Tourist & Travel Information

 

Reservations Africa will assist delegates with all their tour and travel needs. This tour operator specialises in travel to South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique... from the Big 5, where you can feel the lions' roar, to the Mother City of Cape Town to visit the majestic Table Mountain and the place where the Two Oceans meet or to the 'Smoke that Thunders' at Victoria Falls. 

For further information, please contact Melissa Oberholzer at Reservations Africa directly.

Please quote the reference SIL 2010 when contacting Melissa.

This is a summary. For more comprehensive information, please visit sites such as about.com or tripadvisor.com.

Climate	The Cape Town region has a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall. August falls at the end of the Cape winter with temperatures ranging between 13°C to 25°C The days are still cool and the evenings can be quite chilly. View the weather forecast and weather radar.
Safety	The prevention of crime is a major priority of all levels of Government and a full range of government agencies. It also receives the full support of the business and private sector. Cape Town is regarded as one of the safer destinations, not only in South Africa, but also for most capitals of developing countries around the world. Take heed of local safety tips and enjoy your stay!
Languages	South Africa has eleven official languages: English is widely spoken in business, government, schools and everyday communications.
Currency	The currency unit is the South African Rand (R) =100 cents, with the international symbol ZAR. Current exchange rates: http://www.xe.com/ The South African authorities impose no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency travellers may bring with them, however they set limits on the export of banknotes. Travellers must obtain the necessary permit from the South African Reserve Bank should they have more than R5000 in cash in their possession on leaving the country. Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks, bureaus de change and authorised dealers such as Thomas Cook and American Express. Check the IATA site for the latest regulations.
Credit Cards	Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA and Traveller's Cheques are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) situated outside most banks in towns and cities operate 24 hours a day. In South Africa, petrol (gasoline) can be paid for with a special garage card or cash. Few filling stations accept ordinary credit cards for the purchase of fuel.
Electricity	South Africa occasionally experiences power shortages. However, most hotels, the International Convention Centre and major shopping and entertainment centres can provide their own back up electricity. Mains power throughout South Africa is 230 - 220 volts AC 50Hz but many hotels and other tourist centres also provide 110 volt sockets. The most common types of power sockets are the 15-amp three-pin (round pins), though sockets are sometimes provided for the two-pin Europlug. Adaptors are available.
Cellphones	South Africa has a comprehensive cellular telephone network and visitors can hire cellphones while in the country. Alternatively, visitors can use their own cellphone (mobile) in South Africa if it is able to receive/dial international calls, or can purchase a SIM card locally (a passport or ID card is required for registration of the SIM).
Driving	A valid driver's licence, provided the photograph is an integral part of the document, and provided it is printed in English, is accepted. If your licence does not comply with these requirements, you should obtain an International Driving Permit before your departure for South Africa. An excellent road network links the largest metropolitan areas with the smallest villages, although in some areas the road surfacing needs maintenance. South African traffic drives on the left. The speed limit in urban areas is usually 60 kilometres per hour, on rural roads 100 km/h, and on freeways 120 km/h unless otherwise indicated. Wearing seat belts is compulsory. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and traffic laws are strictly enforced. Be aware that South African motorists are often not as aware of pedestrians as they should be, and may ignore pedestrian crossings.
Flights	Cape Town International Airport is South Africa's second largest airport and situated a mere 20 minutes from the city centre (though travel times are considerably longer during peak traffic flow). Its service ranks among the highest in the world and has earned the World Travel Award for Africa’s leading airport for the last seven years running. Several international airlines fly directly to and from Cape Town International. Alternatively, flights landing at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg are linked by domestic flights to the airport in Cape Town. Visit the Airports Company of South Africa for more information.
Customs	Customs officials may inspect baggage at the first airport of disembarkation in South Africa. There is no restriction on the items which are carried for personal use and which are not intended for gifts or sale in South Africa. No duty is payable on such items. Thus cameras, video cameras, binoculars, portable computers, cellular phones and similar devices may be brought with you. Foreign visitors may be eligible for a refund on the value-added tax (VAT) on certain purchases made in South Africa.
Visas	To determine whether you require a visa or not, we strongly advise you to contact your local office of the diplomatic or consular representative of the South African government. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications directly to the Director General: Home Affairs, Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001, Republic of South Africa. Full details are available on the government web site.
Health and Immunisation	The only inoculation requirement for visitors is a yellow fever vaccination certificate from those who enter South Africa within six days of leaving a yellow fever zone. Most of South Africa, including major centres, carries no risk of malaria. Only take anti-malarial medication if you are travelling to a high-risk area. Malaria is endemic in some parts of Mpumalanga, Northern Province and KwaZulu-Natal, and it is essential to take precautions if you intend visiting these areas. Consult a doctor or pharmacist about the most suitable prophylactic.
Insurance	It is advisable to take out comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay in southern Africa. The host of this event, SIL 2010; their sponsors; the organisers, Conferences et al; the venue, Cape Town International Convention Centre and all the service providers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property, injury or death for the duration of the event or arrangements made on behalf of the visitor, for activities before or after SIL 2010 Conference. South Africa has no national health scheme. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance that covers medical expenses during the period of your stay.