South Africa

Although English is commonly used in public and commercial life, it is only the fifth most-spoken home language. South Africa has the largest economy in Africa, and the 28th largest in the world. It has three capital cities – Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative).

It is located in the southernmost region of Africa, with a long coastline that stretches more than 1, 553 miles and along the South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. It is the 25th largest country in the world. There are a number of different landscapes including desert, scrubland and mountainous.  South Africa is an exotic destination that offers lots to a variety of holidaymakers including the unique range of safari trips to see native wildlife at close hand, and spectacular national landmarks such as Table Mountain.

South Africans are particularly fond of exploiting their balmy climate with a braais (a barbecue) where they can enjoy Boerewors (a spicy sausage) and maybe a chilled glass of South African wine or a cooling glass of Castle beer. There are other meaty treats in store such as biltong (strips of dried meat in various flavours and types) or potjieko, which is a tasty slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew, traditionally cooked on an open fire. For desserts, those with a sweet-tooth should give melktert (milktart)  or koeksisters (sweet doughy treats) a whirl. If you aren’t bowled over by the traditional fare on offer, there are also restaurants that serve Chinese, Indian and more mainstream dishes.

Due to its location near the equator and is surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on three sides there is a variety of climates within the country. Winters in South Africa happen between June and August, so it can be an attractive destination for sunseekers in the wintertime. The southwest of the country has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and hot dry summers, coupled with a famously prevalent wind.  Further eastwards on the south coast, the rainfall falls more often, and it is greener.  The coldest place is Sutherland in the western Roggeveld Mountains, midwinter temperatures can plummet to as low as -15 degrees.  The other extreme is the deep interior, where the hottest temperature of 51.7 degrees has been recorded.

Choose lightweight clothes for summer, with the option of covering up when needed. Also, pack an umbrella or raincoat as most rain falls in the summer months. If you are in a malarial area, pack long-sleeved tops and trousers for the evenings. Summer continues from November till January. Winter starts in May. If you are planning to enjoy a game-spotting safari, wear neutral clothes to blend into the surrounding scenery.

The country has a variety of private and public hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. Hospitals and doctors often require immediate payment for their services. It is best to obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to South Africa to cover medical expenses and repatriation to the UK.  The tap water in South Africa is regarded as safe to drink as the water service systems are similar to those in a completely developed country.

Specific health problems in South Africa include malaria, as the low altitude assists in the spread of this mosquito-borne disease.  There are anti-malaria tablets available and measures can be taken to avoid insect bites. If you are currently taking prescription drugs, you can bring them with you into South Africa (plus a spare prescription) as you are allowed to bring in a month’s supply for your own personal use. As a precaution, you could bring a cover letter from your doctor too. In common with other African countries, South Africa has suffered from a high number of people afflicted by AIDS and HIV.