Climate: Summer in South Africa is from October until March and temperatures average between 15°C - 36°C (60°F-96°F) at Midday. South Africa's climate is generally mild throughout the year. Snowfall is limited to the highest mountain peaks. South Africa has a mean annual rainfall of 502mm.

Temperatures: South Africa has temperature variations ranging from cold, mild winters 0-15°C (32- 59°F), to warm, hot summers 20-40°C (68- 104°F).

Average Minimum and Maximum Temperatures:

Dress: Dressing according to the season is advisable. Lightweight clothing and sandals are suitable for the summer months although it does rain in the northern provinces. Warmer clothing and raincoats are required in the Cape Province areas during the winter months.

Credit Cards: Most major credit cards are accepted as well as travellers cheques. Gasoline cannot be purchased with standard credit cards. Use of credit cards may be restricted in small retail shops.

Currency: The currency unit is the Rand (R) = 100 cents, with the international symbol ZAR. Bank notes: R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5

Tipping: A good guideline is a 10% gratuity depending on service and satisfaction. Taxi drivers should also receive 10 of the amount charged. R5,00 per bag is generally the tip given to porters.

Electricity: Throughout South Africa, the standard power source is 200/230 volts AC. Plugs are of the round three pin variety. Bathroom plugs have two pins. It is best to purchase an adapter or transformer to link with local electrical power for use of foreign appliances.

Banking: Most banks offer a foreign exchange service and are located at convenient points throughout the country as are automatic teller machines (ATMs). Banks are open: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:30, Saturday 08:00 to 11:00. Several international banks have branches in the main cities.

Foreign Representation: Most foreign embassies and consulates are situated in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town. South Africa is represented in most countries of the world.

Immunisation: It is compulsory for people who arrive in South Africa from a yellow fever zone, to be in possession of a valid international yellow fever vaccination certificate, if arriving within six days from an infected area. Infants under the age of one year are exempt. Recommended immunisations include: diptheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, yellow fever. For further medical information consult a medical practitioner.

Malaria: Malaria regions include Northern Province, Mpumalanga Province and the north of Kwazulu-Natal Province where there is a malaria risk throughout the year. Preventative medication is obtainable at all South African pharmacies. It is important to consult a pharmacist or your medical practitioner for advice on the best drug or drug combination you should take. A good mosquito repellent stick or spray can be obtained locally.

Language: Currently there are eleven official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu EUKJ Tswanib-English is widely spoken in most centers.

Media:There is an abundance of newspapers, magazines and radio stations available in South Africa.

Medical Care:Medical services in South Africa are readily available. All telephone directories list doctors under "Medical", and hospitals under "H". Visitors are advised to secure medical cover on their medical insurance before arriving in South Africa. Medicine may be purchased in pharmacies.

Religion:South Africa's population is religiously oriented. Most denominations are represented. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are located in most major cities.

Security:It's sensible to take the same precautions in major cities as you would in any of the world's metropolitan areas. Do not walk alone in unpopulated streets after dark or draw unnecessary attention to money or jewellery on your person. Deposit your valuables in the hotel's safety deposit box. Always lock your car doors and keep the windows closed.

Postal Services: Hours of service are 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays and 08:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays.

VAT (Value Added Tax) and other taxation: Foreign visitors are not exempt from paying VAT on purchases but can have their VAT refunded at a port of exit, provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250. Visitors should obtain proof of payment for all items purchased during their stay to claim any refunds. The following documentation is required: original tax invoice, VAT refund control sheet and foreign passport. The items on which a refund is claimed must also be presented. VAT refunds can be claimed on goods only, not services. VAT is currently set at 14 and is included in the marked/quoted price of most goods and services.

Telecommunications: South Africa has a sophisticated telecommunication network. Green public telephones operate with phonecards obtainable at post offices, airports, news agents and other outlets. The local cellular network is GSM and cellular phones can be hired.

Time differences: Throughout the year South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, USA.

Transport: South Africa has a good network of railway and roads. o Air travel and airports: there are nine major airports operating in South Africa: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, East London, George, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth and Upington. Several international airlines, including South African Airways, link the country with the rest of the world. There is an excellent air network to most centres within South Africa which are serviced by jet aircraft. Smaller airports can be found at Nelsruit, Skukuza and Hoedspruit.

Visas:Passport holders from more than eighty countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan and the European Union countries can visit South Africa without a visa. Visitors are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Visas are issued free of charge to travellers from certain countries that do require a visa. Visitors who intend travelling to South Africa's neighbouring countries and back to South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. They must also check visa requirements for neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Water: In the major cities and towns and most game reserves, tapwater is purified and 100 safe to drink. Don't drink or swim in rivers or dams.

Accommodation Grading: South Africa has a wide selection of accommodation which ranges from Tourist Class to Superior Deluxe hotels, B&B establishments, boutique hotels, country and guest houses and luxury private game lodges.