or two fingers. Clean wound right thereafter. Assess the airway, breathing
and cardiovascular status quickly. Call for medical help immediately
and arrange for hospitalization. Do CPR if necessary, reassure patient,
observe vital signs, as for a snake bite. If mild, apply ice to the
wound, and then creams or solutions containing ammonia or aluminium
sulphate which will help the burn/itch etc. Cortisone cream can be
applied topically, or cortisone taken systematically if indicated.
Analgesics can be given and a tetanus toxoid booster may be necessary.
SPIDER BITES Neurotoxic spiders are the
"button" and "widow" varieties within South Africa.
Black Button Spider: Sharp burning pain, which
rapidly spreads to other lymph glands in 5 - 15 minutes. Severe muscle
cramps follow, especially in abdomen, chest, back and thighs. Weakness,
tremors, difficulty in walking, spastic movements and profuse sweating
can follow. These symptoms can be followed by severe, life-threatening
problems. CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY and arrange for
hospitalization.
Cytotoxic spiders are the
"sac" and "violin" spiders. The bites swell quickly, are angry and red,
painful and develop into pustules which can soon necrose. Management: Clean the wound
and get medical attention as ulceration and necrosis can be severe
leading to cellulitus, which requires antibiotics and possible skin
grafting. A tetanus toxoid booster is indicated.
SCORPION BITES Bites are similar to the
neurotoxic spider bites. The pain is extreme, swelling immediate,
followed by numbness, peripheral paralysis, muscular pain and cramps.
General weakness, dizziness, breathing difficulty and restlessness may
follow. Again, these lead to severe, life-threatening symptoms.
CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP
IMMEDIATELY and arrange for hospitalization. Assess the airway, do CPR
if necessary, reassure the victim and observe vital signs at all times.
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