Few countries on earth can compete with the grandness of the South African landscape – range after range of mountains call the traveller through sunburned deserts to explore deep forests, fruit-filled valleys and idyllic coastal hideaways where lazy rivers spill into blue lagoons. Though South Africa is ranked the third most biologically diverse country in the world, access to its diversity is far greater than in the richest equatorial jungles. Therefore, those seeking variety of life will probably find South Africa the most rewarding destination on earth.
South Africa has more kinds of mammals than North and South America combined, or Europe and Asia together. It has a sixth of the marine species known worldwide, with most of its coastal species found nowhere else. It also has the world's richest floral kingdom.
South Africa is furthermore the financial, economic and industrial capital of Africa.
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 |
| Population |
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South Africa has a population of 43 million people.
77% Black South Africans, 11% White South Africans, 8% Coloured and 3% Indian/Asian |
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| Languages |
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| South Africa has eleven official languages. The most widely spoken are: English, Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans. Most people, however, understand and speak English. |
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| Climate |
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In South Africa the sun shines from 7.5 to 9.5 hours on average daily, compared with 3.8 in London and 6.9 in New York. Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, which ensures warm, sunny summers and moderate winters. The nights can however, become rather cold and we recommend that you bring something warm.
South Africa has an average annual rainfall of less than 500mm compared to the world average of 857mm.
Average temperatures in Cape Town:
| |
J |
F |
M |
A |
M |
J |
J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
| day |
25.5 |
26 |
25 |
22.5 |
19.5 |
18.5 |
17 |
18 |
18.5 |
21 |
23 |
24.5 |
| night |
15.5 |
15.5 |
14 |
12 |
9.5 |
7.5 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
14.5 |
| rainy days |
4 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
13 |
9 |
7 |
5 |
5 | |
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| Visas |
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| For most countries it is not necessary to get a tourist visa unless you are staying in South Africa for more than three months or applying for work or other special conditions. For more information contact us or your nearest embassy or consulate. |
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| Electricity |
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| 220 / 230 AC 50 Hz You do not need to bring a European adaptor as it is easy to get them here. |
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| Health |
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We recommend that you take out health insurance in your home country. South Africa has a first rate medical system but foreigners are not automatically covered.
Cape Town is a malaria free area, but if you travel further north you need to take malaria tablets, which are easily obtainable in any South African pharmacy.
The tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. |
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| Holidays |
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| 01 January |
New Year |
| 21 March |
Human Rights Day |
| 18 April |
Good Friday |
| 21 April |
Family Day |
| 27 April |
Freedom Day |
| 01 May |
Workers’ Day |
| 16 June |
Youth Day |
| 09 August |
Women’s Day |
| 24 September |
Heritage Day |
| 16 December |
Day of Reconciliation |
| 25 December |
Christmas Day |
| 26 December |
Day of Good Will | |
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| Business Hours |
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| Monday – Friday: |
08h00 – 17h00 |
| Saturday: |
08h00 – 13h00 / 17h00 |
There are some shopping centers like the Waterfront and Century City where you can shop from 09h00 to 21h00, 7 days a week. |
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| Money |
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The currency in South Africa is the Rand.
At the moment 1 Euro = 7.8953 Rand.
Travelers’ Cheques are easily changed at any bank or Bureau de Change. Thomas Cook travelers’ cheques are recommended as there is a minimal fee charged.
Because of the volatility of the rand it is better to change foreign currency into rand once you are in South Africa.
You can use most credit cards and Maestro EC cards to draw money from cash machines. |
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| Mobile Phones |
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| South Africa has a good cellular net work and most mobile phones can be used here. It is possible to get South African SIM cards and pay-as-you-go cards once you have arrived. It is also possible to order them over the internet so you have your number before your arrival. |
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| Cost of Living |
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The cost of living is low compared to most other countries. Only imported products have comparable prices. Here are some examples of what things cost (February 2003):
| Mini bus: |
R3.00 |
| Cinema : |
R30.00 |
| Cigarettes: |
R12.00 |
| Chinese Take-away: |
R20.00 |
| Average dinner in a restaurant: |
Less than R50 |
| Petrol (per litre): |
R3.90 |
| 2 litre Coke: |
R8.00 |
| 1 litre milk: |
R4.00 |
| 1 bottle of beer: |
R4.00 |
| 1 bottle of wine: |
from R10.00 | |
