Frequently asked questions about South Africa

Frequently asked questions about South Africa.

By Lumka Shabalala

Frequently asked questions about South Africa.

Frequently asked questions about South Africa.

Honestly Speaking the best way to get answers from the frequently asked questions about South Africa. is to go on a tour with Mandy she is a repository of all things South Africa but we understand that you are still looking to come to South Africa so maybe we will answer a few questions which you may have before coming down.

When is the best time to visit for my holiday to South Africa?

For the best game watching, visit during a South African spring (August – October). Whale watching is from mid-June to the end of October. For diving and surfing, April to September is ideal. The beaches of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban are best visited during the peak of summer (November – February).

 

“I love Africa in general South Africa and West Africa, they are both great countries.”

Paris Hilton

What currency do I need for my South Africa holiday?

The unit of currency is the South African Rand, denoted by the symbol R. One hundred cents makes up one Rand (R1). Coins are available in denominations of 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.

The Rand is weaker than the Pound and Dollar, making a visit to South Africa highly affordable by international standards. Accommodation, eating out and shopping in South Africa offers great value for money to the international traveller.

Your foreign currency can be exchanged at most local banks and Bureaux de Change. There are many banks and ATM’s all around South Africa, including airports, petrol stations and malls.

What do the colours of the South African Flag represent?

The current national flag of South Africa was first appointed in April 1994, after the first free election in South Africa, to represent the end of Apartheid and the new democratic South Africa. Designed by Frederick G. Brownell, the flag has horizontal bands of red on the top and blue on the bottom, separated by a central green band, splitting into a horizontal ‘Y’ shape.

The Y forms an isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow bands. The red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes. The South African flag is the only national flag in the world that has six colours and without a seal and brocade.

The flag means different things to different people. According to the flag’s designer, the red symbolizes the blood that was shed during the various wars and conflicts in the country. It is also suggested that the blue represents the sky and the two oceans that flank the country.

The green symbolizes the farms and the rich, natural environment of the country, while the yellow represents the natural resources, particularly gold. Finally, it is said that the black represents black South Africans, while the white represents the white population of the country.

How much should I Tip?

In South Africa it is customary to tip for good service. Porters usually receive R5 per item; taxis receive 10% of the bill, and waiters and waitresses in restaurants 10-15%.

In South African restaurants the service charge is not included in the total bill. At petrol stations, petrol attendants will fill your car and offer to clean your windscreen and check your oil and water, therefore a tip of about R2 will be appreciated.

In parking areas, official and unofficial parking attendants may offer to help you park your car and watch it while you are away. Again, whatever small change you may have will be appreciated.

Other Safety Concerns

It is amusing how often our guests ask about predators like lions and leopards roaming freely in the streets throughout the country, but sadly or lucky for us game is usually confined to protected reserves. Staying safe on a safari is simple – listen carefully to the advice given to you by your tour guide or ranger, don’t venture into the bush at night, and stay in your car on self-drive safaris.

Unlike many African countries, South Africa is largely free from exotic diseases like dengue fever and West Nile virus. Most cities, parks, and reserves are malaria-free, although there is a small risk of infection in the far north of the country. If you do plan on visiting this area, anti-malaria prophylactics are an effective way of avoiding the mosquito-borne disease. Tap water is generally safe to drink and there are no special vaccines required. HIV/ AIDS is prevalent but easily avoided with the correct precautions.

In rural areas however, the roads are unfenced and livestock is known to gather on the roads at night. Thus, it would be a good idea to plan long journeys for daylight hours.

How do I book a tour?

Well this is the easiest part to book the tour simply click here or you could send us an email on imbizo@iafrica.com or call the following number  +27612053235

What does each tour cost?
The price for the Johannesburg city tour is an all-time low R890 per person.

But when you combine the Soweto or Alexandra tour.

Another option is to experience the best of the best and see both Johannesburg and Soweto with Mandy, the incredible woman who brought tourism to Soweto on a private tour. If Joburg is not your cup of tea then please have a look at our other tour options here

Mandy

Leave a Comment
Share
Published by
Mandy
Tags: Discover South Africa's Diverse Climate: A Weather GuideFAQfrequently asked questions about south africaIs South Africa Safe?Plan Your Visit: Unraveling the Seasons and Weather of South AfricaPlanning a trip to South AfricaSouth africaSunny weather in South Africatourist infoUp-to-date weather information
1 year ago

Recent Posts

The Best Seasons to Visit South Africa

The Best Seasons to Visit South Africa By Lumka Shabalala The Best Seasons to Visit…

1 year ago

Experience Johannesburg Your Way: The Advantages of Private Tours with Imbizo Tours

1 year ago

Best Soweto Tours from Johannesburg

Best Soweto Tours from Johannesburg By Lumka Shabalala Best Soweto Tours from Johannesburg When exploring…

1 year ago

South Africa Voted The 6th Sexiest Nation In The World

South Africa Voted The 6th Sexiest Nation By Lumka Shabalala South Africa Voted The 6th…

1 year ago

South Africa: Afrikaans accent voted second sexiest in the world!

South Africa’s Afrikaans Accent Voted Second Sexiest in the World! By Lumka Shabalala South Africa’s…

1 year ago

The History and Culture of South African Townships: Past, Present, and Future

The History and Culture of South African Townships: Past, Present, and Future By Lumka Shabalala…

1 year ago