South Africa

Flight.co.uk Overview

A "world in one country" is how the tourism authorities described the country at the southern tip of Africa, and anyone who takes flights to South Africa can indeed expect, and receive, the world. Taking flights to South Africa was frowned upon for many decades when the ruling white minority Government legislated to subdue the black majority. Now, in a new age of democracy heralded by the release of freedom fighter and Nobel Prize winner Nelson Mandela, tourists are taking discount flights to South Africa in droves. Favoured destination for those who book flights to South Africa is the Western Cape, with its magnificent beaches, majestic mountains, green winelands and the sophisticated city of Cape Town. Far to the north the jumbled but prosperous city of Johannesburg has its own character, built on the gold mines. South Africa flights are also popular with those avid for game-viewing, for the country boasts the massive Kruger National Park, home to the "Big Five". Nature, history, traditional tribes, shanty towns, cosmopolitan cities: South Africa has it all, and sunshine too, under an incredibly blue sky.

Overview

Throughout the second half of the 20th century South Africa was regarded by most of the world as a pariah state where the ruling white minority passed a range of draconian laws to subdue and enslave the black majority. All this changed in 1994 with the release from prison of world-renowned freedom fighter and icon of the oppressed, Nelson Mandela. A new age of democracy was ushered in, and South Africa was suddenly revealed to the world in her beautiful true colours: a rainbow nation with a kaleidoscope of cultures and a host of attractions to enthral and entrance visitors.

A decade later tourists are flocking to sunny South Africa in droves, particularly to the Western Cape with its magnificent scenery, beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and green winelands.

The Republic, at the southern tip of Africa surrounded by ocean on three sides, offers a taste of the African experience with the chance to visit traditional tribal villages, game reserves and sprawling townships. At the same time it also offers the trappings of a first world holiday experience, with luxury hotels, sophisticated shopping, exciting theme parks and clean beaches. Have breakfast in a New York style deli; lunch in an African shebeen; cocktails on a sunset cruise; and dine in style in a fine British colonial restaurant. This is all possible in a South African city.

It is not only cultural diversity that makes South Africa magical. The country has a wealth of animal and plant life scattered across its varied climactic zones from desert to snow-covered mountains, forests to grasslands and mangrove swamps. Historically, too, there is plenty to discover, from the fossils of ancient hominids, to the pioneering spirit of the Dutch 'voortrekkers' and the settlement of the Eastern Cape frontier by the British colonialists.

South Africa has been billed as 'a world in one country', and any visitor who has experienced its delights, from the jumble of Johannesburg, the city built on gold mines in the north, to the sophistication of Cape Town in the south, is bound to agree.

Business

South Africa's multicultural status means that business etiquette may vary with different people, and according to individual sectors, though it is most often similar to dealings in Europe and the United States. Although there are 11 official languages, English is the primary language of business. It is best to dress formally for initial meetings. Generally South Africans are regarded as relaxed and informal with regards to introductions and the handling of business cards. Shaking hands is common for both men and women. The giving of gifts is uncommon and unnecessary. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.

Health

Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate, otherwise no vaccinations are required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and northeastern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and precautions are advised when travelling to these areas. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere, as there are periodic outbreaks of cholera in the poor communities of rural South Africa, particularly in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces. Outbreaks of extensive drug-resistant TB have also been reported throughout the country, with the worst hit area being Kwa-Zulu Natal. Food poisoning is rare. Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash upfront and public hospitals are best avoided.

Safety

Visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's high incidence of crime. Although this tends to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country, for example in the township areas, opportunistic crime is fairly widespread. Travellers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions. Doors should be locked when driving and one should not walk alone at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas. Berea and Hillbrow in Johannesburg are high risk areas and visitors should be cautious in the area. There have been recent incidents on hikers walking on Table Mountain in Cape Town and visitors should avoid walking alone on the mountain. One should be vigilant when using ATMs and carrying valuables. It is worthwhile noting that the South African authorities do give high priority to the protection of tourists.

Duty Free

Travellers to South Africa do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre spirits; perfume up to 50ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods to the value of R3,000. All other goods brought in from abroad by South African residents must be declared on arrival. These will be subject to import duties. For goods to be re-imported, travellers must complete a DA65 or NEP-form that is issued on departure. Prohibited items include meat and dairy products, all medication except for personal consumption, flick knives, ammunition, explosives and pornography containing minors and bestiality.

Tipping

If a service charge is not included in the bill, waiters expect a tip of 10%. Tipping for services rendered is widely anticipated by porters, taxi drivers, golf caddies and petrol attendants. 'Car guards' operate in the city centres and tourist spots and will offer to look after your parked car; they are usually immigrants from neighbouring countries looking for work and will expect anything from R2 upwards on your return.

Language

South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely spoken.

Communications

The international access code for South Africa is +27. The outgoing code is 09 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0944 for the United Kingdom). From 16 October 2006, South Africa will be changing over to 10-digit dialling (so city codes must be included e.g. (0)21 for Cape Town) and international dialling will change from 09 to 00. The parallel running period will last until 16 January 2007. International phone cards cannot be used in South Africa. The country is served by three GSM mobile phone networks. Mobile service providers offer very cheap 'pay-as-you-go' Sim cards, which are a good option for visitors staying for some time. Internet cafes are widespread. Card and coin operated pay phones are also widespread.

Time Zone

GMT +2.

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are standard.

Money

South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available (there is a daily limit for cash withdrawals) and major international credit cards are widely accepted, except in petrol stations where cash is required. Visitors should take care and be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs as there is a high incidence of credit card fraud involving the use of ATMs. Travellers cheques and some foreign currencies are accepted at larger hotels and shops, but commission is charged, otherwise all commercial banks will exchange them.