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South Africa at a Glance
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Climate in South Africa
South Africa Highlights
Cape Town information
Cape Town Airport
Security in South Africa
South Africa - the rainbow nation
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South Africa's flag, introduced in 1994, marked the first free democratic elections. The principal colours of former flags and of four major political parties - the African National Congress (ANC), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the National Party (NP), and the Pan African Congress (PAC) - inspired this flag. The two green stripes that flow into one, symbolize the reconciliation and the convergence of South Africa's past and its future. The flag's principal theme of convergence reflects the motto "Unity in Diversity" found on the national coat of arms. |
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Capital |
Pretoria
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Population |
approximately 43 million: • 33.2 million black African • (Zulu 9.9 million Xhosa 7.3 million) • 4.5 million white • 3.8 million coloured • 1.1 million Indian or Asian descent • 400 000 other |
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Time |
GMT/UCT + 2
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Area |
1,221,037 sq km
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Telephone |
International dialling code: 27
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Per Capita GDP |
approximately ZAR 79, 800
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Currency |
Rand (R or ZAR)
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Languages |
11 official being Zulu, Xhosa, English, Afrikaans,
Pedi, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebeele Regions
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Flora |
There are more than 22 000 species of flora, accounting
for 10% of the world's total flora. The Cape Floral Kingdom, mostly
situated in the Western Cape, is one of the most prized of them
all. The characteristic Fynbos, part of
the Cape Floral Kingdom, refers to the small, fine leaves of a group
of plants which have adapted spectacularly to their sometimes harsh
environment. Fynbos represents the smallest but richest of the world's
six floral kingdoms. It boasts more species than the British Isles
and many of them are endemic to the region of the Cape. Ericas,
Proteas and Restios are characteristic species of the Fynbos offering
spectacular flowers and scenes of interaction with animal, bird
and insect life. Fynbos is gaining increasing international attention
for several reasons. It is of medicinal importance to local people
and even used in cultural rites in some local
communities. Furthermore it plays an important role in deterring
soil erosion. It encompasses the world renowned Rooibos tea amongst
other teas and is an almost forgotten plant food source which is
slowly returning to the Cape tables.
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Useful Information
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VACCINATIONS & MEDICAL
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Western Cape |
No vaccinations necessary
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North & north- east |
Malaria Precautions |
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Kwazulu Natal |
Malaria Precautions
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TAX REFUNDS
Quick and Easy with Tax Refund Service at Cape Town Tourism Offices in City Centre and V & A Waterfront (up to one week before departure). See www.cape-town.org for details.
Security in South Africa
Due to a fairly high crime rate in South Africa safety has become a major issue not only in the travel industry. However, the drastically exaggerated and sensationalized security situation in South Africa is not as bad as it's made out to be. As with any destination of the world, South Africa has a set of vital rules by which to abide to ensure a trouble-free, safe vacation:
• Driving in South Africa demands all your attention (especially with visitors not accustomed to the left-hand side driving system) as roads are busy and rules not always respected
• Lock cars at all times (even when driving), avoid parking in remote areas and do not leave any inviting items in view
• Be aware of affairs such as wallets, cameras and valuable items avoid flashing them around unnecessarily.
• Be cautious and ensure that you have total privacy when drawing money from ATM machines.
• We advise clients to carry a mobile phone with them in case of emergencies (many car hire companies rent phones to clients, alternatively buy a local phone card for your own personal mobile phone)
• We strongly recommend taking out an additional travel insurance package for any planned travel. Most travel agents and insurance brokers offer this service.
