Vacations
Vacations in South Africa
South Africa, land of wildlife safaris, mile-long dream beaches, deserts, vineyards and a wonderful climate the whole year round.
The country is a melting-pot of cultures. South Africa suffered for many years under the apartheid regime. Thankfully, that has now gone. Beside the culture shaped by the white Europeans, one also encounters the Black African culture. South Africa is a multi-cultural state with many black nations. Driving through their towns you could be in a European city, then in certain boroughs you might suddenly be in Mumbai or Delhi. The Indian social class plays a large role in South Africa.
When to go to South Africa
There is no bad time to travel to South Africa. A pleasant, warm climate prevails the whole year round. However the seasons fall at the opposite time in South Africa than with North America or Europe: their summer is when Santa Claus comes to us, winter in South Africa is in July.
The South African "winter" (June to September) is the best time for safaris and wildlife observation. This is the dry season, therefore the animals come to the well-known watering places. Then we can observe them at close-quarters in the game reservations. It is usually sunny in the Kr?ger national park and in the protected game areas of KwaZulu Natal. During the day it is warm with temperatures around 25?C. The nights however are cool. It is also warm in the South African summer on the east coast. There the Indian ocean gives pleasant water temperatures the whole year round. The summer (from the middle of December to the middle of March) sometimes brings very high temperatures. These are made bearable by the extreme dryness inland. On the east coast in the summer months it can be very hot and unpleasantly stifling. The autumn has usually pleasant temperatures and only small amounts of rain. Capetown can suffer from a sometimes unpleasant southeast wind. This usually abates from March to April.
Spring, with mild temperatures and moderate precipitation, is a time of celebration for all flower lovers. In August and September, visitors to the Namaqualand area in the North Cape as well as the westerly areas of West Cape can enjoy the much-praised "miracle of flowers".
Christmas is the main travel time of the South Africans. At this time, and also around Easter, the tourist centers are crowded and prices rise strongly with the large demand. Outside of the main season one can count on price reductions.
Safe travel in the country.
You should not venture out alone in Johannesburg and in the capital Pretoria, only in organized groups. That applies also to all shopping centres. Leave your cash and other objects of value in the hotel safe. Inquire about the security situation at the Reception in your hotel before venturing out. Be sure to follow the advice which they give you. At night and early morning it is best to take a taxi. If you have booked a rental car, never drive with unlocked windows and doors. Particularly in the large city of Johannesburg and its environment there is the danger of attack while standing at a red traffic lights. If such an assault is attempted, drive off immediately.
Health arrangements
Special inoculations are not prescribed for South Africa. However if you are visiting the Kr?ger national park during the rainy period (from November to April) it is advisable to have a malaria jab. Also for protection from mosquitoes you absolutely must pack long-sleeve shirts and mosquito nets in your luggage. The hospitals in the country are considered as very good, and in the pharmacies there is a large range of medicines available. However, these must be paid for locally. Health insurance must be therefore be obtained before you travel.
Customs Allowances
Each person may bring a litre of liquor, two litres of wine, 2 packs of cigarettes and 250 grams of tobacco as well as 50ml of perfume.
Money
The unit of currency is the South African Rand. As exchange rates vary, you will need to check the rate when you are booking hotels or making travel arrangements. The major, international credit cards are accepted in all states. With your own credit card and pin number you can get cash at many cash machines problem-free.
Football World Cup
The FIFA Football World Cup takes place in South Africa in 2010.
Bill Telford writes extensively on vacation and travel subjects. Visit All About Vacations for more information. |
Bill Telford
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