South Africa is located at the Southern tip of Africa, bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho on one side, and the South Atlantic, Southern and Indian Oceans on the other. The country holds something close to them called the South African Ubuntu, a philosophy that says no human can exist in isolation – that we become human through other humans that results in warmth. This is true amongst many of the locals that will welcome you into their country with smiles and conversation. This vast country offers a myriad of different landscapes. In the Kruger National Park you can be driving along wild landscape filming wild elephants and lions, and only a short flight away in Johannesburg you can be enjoying a drink at a rooftop bar with fantastic vibes. For many, the large attraction to South Africa is the five big game reserves. Encounters with creatures from dung beetles to White Rhinoceros will have you in awe.
For diving, there are a few different options. You can experience the heart-stopping great white shark cage diving off the coast of Cape Town. Alternatively, on the Indian Ocean side you will find the pretty Sodwana Bay near the border of Mozambique. The entire coast has been a National Park since 1950 and as a result, there is an abundance of marine life including dolphins, sailfish whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays and ragged tooth sharks. From here, it is quite easy to explore the coastline and a number of South Africa’s other dive sites including Protea Banks/ Aliwal Shoal.
Diving Destinations In South Africa
General Information
- Entry Requirements
- Money
- Language
- Electricity
- Time Zone
- Clothing
- Climate
- Water Temperature
- Departure Tax
- Tipping
Australian passport holders require at least six months validity beyond your intended stay. No visa is required for Australians to visit South Africa, however two blank passport pages are required. For more information and for holders of other passports, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for the latest travel advice.
The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency in South Africa. One Australian dollar buys approximately 9 Rands.
There are 11 official languages in South Africa. These are Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho and Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. English is widely understood or spoken in urban and tourist areas.
220-240 volts and uses South African plug type.
GMT+2 (8 hours behind Sydney).
Clothing requirements in South Africa vary. Dress code is generally casual and vary from season to season. If going on safari – loose, comfortable, neutral tones are recommended.
The climate in South Africa is sub-tropical. Due to the size of the country and regions of coastal and highland, temperatures vary from location to location and also seasonally. As a whole, South Africa is a dry country with high amounts of sunshine.
10’C – 21’C (depending on region).
None as of Jan 1st, 2015.
Tipping in South Africa is discretionary. As a guide, about 10-15% on restaurant bills and $1-$2 USD for porters, cleaning staff etc. Security guards or parking attendants may offer to watch your car for security. Tipping of R2 up is customary.
