General Information

South Africa is truly a world in one country

The Republic of South Africa covers 1 228 376 Sq km in area. This makes South Africa larger than Holland, Belgium, Italy, France, and Germany combined. The country is divided into 9 provinces. The coastline is 2 954 km with few natural harbours or navigable rivers. Ports are found at: Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Saldanha Bay.  

Situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa contains a wide diversity of climatic regions that contribute to its renowned beauty. Cape Town at 35 degrees South lies on a similar latitude as Sydney and Buenos Aires. On the West Coast the cold Benguella current of the Atlantic Ocean produces arid scrubland conditions, changing to a summer rainfall, grassland type region in the central highlands. A continuous mountain range divides the country from North to South. Along the Eastern side of this range the climate ranges from sub-tropical to Mediterranean. The warm Indian ocean provides for high rainfall which results in the forests, lakes and rivers. Most of South Africa experience summer rain, however the Cape experiences rain in winter.

Climate

• South Africa lies almost wholly within the southern temperate zone, and its climate is more equable than that of corresponding northern latitudes because of its surrounding waters. 
• Throughout the country, however, the mean annual temperature is just below 15.6 Deg C (60 Deg F). 
• Daytime temperatures ranging from 20 Deg C in Winter and 30 Deg C in Summer. 
• On the highveld there are sharp differences of temperature between day and night; but there is less daily fluctuation nearer the coast. 
• Rainfall is unpredictable in large parts of the country, while the mean annual rainfall is 18.6 inches, nearly 30% of the country receives less than 10 inches and 65% receives less than 20 inches. Much of South Africa gets its rain in the summer months, but the western coastal belt is a winter rain area. Along the Cape south coast, rain falls during both seasons. 
• Generally the winter months are between April and August with summer being from September to March. 
• The summer days are hot and the evenings are mild, with the winter days being mild and pleasant, but it is very cold before and after sunset. 
• The Highveld area is known for its strong winds in August whereas wind in the coastal areas (specifically the Cape Peninsula) are very unpredictable 
• Humidity is generally low throughout the year, although summer is more humid than winter. 
• There is no specific best time to travel to South Africa. 
• We take tours all year round, although it is very much dependent on the tour you are taking and the kind of weather you prefer 
• Up to date weather forecast will be provided on request prior to your departure or you can check it on line here

Converters/Adaptors:

• The voltage is 220VAC
• The South African plug resembles the Type D plug, but its pins are much larger 
• Remember to bring along plug converters as these are not easily obtainable in smaller towns or villages

Food & Water

• South Africa generally has a hot climate, and everyone should drink water or mineral drinks to suit his or her own needs. 
• As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful microorganisms. 
• In hotels and restaurants the standards of hygiene and food preparation is top-notch. 
• It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush. However for those visitors who do wish to have bottled water, this is freely available wherever we go and we usually have soft drinks and mineral water available for purchase in the accompanying vehicle.

Shopping

• Most major shopping centers and malls operate 7 days a week, but you will find that in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on a Sunday. 
  • Monday - Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00 Sunday: 09:00 to 14:00 
• South Africa offers a wide and colourful variety of shopping treats to suit all. From world class fashion houses to African Arts and Crafts, we have it all. 
• The favourable exchange makes shopping a fairly reasonable affair.

Language

• Except in very isolated tribal areas, English is universally spoken and understood. 
• In addition each tour will be accompanied by a fully bilingual English/Portuguese guide. 
• Afrikaans is often the language of choice in some of the smaller country towns/villages, but generally they have no problem switching to English when required

Speed Limit & Safety Regulations

• Max speed in built up areas 60 k.p.h. 
• Speed is often strictly enforced when approaching and leaving towns and villages. 
• Max speed on rural roads 100 k.p.h. 
• Max speed on  Motorways 120 k.p.h. Some major roads in cities may have a limit of either 100 or 80 k.p.h. 
• Radar speed traps are often used. In the event that you are pulled over for any traffic offense, be aware that on-the-spot cash fines and bribes are illegal 
• We have very strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. As in most countries, driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious offence and could result in immediate lockup and confiscation of your vehicle.

Service Charge/ Gratuities

• Gratuities are gladly accepted in South Africa. 
• Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills - thus it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip. 
• Furthermore, as we do have assistants at all fuel stops, it is customary to tip these assistants whatever small change you have available (approximately R2.00). This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Personal Safety

• In order to reach Grootpan Game Ranch, all your travelling cover parts of South Africa which are currently rated as "safe" for tourists by the major travel agencies. However, as with any major modern cities, caution should be taken when out on your own.
• For tourists, South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewelery you carry.

Local Time

• South Africa Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
• South Africa does not operate Daylight-Saving Time

Money

• Currency:    1 South African Rand=100 cents - Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate
• Credit and charge cards are widely accepted, including American Express, Bank of America, Diners, MasterCard, Standard Bank Card and Visa. 
• Some ATM's give cash advances.
• Travelers cheques are also widely accepted and exchanged. 
• Different commission charges are incurred depending on which bank you use and which travelers cheques you have.
• Most banks are open Mon-Fri 0900-1530 and Sat 0900-1100.
• Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are found in most towns and operate on a 24-hour basis.

Tax

• Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items.
• Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00.
• VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

Malaria

Grootpan Game Ranch is situated in a malaria free zone and therefore no precaution is neccessary, however, if you are planning to tour around South Africa before or after your hunt, please take the following in account:

• Prophylaxis is recommended for travel to low-altitude areas of the Mpumalanga Province (including Kruger National Park), Northern Province, and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal as far south as the Tugela River.
• Mosquitoes are found in all areas across South Africa, however, the risk of Malaria is common mainly to the North Eastern areas such as Mpumulanga.
• Cover your arms and legs towards evenings with light clothing to cover exposed skin areas and especially the ankles. 
• Wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and closed shoes.
• Apply insect repellents to exposed skin areas every 4-6 hours.
• Burn insecticide coils or electrically heated insecticide tablets in the bedroom at night.
• Spray knock-down insecticide for flying insects inside the bedroom in the early evening with windows / doors closed.
• Screened mosquito proof windows and doors and mosquito nets are commonly available in affected areas and guard against mosquito bites.
• Risk is highest from October to May.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.
• Our government has embarked on an extensive anti-malaria programme (in co-operation with Swaziland and Mozambique) and the incidence of malaria is decreasing.
• One reassuring thing about malaria is that there is absolutely no way at all that you can contract it unless you are bitten by an infected mosquito.
• With modern insect repellents and some common sense one can reduce the chances of being bitten to close to zero.
• If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that you take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert.
• You will need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and should continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area.
• It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis.
• Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.

Vaccinations

• 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.

Sunburn

• The African sun, even during winter from (from May to July) is harsh. 
• The greatest risk of serious sunburn is during the period of 10:00 - 14:00. 
• Sun block cream and sunglasses are necessary requirements if you want to enjoy your trip. 
• Aside from the long term risks of skin cancer, sunburn could affect your comfort levels while hunting.

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