Know Before You Go: South Africa

ClimateAs South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are the reverse of North America.South Africa's climatic conditions generally range from Mediterranean in the southwesterncorner to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. Most of thecountry has warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer(November through March), although in the southwest, around Cape Town, rainfall occurs inwinter (June to August). Temperatures are influenced by variations in elevation, terrain, andocean currents more than latitude.

Clothing

Know Before You Go: South Africa

ClimateAs South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are the reverse of North America.South Africa's climatic conditions generally range from Mediterranean in the southwesterncorner to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. Most of thecountry has warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer(November through March), although in the southwest, around Cape Town, rainfall occurs inwinter (June to August). Temperatures are influenced by variations in elevation, terrain, andocean currents more than latitude.

Clothing

Know Before You Go: South Africa

ClimateAs South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are the reverse of North America.South Africa's climatic conditions generally range from Mediterranean in the southwesterncorner to temperate in the interior plateau, and subtropical in the northeast. Most of thecountry has warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer(November through March), although in the southwest, around Cape Town, rainfall occurs inwinter (June to August). Temperatures are influenced by variations in elevation, terrain, andocean currents more than latitude.

Clothing

When travelling to South Africa you will want to pack comfortable clothing. Mornings andevenings may be slightly cooler, so a sweater or medium-weight jacket may be required. Werecommend packing lightly and for most part casual and comfortable clothing. Generally,pants, short sleeves, sweaters, shorts and polo type shirts are appropriate for men. Womenwill want to bring along slacks, shorts, short sleeve shirts and blouses. Sun hats, sun-glasses andsun screen / sun block are a must! Comfortable shoes throughout are highly recommended.Please note that irons are not supplied in any hotels in Southern Africa.

Safari DressDress code is safari casual but a sweater and outdoor jacket may be required, during morningand evening game drives, when it can become cooler. Light-weight cool clothing isrecommended for during the day. Neutral colors or khaki are suitable for the bush - brightcolors and whites should be avoided on safari.Please remember your cameras, spare film/memory cards, chargers, batteries and binoculars.

TelephoneWhen dialing outside of South Africa omit the “0” at the beginning of an area code. Whendialing in South Africa you need to include the area code before the number, even if callinglocally.In South Africa public phones are either coin or card operated. You can buy telephone cards atairports, post offices and shopping malls.

Time DifferencesThroughout the year South Africa’s Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich MeanTime.South Africa is six hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

Electrical currentsIn South Africa, appliances operate on 220/250-volt, 50 cycle. Although some hotels do provideaccommodating outlets, we recommend that as a precaution you bring a converter/adapterwith you for small appliances such as curling irons or electric razors. Please note that each hotelprovides hair dryers in the rooms.

Luggage / Personal InsuranceVisitors to South Africa are recommended to take out their own insurance on personal/valuableitems as operators do not cover such items. The maximum baggage allowance per person oninternational legs is 2 normal size suitcases checked luggage (not exceeding 40lbs in coach) and

a small carry-on (not exceeding 15lbs) that will fit in the overhead compartment or under theseat. A luggage restriction of 40lbs only is allowed on the domestic flights, this is strictlyadhered to and all luggage will be weighed at all check-in terminals.

Passports and Visas (South Africa)A visa is not required for a visit of less than 90 days if you hold an American, British or CanadianPassport.

Please note that with immediate effect, anyone travelling to South Africa must have twoconsecutive blank pages facing each other in their passport. Please check that you have this.Passports must also be valid for at least six months after guests’ return date. Passengerstravelling to South Africa with passports which do not comply with these requirements, willeither be stopped from boarding the aircraft or risk deportation on arrival in South Africa.

LanguageSouth Africa has 11 official languages - English is the language of administration and is widelyspoken. Others are: Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga,Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.

Health ConsiderationsSouth Africa has excellent medical facilities. However all medical treatment must be paid for,so you should definitely purchase travel insurance for your stay. The tap water is safe to drinkthroughout South Africa. No vaccinations are required for visitors arriving from the US.

MalariaAll travelers are asked to consult their own physicians for recommendations on travelprecautions, immunizations and travel medications. You should seek doctor’srecommendations regarding taking anti-malaria tablets before visiting the game reserves inSouth Africa. We would not recommend taking Larium, although this is the most commonlyprescribed prophylactic in the US, the associated side effects of this prophylactic maketravelling uncomfortable. Local South African pharmacies commonly sell Paludrine, Doxicylineand Daramal, taken together to protect against the various strains of malaria. These can betaken 24 hours prior to entering a malaria area, and then on a weekly basis for 5 to 6 weeks.

Credit CardsIn South Africa major Credit cards are widely accepted, with some restrictions in small townsand in the rural areas. ATM’s (cash machines) are situated outside most banks and insideairports.

VAT (Value Added Tax)In South Africa VAT is currently at 14% and included in the price of most goods and services.Foreign tourists qualify for a VAT refund on items purchased and taken out of the country upondeparture provided that the value of the goods is in excess of R250.00. No VAT refund may beclaimed on goods consumed or services rendered. If you do purchase items that you will betaking out of the country and wish to claim your VAT refund -a. Save your receiptsb. Ensure that the items are easily accessible in case a Customs Officer wishes to inspectthem

Bank HoursIn South Africa banks are open from 9.00am to 3.30pm Monday through to Friday and from8.30am to 11.00am on Saturdays. Major National Banks are found in every large town, as areautomatic teller machines (ATMs). International banks have branches in the major cities. TheATM Machines are in many areas and you are charges less fees when you use these.

Shopping HoursShopping hours throughout South Africa are usually from 08h30 to 17h00 Mondays to Fridaysand 08h00 to 13h00 on a Saturday. Most shopping malls in South Africa are open on Saturdayafternoons and Sunday mornings. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront stores in Cape Townremain open till 21h00 every evening.

CurrencyThe currency is the South African Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. Coins are available in1c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. Notes are available in R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. Theexchange rate at the moment (Oct 2013) is at around 1.00 USD : R11, which tends to fluctuate.Currency must be declared on entry.

Customs Allowances400 cigarettes, 8 ounces of Tobacco, 50 cigars, 2 pints of spirits, 4 pints of wine, 12 ounces ofperfume, 60 ounces of eau de toilet. Gifts, souvenirs and all other goods to the value ofR500.00 are permitted.

Note: Souvenirs may be exported without restriction but game trophies such as tooth, bone,horn, shell, claw, skin, hair, feather or other durable items are subject to export permits.

Other Questions

If you have any other questions regarding travel to South Africa, don’t hesitate to ask one of thetour specialists at Maupintour. Call 1-800-255-4266, or email info@maupintour.com with anyquestions or concerns.