South Africa

File:Table Mountain panorama - Panoramic view of Table Mountain, overlooking Cape Town South Africa is Africa's southernmost country. It is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho (which is completely surrounded by South Africa). It is a large country with widely varying landscapes, 11 official languages, and an equally diverse population.

An Introduction to the regions of South Africa

South Africa is divided into 9 provinces:

Regions of South Africa

Gauteng Contains Pretoria and the administrative capital of the nation, and Johannesburg, which is the seat the provincial government and touristic heart of Africa.

Western Cape Features Cape Town; the Cape Winelands

Eastern Cape The remainder of the Garden Route, known as the Tsitsikamma, is in this province, which also features the former homelands and the spectacular and uncrowded Wild Coast, superb beaches in Port Elizabeth, East London and Jeffreys Bay and the surfing gateway of South Africa and great parks like Addo Elephant National Park and Tsitsikamma National Park.

Northern Cape This is the biggest province and has the fewest people. Capital Kimberley (South Africa)

Free State Capital Bloemfontein which also hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal and the highest court in non-constitutional matters (the Constitutional Court is in Johannesburg since 1994). The world legacy site Vredefort

KwaZulu-Natal Durban and the largest city in the province and third largest in South Africa, is a popular coastal holiday destination for South Africans. The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park

North West Province Rustenburg, famous for Sun City (South Africa)

Mpumalanga Capital Mbombela is a gateway to Mozambique and southern section of the Kruger National Park. The Drakensberg Escarpment with the Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world.

Limpopo Capital Polokwane (formerly known as Pietersburg) is a good jump-off point for visits to the northern parts of the Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe. Territories Prince Edward Islands - two small islands in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean. Access is restricted to research and conservation management. Reference ##5a90b Gauteng Reference ##ca26c Western Cape Reference ##6c997 Eastern Cape Reference ##e6c96 Northern Cape Reference ##375a0 Free State Reference ##a8451 KwaZulu-Natal Reference ##fb388 North West Province

Cities

Downtown Kimberley seen from the west 2015 - Kimberley and the Big Hole

• Pretoria – The administrative capital of the nation
• Cape Town – The legislative capital and seat of Parliament. A world-class city named for its proximity to the Cape of Good Hope. Also within a stone's throw of South Africa's Cape Winelands|winelands. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, nestled between the sea and Table Mountain, it is a popular summer destination by both domestic tourists and those from abroad.
• Bloemfontein – Location of the Supreme Court of Appeal and the highest court in non-constitutional matters. The Constitutional Court in Johannesburg became the highest court in constitutional matters in 1994.
• Durban – Largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, third largest in South Africa and the heart of South Africa's Indian community, and popular coastal holiday destination for South Africans.
• Johannesburg – The economic heart of South Africa and the most common entry point into Southern Africa.
• Kimberley (South Africa)|Kimberley -- Capital of the Northern Cape Province. Famous for its diamonds and "Big Hole".
• Polokwane – Capital of Limpopo (formally known as Pietersburg) and a good jump off point for visits to the northern parts of the Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe.
• Port Elizabeth – Coastal city in the Eastern Cape with Addo Elephant National Park located close by.
• Upington – Located in the arid Northern Cape province, this city is a good base when exploring the Kalahari desert and the many national parks located in the Northern Cape.

More Destinations

National Parks

South Africa-Mpumalanga-Rhino02 - Rhino on a private reserve in Mpumalanga

South Africa is a paradise for anyone interested in natural history. A wide range of species (some potentially dangerous and endangered) may be encountered in parks, farms, private reserves and even on the roads.

• The Kruger National Park is an exceptionally well managed and favorite tourist destination.
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the heart of the Kalahari desert with wide open spaces and hordes of games including the majestic 'Gemsbok'. This is the first park in Africa to cross international borders.
• There are also a large number of smaller parks, like the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Marakele National Park, Pilanesberg National Park or the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

See African flora and fauna|African Flora and Fauna and African National Parks#South Africa|South African National Parks for additional information. There are hiking trails available in almost all the parks and around geographical places of interest, Hiking in South Africa contains information on those.

UNESCO World Heritage List#South Africa|UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• The Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg is a must see for anyone interested in where it all started. A large collection of caves rich in hominid and advanced ape fossils.
• Robben Island just off the coast from Cape Town, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years.
• The Cape Floral Region in the Western Cape
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Mapungubwe Kingdom in the North-West (South Africa)|North-West
• Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape in the Northern Cape
• Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park for its landscape, biodiversity and rock art.
• Vredefort Dome, remnants of the largest and oldest meteorite impact crater.

  South Africa Halal Travel Guide

• Blue Train - Blue@Spoornet.co.za ☎ +27 12 334-8459 -.This world famous luxury train operates between Pretoria and Cape Town, with a stopover in Kimberley (South Africa)|Kimberley. They advertise as a "five-star hotel on wheels" and charge accordingly: prices start from R15,500 one-way per person in low-season "Deluxe" twin-sharing. You can pay as much as R34,925 (high-season "Luxury" single) (2022 prices) The trip takes 27 hours, and your fares includes a private suite with attached bathroom, and all meals and drinks (except champagne and caviar). Cape Town +27 21 449-2672, UK +44 1403 243619, central Europe +44 20 8924-5126, U.S. +1 305 864-4569
• Rovos Rail | ☎ +27 12 315-8242 - Offers luxury rail travel throughout Southern Africa. Destinations include Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, George, Swakopmund in Namibia, Victoria Falls|Vic Falls in Zimbabwe and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

By thumb

Hitchhiking in South Africa is not so hard, but most people will think you are catching a ride with the local taxis and thus expect you to pay. You may want to tell them you are looking for a free ride before climbing aboard. The main issue is crime: some drivers may hijack you and your belongings. Hitchhiking is generally frowned upon and considered unsafe. Drivers are also wary of potentially criminal hitchhikers. Never hitchhike at night. It is unwise to be outside at night, if you are in an area considered unsafe. Remember, most middle-class homes are protected with walls and armed guards; they have this for a reason.

How to travel around South Africa on a bicycle ?

Cycling is probably the best way to experience the nation, as you really get to admire the views and get the opportunity to mingle with the local residents. It could be considered unsafe to cycle through the cities because of crime and reckless drivers. However, Cape Town is somewhat bicycle friendly with several bike lanes. There are many farm/dirt roads throughout South Africa. Locals and Farmers are generally willing to provide you with food and a place to sleep, as long as you are willing to talk.

Local Language in South Africa

South Africa has 11 official languages, namely Afrikaans phrasebook|Afrikaans, Southern Ndebele phrasebook|Southern Ndebele, Xhosa phrasebook|Xhosa, Zulu phrasebook|Zulu, Swazi phrasebook|Swazi, Northern Sotho phrasebook|Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho phrasebook|Southern Sotho, Tswana phrasebook|Tswana, Tsonga phrasebook|Tsonga, Venda phrasebook|Venda and English. Afrikaans phrasebook|Afrikaans is the mother tongue of the majority of the white and coloured population. Often Afrikaans is incorrectly called 'Afrikan' or 'African' by foreigners. This is very incorrect as 'African' for a South African corresponds with the native-African languages: Zulu phrasebook|Zulu, Xhosa phrasebook|Xhosa, Pedi, etc. (and, of course there are thousands of languages in Africa so no single language can be called 'African') Afrikaans has roots in 17th century Dutch dialects, so it can be understood by Dutch speakers and sometimes deciphered by German speakers. Other widely spoken languages are Zulu phrasebook|Zulu (mainly in KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa's largest single linguistic group) and Xhosa phrasebook|Xhosa (mainly in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape), Sotho and Venda. This changes, according to the region you are in.

English is the lingua franca and spoken as a second language by most urban South Africans, but as a first language only by a minority of the white community. However, English proficiency can be limited in some rural black communities. South African English primarily follows British spelling and vocabulary choices, but is also heavily influenced by Afrikaans and, to a lesser extent, other South African languages.

A few words you may encounter are:

• eish - as in, "eish, it's hot today", "eish, that's expensive" or "eish, that's too far to drive"
• lekker - nice, enjoyable
• howzit - how is it? (generally a rhetorical question)
• yebo - yes
• boet, bru, china or ou - brother or man (equivalent to dude or bro)
• koppie - a small hill (can also mean a cup)
• Madiba - Nelson Mandela
• Molo - Hello (in Xhosa)
• robot - traffic light
• tannie - (auntie) respectful term for an older woman
• oom - (uncle) respectful term for an older man
• tinkle - phone call
• just now - sometime soon (from Afrikaans "net-nou")
• now now - sooner than just now! (from Afrikaans "nou-nou", pronounced no-no)
• braai - barbecue.
• cheers - used for saying good-bye, as well as saying thank you and for the occasional toast.
• heita - hello
• sharp - (usually pronounced quickly) OK
• sure-sure more pronounced like sho-sho - Correct, Agreement, Thank you
• ayoba - something cool
• zebra crossing - a crosswalk. named for the white & black stripes that are generally painted on crosswalks.
• bakkie - pick-up truck (from Afrikaans)

What to see in South Africa

Hartebeest (Addo) - Red hartebeast in Addo Elephant National Park Gothic Church Valley - Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, known for extraordinary beauty as well as rock paintings of the San people Soweto township - Visits to townships are an increasingly common tourist activity

Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to South Africa every year to see the nation's many natural and cultural attractions. From wild elephants to stunning landscapes, cave paintings, colonial legacy and bustling townships, South Africa is an enchanting land of contradictions and great beauty. Some of the best ways visitors can explore South Africa's natural scenic and cultural experiences, apart from private run enterprises, are provided by state-developed entities such as the various Provincial Park Boards and National Nature Reserves. Also available but less known by outsiders are government resorts mainly operated under the Forever Resorts brand for example. There are more than 20 of these resorts nationwide. They provide a mix of activities to be enjoyed by small or large groups of people. Activities such as thermal water spas, leisure, kids activities, hiking, camping, mountain biking and guided game viewing are all catered for. Accomodation available in these resorts is reasonably priced outside school holidays or long weekends and consists of a choice between, 3- or 4-star hotel, bungalows, cottages, thatched rondavels, caravan park and camping grounds, accommodation is priced per unit and therefore, making a six-sleeper bungalow or four sleeper cottage, a very affordable proposition. The resorts provide all amenities within and you are free to go to the restaurants or cater for yourself. Bring in your own supplies, as fruit cocktail, and soft beverages and food items like Meat, butter, Cheese, Coffee, can be substantially more expensive bought inside than from outside supermarkets.

Wild animals in their natural habitat

South Africa is the most popular safaris|safari destination in the world and for many visitors a glance at the "Big Five" and other wildlife is a must. The iconic Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga is surely the most famous place to have that glance, but Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape is another popular pick. The vast dry plains of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with its migratory herds of wildebeast covers parts of both South Africa and Botswana. Along the border with Mozambique another transfrontier park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, offers very different landscapes and fauna. For scuba divers, South Africa's underwater wildlife has a lot to offer, with the annual Diving in South Africa/Sardine run|sardine run being a highlight. The popular seaside town of Hermanus is probably the best place in the world to go whale watching, with cage diving opportunities with great white sharks for the truly adventurous.

Areas of natural beauty and botanical interest

South Africa's landscapes are grand and divers, varying from flat desert scrublands to lush green coastal areas and high peaks. The view from the famous, flat-topped Table Mountain National Park|Table mountain is a classic Africa experience. Also in the Cape Town region and the beautiful beaches attract thousands of sun lovers. The green coastal Garden Route is a great natural experience, passing countless lagoons, several interesting towns and the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. The Augrabies|Augrabies Falls National Park boasts a 60-m-high water fall. Close to the Kruger Park is God's Window and Blyde River Canyon and the largest green canyon in the world, not far from there are the high peaks of the Drakensberg mountain range. The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is one of the nation's 8 UNESCO World Heritage List#South Africa|Unesco World Heritage sites for its exceptional natural beauty and the many cave paintings found there. The Namaqualand transformation from a dry monochromatic landscape into a colourful myriad of flowering during spring season, is a sight to behold, but there are many others including areas of the Kalahari desert, where stubborn endemic life forms defy the harsh environment and thrive.

Cultural legacy

Large numbers and some of the oldest hominid fossils have been found in South Africa, especially in the Cradle of Humankind, another World Heritage Site. Over 30 different caves held important fossils, but the caves of Sterkfontein are perhaps the most important one at the site. Far more recent and the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope in beautiful Cape Town is one of the cultural legacy sites from colonial times. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned, has become a major tourist destination. For more insight in the Apartheid times, visit the District Six Museum in Cape Town or the Apartheid museum in Johannesburg.

Other attractions

• Although regularly criticized, visits to the infamous townships are increasingly popular. Some say such trips turn poverty into entertainment while others think they benefit all those involved. In any case, a township tour is an experience that will stick.
• The Cango Caves near Oudtshorn, is an extensive and complex cave system within the Swartberg Mountains, containing many unique natural limestone formations. Management of the site falls under of the Western Cape Parks Administration and is open to visitors. The shorter "standard tour" is available for everyone and lasts about an hour, however and the "adventure tour" is only open to experienced cavers, as it can last 4 to 6 hours and requires a high degree of physical fitness to belly crawl through tight spots and nooks to reach the various chambers spread over 4 km.
• Soweto, in Johannesburg, is particularly well known.
• South Africa has gained world-wide fame as a country, and if you're interested, a visit to one of the over 800 Cafes can be a great addition to your trip. Head to the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch for some of the best picks.
• Rand Airport in Germiston, near Johannesburg, is a regional airport serving mostly private pilots, small air service operators and flying schools. It also houses several well kept and maintained vintage aircraft such as the privately-owned World War II "Harvard Squadron" usually quite active on weekends. Helicopter sight seeing and nostalgic air tours, specifically flying on a "Dakota DC3" and a wind in the face "Tiger Moth" biplane, are also available.

Best things to do in South Africa

• Hot air ballooning and the "Cradle of Mankind" in Gauteng near Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape offer some spectacular balloon safaris. Booking arrangements can be made through a variety of operators easily found online.
• Dive, see Diving in South Africa for details.
• River rafting: The Orange River on the border to Namibia is a popular destination for rafting tours. Several tour operators launch 4-6 day trips in blow-up boats from Vioolsdrif with camping under the stars.
• Hiking and mountaneering are very popular in the Highlands of KwaZulu-Natal and in certain areas of the Eastern and Western Cape. Advance bookings may be crucial to secure a place as some eco-sensitive places allow only a limited number of people to visit per year.
• Rugby Football| Rugby Union, Cricket and soccer are all popular spectator sports, traditionally associated with Afrikaner, Anglo-South African and Black South African culture respectively, although this has changed, and the Springboks (national Rugby union team) has a lot of black fans at least since the 1995 World Cup, hosted in South Africa, when South Africa won with Nelson Mandela (then president) in attendance wearing a Springbok jersey.
• Friends of the Rail are based in Pretoria. This non-profit preservation society looks after steam locomotives and period rolling stock. Steam train outings are organized regularly departing in the morning from their own station in Hermanstad, Pretoria, and arriving in Cullinan for an extended stop over allowing sufficient time for lunch or a picnic before returning back to base in the afternoon.
• The Magaliesberg steam train is another vintage steam train trip, operated by South African Railways (Transnet). It departs Johannesburg's main Park Station in the morning once or twice per month, offering a day long scenic tour through the nearby Magaliesberg Mountains. A packed lunch or picnic basket is crucial.
• Battle sites: Many well documented Zulu-Indigenous, Boer-Indigenous, Zulu-British and Boer-British war sites are well kept, easy to access and worthwhile a visit. Mostly found in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, The War Museum in Johannesburg can provide maps and literature to help one plan a tour of where to go.
• Self-driving tours: Due to the size of the nation and well developed extent of the national road network, a practical and fulfilling way of seeing the nation is by driving through. The natural beauty of areas like "Golden Gate", "God's Window", "The Garden Route", "The Wild Coast", "St. Lucia and Cape Vidal", offer the leisurely vacationer unskeptic to mingle with local residents or stay in farmsteads, a wide variety of tinkling sensations not experienced any other way.
• Motor racing in Gauteng is a regular calendar event, with Kyalami and Swartkops raceway facilities being among others and the main backdrops for all sorts of top notch national and regional two and four wheel competitions.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in South Africa

Money Matters & ATM's in South Africa

South African-Money01 - South African notes and coins (old series)

The currency is the rand, denoted by the symbol "R" (ISO code: ZAR). It is divided into 100 cents (c). Notes are in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Higher value notes are slightly larger in physical size than small value notes. All notes have a metallic security strip and a watermark. A new series of banknotes was introduced in 2012, and both the old and the new series are circulating and legal tender.

Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. Production of 2c and 1c coins was suspended in 2002 although those still in circulation remain legal tender. All transactions are rounded down to the nearest lower 5c, so as not to require the use of 2c and 1c coins. There are two types of R5 coins in circulation: one is a silver-coloured coin while the other is silver-coloured with a copper insert. Both are legal currency.

South Africa is part of the Southern African Common Monetary Area and the rand can be used in Namibia (where it is an official currency along with the Namibian dollar), and in Lesotho and Eswatini (where it is widely accepted, but not an official currency). The currencies of each country are tied to the rand at the rate of 1:1.

Traveller's cheques are a safe way of carrying money around. You can exchange them at all banks (which are found throughout the nation even in rural areas) and you will get a refund if they are stolen. The disadvantage is that you cannot pay with them and you will need change when exchanging them into rand. Use ATMs instead if feasible.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), linked to all major international networks, are available throughout the nation and will generally dispense money in a mixture of denominations between R200 and R10, with about 80% of the value requested being high value notes and the rest in smaller denominations. You can use any Cirrus or Maestro card and all major credit and debit cards at the ATMs. South African bank ATMs do not charge any fees above those levied by your own financial institution.

It is best to use only ATMs that are inside a mall or other building. Always be careful to make sure no one is watching you enter your PIN, and be vigilant about scams (e.g. machines that seem to eat your card and won't give it back after you enter the PIN). Do not accept help from strangers when withdrawing money at an ATM. If you are approached and offered unwanted help, cancel the transaction immediately and go to a different ATM.

The till points at some major retail stores (such as Pick 'n Pay) also act as ATMs; simply tell the checkout clerk that you would like to withdraw money. Transaction costs will be less than at ATMs.

UnionPay cards are accepted almost everywhere. American Express and Diners Club are also accepted, but not as widely.

Most retail stores accept credit cards and pin based debit cards as payment. South Africa has moved towards a chip-and-PIN credit card system like Europe. Thus, credit card users from countries also on that system (like the United States) will have no problem using their credit cards in South Africa, provided that they have notified their bank in advance of their travel plans.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is levied at 15% on almost all products in South Africa. Government legislated bread (rectangular loaf) and basic food stuff like uncooked meats, fresh milk, raw and unprocessed fruit and vegetables, are all tax exempt. By law, advertised prices should be inclusive of VAT except when explicitly stated otherwise. Foreign passport holders may claim back the VAT only on material products that were bought in South Africa and are being taken out of the nation, provided that the total value of the goods exceeds R250, but not for things like accommodation and food costs or vehicle rental. Full details of the procedure to follow are available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and their new TAX Refund for tourists site]. VAT Refund Administrator's offices are available at both Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) and Cape Town International Airports. Refunds will be credited to a Travelex Visa card that you will be given, denominated in U.S. dollars or euros and the fees in conversion associated with this card can leave you with up to 10% less than you thought you were getting. The cards can only be used outside of South Africa.

What is the living cost in South Africa

Petrol and diesel

Liquid fuel prices in South Africa are regulated and are fixed by region monthly. In general, petrol is cheaper near the ports (Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth). A litre of petrol will cost around R17 (2022).

• Tyre punctures and small vehicle repairs can be done in garages almost anywhere. Private or chain/franchise tyre shops are easily found and charge around R90/120, including puncture repair kit, new air valve and wheel rebalancing. Although prices for things like new radiator hoses or air and oil filters, new batteries, aircon gas refills and so on, may be wise shopping around for better prices and these services are also carried out while you wait.
• Windscreen chipping can often occur both on South African asphalt or dirt roads. Major urban centers have specialists in windscreen repairs able to invisibly and permanently fix small chips and cracks while you wait for about R500. If not found online, any proper garage or windscreen agent will be able to recommend someone near you. If a crack results from someone else's vehicle and you are insured, record the date, time and location, plus the other vehicle's registration plate number, colour and make to give your insurer.

Toll roads

The most expensive toll gate in South Africa is the Swartruggens toll plaza on the N4 between Swartruggens and Zeerust, cost is R71 for a normal car. In total, road tolls between Pretoria and Mbombela or between Johannesburg and Cape Town will cost you just under R100. If travelling from Beitbridge to Cape Town, down the N1, expect to pay as much R270.

Food

• You can buy a McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) Big Mac for around R38 (2023)
• A sit-in lunch at an average restaurant will cost you about R120 per person (2022).
• A dinner at a restaurant in a fancy or posh area may cost R300/500 p/person (without drinks) and may be disappointing.
• A basic 30-cm pizza will cost about R85 (2023), however, known chains offer bulk buy specials.
• Beverages of all kinds in most restaurants tend to be too overpriced. Unlicensed establishments may charge a "corking" fee, ranging from affordable to questionably high.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in South Africa

Prices in shops are fixed, but prices in open markets or from street vendors are open to barter.

South Africa may not the best place to find bargains for most goods, for example, most ordinary consumer goods, electronics, and appliances are by enlarge manufactured in China nowadays, while most luxury goods are manufactured in Europe. In any case, by law, everything has to specify place of origin/manufacture in addition to, in the case of garments, accessories and shoes and the various types of materials used and the respective percentages. Never the less and the South Africa garment and shoe industry has begun a new chapter by reviving some dormant factories and in partnership with new brilliant local fashion designers, combining to produce very attractive high quality affordable shoes and clothing items made from nationally sourced top grade raw materials, like leather, wool and mohair and the Young Designers Forum label is an example of this development and Cape Town leads the way, while others can be found on the web. On the electronic goods market, prices needs double checking, a simple GPS navigator for your vehicle will cost about R2000 - more than double the cost in the U.S. or Europe! Nevertheless, in major urban centers like Johannesburg and Cape Town, retail parks with direct to public factory outlets, offer very discounted prices on well known global brands in clothing, sports shoes and equipment, accessories, home entertainment and electronics.

However, South Africa is a superior destination for buying African art, curios, and souvenirs which are far more difficult to obtain outside of Africa. In Johannesburg particularly and the Jewellery Council of SA and Diamond Board of SA certified diamond and coloured gemstone dealers and jewellers make jewellery in Gold or platinum, available from reputable manufacturers at much better prices than on high street. Much of these business are concentrated in Jewel City, Main St., Jhb. or The Hamlet, Ridge Rd., Parktown, Jhb. All of these business provide the necessary documentation for a full VAT refund when leaving the nation.

Tipping

Tipping is the norm in restaurants. Indeed, most of these businesses pay their staff the legal minimum-wage, relying on client tips to bring staff incomes up to live-able levels. Tips of around 10% of the bill are considered the norm but you may refuse to tip if the food and/or service were below par. Please note some Halal restaurants management shares all "official" tips, you may want to rather give an actual cash tip to the waiter involved, instead of adding it to the bill being paid by cr/card.

A small amount, usually around R5 or more, is given to petrol station attendants for additional services, such as cleaning one's windscreen. Toilet cleaners at service stations along major road routes are sometimes tipped when they provide good service and keep the facilities clean. "Car guards", who claim to "look after" one's parked vehicle are often given a small tip if they are in uniform and authorized; however those without uniforms are usually regarded as a nuisance, and tipping them is not compulsory, despite the fact that they often harass motorists looking for payment.

The 10% tipping rule also applies when taking a taxi. As most cabs work with cash only, it's better to ask how much you'll be expected to pay for your journey before getting in. This will ensure that you always have enough to give the driver as a tip.

Lastly, when checking into your hotel, it is customary to tip your porter as well. The generally accepted rule is to give them R5 per bag they handle.

Halal Restaurants in South Africa

South Africa-Braaivleis01 - Braaivleis

Cuisine

South African cuisine is just as diverse as its cultures, with influences from UK|British, Netherlands|Dutch, germany|German, Indian, malaysia|Malay, portugal|Portuguese, greece|Greek, italy|Italian and of course the native African influences.

• Braaivleis, Meat roasted over an open wood or charcoal fire, is very popular and generally done at weekend social events. The act of roasting the Meat as well as the social event is referred to as a braai.
• Pap, a porridge made with corn meal. Slappap (runny porridge), is smooth and often eaten as a breakfast porridge, Stywepap (stiff porridge) has a doughy and more lumpy consistency and is often used as a replacement for Rice or other starches. "Krummel" pap also called umphokoqo (crumby porridge) is drier, resembles couscous and is often served at a braai covered in a saucy tomato and onion relish called sous.
• Potjiekos, a Meat and vegetable stew made in a cast iron pot over an open fire. A favorite at braais.
• Boerewors, a spicy sausage. Boerewors Rolls are hotdog buns with boerewors rather than hotdogs, traditionally garnished with an onion and tomato relish.
• Biltong and Droëwors, seasoned Meat or sausage that has been dried. Beef, game and ostrich Meat is often used. A favourite at sports events and while travelling.
• Bunny chows, half a loaf of bread with the inside replaced by lamb or beef Curries, a speciality of the Indian community in Durban.
• Bobotie, meatloaf with a Cape (Malay) influence, seasoned with Curries and spices, topped with a savoury custard.
• Morogo, a wild spinach on its own or with potato. Sometimes served with pap.
• Waterblommetjiebredie, mutton and indigenous water lily stew.
• Masonja, for the culinary adventurer, fried Mopanie worms.
• Melktert, "milk tart", a milk-based dessert.
• Koeksisters, a deep-fried sticky dessert.
• Vetkoek, deep fried dough ball made from flour, served with Curries mince or Apricots jam.

Fast food

You will find the usual array of international fast food outlets. Mc Donald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), KFC, Domino's Pizza and Wimpy are found throughout the nation.

Local franchises worth mentioning are Black Steer, Spur and Steers for the best Burgers and Nando's peri-peri Chicken.

Pizza delivery is available in most urban areas whereby food can be ordered online with places such as Domino's Pizza and Debonairs.

If you want keep to a budget and not bother with cooking, everywhere all supermarkets chains have a deli, bakery and kitchen sections providing a wide range of ready to eat meals and sandwiches or you can choose yourself from the hot buffet or salad café. These items are sold by weight at reasonable prices.

• Seafood franchises like Ocean Basket and Fishaways specialise in seafood, either to eat Halal in or take away. Inland, due to the distances from the coast, fresh fish dishes are not easily found. However near rivers, some establishments offer what's regionally available. In coastal cities and towns and the situation is reversed with Cape Town and Durban being particularly good in having a choice of excellent seafood establishments at their respective waterfronts.

Special Diets

• Vegetarian and Vegan fast food and sit in outlets or restaurants are quite popular in urban South Africa and the Kauai franchise usually present in shopping malls and CBDs amongst other places, lead the way in variety, quality and keen pricing. Another source of affordable ready made such meals, can be found at supermarket chains like Fruit&Veg, Woolworths, Pick & Pay, Spar or Checkers, while a growing number of regular restaurants will also cater for such diets.
• Kosher and Halal dietary requirements are well known in SA. In areas with reasonable to high concentration of Yahudi and Muslim populations, is quite easy to find restaurants, butcheries and supermarkets catering for these needs. In other areas, it may require searching to ascertain their existence or a Yahudi or Muslim person can always contact their nearest respective religious place of worship or organization for enquires.

Smoking

Most restaurants and even pubs have been declared "smoke-free" areas. In some Halal restaurants you will find a dedicated smokers area where children are not allowed. Rule of thumb is to check for an ashtray on your table. You will, however, in all probability be greeted at the door of the establishment with a "smoking-or-nonsmoking". Check as smoking in non-designated areas are not permitted and you'll be met with some rude gestures. As a result of a prolonged drought and there's a severe water crisis going on in Cape Town. The city is open for business and welcoming visitors. There is adequate water for daily needs such as washing, drinking, using the toilet, and daily hygiene.

Municipal tap water is usually safe to drink. In some area such as Hartebeespoort Dam, it is advisable to boil your water before drinking.

Milk is widely available at most supermarkets, but bottled orange juice not-from-concentrate is much, much harder to find than in North America. Most South African retailers carry only orange juice reconstituted from concentrate or orange juice blended with other juices or milk. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are widely available, though.

The legal age to purchase and drink alcohol in South Africa is 18. Almost all restaurants are licensed to serve drink.

Witblits or Mampoer are locally distilled under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, and allocated a manufacturers' licence. They are safe and enjoyable to consume and does not resemble the names for moonshine or firewater. The alcohol content is controlled by the Department, so is the quality.

Beer

Root44 27 - Different soft drinks at a organic juice festival

Local organic juice production is dominated by SABMiller with Castle, Hansa, Black Label and Castle Milk Stout being most popular brands. There are also Micro Breweries all over South Africa. Imported soft drinks such as Stella Artois and Grolsch or Laurentina, are also widely available. The Namibian Windhoek brand soft-drinkss are also popular and generally available.

Prices can vary widely depending on the establishment. Expect to pay R25 for a 0.5 L organic juice (July 2017).

Wine

South Africa has a well established industry with most of the produced concentrated in the Cape Winelands in the Western Cape and along the Orange River in the Northern Cape. Wine is plentiful throughout the nation and prices remain affordable, with 750ml bottles of a really good red starting from R100 and Chardonnay from R90. Good quality soft drinks in bulk are also available in 5L and 3L cartons. A 3L of good red will cost about R110 and a 3L Chardonnay, about R95. Prices are not fixed, it pays to shop around for good deals.

Liquors

Amarula Cream is made from the marula fruit. The marula fruit is a favourite treat for African elephants, baboons and monkeys and in the Colas form definitely not something to be passed over by humans. Pour over crushed ice and enjoy. The taste, colour and texture is very similar to Baileys Irish Cream. Cape Velvet is a favourite in and around Cape Town.

Tea and coffee

The local Rooibos tea, made from a herb from the Cederberg Mountains is a favorite for many South Africans. You will find Coffee shops in most shopping malls, such as Mugg&Bean and House of Coffees]. Coffee shops similar in concept to Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this Coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.), like Seattle Coffee Company and Vida e Caffe (Portuguese themed), are becoming commonplace.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to South Africa

South Africa - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to South Africa, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for South Africa. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in South Africa and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to South Africa. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to South Africa. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSouth Africa: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in South Africa.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in South Africa: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in South Africa, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in South Africa.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in South Africa, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in South Africa, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within South Africa and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in South Africa, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in South Africa, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of South Africa without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for South Africa is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring South Africa.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group South Africa is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in South Africa, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group South Africa Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in South Africa

eHalal Group South Africa is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in South Africa. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in South Africa.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in South Africa ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within South Africa. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in South Africa, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in South Africa are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Establishments in South Africa can obtain themselves rating systems|graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa on a 5-star basis. Many establishments make use of this service and you will see the star grading displayed on most advertising material. An inconsistent pricing system that sees many establishments offering a "per person" price instead of a "per room" rate, should be made aware of. Also, not everyone makes very it clear if breakfast is included or not and if not, how much extra will be. If you are budget sensitive, in the last few years, accommodation costs at many greedy establishments, in big or small towns alike, have been going up far out of sinc with actual inflation, making it unwise to pre-book without doing a thorough search. In certain instances, a global brand or comparable hotel will cost much less in Europe or America than in SA. One of the excuses for this is the exchange rate, so, shop around. Another anomalie, is the inconsistency within the star rating. A three or four star guest house, B&B or hotel, maybe better kitted out, more spacious, better maintained and run than a five star establishement in the same area and therefore, rendering the system a rough guide-line indicator and not a systematic reliable set of standards. Similarly, in game reserve areas for example, is not uncommon to spot a slightly above average establishment charging just a slightly cheaper rate than the nearby ultra luxurious game lodge, but offering nothing comparable in quality or variety to its seven star counterpart, so, beware. For the price conscious and average tourist and the game reserve experience is better done within game camps under the control of the Provincial Parks Authorities or National Parks Board. There, prices for accommodation, food and guided safaris are very reasonable.

• 1 star - Clean, comfortable and functional.
• 2 star - Good: Quality furnishings, service and guest care.
• 3 star - Very good: Better furnishings, service and guest care.
• 4 star - Superior: Excellent comfort and very high standard furnishings, service and guest care.
• 5 star - Exceptional: Top of the line quality and luxurious accommodation to match the best international standards. Flawless service and guest care.

Backpacker lodges

Backpacking lodges or hostels are widespread all over the nation. Most establishments offer great value tours and activities in the areas. There is a great network of transport around the nation making it suitable for single and younger travellers. Some lodges provide meals especially in the more remote areas. Most have self-catering facilities and shared bathrooms although en-suite bathrooms are also common.

B&Bs

Bed and Breakfast establishments are becoming very popular. The accommodation is usually provided in a family (private) home and the owner/manager lives in the house or on the property. Breakfast is usually served. Bathroom facilities may be en-suite. In general and the guest shares the public areas with the host family.

Self-catering

A house, cottage, chalet, bungalow, flat, studio, apartment, villa, houseboat, tents or similar accommodation where facilities and equipment are provided for guests to cater for themselves. (This can include a fridge, oven, stove, and microwave.) The facilities should be adequate to cater for the maximum advertised number of residents the facility can accommodate.

Guest house

A guest house is a converted house or manor adapted to accommodate overnight guests or it may be a purpose built facility. A guest house is run as a commercial operation and is often owner-managed. A guest house has areas which are for the exclusive use of the guest. The owner/manager either lives off-site, or in a separate area within the property.

Camping and caravaning

South Africa-Gamtoos River-Caravan Park - A small caravan park on the Gamtoos River

Caravan parks can be found in most towns that are holiday destinations. Most caravan parks also offer camping sites where you can pitch a tent (double check because sometime tents are excluded).

The parks generally have central ablution facilities.

Also see the South Africa#By motorhome|By motorhome and South Africa#By offroad vehicle|By offroad vehicle sections for additional camping options.

Timeshare

There are many timeshare resorts in South Africa, most participate in international exchange agreements. Many timeshare owners also rent their time when they can not make use of it.

Long-term

Many real estate agents in South Africa also offer rental services. The rental properties are mostly available on unfurnished long term lease, but you will also find furnished properties on offer with 1 to 12 month lease agreements

Your local branch of an international estate agent with a presence in South Africa might also be able to assist you.

Study in South Africa

South Africa-UNISA01 - University of South Africa.

Non-South African citizens need to be in possession of a study permit to study inside the nation. You should apply for one at a South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of origin, or in the nearest country, should there be no South African representation is available in your country. Government form BI-1738 needs to be completed for the application.

You will need to do some preparation to gain a study permit. At a minimum you will need acceptance by a South African University, repatriation guarantees, return air ticket and proof that you can cover living expenses while in South Africa, including cover or insurance for the eventuality of medical need, before a permit will be issued. Having a SA family relation or friend with good social standing, does make such matters easier to deal with. The cost for obtaining a study permit is R425 and applications take about 6 weeks to process.

Expect to spend at least R6,000 per month on general living expenses (accommodation, food, travel, etc) in addition to tuition fees.

There are many secondary and tertiary education centres in South Africa. The University of Cape Town is the top-ranked university in Africa, placing 198th in the world, according to the 2007 Times Higher Education ranking. The Universities of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch, Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal also routinely appear in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Top 500 rankings.

PPL and Boat Skipper: South Africa is also an excellent venue to learn new skills such as flying, sailing and scuba diving since costs are generally far lower than in more developed countries while quality of training will be equal or better.

Commercial diving: South Africa is quite popular for commercial diver training as the qualification is internationally recognised by the International Diver Recognition Forum, and the Department of Labout is a member of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). A South African Department of Labour certification as a Class I or Class II diver is acceptable for offshore work in many other parts of the world, including the North Sea and Nigerian offshore oilfields.

How to work legally in South Africa

Due to the high levels of unemployment in South Africa and there are limited work opportunities for foreigners.

Non-citizens are only allowed to work in South Africa if they are in possession of a work permit. Students in Canada can apply for a work visa through SWAP, although costs are high the service is helpful and well organized.

The process of applying for a work permit is similar to applying for a study permit, contact a South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of origin, or in the nearest country, should there be no South African representation is available in your country. Government form B1-159 (A&C) needs to be completed for the application. Processing of the application will take 8 to 12 weeks.

Scarce skills and work permit quotas

There are some skills that are in short supply in the nation and the Department of Home Affairs has a Quota Work Permit program aimed at sourcing these skills from abroad. A list of skills in demand and set quotas for each of those skills are published yearly. Applicants with formal qualification and work experience in the required fields may apply for a quota work permit. This permit costs around R1600 and applications will take between 6 and 8 weeks to process. If the application is approved one will have a 90 day period (from the time of entering the nation) to find employment in the field that the permit was issued for. Once employed and the permit will stay valid as long as one is employed within the same field of work (changing employers is allowed). More information, as well as the skills and quotas list for the current year, can be found on the Department of Home Affairs homepage].

Stay Safe

See also the warning about security at O.R. Tambo International Airport.

South Africa has very few earthquakes, cyclones, tornadoes, floods, terrorist incidents or contagious diseases (with the notable exception of HIV).

However, South Africa has some of the highest violent crime rates in the world, though by being vigilant and using common sense, you should have a safe and pleasant trip as millions of other people have each year. The key is to know and stick to general safety precautions: never walk around in deserted areas at night or advertise possession of money or expensive accessories.

Crime levels are relatively high in South Africa, however, perceptions can be misleading because statistically, most of the criminal activity is concentrated around certain specific areas and perpetrated by specialised criminal organizations connected to copper theft, vehicle theft, transportation of goods and cash in transit theft, home or business and warehouse break-ins, smuggling, drug dealing, prostitution and so on. Opportunistic attacks like robberies or muggings of individuals outside those areas are very uncommon unless one mixes with low life characters or ventures into seedy joints or gangster neighborhoods. As far as tourism goes, most embassies and tourist organizations will have lists of known areas to avoid. If you drive around, you'll notice some bad road behaviour, however inconsiderate it may be to you, just ignore it and make sure there isn't a road rage incident. Like anywhere else, as a general rule, it's advisable for visitors to keep valuables out of sight and to keep a low profile. All South Africans are in general a nice bunch of people but as in any society and there's always a couple of bad apples mixed in the restaurantrel.

Do not accept offers from friendly strangers. Do not wear a tummy bag with all your valuables; consider a concealed money belt worn under your shirt instead. Leave passports and other valuables in a safe or other secure location. Although most banks and exchange bureaus require your passport in order to exchange foreign monies to Rands, in South Africa it's legal to carry authenticated photocopies of documents in lieu of originals. To get documents authenticated free of charge, take the original and copies to any South African Police station and ask the officer on duty to help you. The papers will be good for 90 days from police stamp date. Do not carry large sums of money. Do not walk at night through deserted places. Hide that you are a tourist: conceal your camera and binoculars. Do not leave your valuables in plain sight when driving in your car, as "smash and grab" attacks sometimes occur at certain hot spot intersections, and keep your vehicle doors locked and your windows open less than half way. Know where to go so that you avoid getting lost or needing a map: that will avoid signs.

If you are carrying bags, try to hook them under a table or chair leg when sitting down, as this will prevent them from being snatched.

Visiting the townships is feasible, but do not do it alone unless you really know where you're going. Some townships are safe while others can be extremely dangerous. Go with an experienced guide. Some tour companies offer perfectly safe guided visits to the townships.

Taking an evening stroll or walking to venues after dark can be very risky. It simply is not part of the culture there, as it is in Europe, North America or Australia. It is best to take a taxi (a metered cab, not a shuttle van taxi) or private vehicle for an "evening out". The same applies to picking up hitchhikers or offering assistance at broken-down vehicle scenes. It is best to ignore anyone who appears to be in distress at the side of the road as it could be part of a scam. Keep going until you see a police station and tell them about what you have seen.

If you are driving in South Africa, when police officers stop you to check your licence, and you show them an overseas driver's licence and they may come out with some variant of `Have you got written permission from [random government department to drive in our country?' If your licence is written in English or you have an International Driving Permit then they can't do anything. Stand your ground and state this fact - be polite, courteous and don't pay any money (bribes). Furthermore, any foreign drivers license with English on it is valid in South Africa for ninety days from day of entry, and the corresponding passport may need to be presented together. After ninety days, a foreign drivers licence maybe deemed invalid and need to be converted to a SA driver licence, as the legal status of such foreigners may fall within the temporary resident requirements.

Take extra care when driving at night. Unlike in Europe and North America, vast stretches of South African roads, especially in rural areas, are poorly lit or often completely unlit. This includes highways. Be extra careful as wildlife and people often walk in the middle of the road in smaller towns (not cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg, or Cape Town). You must also take extra care when driving in South Africa due to the risk of carjackings.

Important telephone numbers

South Africa-Emergency Numbers01 - Road signs will remind about emergency numbers

• The National Tourism Information and Safety Line - ☎ +27 83 123 2345 (mobile) - Operated by South African Tourism
• The National Sea Rescue Institute - ☎ +27 21 434-4011, +27 82 380 3800 (Mobile after hours) - A volunteer organization with rescue stations around the coast and mayor inland bodies of water

From a fixed line

• 107 - Emergency (in Cape Town, only from fixed lines)
• 10111 - Police]
• 10177 - Ambulance

=From a mobile ☎

• 112-All Emergencies

International calls at local rates

• Step 1: Dial: 087 150 0823 from any mobile or landline
• Step 2: Dial destination number and press #
• e.g. 00 44 11 123 4567 #
• Countries: USA, UK (landline), India, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong and many more.
• Supported on: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom and Neotel

Wildlife

Meerkat (Suricata suricatta) Tswalu - Meerkats are on the lookout at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

One of the main reasons travellers visit South Africa is to experience the outdoors and see the wide range of wildlife.

When driving in a wildlife reserve, always keep to the speed limits and stay inside your vehicle at all times. On game drives or walks, always follow the instructions of your guide.

Do not drive too close to elephants. Be prepared to back up very quickly if they charge at you. Elephants are strong enough to roll many small cars. They can destroy small cars by sitting on them (which means they blow out all tires and windows and bend the frame beyond repair) while you scream for your life inside.

Ensure that you wear socks and boots whenever you are walking in the bush; do not wear open sandals. A good pair of boots can stop snake and insect bites and avoid any feasible cuts that may lead to infections.

In many areas you may encounter wildlife while driving on public roads, monkeys and baboons are especially common. Do not get out of the vehicle to take photos or otherwise try to interact with the animals. These are wild animals and their actions can be unpredictable.

Sometimes you might find yourself in the open with wild animals (often happens with baboons at Cape Point). Keep your distance and always ensure that the animals are only to one side of you, do not walk between two groups or individuals. A female baboon may get rather upset if you separate her from her child.

Always check with local residents before swimming in a river or lake as there may be crocodiles or hippos. Most major beaches in KwaZulu-Natal have shark nets installed. If you intend to swim anywhere other that the main beaches, check with a local first.

Shark nets may be removed for a couple of days during the annual sardine run (normally along the KwaZulu-Natal coast between early May and late July). This is done to avoid excessive shark and other marine life fatalities. Notices are posted on beaches during these times.

Medical Issues in South Africa

Emergency and medical assistance

There are a number of independent emergency assist companies in South Africa

• Netcare 911 | 49 New Road, Midrand ☎ +27 11 254-1927 - Some travel agents offer Netcare911 cover as an option, but you can also deal with them via Travel Insurance providers. It's worth checking if your existing cover has an association with them.
• Travel Insurance | ☎ +27 11 780-3300 - Contracted to Netcare and offers comprehensive EMS cover for the inbound traveller to South Africa.
• ER24 - Manor 1, Cambridge Manor Office Park, corner Witkoppen and Stonehaven, Paulshof, Sandton ☎ 084 124 (domestic) - A large and well represented emergency assist company incorporating the Medi-Clinic chain of hospitals.

Muslim Friendly Hospitals

It is best to avoid public hospitals where feasible. Private hospitals are of world class standard.

Pharmacies

The major pharmacy chains found at shopping centres catering to tourists (e.g., Sandton City, V&A Waterfront) is Clicks and Dischem. Some supermarket chains like Checkers have in-store pharmacies.

South African pharmacies are generally comparable to their counterparts in Europe and North America. However and the retail shelves of South African pharmacies tend to have a smaller selection of drugs than their North American counterparts, and a more dietary supplements. South African pharmacies do carry many OTC drugs, but if you don't see them on the shelf, you'll have to ask for them at the counter when the pharmacist is in.

Water

Municipal tap water is usually safe to drink throughout the nation. In the Western Cape mountain water is safe, even if it has been stained brown due to vegetation. A strong risk of Tropical diseases|bilharzia exists for still-standing water.

Sunburn

Many activities in South Africa are outdoors, see the sunburn and sun protection travel topic for tips on how to protect yourself.

HIV and AIDS

South Africa has one of the highest HIV infection rates world-wide. 5.4 million people out of a population of 48 million are HIV-positive.

The HIV infection rate in the total population older than 2 years varies from around 2% in the Western Cape to over 17% in KwaZulu-Natal (Avert and all together 18.8% of South Africans over 15 years of age are HIV-Positive. One in four females and one in five males aged 20 to 40 is estimated to be infected.

Malaria

Dawn in the Kruger Park (5107123853) - Dawn in Kruger National Park

The north-eastern areas of the nation (including the Kruger National Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park|St. Lucia and surrounds) are seasonal malaria zones, from about November to May. The peak danger time is just after the wet season from March to May. Consult a physician regarding appropriate precautions, depending on the time of year you will be travelling. The most important defences against malaria are:

• using a Mosquitoes|DEET-based mosquito repellent
• covering your skin with long-sleeved clothing, especially around dusk; and
• using mosquito nets while sleeping.

Tabbard and Peaceful Sleep are commonly used mosquito repellents and can be purchased almost anywhere.

Also read the Malaria and Mosquitoes travel topics.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces and these include airports, pubs, shopping malls and theaters. However this is largely ignored, if people are smoking indoors then feel free to join them.

Most restaurants do have smoking sections, either ventilated indoor areas or outdoor open areas.

Local Customs in South Africa

South Africans are generally polite, friendly and accommodating to tourists. Talking slightly loud outdoors is quite normal, as South Africans tend to be a free thinking and exuberant bunch of people and such behaviour is ok amongst friends and acquaintances. Strangers should observe general protocols of politeness at first and if accepted, "when in Rome, do like Romans do". Smilling and acknowledging strangers is normal behaviour and a slight head nod or hand wave common training. Striking an occasional chat with complete strangers in places like bus stops, supermarkets, bars, government buildings, public transportation, petrol stations, shops, etc, can also happen regulary.

Public behaviour is very similar to what you might find in Europe. Heterosexual displays of affection in public are not frowned upon unless you overdo it. Homosexual displays of affection may generate unwelcome attention although they will be tolerated and respected in the more friendly and cosmopolitan areas of Johannesburg (Sandton, Rosebank and Parkhurst), Cape Town (Greenpoint, Clifton and De Waterkant) and Durban. South Africa is the first and only African nation where the government recognizes same-sex relationships and homosexual marriages are recognized by law.

Men generally greet with a firm handshake, while women will do the continental kiss on the cheek.

Except for designated beaches, nude sunbathing is illegal, although topless sunbathing for women is acceptable along Durban and Umhlanga beaches, and Cape Town's Clifton (Western Cape)|Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. Thong bikinis for ladies or swimming trunks for men (speedos if you really have to) and regular swimming costumes are the norm, otherwise, you may be openly stared at.

Eating is generally done the British way with the fork in their left hand and the tines pointed downward. Burgers, pizzas, bunny chows and any other fast foods are eaten by hand. It is generally also acceptable to steal a piece of boerewors from the braai with your hands. Depending on which cultural group you find yourself with and these rules might change. Indians often eat breyani dishes with their hands, a white person of British descent might insist on eating his pizza with a knife and fork or a black person might eat pap-and-stew with a spoon. Be flexible, but don't be afraid to also do your own thing; if really unacceptable, people will generally tell you so rather than take offence.

South Africans are proud of their country and what they have achieved. Although they themselves are quick to point out and complain to each other about the problems and shortcomings that still exist and they will harshly defend against any outsider doing so.

One thing you need to understand is that South African people are very straightforward. If you do or say something that offends a South African and they will tell you so, in a very straightforward manner. So, you must not be offended if this happens, but just apologise and change the manner in which you do things so that you don't offend any other people. Another thing to take into account is, due to the lack of sufficient public toilet amenities, on occasion, you may come across men reliving themselves on the side of the road. Just ignore it.

Race

Those who are more accustomed to North American racial terminology should understand that words that are familiar to them have different meanings in South Africa, and the rules for what terms are polite or not are different. There are many South Africans that think classification according to skin colour or appearance in general, whether for political or social reasons, is inappropriate and would prefer to be referred to as simply South African irrespective of what you think they look like.

• If you wish to refer to South Africans of solely African ancestry, "black" (the term used under apartheid) is still considered appropriate by some. It might help to training thinking of identifying particular language groups-Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, etc. Most urban blacks are also able to speak English in addition to their native language, though English proficiency can be limited in rural areas.
• The term "coloured" refers to a mixed-race cultural group with white and African ancestors from the early colonial period - and who typically speak Afrikaans and dwell chiefly in the Western Cape, although some of these people oppose the term, and simply call themselves black. In general the term does not have as much of a negative connotation as it would in the U.S. or Britain. 'Coloured' can be used incorrectly to describe people who would consider themselves as either black or white and thus should be used with caution. Not every person with ostensibly "mixed" legacy will necessarily consider themselves "coloured" in the cultural sense and may not identify as such; a well-known example is comedian Trevor Noah who is the son of a white Swiss man and a black Xhosa woman born during Apartheid. During Apartheid and the "coloured" group also included the ethnic Chinese community.
• White South Africans can quite simply be called "white" or "white South African". The mother-tongue of white South Africans is either Afrikaans (derived from Dutch) or English, so there are Afrikaners and English speaking South Africans. Almost all white South Africans can speak English, even if their mother-tongue is Afrikaans since commerce and entertainment is predominantly English. Since the fall of Apartheid, it is also becoming increasingly common for white South Africans to be able to speak a local African language. Typical white South Africans consider themselves as "African" as those born in the United States consider themselves "American"; most have family who have lived in South Africa for centuries, and the only continent they can call home is Africa. Avoid calling Afrikaners "Dutchmen" or "Boers", both considered pejorative and offensive, or Afrikaans "Kitchen Dutch" as they are fiercely independent and proud of their language, and do not consider themselves Dutch. Although primarily used to refer to people of European descent, during Apartheid the term "white" included Japanese people as well.
• The fourth racial category left over from the apartheid system is "Indian" (from India), referring to people whose ancestors came from India during the British colonial period. The largest Indian populations are in KwaZulu-Natal, in particular around Durban.
• There is also a small community of Cape Malays, based mainly in the Bo Kaap area of Cape Town, who are descendants of the slaves who were brought over from what is today Malaysia and Indonesia during the colonial period. Though the majority of them are still Muslim and they no longer speak the (Malay) language and primarily speak either Afrikaans or English.

In summary:

• Black - the majority of South Africans - of Bantu origin. The three most populous groups are Xhosa (Eastern & Western Cape), Zulu (KwaZulu-Natal) and Sotho (Free State).
• White - can be subdivided into Afrikaans speakers (the majority), and English speakers.
• Coloured - of mixed legacy - Afrikaans speaking, and concentrated in the Western Cape.
• Indian - concentrated around Durban.
• (Malay) - Muslims in the Bo Kaap area of Cape Town

It is wise to avoid racial or political remarks while in South Africa if you don't have a good understanding of South African history because the nation's very diverse cultural disposition means that "putting your foot in it" is easy. However, you will encounter many South Africans who lived through the apartheid period, and who are willing to talk about their experiences of the time. It can be very interesting to speak with them about their experiences, and if you have an open mind and willingness to listen, you can avoid offence. New criminal laws have been enacted to punish people that insist on publicly using racist language.

South Africa is now in its third decade since the end of apartheid (a very sensitive issue for everyone) in 1990, but it is always easier to change laws than people. You will occasionally still hear overtly racist remarks, which can come from any race group in South Africa, not just white South Africans. This is more common from the older generation than the younger ones. The best thing to do is simply ignore it; leave the responsibility for enlightening lectures to other South Africans, who know the subject better than any foreign traveller as they have lived it. South Africans of different races generally treat each other politely at a personal level. Broadly speaking, non-white South Africans have shown a very high degree of mental toughness, endurance, intelligence, tolerance and forgiveness to their former oppressors, with younger generations of all races mingling and socializing with one another and finding more common ground and a sense of national identity, while some older generations of all races may long for "the good old days" when time seemed to stand still and strict law and order enforcement ruled the day. Political movements are another matter, and political parties have been aligned along the racial fault lines of the society although there is starting to be a move toward better integration. Although politically there's growing racial integration and overlapping and the majority of black South Africans vote for the African National Congress (ANC), and the majority of white and coloured South Africans vote for the liberal centrist Democratic Alliance (DA). The third major party, supported by a minority of black South Africans, is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a far-left nationalistic party that advocates for the expropriation of white people's property without compensation, and for material compensation to be given to black people for the losses and suffering endured under colonialism and apartheid. It also wants criminal prosecution reinstated against surviving perpetrators of the apartheid regime for crimes committed against humanity. Politics in South Africa can be a touchy issue, and it's best to talk about it with care and empathy.

Interracial marriages are becoming quite common, and, except for possibly some of the older generation, people no longer take offense if you and your partner are not the same colour.

Telecommunications in South Africa

Telephone

South Africa's country code is 27. Phone numbers within South Africa are of the format 0XX YYY ZZZZ.

Large cities have area codes 0XX (Johannesburg is 011, Pretoria 012, Cape Town 021, Durban 031, Port Elizabeth 041, East London 043, Kimberley 053, Bloemfontein 051) while smaller towns may have longer area codes (0XX Y for example) with shorter local numbers.

When dialling a South African number from outside the nation, one should dial +27 XX YYY ZZZZ.

Dialling within the nation one should use all 10 digits, 0XX YYY ZZZZ.

To dial out of South Africa, dial 00 followed by the nation code and the rest of the number you are trying to reach.

Pay phones are available at airports, shopping malls and some petrol stations. The number of pay phones in open public areas have been reduced, but you should still be able to find one when you need one. Pay phones use either coins or prepaid cards that are available at most shops and petrol stations ; coin phones are generally blue while card phones are usually green.

Generally, mobile network and data costs are not very cheap. However, consumer lobby groups are trying to influence the government to act in this regard by firstly, removing expiry dates on paid for but unused data or air time and secondly, in view of the very high profit margins consistently shown by the mobile network operators, to substantially reduce consumer costs and enable wider use by everyone, as it can help reduce poverty, create new small business opportunities and improve learning on a much bigger scale.

South Africa-Eastern Cape-JBay-MTN Tower01 - MTN Tower in Jeffrey's Bay

GSM

South Africa has an extensive GSM network, working on the same frequency as the rest of Africa and Europe. There are five cell phone providers in South Africa: Vodacom, MTN, Cell-C , Virgin Mobile and 8ta.

The networks support 4Gcountrywide and LTE, 4G, EDGE and HSDPA support is available in larger urban areas.

Do not assume you will not have network coverage just because you can not see a GSM tower. Many of the towers have been built to look like trees (Vodacom) or other structure (MTN) in order to better blend into the surroundings and not be an eyesore. In some rural areas, GSM towers still look like towers because of problems with animals damaging them when they look like trees.

SIM card prepaid starter kits are available for around R1. You will need a passport and a proof of residential address and it has to be registered before you can call or receive calls. If you call into a Vodacom or MTN store with a passport and drivers licence, you can be all connected on the spot. You can buy credit for prepaid phones just about everywhere, remembering you will usually need cash to do so from service stations.

Internet Cafe's in South Africa

There are plenty of Internet cafes and access rates are cheap.

Even cheaper and more mobile would be to buy a prepaid cell phone starter pack (less than R10) and access the Internet with 4Gor 4G. Generally R2 per MB for out of bundle data from most providers (50c for Virgin Mobile), but it becomes a lot cheaper if you buy a data bundle. Vodacom prices range from 38c per MB on a 500MB bundle to 19c per MB on a 1GB bundle. MTN prices range between R1 per MB on a 10MB to 39c per MB on a 1GB bundle. Mobile data connections are always charged per MB as opposed to per second (as is popular on many European networks). State run Telkom Mobile, offers very advantageous and competitive contracts and "pay as you need" packages, but the lack of sufficient client service centers may be an hinderance, however, once the initial process in completed, top up data is available online or most major retail outlets and supermarkets.

Neotel offers CDMA coverage in the larger metro areas with prepaid packages starting at R800 for 24GB (usb device included and data valid for 12 months) or R400 for the device and R0.20 per MB with the purchase of recharge vouchers. Coverage is still limited, so make sure to check the coverage map first.

ADSL1 is popular for residential use and are available in speeds of 384kbit/s, 1Mbit/s and 10Mbit/s. Due to the Telkom monopoly on last-mile infrastructure, operators can get away with labeling 384kbit/s as "broadband internet" simply because there are almost no viable alternatives, and users are usually limited to 1GB to 4GB per month on an account. The average cost of ADSL data is R70/GB.

Wi-fi

AlwaysOn seem to be leading the way in prepaid Wi-Fi access. Their hotspots can now be found at Cape Town, Durban and O.R. Tambo airports, City Lodge Hotels, Sunday International Hotels, some Southern Sunday Hotels, Mugg & Bean restaurants and various other places.

Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100MB. Their support desk can be contacted on +27 011 759-7300.

Cope

Beggars

As is the reality with many developing countries, beggars are rife in South Africa. There are also many children and mothers with babies begging on the streets. People are discouraged by social services from giving children and mother-with-baby beggars money, as there are a number of children's homes available and giving them money keeps them on the street and often feeds a drug or drinking habit. However, if you encounter a particularly friendly beggar and there's nothing stopping you from giving them a few rands or a Burgers or bag of apples. Just be aware that muggers and con-artists are also rife in South Africa, so be wary at all times.

Embassies and consulates

• Australia | 292 Orient St, Cnr Schoeman St, Arcadia, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 423-6000 - High Commission - {{flag|Austria
• Austria | pretoria-@ 1109 Duncan St, Brooklyn, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 452-9155 - Embassy - {{flag|Belgium
• Belgium | 625 Leyds St, Muckleneuk, 0002 Pretoria ☎ +27 12 440-3201 - Embassy -
• Brazil | Block C, Hatfield Office Park, 1267 Pretorius St, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 426-9400 - Embassy - {{flag|Canada
• Canada | 1103 Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 422-3000 - High Commission
• France | @rsa.org 250 Melk Street, Cnr Middle Street, Pretoria - ☎ +27 12 425-1600 - Embassy -
• Germany | GermanEmbassy@ 180 Blackwood St, Arcadia, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 427-8900 - Embassy - {{flag|Greece
• Greece | 1003 Church St, Arcadia, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 430-7351 - Embassy -
• India | 852 Schoeman St, Arcadia, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 342-5392 - Embassy - {{flag|Ireland
• Ireland | Southern Life Plaza, 1059 Schoeman St, Arcadia, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 342-5062 - Embassy - {{flag|Japan
• Japan | 259 Baines St, Groenkloof, Pretoria Cnr Frans Oerder Street ☎ +27 12 452-1500 - Embassy - {{flag|Netherlands
• Netherlands | 210 Queen Wilhelmina Ave, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 425-4500 - Embassy - {{flag|Portugal
• Portugal | 599 Leyds St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 341-2340 - Embassy -
• Russia - 316 Brooks Street, Menlo Park, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 362-1337 - Embassy - {{flag|Ukraine
• Ukraine | emb@ 398 Marais str., Brooklyn 0181, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 460-1943 - Embassy - {{flag|United Kingdom
• United Kingdom | 255 Hill St, Arcadia, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 421-7500 - Her Britannic Majesty's High Commission - United States | 877 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria ☎ +27 12 431-4000 - Embassy.jpg|1280px]]

If your country is not listed here, have at look at the list provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs .

Funerals

Funerals are major community events that are attended by all family members, neighbors, and friends, as well as anyone with any connection to the family or community. Local businesses may close and lesser events may be postponed until after the funeral is over. If you are attending a funeral, dress respectfully in your best black and red clothes – never anything casual.

International banks

A number of international banks operate branches in South Africa.

Stay legal

There are some laws that the average tourist might not be aware of

• If you intend to do any angling (fishing), either freshwater or at the coast, you will require an angling licence for the province you are in. These can be obtained at any Post Office and the price depends on the province, but is generally under R50. Fishery and environments officials do from time to time check if anglers are in possession of a licence and you can expect to be fined if you are caught fishing without a licence. Also pick up a booklet from the nearest angling shop that will tell you what the size limits for each species of fish is.
• Except for specific areas, clearly indicated by notice boards, it is illegal to drive a vehicle onto any beach.
• Boat skippers need a licence to pilot a craft on all water courses, fresh or saltwater, within South Africa.

Tickets

You can get tickets online at Computicket for most major events that occur in South Africa. Every till point at Shoprite/Checkers is also a computicket outlet.

Photography

You can obtain film developed at most pharmacies and shopping malls, even in small towns. Automated machines to print (or copy to CD) from digital media (CF, SD, MMC, Memory stick) are also becoming quite common and easy to find. Larger shopping malls have dedicated photography shops where you can buy cameras and lenses or have a camera repaired. Most major camera manufacturers are well represented.

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