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| South Africa: Facts | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Climate Due to South Africa's expansive size, it experiences varying weather in three distinct regions: - the Western Cape (including Cape Town), the eastern plateau (Johannesburg area), and the east coast (Transkei) and KwaZulu-Natal area (including Durban). Winter Generally minimal rain is received over winter months (May to September) which are the best for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to stay close to waterholes and pans. The Western Cape can be cold with maximum temperatures of around 17C and minimum of 5C. Snow may fall in the higher areas. The Cape Town area is an exception as it receives winter rainfall. In the Johannesburg vicinity the days are dry and sunny, temperatures rising to around 20C and dropping to around 5C. The Transkei and KwaZulu-Natal winter days are also sunny and warm, maximum around 22C and minimum around 11C. Summer This spans the months of October to April and is marked by electrical storms usually in the afternoons, preceded by humid build-ups in the mornings. Thunderstorms are a true spectacle to watch. Viewing wildlife can be more difficult as the bush is thick and the animals scattered. Sunny and dry days mark the summer in the Western Cape with maximum temperatures around 26C and minimum 15C. The Johannesburg area has a pleasant, dry and sunny summer, marked by thunderstorms and often hail as well. Maximum temperatures expected are 28C and a minimum of 15C. In summer it can be uncomfortably humid in the Transkei and KwaZulu-Natal region and rainfall is prolific compared to other areas. Temperatures normally fall to only 20C and rise to just over 30C. Best months to visit The dry winter months (May to September) to benefit from the best wildlife viewing and excellent weather. June and the end of September are good times to travel as they are out of South African school holidays (middle of April and May and mid-July to mid-September). TOP Customs
and Immigration Money Currency The local currency is the Rand, R, and R1 = 100 cents. Current Exchange Rates Credit Cards Due to South Africa's developed status, most credit cards are accepted , especially MasterCard and Visa. Cash advances on credit cards are also easy, as there are numerous ATM outlets in nearly all cities and towns. Standard Bank accepts any card bearing the Cirrus logo and there are branches countrywide. Banks There are a number of established banks in South Africa including First National (the agents for Visa), Standard Bank (allied with Cirrus worldwide), Nedbank (affiliated with American Express) and all host ATM machines. All types of travellers cheques in US$ or UK pounds are exchangeable at any banks as well as cash in any major international currencies. Bank hours are usually Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am - 3.30 pm, except Saturdays banks close at 11.00 am. Changing Money Money may also be changed in airports, cities and towns at several bureaux de changes. Rennies Travel has many branches nationwide and are the agents for Thomas Cook. TOP |
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