South Africa - Info & Facts

Suggested length of stay

South Africa is famous for its beautiful scenery, wildlife and history. You could easily lose yourself for 2-3 weeks. Below are our suggested length of stay in the key areas.

Johannesburg 1-2 night, Cape Town 4-7 nights, Winelands 1-3 nights, Garden Route 3-5 nights, Kruger National Park 3-7 nights, Sabi Sands 3-7 nights, Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve 3 nights, Timbavati Game Reserve 3-7 nights, Kwazulu Natal 3-7 nights.

 

Modes of transport

Road

South Africa is a safe destination with a wide network of roads which are well maintained and established. Ā The speed limit is usually 60 kilometres per hour in built up areas, 70 kilometres per hour on gravel roads and 120 kilometres per hour on major tar roads. In South Africa one drives on the left-hand side of the road and you must present a valid driverā€™s license with a photo and in English. If not, an International driverā€™s license will be required.

Air

From Australia, you will fly into O.R. Tambo Johannesburg Airport before transferring into a large network of destinations within South Africa usually by direct flights.

Scheduled light aircraft depart from Johannesburg and fly into a number of the National Parks and Game Reserves.

 

Climate

South Africa has a temperate climate and is known for its long sunny days. Most of the provinces have summer rainfall, except for the Western Cape (winter rainfall).

November – February: SummerĀ 

Lush green landscape, quieter tourism except for Christmas & Easter. High of 30Ā° C and a low of 17Ā° C.

May ā€“ August: Winter

Excellent game viewing, cooler, few mosquitoes, whale watching on the coast. High of 20Ā° C and a low of 5Ā° C.

March ā€“ April: Autumn

Dry and warm, cool evenings and mornings, beautiful autumn colours. High of 26Ā° C and a low of 10Ā° C.

September to October: SpringĀ 

Beautiful spring wildflowers, warm sunny days, cool crisp evenings. High of 23Ā° C and a low of 15Ā° C.

 

Food

South Africa offers a diverse range of delicious food and wine. You will find dishes are influenced by the indigenous population, along with the Dutch, French, Indians and Malaysians and as such it offers a vibrant cuisine that is sure to excite the palate.

South Africa produces some of the Southern Hemispheres best wine. The country’s signature variety is Pinotage, a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut and is rarely found in any other wine-producing country. Shiraz is widely planted also, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often found together in a Bordeaux Blend). Chenin Blanc is the republicā€™s most-planted grape, and South African Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have become popular internationally in recent years.

 

Drinking water

The water is safe to drink throughout most of South Africa. In the remote areas, purification tablets or bottled mineral water should be used. Plenty of water must be drunk to prevent dehydration. We recommend 2-3 litres minimum, excluding beverages such as tea, coffee, juice and alcohol. Dehydration can cause very serious problems, it is totally avoidable, so donā€™t let this spoil your holiday!

 

Visas

Australian citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Oasis accepts no responsibility regarding the issue of visas.

 

Money

The South African Rand is split into 100 cents. US$ can be easily exchanged throughout the country, as can Euro and pounds sterling. Most hotels, lodges & shops accept credit cards, mainly Visa or MasterCard.

 

Inoculations & health precautions

Some safari camps are situated in malaria-risk areas; having good medical insurance before travelling is vital.

 

Consulate Assistance

Australian Consulate, Pretoria

292 Orient Street

Arcadia

Pretoria 0083

South Africa

Telephone: +27 12 423 6000

Facsimile: +27 12 342 8442

 

Electricity

Voltage: 220-240 Volts

 

Getting there

Qantas is the main International airline that departs from Australia.

Non-stop flight time Sydney ā€“ Johannesburg approximately 14 hours

Non-stop flight time Perth ā€“ Johannesburg approximately 11 hours

Non-stop flight time Johannesburg ā€“ Cape Town approximately 2 hours

Time difference GMT:Ā +2 hours

 

Tipping Guideline

Guide – USD$10 per person per day

Camp Staff ā€“ USD$5 per person per day

10% Restaurant bills.

 

smiling white male wearing a backpack

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