The concept ' A World in one Country ', in this case a subcontinent, cannot describe South & Southern Africa better.

Consider the remarkable qualities of this region :

• A new , dynamic Democracy
• 3 000 km coastline with breathtaking lagoons, estuaries, rea's, peninsulas, a tropical current on one side and icey current on the other side and a wealth of sea life, including whales, sharks and coral reefs.
• The majority of Earth's plant biomes .
• Environmental diversity starting at sea level and streching up to 3 400m in the snowy peaks of the majestic Drakensberg.
• An accessible Wildlife paradise with several records of nature, like both the largest land and sea mammals, biggest tree circumference and many more, in a variety of game Wildernesses.
• The Cradle of Humankind , boasting hominid fossils 2,5 million years old near Johannesbrug, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/ Zambia, the Namib Desert in Namibia, the Kalahari , Namakwaland Flowers, Okavango Delta in Botswana, tropical beaches of Mozambique, Coastal Dunes of Kwazulu-Natal , Lesotho , the Kingdom in the Sky and bastions of the Freedom Struggle in Johannesburg, to name just a few famed landmarks/ destinations.
• Fertile soil, feeding almost all types of agriculture imaginable .
• Wealth upon wealth of minerals . South Africa has the biggest known recourses of Gold, Platinum and Iron in the world.
• Cultural custom & tradition as old as mankind. The rainbow nation prouds itself in its 11 official languages, each with own special character and history, spiritual inheritance and fascinating rituals.
• A climate to die for ! Most of the region experiences Summer rainfall and moderate Winter, bliss for anyone from a cold and/or rainy climate.

Yes, Southern Africa rocks ! No place else can equal our opportunities for the Special Interest Traveller, craving to feed his/ her passion !

Examples of these are :

• Photographic Interest : Southern Africa has more good weather days than most countries. Photograph people of all colours & creed (they usually don't mind nor charge), close encounters with wildlife, picturesque wilderness scenery, classic & character African living, mountain vistas, lush & dry in the same season, huge rural & urban territories, dramatic ocean meets land, underwater, desert & semi- desert, and dense forest.
• Adventure/ Adrenaline Interest : With Victoria Falls, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Mpumalanga escarpment, Kwazulu- Natal and Namibia as the Adrenaline Hubs, we cover from Abseiling to Zip Line and all in between, like White water Rafting, Scuba, Adventure Cycling, Bungee (highest in the world), Gorge Swing, Kite Boarding and ample more !
• Safari : Southern Africa offers Wild; Southern Africa offers Tame (for the lazy click- awayers). With a variety of wildernesses, SA guarantees to keep the Safari traveller in awe, no matter what the medium, whether Open Vehicle, on Foot, Mountain Bicycle, Horse back, in Makoro or in a Hot Air Balloon. Visit Kruger National Park, the Kalahari, Etosha, the Okavango, Hluhluwe- Imfolozi, Addo and hundreds of private game concervancies across the whole expanse of Southern Africa, for sightings of the BIG 5 of Africa, plains animals, impressive numbers of bird species - a wildlife spectacle indeed !
• Field trips/ youth : The immensely diverse geography and culture of the region provides substantial depth for field trips with an array of subjects. Infrastructure has no shortcomings to cater for these.
• Spiritual : See 'Sacred Wonders of Africa' itinerary in the Special interest Tours section of this website. It tours an intensive spiritual experience and encompasses Tribal Legend, Dolphin Encounters, Sacred venues & rituals, Shamans and Sangomas (spritual healers) in mystical locations like Modjadji, Venda, Mozambique, the Drakensberg and Table Mountain, with many more on offer for special requesters.

See also: South African Tourism link at http://www.southafrica.info/ess_info/sa_glance

Southern Africa's climate varies with the diversity of the various regions and environments - with comfortable temperatures throughout the year in most areas. Rainfall also varies: winter rainfall during the months of June to August in the Southern areas and summer rainfall during the months of December to February in the Northern areas, with subtropical rainfall in the southeastern areas.

South Africa has a population of forty million people, divided as follows:

• Three quarters are black (African),
• About 15% white (European)
• And the remaining 10% comprised of people mixed white, Malayan and black decent and people of Asian (mostly Indian) descent. The African majority is composed of many different ethnic groups, the largest of which are Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, and Bapedi. Until very recently, the country's tribal divisions were harshly enforced as part of the government's official policy of Apartheid, or apartness. Apartheid was dismissed as a governing system in 1994 when the first true democratic election was held in South Africa. Since then, South Africa has prospered and political peace reigns. South Africa is currently the bastion of all African economies.

GENERAL INFORMATION

PASSPORTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
All visitors entering the Republic of South Africa must have a valid passport and, in certain cases, a visa. Currently no compulsory vaccinations are required. However, it is strongly recommended that visitors to malaria areas, such as the game parks and adjacent Bushveld, as Zimbabwe and Mozambique, take a course of anti-malaria tablets before, during and after their visit. Please consult a medical advisor in this regard. Visitors are responsible for their own medical needs and medical insurance should be purchased before departure from their country.

MONEY
There is no limit of the amount of money visitors can bring into South Africa in the form of foreign currency, travelller' cheques, etc. However, currently no more than R200.00 in South African currency may be brought into, or taken out of the country. All the major international credit cards are accepted by leading hotels, restaurants and stores.
The currency unit is the Rand - R1 = 100 cents.
Banknotes in circulation are: R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10.
Nickel R5, R2 and R1
Copper 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c
Banks are usually open Mondays to Fridays: 09h00 to 15h30 and on Saturdays: 08h30 to 11hoo. They are closed on public holidays.

MOTORING
South Africa has a good network of modern highways - so every part of South Africa is easily accessible. Traffic drives on the left hand side of the road. There is a general speed limit of 120 km per hour on open roads and 60km per hour in built up areas.

CLIMATE
South Africa is considered to have one of the best climates in the world, which is generally temperate with high averages of sunshine hours. Summer extends from October to March, during which temperatures vary between 21 degrees C and can reach 35 degrees C. The inland plateau has summer rainfall (usually short, light showers) and a dry winter. The Cape is dry in summer and has winter rainfall. Autumn, winter and spring are from April to September. Temperatures average 18 degrees C, but can dip as low as 0 degrees C in the interior of the country.

LANGUAGES
English is spoken throughout South Africa. Afrikaans and several African languages are also widely spoken.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographic supplies are available in most cities, but are generally expensive. It is recommended that visitors bring adequate supplies of film and batteries. A telephoto lens of at least 200mm is useful for good wildlife photography. An ultraviolet filter and a dust cover (plastic bag) will also prove useful.
Most types of film material - colour slides and negatives, as well as videotapes are however readily available in all the major centers and holiday resorts. Fast, reliable processing services are available in the major centers and some resorts. Binoculars are always useful, though nor essential, in the game parks and on tour.

ELECTRICITY
Power is 220/230 volts at 50 cycles. Most hotels have dual voltage outlets for electric razors. Power outlets accept round pin plugs.

WHAT TO PACK
We recommend clothing suitable for a warm, temperate climate. In the game parks, at holiday resorts and on tour, casual dress is the order of the day. Lightweight, cotton clothing is usually sufficient. Try to avoid wearing bright colours while on safari. At least one heavy sweater and a light jacket or sweater are recommended for cool evenings, particularly during the winter months when temperatures can drop to 0 degrees C. More exclusive hotels and restaurants require men to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. A light raincoat and a folding umbrella will be useful, and do not forget a swimming costume!

ACCESSORIES
Some items which may be useful to pack are sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, a sun hat, binoculars, a small torch (flashlight), insect repellent and an electric currency adaptor kit.

TIPPING
It is customary to tip porters, bellmen, taxi drivers, restaurant staff etc. depending on the standard of service given. As a rough guide, a tip should be about ten per cent of the service bought. Porters, room attendants, bellmen etc. are usually given a R10 tip.

PERSONAL SAFETY
To ensure that you enjoy trouble-free touring, there are a few BASIC INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED safety precautions you should take.

1. HOTELS
   Most hotels have a safety deposit facility either in the rooms or at the cashier's desk in reception. Please use it.
   Do not leave any money, jewellery or other valuables (including your passport and tickets) in your room.
2. IN THE CITY
   Throughout the world's cities there is unfortunately a criminal element that preys on unwary tourists. South Africa has not escaped this phenomenon.
   DO NOT walk alone in apparently deserted places. Wherever possible walk with a group of people.
   BE AWARE of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag snatchers.
   DO NOT carry more cash than your immediate needs
3. GENERAL
   Photocopy the first few pages of your passport and any visas you have. Also photocopy your ticket and any other documents you may have.
   Carry these photocopies separate from the original documents. If you should lose your passport and other papers your photocopies will enable the appropriate authorities to replace them quickly, thereby minimizing your inconvenience.
   Please ensure that you have adequate and appropriate insurance cover.