Geography
South Africa occupies an area of over 1.2 million km2 and represents 4% of the whole of Africa. Its population more than 43.2 million.
The total area of the country is 1 220 430 sq.m. km. It is situated to the South of the Limpopo River on the edge of the African continent. In the North, South Africa is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique; there are two enclaves inside the country, the small independent states of Swaziland and Lesotho. South Africa is washed by two oceans: the Indian on the East coast and the Atlantic in the West. The capital city is Pretoria, which has a population of 43 million. 72% of the population consists of Blacks from the Niger-Congo group (Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, etc.), 9.5% are Afrikaners (white descendants of the Dutch), 9% mestizo (“Coloured”), 3% Indians.
Vaccinations
The entrance to the RSA does not require vaccinations.
Malaria risk exists only in a limited number of areas (Kruger Park region-province of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and North-East KwaZulu Natal). For prophylaxis, it is recommended to take allergy medications. Recommended prevention in risk areas are Mefliam tablets that can be purchased directly from pharmacies in South Africa, in consultation with a specialist. As the prevention of bites is recommended in those areas, use protective means against mosquitoes and in the evening wear clothes with long sleeves.
Customs
South Africa has a liberal legislation, based on international rules, and does not create problems for tourists. To South Africa you can import, duty free, 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of cigarette or pipe tobacco, 2 liters of wine, 1 liter of spirits, 50 ml of perfume, 250 ml of eau de toilette. Persons under 18 years of age are not permitted to bring tobacco and alcohol. A stricter ban applies to imports of weapons and drugs. You cannot import fruits and vegetables. From South Africa you are not allowed to export rough diamonds, ivory tusks, and rhinoceros horns. Tourists have the right to export from the country any number of legally acquired goods, gems and jewelry. If you have purchased and want to take back skins, stuffed wildlife or ivory, as well as products made from these, customs documents must be presented at the time of their purchase.
Currency
The monetary unit, the South African Rand (R), is equal to 100 cents and its international symbol is ZAR. There are banknotes of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Rands in circulation and coins of 5, 2, 1 Rands, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5 cents. In South Africa, you can import an unlimited amount of foreign currency. However, the import of local currency is limited to R500.00 per person. The same limit applies to the amount you can carry away from South Africa. If you need to export a higher amount, you must obtain permission from the Reserve Bank of SOUTH AFRICA
The South African Reserve Bank, +27 (12) 313 3911, +27 (12) 313 3771; P.O.Box 427 Pretoria 0001.
When exchanging foreign currency, your receipt will be issued in Rands and you should be retain it till your to departure from the country. This document is required for exchanging Rands for dollars or other currency upon departure.
Finance
South Africa’s banking system is well developed. South African banks across the country can carry out any international deal. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 15.30, Saturday-8.30 am to 11.00 am. In airports, commercial banking services are available 24 hours a day. When cash is accepted, only use local currency. Foreign currency exchange is can be done at airports, railway stations, in hotels and in many banks. Fluctuations in the currency market are reflected in the daily exchange rates. All shops, hotels and restaurants accept all major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club. Travelers’ cheques in major currencies are also accepted. Credit cards are not accepted when paying at gas stations, but ATMs providing 24-hour service are available in most cities.
Security
As in most countries of the world, tourists are advised to take reasonable precautions. For example, one should not walk alone on unfamiliar deserted streets after nightfall or draw attention to one’s money and jewelry. You can use the safes for valuables that are always available in hotels. In the main tourist areas of the country, the situation is quite calm and safe. The exceptions are a number of industrial areas and cities, such as Johannesburg. A significant number of the unemployed in these areas contributes to the criminal situation. The South African police service (South African Police Service, SAPS) is always ready to help. It can be accessed 24 hours a day to report thefts or similar cases. The police is listed in your telephone directory under the heading of SA Police Service, under Government Departments. The emergency police telephone number is 10111.
Medicine
SOUTH AFRICA has a well-developed system of health monitoring and maintenance. The country’s health services are always ready for action. Tourists are advised to ensure that their medical insurance is in order before arriving in South Africa. Most hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists. There is a widely developed network of drugstores, and many pharmacies are open at night. There are excellent conditions for people travelling in wheelchairs. At the main airports of the country, many hotels and reserves offer ample opportunities to ensure a comfortable stay. In most cities you can rent wheelchairs and other , rental services are available chairs and other mobility equipment. The major car rental companies provide cars with manual control.
Climate
South Africa is one place in the world with the greatest number of sunny days per year. It has a mild climate, making the tourist season last all year round. In April and May there are rainfalls in South Africa. September, October are spring months. At this time Pretoria, the city of jacaranda trees, is splendid with wonderful lilac-colored blossoming jacarandas flowers. Only in winter, in June, July and August, temperatures at night in Johannesburg and Pretoria may drop down to 0º or 3ºC. However, due to the bright sun which shines 300 days a year, the temperature rises to 16º - 18ºC during the day. In Cape Town, because of the proximity to Antarctica, temperature can be colder. Sometimes there are even snow falls which, however, immediately melts. In the extreme South overcast weather can continue 2-3 days, and then there will the bright sun. But winter is considered to be the best time to observe the animals and for safaris, as well as for hunting. In Durban, on the Indian Ocean, it is much warmer. Even in winter, people can swim in the waters of the Indian Ocean, where the water temperature is around +20ºC.
Miscellaneous
Religion: despite the motley composition of the population, South Africa is a predominantly Christian country with a predominant influence of Protestant, Dutch reformed and Anglican churches. The proportions are 60% Christians, 25% native religions, 10% Muslims and 5% Hindus.
Language: in the new South Africa there are officially 11 languages spoken by an ethnically varied population. However, the vast majority of South Africans understand English. If you have a basic knowledge of the English language, this is quite enough for normal communication.
Electricity: Electricity in South Africa transmitted by alternating current with a voltage 220/230 volts and a frequency of 50 Hertz. For European appliances you will need a plug adapter, which can be bought in any supermarket.
Tip: in cafes and restaurants and at hotels, you are expected to tip the waiters or the porters. In cafes and restaurants the tip should be at least 10% of the value of the bill. You should also tip the gamekeepers who accompany you on safari. The amount should be discussed with your guide at the game lodge. If you go with a guide, you can discuss right on the spot. This is a way of thanking your guide, but the amount of the tip is entirely at at your discretion.
Transport
The main mode of transport in South Africa is personal cars. There are buses on major city routes, but not in all areas. When using a taxi, you must make a reservation through the hotel or your travel company. To catch a taxi on the street is unsafe.
Communication
South Africa has a modern telecommunications network. International telephone calls, facsimile and e-mail are available. The main Russian mobile operators have connections with local operators (MTN, Vodacom). The codes for international calls can be found in the yellow pages. Country code: 27
Codes of major cities: Johannesburg - 011 Pretoria - 012 Cape Town - 021 Durban - 031 Pietermaritzburg - 0331 Port Elizabeth - 041 Bloemfontein - 051 Kimberley - 0531.
Post offices are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm and Saturday-from 8.00 to 12.00. Courier services offer delivery service correspondence within the country at any time of the day, from person to person, and you can also use the services couriers for express delivery of correspondence to other countries of the world within 4-8 days.
Cuisine
South African cuisine is a priceless treasure. There is a varied ethnic palette of restaurants in the country, which corresponds to its cultural diversity. “Braaivleis” (meat roasted on an open fire) is very popular, as well as many traditional African, Malaysian, Indian and old Boer dishes. You can try kebabs, sausages (“Boerworst”, boer sausage), homemade Pap (thick porridge made from corn flour) and shebu (plant-based liquid seasonings), biryani (an Indian dish of marinated chicken with spices in the pot). You can indulge in biltong, the delicious traditional dried meat.
Restaurants in South Africa serve fine European cuisine, as well as fresh seafood (lobster, prawns, oysters, calamari and just freshly caught fish) and the meat of exotic animals (crocodile tail, leg fillet of deer, antelope, sharks fin soup, ostrich steak).
Clothing
When visiting the national parks or going to the ocean you will need to take light, comfortable clothing for the road. For evening at the restaurant you should be elegant, but not formal. Bring comfortable clothes. Be sure to take a woolen sweater for evening walks or safaris. For travel to Cape Town, bring a light, but tightly woven windbreaker jacket, for strong winds often blow there.
