On the southernmost tip of Africa lies a country with
a land area of slightly more than 1,2 million square kilometres.
South Africa measures some 1 600km from north to south and
approximately the same from east to west. Neighbours include
Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the north. In the
interior, you will find Swaziland and the small mountainous country
of Lesotho, completely surrounded by South African territory.
Its long coastline stretches for more than 2 500km,
starting with the Atlantic Ocean at the border at Namibia around the
tip of Cape Peninsula and north to the border of Mozambique on the
Indian Ocean.
South Africa's territory includes the Marion and
Prince Edward Islands, nearly 2 000km from Cape Town in the Atlantic
Ocean. Several rivers run into the sea along the coastline, but none
provide useful, natural harbours. The coastline itself, being fairly
straight, provides only one natural harbour in the Atlantic Ocean,
at Saldanha Bay, north of Cape Town. Other harbours now exist at
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban and Richard's Bay.
South Africa's wildlife and plant life
South Africa boasts well over 200 mammal species, the
best known of which are the famous Big Five: elephant, lion, rhino,
leopard and buffalo. The Kruger National Park alone has over 9 000
elephants and 20 000 buffalo. Other quintessentially African animals
include the hippo, giraffe, kudu, wildebeest and zebra, all
frequently seen in South Africa's conservation areas.
South Africa is also home to 112 freshwater fish
species, a mere 1,3% of the world total. South Africa nonetheless
has one river-dweller that still rules some stretches of rivers,
estuaries, lakes and pools, exacting an occasional toll in human
life – the crocodile.
The country is also home to well over 100 species of
snake. While almost half of them, including the python, are
non-venomous, others, such as the puffadder, green and black mamba,
boomslang and rinkhals are highly poisonous.
Birders from around the world come to South Africa to
experience the great variety of African birds, migrants and
endemics. Of the 850 or so species that have been recorded in South
Africa, about 725 are resident or annual visitors, and around 50 of
these are endemic or near-endemic.
South Africa's
large areas of semi-desert scrub and grassland might suggest a
certain poverty of plant life. Aside from the fact that a tract of
pristine grassland can hold up to 60 grass species, nothing could be
further from the truth.
There are five major habitat types in South Africa:
fynbos, forest, Karoo, grassland and savannah. Some 10% of the
world's flowering species are found in South Africa.
Travelling tips
Getting to South
Africa is very simple when one considers the vast quantity of daily
international flights and direct connections to Johannesburg and
Cape Town. O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is the
major airport in South Africa and is the hub for 55 airlines from
all 5 continents.
All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of
a valid passport, but for many countries, visas are not required up
to a maximum number of days.
The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ.
Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin.
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving
licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the
photograph and signature of the holder and is in English.
All major credit cards can be used in South Africa,
with American Express and Diners Club enjoying less universal
acceptance than MasterCard and Visa. In some small towns, you may
find you'll need to use cash.
Health tips
A yellow fever inoculation and certificate from
travellers over one year of age coming from an infected area, is an
official requirement.
Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga
(including the Kruger National Park) and Limpopo (north-eastern
areas and near the Zimbabwean and Mozambican borders) and on the
Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal (north-east as far south as the
Tugela River). Malaria risk is highest between the months of October
and May. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best
to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. In
addition to malaria prophylaxis, insect repellants and mosquito nets
can be effective.
Medical facilities in cities and larger towns are
world class, but you will find that in rural areas the clinics and
hospitals deal with primary health needs.
High-quality tap (faucet) water is available almost
everywhere in South Africa, treated so as to be free of harmful
micro-organisms. Iin any area other than informal or shack
settlements, water is both palatable and in most areas it is safe to
drink straight from the tap.
South Africa
has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world.
Safety
Crime in South Africa is on a par with the rest of
southern Africa – it can be a problem, but by taking the usual
sensible precautions you should be safe;
• Never leave luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box.
• Keep the door of your hotel, B&B room or chalet locked at all
times.
• Always avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras
and other valuables.
• Do not carry large sums of money.
• At night, steer clear of dark and isolated areas.
• Find out about trouble spots at a destination.
• When driving, keep car doors locked and wind the
windows up.
• Lock valuables in the boot of the car.
• Never give strangers a lift or pick up hitchhikers.
Mozambique is situated on the east coast of Africa
with a
coastline that stretches for approximately 2 500
kilometres. The country is bordered
by South Africa and Swaziland to the south, Zimbabwe, Zambia and
Malawi to the west and by Tanzania to the north. The 300km channel
between Mozambique and Madagascar is called the Mozambique Channel
and hosts a variety of small islands.
Amazingly, approximately 60 other languages and dialects are spoken
in Mozambique, all of which are of Bantu origin. Around 40% of the
Mozambican population living north of the Zambezi speak the endemic
Makua-Longwe dialects. Tsonga dominates south of the Limpopo and
Tonga and Shona are spoken in the central region. Some people in the
northern coastal regions also speak KiSwahili, a simplified Bantu
language with Arabic influences.
Mozambique has a warm, tropical climate. The average temperature in
the country is 28°C, and the weather along the coast is sunny and
warm, even in midwinter. Summer, from October to April, is rainy,
humid and very hot. The cooler and drier winter months, from April
to September, provide the most comfortable period for travel.
Temperatures and rainfall patterns vary greatly between the regions
of the country. The areas along Mozambique’s north-eastern coast are
the hottest and most humid in the country, while the high altitude
regions in the
Nampula and Niassa provinces are the coolest. Conditions
along the coast can be oppressively hot and humid, while inland the
cooler nights relieve the heat of the day. Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, boasts interesting colonial
architecture and is the best place to enjoy Mozambique’s famous LM
prawns. Sunny skies, endless beaches and clear waters teeming with
marine life make Mozambique the perfect beach holiday destination.
Mozambique
wildlife and plant life
Most
of the designated wilderness areas in Mozambique are very remote.
The wildlife numbers have been drastically reduced mainly due to the
scars that the civil war left on the region. Between
1988 and 1990 the Zambezi delta's elephant population fell from 1
500 to just 300, and in approximately 20 years before 1990, the
buffalo population fell by 90%. In the last ten years other animal
species have experienced declines of between 80 and 90% and some
have been hunted to extinction. The large herds of game happily
rumoured to exist in the far north of Mozambique are almost
inaccessible, while the conservation lands set aside for visitors
are almost depleted of wildlife.
Mozambique’s birdlife was relatively unaffected by the civil war,
though environmental degradation from industry's continual
encroachment upon ecology remains a serious threat. Of southern
Africa's several hundred bird species, around 30 have been recorded
only in Mozambique or are concentrated there. In addition, some
species reported in northern Mozambique do not appear on southern
African checklists and are recorded as vagrants.
Most of
Mozambique’s vegetation is brachystegia woodland, a type of savannah
that covers approximately 70% of the country. Beach vegetation
consists of dense scrub-brush and impressive palm groves. The
country's floodplains and marshes (particularly the enormous Zambezi
delta) are covered with thick alluvial grasslands and stands of
borassus palms. The rain forests on the slopes of Mount Gorongosa
and the highlands of western Zambézia, and the dry lowland forests
of Cabo Delgado and Dondo, constitute the very little true forest
that exists in Mozambique.
Travelling tips
There are numerous
private minibus operators and reliable public transport companies
throughout the southern and central regions of the country, such as
Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Manica. But, if you are thinking
of driving all the way to the top of the country, you need to think
again. Driving up to Inhambane is still possible and the roads are
fine, but after that it is recommend that you fly.
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued
and valid in their own country, but a Mozambican driver’s license is required if you will be staying
in the country for more than six months. There are also a number of
airlines that fly to all the major towns in Mozambique.
South African passport holders do not need a visa
when entering Mozambique if the stay is for less than 30 days. Other
passport holders do need a valid visa which should be obtained prior
to your visit. Please note: if the period issued on our visa is
exceeded, a fine of R500 per day will be charged.
Mozambique's local
currency is the Metical, however, the US dollar and the South
African rand are widely accepted. It is advisable to carry cash or
Traveler’s cheques as credit cards are not widely accepted.
Be very careful when changing currency on this side of the border
and even more so when entering Mozambique. You will be swamped with
locals eager to exchange their money and many tourists have lost
large sums in the resulting confusion.
The
electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ with most plugs being
3-pin or 2-pin.
All major credit cards can be used in Mozambique,
with American Express and Diners Club enjoying less universal
acceptance than MasterCard and Visa. In some small towns, you may
find you'll need to use cash.
Health
tips
Malaria is prevalent throughout Mozambique with higher risks between October and May. It would be best to take
adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. In addition
to malaria prophylaxis, insect repellents and mosquito nets can be
effective.
There
are private clinics, hospitals and pharmacies in most large towns,
but you may need the help of someone who speaks Portuguese to
communicate your needs. It is recommended that you carry a good
supply of medicines as well as a comprehensive first aid kit.
Doctors expect cash payment, so ensure that your medical insurance
covers your trip to Mozambique.
Tap
water is available but it is recommended that you drink only
bottled water. Avoid eating food which has not been cooked or
peeled.
Safety
Crime in Mozambique is on a par with the rest of
southern Africa – it can be a problem, but by taking the usual
sensible precautions you should be safe;
• Never leave luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box.
• Keep the door of your hotel, B&B room or chalet locked at all
times.
• Always avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras
and other valuables.
• Do not carry large sums of money.
• At night, steer clear of dark and isolated areas.
• Find out about trouble spots at a destination.
• When driving, keep car doors locked and wind the
windows up.
• Lock valuables in the boot of the car.
• Never give strangers a lift or pick up hitchhikers.
Namibia derived its name from the Namib Desert, a
unique geological feature renowned for the pristine and haunting
quality of its landscape. It is situated on the southwest coast of
Africa and has a warm and dry climate with more than 300 sunny days
a year. It is bordered on the north by Angola and Zambia, on the
east by Botswana and on south by South Africa.
Namibia has a typical semi-desert climate – hot
days and cool nights. Winter runs from May to September, with the
summer months comprising October to April. Mid-summer temperatures
can rise to over 40°C. Winter days are warm but dawn temperatures
may drop to freezing. Along the coast it is cool with low rainfall
and fog prevails from late afternoon until mid-morning. The rainy
season lasts from October to April with the rest of the year tending
to be dry and cloudless.
With a population of just two million (2005) in
this huge country, there are thousands of square kilometres that are
in uninhabited. The official language is English and all documents,
notices and directional signs are in this language. German and
Afrikaans are also used throughout the country, along with numerous
African languages and dialects which fall into two main groups:
Bantu and Khoisan.
Namibia wildlife and plant life
Large game species found in Namibia include
elephant, rhino, giraffe and buffalo, as well as lion, leopard and
cheetah. There are eight endemic mammal species – the black faced
impala, gerbils and bats – while the Namib Desert is well known for
dune-dwellers, of which there are 30 endemic species.
Endangered mammals include wild dog, black rhino, lion, puku, oribi
and waterbuck. There are over 20 species of antelope ranging from
the largest, the eland, to the smallest, the Damara dik-dik. A
wealth of small mammals, including mongooses and jackals, occur
throughout the country, as well as the less common ant bear and
honey badger
For the enthusiastic birder, the vast variety of
resident and migratory birds in Namibia can be exciting. Most bird
species favour specific habitats above others and thus Namibia is
blessed with a variety of birding destinations where the keen
birdwatcher can satisfy their interests by sighting and recording
new species.
Namibia has around 200 endemic plant species, 4
300 higher plant species and 422 grass species within the 14
vegetation zones. These range from several variations of desert
vegetation to semi-desert, mopane, mountain, thorn bush, highland,
dwarf shrub, camel thorn and mixed tree and shrub savannahs and the
forest savannahs and woodlands of the north east. A desert plant
that has caused much interest amongst botanists worldwide is the
living fossil, Welwitschia mirabilis, endemic to the Namib Desert
and one of the oldest plants known to man. Lithops, also known as
Stone Flowers or Bushmen’s Buttocks, are one of the many small
succulents that hide in the arid regions, as well as sensitive
lichens.
Travelling tips
The national airline for Namibia is Air Namibia,
yet British Airways and South African Airways also fly to Namibia. A
valid passport is required to enter Namibia. (South African passport
holders do not need a visa. Visas are valid up to three months from
date of issue for stays of up to three months from date of entry).
International credit cards are widely accepted
throughout the country, including most Government rest camps,
hotels, shops and restaurants. The currency is the Namibian Dollar
(N$), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes of N$10, N$20, N$50 and
N$100 are in circulation, yet South African notes and coins are also
legal tender.
Windhoek offers a selection of fashionable shops,
while local crafts can be bought in some specialised shops, as well
as at the Windhoek Street Market.
All water from taps is purified and visitors need have no hesitation
in drinking it and electricity is run on 220/240 volts. Outlets are
of the round 3-pin, 15 amp variety.
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a
driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it
bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English.
Health tips
Malaria is found in some parts of Namibia with
the highest risk falling between the months of October and May. It
would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit
these areas. In addition to malaria prophylaxis, insect repellents
and mosquito nets can be effective.
There are private clinics, hospitals and
pharmacies in most large towns of Namibia.
Safety
Crime in Namibia is on a par with the rest of
southern Africa – it can be a problem, but by taking the usual
sensible precautions you should be safe;
• Never leave luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box.
• Keep the door of your hotel, B&B room or chalet locked at all
times.
• Always avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras
and other valuables.
• Do not carry large sums of money.
• At night, steer clear of dark and isolated areas.
• Find out about trouble spots at a destination.
• When driving, keep car doors locked and wind the
windows up.
• Lock valuables in the boot of the car.
• Never give strangers a lift or pick up hitchhikers.
Zimbabwe offers a variety and diversity of
attractions, such as the Victoria Falls, three national parks and
Lake Kariba, an inland sea that is over two hundred kilometres long
and measures forty kilometres at its widest point. Zimbabwe, a
landlocked country in south-central Africa, is bordered by Botswana
on the west, Zambia on the north, Mozambique on the east and South
Africa on the south. The country has a total land area of 390
580km² with a population of 12 236 805 (2006).
Zimbabwe’s climate is generally very warm. The
temperature rarely exceeds 33°C or falls below 7°C. Nevertheless,
temperatures around 30°C are very hot, and are experienced
regularly. Zimbabwe’s summer runs from November to February with
most of the rainfall occurring during summer.
Zimbabwe wildlife and plant life
Zimbabwe’s national animal is the sable antelope,
but the country is richly endowed with many species of mammal.
Poaching has increased in recent years, but is still at manageable
levels. Zimbabwe is home to approximately 650 bird species in 71
families.
Savannah covers most of the country, with the
rainy summers giving generous assistance to the growth of trees on
the plains, which is dominated by brachystegia. There is little true
forest in Zimbabwe, however, as only near its eastern border with
Mozambique and the savannah northwest of Bulawayo can the land be
said to be forested. Baobabs are common in the Zambezi and Limpopo
valleys.
Travelling tips
South African passport holders do not need a visa
when entering Zimbabwe if the stay is less than 30 days. Before
travelling to Zimbabwe make sure that you have contacts on the other
side to arrange petrol and changing of currency.
The Zimbabwean unit of currency is the Zimbabwean
dollar (Z$), but foreign currency is widely recommended and
accepted, with prices usually being displayed in US dollars.
All major credit cards are accepted at hotels,
shops and restaurants, however, please note that certain lodges and
restaurants do not accept payment by Diners Club or American
Express. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.
Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and
most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller’s
cheques. Note that hotels usually offer a more favourable exchange
rate than banks.
Health tips
Zimbabwe does not have a national health welfare
scheme. It is therefore advisable to obtain medical insurance prior
to your arrival. It is also wise to take along any medicines which
you may require, since you will not have access to pharmacies in
many of the areas you may be visiting. Medical services within
Harare and Bulawayo are very good, but outside of these areas
facilities are scarce. In some parts doctors often expect cash
payment.
It is crucial that you obtain malaria
prophylactics before entering Zimbabwe.
Avoid swimming in dams and rivers as the water
may be infected with bilharzia. Tap water is available but it is
recommended that you only drink bottled water. Avoid eating food
which has not been cooked or peeled.
Safety
Crime in Zimbabwe is on a par with the rest of
southern Africa – it can be a problem, but by taking the usual
sensible precautions you should be safe;
• Never leave luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box.
• Keep the door of your hotel, B&B room or chalet locked at all
times.
• Always avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras
and other valuables.
• Do not carry large sums of money.
• At night, steer clear of dark and isolated areas.
• Find out about trouble spots at a destination.
• When driving, keep car doors locked and wind the
windows up.
• Lock valuables in the boot of the car.
• Never give strangers a lift or pick up hitchhikers.
