We know that when you travel to a foreign country, finding all the necessary information can be very tedious and you hardly get it without a lot of effort. That is why we decided to put all the information you might need in one place.

• South Africa’s President: Jacob Zuma
• Size: 1,221,037 sq km
• Capitals of SA: Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
• Population numbers: 43.1 million (77% black, 10% white, 8% mixed race, 2.5% Indian or Asian descent.)
• Religions: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional religions
• Major Industry: mining, finance, insurance, food, tourism
• Languages: There are 11 official languages. The English-speaking tourist will experience no difficulties, neither the Dutch nor Flemish speakers. The Tsitsikamma Village Inn Team is very fluent in English.
• Currency: The currency unit is the Rand (R) , with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.
• Fuel Purchases: Credit cards are accepted for fuel purchases in South Africa. South African Rand cash is also excepted.
• Time: South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.
• Climate: South Africa has a temperate climate and is known for its long sunny days. Most of the provinces have summer rainfall, except for the Western Cape (winter rainfall). Winter is from May to August; Spring from September to October; Summer from November to February and Autumn is from March to April. Here at The Tsitsikamma Village Inn we have summer rainfall and moderate temperature throughout the whole year.
• Visas: All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country, and in some cases, a visa. To determine whether you require a visa to enter South Africa, visit the comprehensive South African Home Affairs Department website at http://home-affairs.gov.za
• Electricity: South Africa’s electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adapters can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
• Driving: All visitors intending to drive are required to obtain an international drivers permit, visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. Visitors will also not be able to rent a car without a valid driver’s permit. The wearing of seat-belts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law.
• Airports: The 3 major international airports in South Africa are the OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport (Durban) as well as 90 regional airports including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit.
• Travel by Road: South Africa has an extensive road infrastructure including national highways and secondary roads. Speed limits are set at 120 kilometres on highways; 100 kilometres on secondary roads and 60 kilometres in urban areas.
• Health: Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world. In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. The tap water in South Africa is safe and free from harmful micro-organisms. In South African hotels and restaurants, the standard of hygiene and food preparation is of the highest quality. Fresh fruits and salads can be eaten as much as you like. Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

We hope that this information is useful to you and that we will be seeing you soon.