Page 428 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

426 SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

South Africa hosts around 10 million foreign June and July. Although the number
visitors a year. Throughout the country, of tourists increases every year, the
the peak seasons coincide with the South country nevertheless offers a sense of
African school holidays – the busiest times the “undiscovered”. Local people still have
are from early December to late February, wide, sandy beaches largely to themselves,
especially along the south and east coasts. and in the interior, visitors cannot fail to be
The Easter weekend is also busy at both captivated by the peace and solitude in the
inland and seaside resorts, as are the natural splendour offered by the game
four-week winter school holidays during parks and nature reserves.

When to Go What to Take
Many parts of South Africa are Do not underestimate South
at their best in September and African winters, or the windchill
October, when the spring factor in summer; central heat-
season’s growth is fresh and ing is uncommon so pack
the temperature comfort ably warm clothes. Sunblock and
warm. Game-watchers may specialized provisions can be Logo and slogan of South Africa
prefer June to August, when bought locally, but do carry a
many trees are bare and large supply of medication if you Visas to enter Swaziland are
numbers of animals converge suffer from a chronic condition. issued free of charge at the
on the diminishing number of border. Visa requirements for
drinking places. Winter days Lesotho depend on your
are usually sunny and warm, Visas and Passports nationality. The South African
but temperatures drop as the Most nationalities, including consulate or embassy in your
sun sets. citizens of the United States, country will be able to advise.
Temperatures from Decem ber Canada, Australia, New Zealand A full list of these can be found
to February may be close to and most European Union on the website of South Africa’s
unbearable in high-lying areas nationals, need only a valid Department of International
such as the Northern Cape and passport to stay in South Africa Relations and Cooperation.
along the East Coast, but relief is for 90 days. All visitors are Visitors should be up-to-date
delivered through thunderstorms granted a temporary visitor’s with routine vaccinations.
almost every afternoon. The permit at the point of entry, and However, if you arrive from a
moderating influence of the sea may also be asked to prove that country where yellow fever is
is welcome at the coast, although they can support themselves endemic, you will need a
some people find the increased financially while in the country vaccination certificate. Malaria is
humidity difficult to deal with. and that they own a return ticket still preva lent in parts of Kwa-
The southwestern areas have or have the means to buy one. Zulu-Natal and Mpumalanga,
winter rainfall and hot sum mers. A passport must be valid for at and caution is advised.
Much of the southern coast least 6 months after the date of
receives rain throughout the year. departure from South Africa and
Almost all attractions stay open have at least one completely Travel Safety Advice
all year round. empty page to receive a permit. Visitors can get up-to-date travel
safety information from the
Foreign and Commonwealth
Office in the UK, the Depart-
ment of State in the US and the
Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade in Australia.

Tourist Information
Tourist offices, identified by the
letter “i” on a green background,
offer advice about what to see
and where to go. They may also
carry the name of an umbrella
organization or a local pub licity
association. The offices are usually
Summer game-viewing at Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth (see p254) sited on the main road in the
A beautifully rebuilt classic train, part of the luxurious Rovos Rail fleet, at Capital Park station in Pretoria