What you need to know

South Africa is the southernmost country on the continent of Africa, the world's second largest continent. Although it appears to be far away, it is actually much closer than you think. The average flying time from the USA to s a non-stop is 18 hrs. The country is three times the size of Texas and covers an area of 1,221,040 sq km. and occupies 4% of the landmass of Africa.

Accommodations
South Africa offers budget and luxury hotels, guest and country houses, bed & breakfast establishments, resorts, private game reserves.                                                                     

Bank hours
Banks operate Mon to Fri 9.30am-3.30pm Saturday 8.30-11.00am.
Most major credit cards are widely accepted.

Clothing
Lightweight clothing is fine for summer; a jacket or coat might be required on some winter days.
Neutral colors and warm clothing for mornings and evenings is suggested for the game reserves. 

Climate and seasons
South African seasons are opposite to those of North America.
Summer: November- march
Winter: April-august.
Summers are warm to hot and winters are relatively mild.
Annual rainfall average less than 10 inches in the west and 40 inches in the east.

Passports
Passports are required for all nationalities.                                                                             Top
U.S. citizens do not require visas for stays less than 90 days.
Citizens of other countries need to contact the South African embassy or our office for more information

Customs allowances
Please contact our office for details

Driving
Any valid drivers license or international driving permit is acceptable
Provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English.

Health information
South Africa has excellent medical facilities.
Travel insurance is recommended.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout South Africa.
No vaccinations are required for visitors from the USA or Canada.
Visitors to the game parks in the Mpumulanga and the Kwa Zulu Natal area should take anti-malaria tablets; These are available without prescription and South African drug stores (pharmacies).

Language
South Africa has 11 official languages English is the most widely spoken as well as Afrikaans, Sotho and Othere cultural languages.

Currency
The currency of South Africa is the Rand one USD is equal to approx. 8 Rands.                       Top

Tipping
Waiters and taxi drivers etc are commonly tipped 10% of the bill unless service charge is already included. In general two Rand per bag is suggested for porters.