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Andulela's Tours
Responsible Tourism
Authentic experiences
Andulela Team
Press reviews
Terms & Conditions
South Africa at a Glance
South Africa info's
Climate in South Africa
South Africa Highlights
Cape Town information
Cape Town Airport
Security in South Africa
Cape Jazz Guide
Cape Town Soccer Guide
Recommended Links
Downloads
South Africa articles
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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. |
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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. |
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).
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.
