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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent. It borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho, an independent enclave surrounded by South African territory. South Africa is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, and is widely regarded as the most socially and economically developed country in the continent. South Africa is often referred to as the "Rainbow Nation" a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and later adopted by then-President Nelson Mandela. Mandela used the term "Rainbow Nation" as a metaphor to describe the country's newly-developing multicultural diversity in the wake of segregationist apartheid ideology. The country's socially progressive policies are rare in Africa. By 2007, the country had joined Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada in legalizing same-sex marriage.
South Africa hosted and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup at their first attempt, and then followed this up by hosting and winning the 1996 African Cup of Nations football tournament. It has also hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup and will be the host nation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first time the tournament is held in Africa. It will also host the first ever Twenty20 Cricket World Championship in September 2007.
South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world. Sensational Safaris, golden beaches, the warm hospitality of the wine farming towns of the Cape, fabulous restaurants, the dramatic Karoo, white sharks in Gansbaai, whale-watching in Hermanus or Plettenberg Bay, ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head in Cape Town, cultural experiences, you name it South Africa has it.
Full Name: The Republic of South Africa
Capital City:
Pretoria (official) Bloemfontein (judicial) Cape Town (legislative)
Climate: The climate in South Africa varies considerably by region. Precipitation occurs mainly during the summer months of December January and February with the exception of the Western Cape which is a winter rainfall area.
Spring – September October November
Summer – December January February
Autumn – March April May
Winter – June July August
Area:
1,233,404 sq km
476,217 sq miles
Population:
43,800,000
Time Zone:
GMT/UTC +2
Languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Tswana, Sotho
Currency:
Rand (R)
Electricity:
220//230V 50hzhz
Electric plug details:
South African/Indian style plug with two circular metal pins
above a large circular ground pin
Country calling code:
27
Entry Requirements: All passengers require a valid passport.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months and should contain enough blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.
It is the passenger’s responsibility to check the visa requirements for all countries you intend visiting.
All passengers require a valid passport. For more Consular and visa information please visit: US State Department.com or contact the relevant consular office or embassy at Embassy World.com
Health Requirements: Please contact your personal physician regarding vaccination requirements and recommendations for all countries you intend visiting. You can also access the Center for Disease Control website at CDC.gov
Photography: Bring plenty of film and batteries as hotels and lodges do not always stock all film types. For Digital photography bring plenty of memory cards and extra batteries. A small digital hard drive backup is also an excellent way to ensure that your pictures come home safe and sound!
Clothing/Packing: Generally throughout the year casual comfortable clothing is worn, cottons and linens are the best materials to pack and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Rain gear is always a good idea. Depending on the itinerary you choose we will provide you with an appropriate suggested clothing list, however, sun block, hats, sunglasses, binoculars, a travel alarm clock, a small flashlight and insect repellent are a must.
Tipping: Tipping is discretionary however 10% is acceptable in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines for safaris are different. Please ask us for details.
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