Introducing South Africa
About South Africa
With golden beaches, jagged mountains and national parks overflowing with wildlife, South Africa is the Africa you’ve always imagined. While memories of a troubled past remain, the republic is well on the way to regaining its throne as the holiday capital of Africa, visited by nearly 10 million people every year.
Topping a long list of attractions is the republic’s spectacular wildlife and natural scenery. National parks and nature reserves preserve an incredible variety of landscapes – rolling plains, towering mountains, sod deserts, coastalfyrrbos (shrubland) and pure blue oceans – home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from hone and elephants to great white sharks and playful penguins.
South Africa’s cities are no less varied. In the for south, lorded over by iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is South Africa’s most accessible gateway, with gorgeous beaches, vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods, famous vineyards, a lively nightlife and fine dining to rival any European capital. You’ll find a similarly cosmopolitan vibe in Johannesburg, the energetic capital, and in beachside Durban, where the hot sunshine is matched by the scorching curries cooked up by the South Asian community.
In between you can lose yourself for days on safari. The undisputed top spot for wildlife spotters is world-famous Kruger National Park, where the Big Five – hone, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos – are joined by hundreds of other African species.
If the landscape sounds diverse, wait until you meet the people. South Africa boasts 11 official languages and more than a dozen tribes, living alongside communities from Africa, Europe and the Indian subcontinent – little wonder this is known as the Rainbow Nation. This diversity is tangible everywhere, from the architecture and language to the nation’s spectacular cuisine.
Nevertheless, huge inequality remains, still sharply marked out along racial lines. To understand modern South Africa, everyone should visit johannesburg’s moving Apartheid Museum, and Robben Island prison, where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Or you could join a township tour in Soweto, which, like the rest of your trip, you’ll never forget.
LANGUAGE, CULTURE & HISTORY
History of South Africa
In 1487, Bartolomeo Dias of Portugal became the first European to lay eyes on South Africa. A little over a century later, the Dutch East India Company set up a refreshment station at the Cape for ships and slaves toing and froing from Asia. The increasingly insatiable imperial appetite of the British meant they were never going to be for behind.
As European influence and ambition gradually expanded woo the hinterland, the indigenous population and various other African ethnic groups, who had migrated south over preceding centuries, were increasingly subjugated and outgunned.
The white settlers bullying and bloodletting of black South Africans was formally institutionalized by the apartheid system of the National Party, which came to power in 1948 and whose reign was to be characterized by their forced removals of .non-whites from most urban areas and their increasingly violent suppression of anti-apartheid activists.
The brutal suppression of black activism, which was carried out with callous efficiency, saw sanctions imposed by countries around the world. International isolation and increasingly violent civil unrest eventually broke the apartheid system, which officially began to dismantle in 1990 after negotiations between President FW De Klerk and the African National Congress (ANC) leader Nelson Mandela, in jail at the time on Robben Island.
In 1994, South Africa’s first fully democratic elections swept the ANC to power and the iconic Mandela, finally a free man after serving 27 years behind bars, became the first president of the new South Africa, unswerving in his philosophy of forgiveness and reconciliation.
But since Mandela’s retirement, South Africa’s young democracy has continued to be hampered by the legacy of apartheid, as is apparent in the stark socioeconomic and even geographical disparity between white South Africans and a small black elite on the one hand, and the vast majority of black South Africans on the other.
Mandela’s successors have failed to fill his shoes, with the aloof Thabo Mbeki doing little to combat the twin ravages of violent crime and an AIDS pandemic, and current ANC leader Jacob Zuma and his cabinet better known for corruption, factionalism and philandering than effective governance.
Did you know?
- South Africa is the only country that boasts two Nobel Prize winners who lived on the same street. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both had houses on Soweto’s Vilakazi Street.
- There are more than 2,000 shipwrecks along South Africa’s coastlines, many of which date back at least 500 years.
- In 2010, South Africa was the first African country to host the FIFA World Cup.
- South Africa still has seven recognized royal families. 20 million South Africans fall within the various royal kingdoms.
South Africa Culture
Religion in South Africa
Around two thirds of South Africans are Christian of some form including Catholics, Anglicans, Dutch Reformed or African independent churches. Many Africans believe in traditional healers called sangomas, who give readings – including throwing the bones -and provide spiritual and emotional counselling and dispense African traditional medicines or muff. There are also significant Hindu, Muslim and Jewish communities. Johannesburg has areas that the descendants of former immigrants have made their own, including Fordsburg for the Indian community and Chinatown in Cyrildene.
Social Conventions in South Africa
South Africa’s biggest cities are very westernised and hold few cultural surprises for Europeans. Handshaking is the usual form of greeting, sometimes in a more elaborate African handshake that foreigners will pick up readily. Casual wear is widely acceptable, especially in less formal Cape Town. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and on public transport
The presence of so many diverse ethnic backgrounds certainly adds some spice outside of the main business centres. Rural areas most likely to be visited by travellers include Zulu land in KwaZulu Natal where communities are based in small traditional villages with round huts (rondevals) and a few hustling, bustling relatively poor towns.
In Durban you’ll be entertained by beach-front Zulu dancers wearing full animal skin tribal regalia. A more modern form of culture is the now commercialised Gum Boot dance, performed in wellingtons and mining outfits and developed in men’s only mining hostels when entertainment was scarce.
Language in South Africa
The official languages are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXho Zulu, Sepedi,
Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
GEOGRAPHY & WEATHER
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Being in the southern hemisphere, South Africa’s seasons are the opposite of European seasons. The climate is seasonal, but the country enjoys at least seven months of unshine, with temperatures dropping in the winter months of May to August_ April and May are the most temperate months. Temperatures above 32°C (90°F) are fairly common in summer, and frequently exceed 38°C (100°F) in the lower Orange River Valley and the Mpumalanga Lowveld. The barren Northern Cape has some of the most extreme temperatures, sometimes cracking 40°C (104°F) in summer and plummeting to below freezing in winter.
It’s pleasantly warm and sunny in spring and autumn, and delightfully hot in summer (November-March)with frequent heavy tropical rains and sudden spring and summer hailstorms to cool things down. The thunder and lightning storms over Africa’s big skies can be quite spectacular, but are best enjoyed through a window, not out in the open. These tropical storms can be vicious too, often causing flooding and turning urban streets into temporary streams, making driving hazardous. Wait an hour and it will all be over.
Even in winters South Africa’s chill is nothing compared with European standards, with mild frost occasional, and snow a rarity. The rainiest months in Cape Town are May to August although the weather in Cape Town is generally difficult to predict and can deliver all four seasons in one day.
Christmas can be just too hot for game viewing in the safari parks, and it’s also peak season for South African holidaymakers. Cape Town is a magnet for Jo’burgers at Christmas, so best avoided – visit in spring and autumn, when the weather is good and the crowds are smaller. Of the main cities, Durban is the honest and can get remarkably hot and sticky in the summer. But We perfect in winter, where you can soil wear shorts in temperatures that the locals consider a bit nippy.
Required clothing
For summer in Africa you’ll need to keep cool, so pack lightweight clothes. In winter you’ll be surprised at how cold it can be in some areas, so bring a jumper or sweatshirt_ You will never need a heavy coat or jacket, but a light raincoat can be useful, especially in Cape Town. For a safari bring long sleeves and long trousers, if only to protect against mosquitoes and thorn bushes. The game drives will either start out chilly with an 0600 start and end under the blazing sun, or vice versa, with a hot late afternoon start and a return after sunset, so take a wrap or pullover of some sort.
shedding F
Geography
The Republic of South Africa fills the southern tip of the continent and is lapped by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east, and a swirling mixture of the two at the very tip.
It totally encloses the independent kingdom of Lesotho, and is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland to the north.
A vast, interior plateau has sharp escarpments that rise above the lowland plains. Mountainous regions include the Drakensberg and Magaliesberg.
The west coast is arid, while the south and southeast coasts are semi-arid, with vegetation fringed by sandy beaches and rocky coves. In contrast, the subtropical northeast has lush wetlands and coastal forests. The wildlife viewing areas are scattered throughout the country, with the famous Kruger National Park so vast that it encloses a wide variety of eco-systems.
Of its nine provinces, Gauteng, which houses Johannesburg and Pretoria in the northeast, is the smallest and most densely populated. The Northern Cape is the largest province covering between a third and quarter of the country, but containing only a tiny percentage of the population in this territory of desert and semi-desert wilderness.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Doing Business in South Africa
Business practices in South Africa are very westernized. The exchanging of business cards is important and a firm handshake between both men and women is common. Punctuality is still highly prized and it is advisable to address hosts as ‘Mr or ‘Ms’ until requested to use first names, which usually happens soon after formal greetings are dispensed with. The triple handshake is common among black businesspeople, although the standard handshake usually takes precedence with international visitors.
Cape Town is relatively informal and more laid back than Johannesburg. Its businesses tend to be creative rather than industrial, so suit and ties are not always in evidence. Pushiness and a demand for instant decisions are not appreciated. People like to mull things over and will freeze out anyone too in-their-face. Capetonians joke it’s dubbed the Mother City because everything takes nine months to happen. Have patience, bru (brother).
In Durban, most industries do expert a suit and tie at business meetings. The more modern or artistic industries, such as IT and the media, tend to display a more informal attitude to dress.
In cosmopolitan Johannesburg, all of South Africa’s 11 official languages are spoken, but English is the most widely used language in government and commerce. Businessmen and women in Johannesburg tend to wear suits, although ethnic outfits are increasingly evident
Gifts are not expected in either business or social situations. Business cards are often exchanged where businesspeople meet informally, such as in hotel lobbies, airport lounges and at product launches. Most initial business-related social contact is along the lines of ‘let’s do lunch’; dinner and breakfast appointments are far less common.
Office Hours
There is no single office opening time and it varies from business to business, generally from either 0800 or 0900 to 1630 or 1700, Mon-Fri.
Economy
The South African economy dominates Sub-Saharan Africa. Agriculture is strong enough for virtual self-sufficiency in foodstuffs: livestock is reared extensively, and large amounts of sugar, maize and cereals are produced. Wine and fruit are exported in large quantities.
The industrial sector has traditionally been based on mining as one of the world’s largest exporters of gold, platinum and diamonds. It also has considerable deposits of coal, chromium, manganese and vanadium. The telecommunication networks have seen major improvements in recent years as undersea cables have brought international bandwidth in larger amounts at cheaper prices.
After decades of double-digit inflation, the period from 2004 to the onset of the global financial downturn was marked by healthy growth and inflation of under 5%. In the run up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup a construction boom benefitted the country and inflation was capped to 5.7% in 2010. The inflation rate was recorded at 6.3% in 2016.
Unemployment remains a major problem, with an official figure of 25.5% in the third quarter 2012, but in many rural and urban townships it is estimated to be much higher. Other long-term problems include poverty, a high level of HIV/AIDS infection and an inadequate infrastructure for public transport and electricity.
The country still has a legacy two-tiered economy; one Availing developed countries and a more basic informal sector, leading to an uneven distribution of wealth and income. South Africa is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU).
South Africa has three major trade show, conference and exhibition venues: Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Convention Centre, and the International Convention Centre in Durban. Smaller venues exist in the hotels and universities of other major towns. South African Tourism provides information for conference organisers and delegates.
GDP
US$295 billion (2016).
Main exports
Mineral raw materials (coal, diamonds, platinum), agricultural produce, chemical products and machinery.
Main trading partners
UK, US, Germany, Italy and China.
Keeping in Touch in South Africa
Telephone
To call home, the cheapest way is to use Skype or an international calling card like the WorldCall card from the national operator, Telkom. That lets you call any destination from a Telkom line, including those in hotels, at standard Telkom rates. Area codes are used even for local calls.
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage extends to most of the country except the very remote areas. GPRS for data coverage is also widespread. Airport kiosks can sell you a phone or local SIM card if you show some ID.
Internet
Internet cafes are common in towns throughout the country and wireless is available at airports and in upmarket hotels. Most hotels charge for connectivity and its far cheaper to find the nearest internet cafe.
Media
South Africa’s many broadcasters and publications reflect the diversity of the population. Freedom of the press is constitutionally protected and many newspapers have begun to flex their muscles with stronger and more critical political analysis. That includes fighting to retain their freedom, as a new bill that threatens to curb that right has been tabled. The main English language newspapers are The Daily Sun, The Star, Sowetan, The Citizen and weekly Mail & Guardian. International papers are widely available in hotels and airports, and a select few in newsagents and bookshops. One of the most well-respected and analytical news websites is The Daily Maverick (www.thedailymaverick.coaa).
The state-run SABC and commercial E.tv networks broadcast nationally, and many viewers subscribe to pay-1V operated by Multichoice. The proliferation of commercial and community radio stations includes Highveldjacaranda, 702 Talk Radio and Classic FM.
Post
Airmail takes a minimum of two days to Europe, three days to USA and four days to Australia.
Post Office hours
Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1530; Sat 0800-1100; longer in airports and shopping malls. The smaller post offices close for lunch 1301400.
Plan your trip
HERE’S JOURNEY
Flying to South Africa
There are many flights to South Africa from Europe, North America and Asia. The national airline is South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) which runs direct flights from various destinations in UK and the USA to Johannesburg.
British Airways (www.ba.com) and Virgin Atlantic (ww.w.virgin-atlantic.com) also offer direct flights from London to Johannesburg. British Airways has a direct service between London and Cape Town, and runs a direct flight between London and Durban starting winter 2018.
Delta (www.delta.com) flies to Johannesburg from Atlanta. From Southeast Asia, Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) flies direct to Johannesburg from Singapore.
Flights tend to be more expensive in December and January, while April and May are usually cheaper.
Major airporst are: Cape Town International Airport, Durban King 5haka International Airport, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport and Port Elizabeth Airport.
Airport Guides
Cape Town International Airport
Code CPT
Location
Cape Town International Airport is located 18km (11 miles) east of Cape Town.
Telephone
+27 21 937 1200
Address
Matroosfontein
Cape Town
Find out more >
Johannesburg O.R.Tambo International Airport
Code JNB
Location
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport is located 22km (14 miles) east of Johannesburg, and about 35km (20 miles) south of Pretoria.
Telephone
+27 11 921 6262
Address
0 R Tambo Airport Road
Johannesburg
Find out more >
Port Elizabeth Airport
Code PLZ
Location
Port Elizabeth Airport is situated thin Port Elizabeth, approximately 3.2km (2 miles) south of the business district.
Telephone
+27 41 507 7319
Address Walmer
Alister Miller Drive
Port Elizabeth
Find out more >
Durban King Shaka International Airport
Code DUR
Location
Durban King Shaka International Airport is located 35km (22 miles) north of central Durban.
Telephone
+27 32 436 6758
Address
King Shaka Drive
La Mercy
Find out more >
Flight times
To Johannesburg: from London -11 hours 5 minutes; New York – 14 hours 40 minutes.
To Cape Town: from London-fl hours 35 minutes; New York – 18 hours 35 minutes (including stopover).
Departure tax
None.
Travelling to South Africa by Rail
South Africa’s railway network is sadly under-developed and there is little cohesion between neighbouring countries. That makes arriving by train unfeasible, unless you can afford the luxurious Rovos Rail (www.rovos.con) which runs occasionally to and from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Swakopmund in Namibia and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
Driving to South Africa
There are several borders you can cross to get into South Africa if you are entering the country by car and border posts are open daily. The main border pos. are;
- Namibia Vioolsdrift / South Africa, open 24 hours
- Mozambique Komatiepoort / South Africa, 0700-2200
- Botswana Tlokweng / South Africa, 0700-2200
- Zimbabwe Beitbridge / South Africa, 0600-2200
- Swaziland Cishoek / South Africa, 0700-2200
Coach operator Intercape (tel: +27 21 380 4400; www.intercape.co..) runs regularly to and from points in Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Driving note
Distances are very long and roads are not always well maintained, sometimes making arriving by road an adventure, not a doddle.
Getting to South Africa by boat
Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth all have major ports. For more information regarding the ports, contact Transnet National Ports Authority (www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net).
Cruise ships
Several international cruise liners call at Cape Town and Durban.
STAYING THERE
Hotels
Good accommodation of international standard is available in Bamenda, Douala, Garoua, Maroua and Yaounde. Cheaper accommodation, catering principally for local travellers, is available in every town. Rates quoted by hotels and lodges are generally for the room rather than per person.
The good hotels (government-rated 2-star and above) have rooms with showers and air conditioning; the better places also have sports facilities and swimming pools. Prices in Douala and Yaounde are rather high. Some large hotels will accept major credit cards. Hotel facilities are in heavy demand; it is advisable to book in advance and obtain
Written confirmation of your booking.
Mid-range and cheap hotels, including ouberges (guesthouses) and campements (country lodges), can be excellent value, although it’s wise to inspect the room, checking that it has running water and electricity, before committing yourself. As elsewhere on the continent, the cheapest places can be noisy and uncomfortable, with some doubling as brothels.
Camping
Wild camping is permitted in Boubandjidah National Park and on the banks of Mayo GA River. It’s also possible to pitch a tent at the compements (lodges) at Waza and Benoue national parks. Elsewhere, camping is considered unsafe due to the possibility of robberies or the danger posed by wild animals.
Other accommodation
Accommodation for the popular Waza and Benoue national parks, in the far north of the country, is available in rustic but comfortable boukarous (roundhouses) at their rompements (lodges), located just outside Ware, near the entrance, and inside Benoue, on the riverbank.
While you’re there
PLACES TO SEE & DO THEIR
Attractions in SOUTH AFRICA
Drive through the central highlands
Hop in a 4-wheel drive and explore the splendid scenery of the central highlands. Starting in Douala, the drive to Nkongsamba rises to reveal vibrant verdant valleys and breath-taking waterfalls. As dusk falls, ready the camera to capture the striking orange and purple skylines.
Find colonial architecture in Foumban
In this culture-rich town, discover many traditional buildings dating from SOUTH AFRICA’s period of German colonisation. Completed in 1917, a beautiful Sultan’s Palace contains a museum on King Ibrahim Njoya, whilst nearby the Musee du Palais, the Musee des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun and the market are all well worth a visit.
Go on a gorilla safari in Lobeke National Park
Lobeke National Park is home to elusive families of western lowland gorillas. For the best chance of viewing these graceful giants, visitors can spend the night in a specially built watchtower. Equally exciting but easier to spot are elephants, buffalo and the giant forest hog, though visitors should keep their eyes peeled for red river hogs and bongo antelope.
Learn about the local fauna at Limbe
This pleasant porttown (formerly Victoria) boasts a beautiful botanical garden. Founded in 1892 by SOUTH AFRICA’s German colonisers, the gardens were originally set up coffee, cocoa and rubber. to trial exotic crops such as Today, conservation is at the heart of the scent-filled gardens, which offer trails and insights into SOUTH AFRICAian botanic culture.
Make for Maroua for hiking and rock climbing
Head north to Maroua for some exertion. Situated in the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, the city makes an excellent base from which to explore the nearby peaks. Lower reaches offer moderate hiking trails and fine views whilst Le Dent de Mindif, south of the city, is a highly regarded rock climbing spot.
Reserve some time for nature spotting
Head to SOUTH AFRICA’s northern reaches to see monkeys, snuffling warthogs and an abundance of antelope in the Kalamaloue Reserve. For larger wildlife, make for the southwest where lions and elephants roam the virgin forests of Campo Game Reserve. Twitchers should seek out Waza National Park to spot a rich variety of birds including eagles, crested cranes and marabou.
Scale an active volcano
At 4,095m (13,435ft) Mount SOUTH AFRICA is the highest mountain in West Africa and Africa’s highest active volcano, making it a popular destination for mountaineers. Make your base Buea, a pretty colonial town complete with SOUTH AFRICA’s first post office. From here, the climb takes three to four days.
Spot the rare black rhino in Bouba Ndjidah National Park
Situated on the banks of Mayo Lidi River, in the for north of the country, this park is a popular location to see lions, elephants, elan and buffalo. Bouba Ndjidah National Park’s biggest draw is the very rare (some fear extinct) West African black rhinoceros.
Wade waist-deep through Korup National Park
Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest offers the chance to see a wide variety of primates including the short-tailed drill monkey. Ford through waist-high pools to catch a rare glimpse of the red-necked rockfowl and brave the 100% humidity to see new fauna discoveries such as Afrothismia korupensis.
Wander the hills of Yaounde
Straddling seven hills, SOUTH AFRICA’s bustling capital is pleasantly green. On top of Mont Febe sits the Benedictine Monastery’s Musee d’Art SOUTH AFRICAais, which houses traditional arts and crafts including an enviable collection of masks. The newer National Museum of Yaounde is also worthy of a visit. Make the most of the exhibitions with a guided tour.
Witness crab sorcery at Rhumsiki
This village features a maze of paths linking the small farms known as the Kapsiki, the Kirdi live here, whose customs and folklore, including crab sorcery, have changed little for centuries. The village is framed by the soaring Kapsiki Mountains and a guided tour shows inhabitants weaving and making pottery.
Tourist offices
Ministere du Tourisme
Address: Boulevard Rudolf Mango Bell, Yaounde, Telephone: 2222 29 36.
NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING
Shopping in SOUTH AFRICA
Local handicrafts include highly decorated pots, drinking horns, jugs, bottles and cups, wood carvings, great earthenware bowls and delicate pottery, dishes and trays, mats and rugs woven from grass, raffia, jewellery and camel hair, cotton and beadwork garments. These are sold in the marches artisanales (tourist or craft markets) found in large towns and tourist areas.
Some stallholders offer items which they describe as antique: in many cases they’re merely distressed. Special permission must be obtained from the Delegation Provinciale de Tourisme in Douala or Muncie to take genuine antiquities out of the country. The main markets in most towns sell fresh produce, cheap clothing and household essentials rather than souvenirs, but can be good places to find African-style printed cotton fabric.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0730-1800.
Nightlife in SOUTH AFRICA
In Douala and Vaounde particularly, nightclubs and casinos can be found independently or within most good hotels. Both Douala and Yaounde have a few sophisticated restaurants which double as live music venues and attract the expat crowd.
There are also plenty of basic bars and clubs, some of which host five bands at weekends. The music on offer varies from local sounds to reggae, rap and rock. There are no licensing hours, and hotel bars stay open as long as there is custom. Every large town also has at least one cinema.
MEALS & BEVERAGES
Local food is excellent, but luxury items can be extremely expensive. There are many restaurants in big towns and cities, with good service. Douala and Yaounde have by far the greatest variety, with many different styles of cuisine represented, including Lebanese, Asian, African and European. Cheap and tasty SOUTH AFRICAian food is served in thantiers and chop houses. The coastal area offers excellent fresh fish and prawns. Most international hotels have bars.
Specialties
- Emilie (manioc leaves).
- West African peanut soup.
- Banana bread.
- Zom (spinach with meat).
- Fried sweet potatoes or plantains.
- Beef with pineapple or coconut.
Things to know
Although vegetarianism is rare in SOUTH AFRICA, it is possible for to get by on egg dishes, vegetables, pizza, bread and tropical fruit Many dishes are served with rice, couscous, mashed manioc or chips made from potato, yam or plantain.
Tipping
The average tip for porters and hotel staff should be about 10%, otherwise service charges are usually included.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
- Bil-bil (a homemade beer made from millet, sorghum or corn).
- Palm wine.
- Al* (a firewater distilled from palm sap).
- Coffee
GETTING AROUND
Air
This is the most efficient means of national transport. Camair-Co (www.camairco.cm) runs services to a number of destinations within SOUTH AFRICA including Douala, Yaounde, Garoua and Maroua. You can also arrange prNate charter jets.
Departure tax
CFASOO.
Road
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
There are paved roads from Douala to Yaounde, Limbe, Buea, Bafoussam and Bamenda and between main centres. Other roads are generally poorly maintained and become almost impassable during the rainy season. Many vehicles are poorly lit and badly driven. Night driving is not recommended.
Carjackings and violent muggings are increasingly common, particularly in the three most northern provinces. Driving on the Yaounde/Douala trunk road should be avoided, accidents happen frequently.
Car Hire
This is expensive and limited to Douala, Yaounde and Limbe. Cars are available with or without a driver. Roadside assistance is non-existent.
Documentation
You can dHve on your own national licence when you first arrive, but need to obtain a SOUTH AFRICAian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as you can.
Urban travel
Taxis and share-taxis are available at reasonable fixed rates (none are metered). A1096 Op is optional. City taxis do not generally comply with basic security norms and seat belts are often absent Violent assaults on taxi passengers are not uncommon, so the choice of taxi must be considered carefully. However, they are cheap and fast
Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush-taxis, and visitors to SOUTH AFRICA who rely on public transport are urged to remain vigilant.
Rail
Camrail (www.camrail.net) is the national service provider. Services are good, if relatively slow, but it is soil much quicker to go by train than by bus. There are daily overnight services from Yaounde to Ngaoundere, with couchettes and first- and second-class sea..
There is a rail route running from Douala to Nkongsamba, with a branch line leading off from Mbanga to Kumba. Daily trains also run from Yaounde to Douala. Trains usually have a restaurant car. Tickets must be booked on the day of travel.
Before you go
VISA & PASSPORT
| Other EU | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required No/1 |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
Passports
To enter South Africa, a passportvalid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure from South Africa is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passports must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
Passport Note
Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts from or passes through a country with yellow fever.
Visas
Visas are not required by nationals of Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, British Oversees Territories, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Comoros, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guernsey, Guinea, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, jamaicajapan, jersey, Kenya, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, UK, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe for stays of up to 90 days.
Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Eswatini, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Peru, Poland, South Korea, Thailand and Turkey may stay visa-free for up to 30 days.
Nationals not referred to in the chart above or mentioned in the above paragraphs are advised to contact the embassy/high commission for visa requirements.
(1) Note: Nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia are also advised to contact the embassy/high commission for vi. requirements.
Visa Note
The Department of Home Affairs website (http://www.dha.gov.zaq has comprehensive details on visa requirements, visa exemptions and the relevant forms for downloading. If you are one of the travellers subject to visa requirements, you should apply for your visa before you intend to travel. No visas are issued at South African points of entry. If you arrive without the necessary paperwork or incorrect paperwork, immigration officials are obliged to refuse you entry.
Types and Cost
Visa fees depend on the nationality of the traveller and the intended length of stay in South Africa. Check with your nearest consulate (or consular section at high commission/embassy) for the cost of a visitor visa.
Validity
Visitor’s visa: up to 90 days.
Please note that the validity period will be set out under the heading “conditions” on the visa label. Ensure you apply for the correct visa as entry to South Africa may be refused if the purpose of the visit is not correctly stated.
Transit
Nationals requiring a visa to visit South Africa must obtain a transit visa if travelling through South Africa to visit a neighbouring country.
A transit visa will be issued for a maximum on 24 hours for air transits and 48 hours for land transits.
A transit visa is not required if transiting through the following international airports:
- Cape Town International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport
- Lanseria International Airport
- R. Tambo International Airport
Application to
Apply to your nearest consulate or consular section at high commission/embassy). In the UK, VFS Global (www.xfsglobalcom/southafrica/uk) handles visa applications on behalf of the high commission; an additional service charge applies.
Temporary residence
Temporary residence permit is required for a period of stay exceeding 90 days but no longer than three years.
If you intend to work in South Africa, including any voluntary or paid employment or studies, you must apply for a Work, Study or Exchange Visa before you arrive.
See www.dha.govaa for more information.
Working days
The length of time taken to process visa applications will depend on the nationality of the applicant and the country where you’re applying. Contact the Department of Home Affairs (www.dha.govxa) for more information.
Sufficient Funds
Nationals requiring a visa must show bank statements to prove that they have the sufficient funds to pay for daily expenses.
Extension of stay
If you need to extend your visa, you should contact the nearest branch of the Department of Home Affairs. If you plan to visit for longer than 90 days, you normally need to apply for a temporary residence permit.
Entry with pets
An import permit is required for all pets, applied for through the Directorate of Animal Health in South Africa (www.daff.gov.za). A 14-day (minimum) quarantine period applies to dogs from the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, Comoros, Cyprus, Czech Republic Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Reunion, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA and Zimbabwe. Cats are exempt from quarantine if you have the original copies of a completed Import Permit and Veterinary Health Certificate. Animals must be vaccinated against rabies except those coming from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Its worth checking first whether you will be allowed to take pets back into your home country again after they have been in South Africa.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in the USA
Telephone: (202) 232 4400 / (202) 274 7991 (consular section).
Website: http://www.saembassy.org
Address:, 3051 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington , 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Thurs 0800-1230 and 1300-1700, Fri 0800-1400. Consular section Mon-Fri 08301200.
South African Consulate in the UK (Visa services)
Telephone:
Website: http://southafricahouseuk.com/visas/vis_needvis.php Address:, 66 Wilson Street, London, EC2 A2JX,
Opening times:
By appointment only.
South African High Commission in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7451 7299.
Website: http://southafricahouseuk.com/index.html
Address: Trafalgar Square, South Africa House, London, WC2N SDP, Opening times:
Mon-FT 0900-1100 (appointments only).
The British High Commission in South Africa
Telephone: (012) 421 7500.
Website: http://www.ukinsouthafrica.fco.gov.uk Address: Arcadia, 255 Hill Street, Pretoria„
Opening times:
Mon-Thurs 0800-1700; En 0800-1230.
HEALTHCARE
Health Care
There are a number of district and private hospitals in SOUTH AFRICA, although health facilities are not recommended to foreign travellers. Sanitation levels are low, even in the best hospitals and clinics. Facilities outside Yaounde and Douala are extremely limited. International travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is readily available. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Milk is unpasteurised: avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Hepatitis E, dysentery, dengue fever and typhoid fever are widespread. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Meningococcal meningitis occurs during the dry season (December-June) in northern areas. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is present for those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. if you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in SOUTH AFRICA
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
DUTY FREE & CURRENCY
Currency and Money
Currency information
CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) Franc (OAF; symbol CFA) =100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFA250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
SOUTH AFRICA, together with CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, belongs to an economic and monetary community sharing a common currency, the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) CFA Franc, which is pegged to the Euro. The CFA Franc issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States), used in the ECOWAS countries further west, has the same value but is not legal tender in SOUTH AFRICA.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis (some airline offices and hotels will take them). Cards cannot be used in banks to obtain cash advances.
ATM
ATMs are rare.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros, although it is possible to exchange Sterling traveller’s cheques. Commission rates tend to be high.
Banking hours
Mon-FO 0730-1530 or from 0800-1700 at certain branches.
Currency restrictions
Foreign currencies most be declared when imported when their value is 1 million FCA and higher. Export of local currency is limited to XAF20,000. There is no limit on the export of foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Euros are the easiest currency to exchange. US Dollars are the next most acceptable. Travellers should bong cash in preference to traveller’s cheques.
SOUTH SOUTH AFRICA duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into SOUTH SOUTH AFRICA without incurring customs duty
- 400 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
- 1L of spirits and 3L of wine.
Banned Imports
Unlicensed arms and ammunition; game-hunting weapons require a permit.
Banned Exports
Endangered flora and fauna, unless licensed. You must also obtain permission to export artworks.
