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Where is South Africa?
SOUTH AFRICA is at the southernmost tip of the African continent, the world's second largest continent. There are 53 separate countries in Africa; this makes Africa the continent with the highest number of countries. South Africa is bordered on the north-east by Mozambique, in the north by Zimbabwe and Botswana, and on the north-west by Namibia.
Within its geographical borders lie the mountain kingdoms of Swaziland and Lesotho. South Africa lies south of the Limpopo River on the latitude of 16*30 to 30* EAST and latitude 22* to 55* SOUTH. The country covers an area of 1,221,040 sq.km this makes it three times the size of Texas, and five times the size of Great Britain. It occupies only 4% of the land mass of Africa.
This is a magnificent country blessed with extra-ordinary natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. Its landscapes range from stark deserts, spectacular mountains, lush grasslands and forests, its cultural diversity can be found in rural subsistence communities or in cities as sophisticated and as cosmopolitan as anywhere in the world.
Washed by the bracing Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east, South Africa has 3,600 km of coastline (2,236 miles), ensuring some of the most beautiful beaches for sun lovers and those interested in water sports.
South Africa has 9 provinces, the smallest of which is Gauteng, with a population of 18 million people, making it the largest in South Africa with a GDP (gross domestic product) of 38% of South Africa's total GDP, making it the commercial heart of the country. OR Tambo Airport, the largest in Africa is situated in this province.
When it comes to nature, South Africa has an abundance that makes it one of the most sought after wildlife destinations in the world. It boasts:
- 6% of the world's mammals.
- 7% of the world's bird species.
- 8% of its higher plant species, including a third of all succulents About 80 percent of South Africa's seed plants are not to be found anywhere else in the world.
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A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE
Many visitors come to South Africa in search of its abundant wildlife, vigilantly tended in the countries numerous game reserves and conservation areas. Africa's big cats - lion, leopard and cheetah still freely prowl the ranges of their ancestor's, together with the gigantic elephant, rhinoceros and hippopotamus. The country is also a magnet for bird watchers, with close to 900 species. The Kruger National Park, the largest reserve, provides the opportunity to view game from close-up. The park has a variety of accommodation on offer and every effort is made to provide for the visitors' comfort, shopping and good food. The oldest reserve, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, dates back to the private hunting reserve of the Zulu kings. It was here that the revival of the White Rhino took hold of its undisputed success.
CLIMATE
The climate is generally temperate with warm wet summers and mild dry winters. Summers are hot with thermal thunder-showers with winters that are dry and cold.
The Western Cape enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and mild moist winters. On the whole this is a land of bright sunshine virtually the whole year round.
Gauteng has summer rainfall and dry winters.
In Cape Town, the summers from January to April are best for our visitors; the winters can be chilly and wet. The Garden Route offers a fairly consistent climate all year round.
The Kruger National Park is very hot in summer with heavy summer showers; winters are mild and extremely pleasant.
LANGUAGE
There are eleven official languages of which Zulu is the most spoken in the country. However, English is the main language, the language of the Parliament, the Law Courts, and higher education at most universities.
CURRENCY
The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand. R1=100cents.
CONVERSIONS
South Africa uses kilometres (km)
1km = 0.6214 miles
10C = 50F
20C = 68F
30c = 86F
TIME
Standard time in South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
SUGGESTED LUGGAGE LIST
- Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized
- Sun hat
- Golf shirt, T-shirt and long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Shorts/skirts
- Long trousers/slacks
- Track suit
- More formal attire (optional)
- Underwear and socks
- Good walking shoes
- Sandals
- Swimming costume
- Warm jersey
- Warm anorak or parka and scarf
- Light rain gear for summer months
- Camera equipment and plenty of film (spare battery and adapter)
- Contact lenses, if worn, standby spectacles
- Binoculars essential (bird book if keen birder)
- Personal toiletries
- Malaria tablets
- Insect repellent (Tabard or other body spray for mosquitoes)
- Moisturizing cream and suntan lotion
- Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, antiseptic cream, Immodium )
- Tissues, Wet Ones
- Visas, tickets, passports, money. Waterproof/dustproof bags / cover for your cameras
Please note that bright colours and white / black are NOT advised whilst on safari.
Please remember that there is a luggage restriction of 44 lbs per bag on most airlines.
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Seal Island
Knysna Heads
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God's Window
WATER
In most cities, towns and game reserves, tap water is purified and is safe to drink.
ELECTRICITY
The power supply is 220/230 volts AC. The standard plus is South Africa is 15 amp round pin, three point plug. Adapters are required for electrical appliances.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Visitors to the Kruger National Park must obtain prophylactic medicine for Malaria, to be taken before, during and after their trip but consult your Doctor or Travel clinic, about the requirements for travel to South Africa.
SUN PROTECTION
The sun is strong, with a high ultraviolet rating. Screen protection factors of 15 and over are recommended.
CREDIT CARDS
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, Visa and their affiliates are accepted. Automatic Teller Machines are situated outside most banks in towns and cities and operate 24 hours per day.
Agulas
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