Shopping
Overview
Gold, diamond and semi-precious jewellery, leather, velvet, ceramics, African handicrafts, safari suits and feathers. Shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-18.00, Sat 09.00-13.00.
Nightlife
Introduction
In the big cities there are theatres, cinemas, opera houses and concert halls. Some nightclubs and discotheques stay open until the early hours. Live dance music is often played in the large hotels.
- Usprivateschoolsfinder: Offers description downloadable image of national flag for the country of South Africa. Also includes prehistory and history of this nation.
Culinary
Overview
Local specialties are e.g. These include sosaties (a type of shish kebab), bobotie (curried mince), bredies (stew with meat, tomatoes and other vegetables), crayfish (crab) and biltong (dried meat). Drinks: There are excellent local wines, and sherry is also made in the country. Liquor stores selling spirits are open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm and Sat 9am-1pm. Alcohol is now also available in supermarkets.
Accommodation
Hotels
Almost all well-known hotels are registered with the South African Tourist Association, which also checks the standard. Further information from South African Tourism (see addresses). 800 hotels are affiliated with the Federation of Hotels and Hospitality, Address: Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), PO Box 718, Randburg 2125. Tel: (011) 886 23 94. (Internet: http://www.fedhasa .co.za/). Categories: A national classification system was introduced in 1994. Participation is voluntary. Hotels are awarded 1-5 stars. The two additional color categories indicate the standard of service and hospitality: Burgundy – Good standard of service, service and hospitality, in addition to the usual service. Silver – Excellent standard of service, service, hospitality, quality and ambience. Each hotel participating in this categorization has a plaque showing the star category and the additional classification color.
Camping
There are caravan parks in all popular holiday areas and along holiday routes, and the standard is usually high. You can also rent fully equipped motorhomes from some companies. The classification follows the classification program for holiday homes. Further information from South African Tourism (see addresses).
Culture
Religion
Christianity (80%), including African Church, Dutch Reformed Church, Anglican Church, Methodist and Catholic. Minorities of Jews, Muslims, Hindus and followers of indigenous religions.
Social Rules of Conduct
Manners: When greeting someone shakes hands. The usual forms of politeness are expected for private visits. Attire: Casual attire is appropriate, smart attire is appropriate for special occasions. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces and partially enclosed indoor public areas. Accordingly, smoking is prohibited at work, in shopping malls, in theatres, on public transport, at airports, in clubs, in cinemas, etc. Some restaurants offer their guests designated smoking areas. Smoking is also prohibited in the car when children under the age of 12 are in it. Tipping: A tip of 10-15% is customary, if it is not already included in the invoice. Porters, waiters and room service staff, porters, tour guides, beauty salon attendants and taxi drivers all expect tips. You can give a maid about R10 per day, gas station attendants R2 and porters R5. Street newspaper vendors also get a few cents.
Climate
Best travel time
Mediterranean climate in the southwest, temperate climate in the interior and subtropical climate in the northeast.
Generally sunny with mild winters, although snow often falls in the mountains of the Cape and around Natal. Sometimes it can also get quite cool on the plains for a while. Because South Africa is south of the equator, the seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. If you want to celebrate Christmas in summer, travel to South Africa. The best travel time depends on the planned activities. The flowers at the Cape can be admired in August or September. If you like bird watching, the best time to travel to South Africa is from mid-October to November. For active vacationers who go hiking, surfing or diving, the time after the South African midsummer is recommended.
Country data
Phone prefix
+27
Area (sq km)
1219090
Population
59,308,690 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
46
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
10111
