South Africa is a country of breathtaking contrasts, amazing wonders, rich wildlife and intoxicating beauty. It really is a whole world in one country, whose borders are bordered by an exceptional variety of landscapes… from the lush evergreen thickets of the subtropical forests of the eastern highlands to the arid deserts in the west, from the majestic mountain peaks to the sun-drenched and immersed in greenery and gold coastal regions. See Countryvv for labor market in South Africa.
South African national parks and marine reserves are second to none in the world, and the abundance and variety of plants and flowers make the country the botanical garden of Africa. In the shadow of Table Mountain, Cape Town is waiting for you – the center of the Western Cape province, the very first city of South Africa – one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here you can watch whales, see how small whales are born, witness the meeting of two great oceans – the Indian and Atlantic, and also allow yourself to enjoy fine wines.
The Eastern Cape offers guests over 2,000 km of beautiful beaches, unspoiled beauty, a wide range of attractions and the warmest welcome. The rare species of Addo elephants lives here, the World Surfing Championship, the largest cultural festival, is held here.
Still inhabited by Bushmen, the Northern Cape also attracts tourists. Here is the Big Hole – a legacy of the diamond industry – in the Kimberley, Kalahari desert – a pristine ecosystem – one of the largest in the world, as well as the annual miracle – the flowering of the Namaqualand valley. The Free State province intrigues the traveler at first sight. The typical old-fashioned villages are topped by the breathtaking view of the Golden Gates of the eastern highlands. The province stretches from the summit of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains to the subtropical coastline, with historic battlefields, the wild grandeur of national parks, nature reserves and the traditions of the proud Zulu people.
The province of KwaZulu-Natal offers its guests a wealth of nature, beautiful beach resorts, culture and traditions of its people. The most famous national parks of the country, including the Kruger Park – where you will certainly meet with the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo, are located in the province of Mpumalanga. It is also home to the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, magical Sadwala caves, and beautifully preserved gold rush museum cities.
Heading further north, along the Great Northern Way, we find ourselves in the Northern Province – the land of myths and legends. The region is rich in historical sites, wildlife sanctuaries, cultural heritage, health resorts and the wide African plains.
The Northwest Province lures guests with the glitz, charm and luxury of entertainment… a platinum province. Double tempted guests Sun City and Lost City, which offer them a network of luxury hotels, all kinds of water activities, Africa’s largest casinos and entertainment complex, all in the middle of the African bush.
Gauteng is the smallest of the 9 provinces in size, but this does not prevent it from being the center of the economic and business life of South Africa. The modern cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, offer international-class hotels, Africa’s largest shopping center, and a wide range of entertainment and leisure opportunities, including a trip to a gold mine and a visit to the largest urban zoo in the world.
Figures and facts
Capital
Pretoria. The largest cities of South Africa Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth
Language
The official languages are the 11 languages of the country’s major population groups, with English and Afrikaans predominantly used.
Religion
Christianity (7% of the population, mostly Protestants), traditional cults (18%), Hinduism, Islam, Judaism.
National holidays
April 27 – Freedom Day.
Customs
Duty-free can be exported: strong alcoholic beverages – 1l, wine – 2l., cigarettes – 400 pcs., or cigars – 50 pcs., gifts and souvenirs in the amount of up to 500 South African rands. Upon import, weapons, antiques and art are subject to mandatory customs control. If the value of imported items exceeds 10,000 RAR, a duty of 20% of the total amount will be charged. The import of automatic and military weapons, explosives, ammunition, drugs and narcotic drugs in any form is prohibited.
Currency
South African rand: 1USD=6.9 ZAR exchange rate on 10/22/00 Import, export and exchange of foreign currency is not limited. The export of the national currency is limited to 500 South African rands, the export of a larger amount requires a special permit.
The most favorable exchange rate is h3URAUX DE CHANGE at the airport, but currency can also be exchanged at banks in the city and even at any time at the hotel. Banking hours: 9:00 – 15:30 (weekdays), 9:00 – 11:00 (Saturdays) VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS credit cards can be used in hotels, shops and restaurants.
Shops
There is no single closing hour for shops. Most shops are open from 9:00 to 19:30.
Climate
Tropical and subtropical. The average temperature in January is from +18 C to +27 C, in July – from +7 C to +10 C. Precipitation varies from 60 mm on the coast, 650 mm on the plateau to 2000 mm on the eastern slopes of the Dragon Mountains.
Tips
At the restaurant: 10-12% of the total cost of the order (including drinks) Porter service: from 2 to 5 rand per piece of luggage Guide / driver: 15 – 20 rand per day per person per day of work.
Food
Water: Tap water is drinkable in most areas. Otherwise, you will be warned Food: the meat in South Africa is of very good quality and is cooked in restaurants until fully cooked, often marinated in sweet and sour sauce beforehand. Namibia is known for bushmeat (venison).
Coffee: usually made weak and served with milk. If you like black coffee, please specify when ordering.
Bread: In South Africa, waiters usually remove the bread after the main course is served. If you need it, ask the waiter to leave it.
Health
No vaccinations are required for the countries of South Africa presented on the site, except when you are planning a trip to the North-Eastern regions of the country (Mpumalanga, Kruger Park, Swaziland, KwaZulu Natal) and Northern regions of Namibia. These are areas of distribution of the malarial mosquito. Along with taking antimalarial drugs, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and use insecticides. Malaria mosquitoes are most active at dusk. Air conditioners and fans also reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
