SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER and CLIMATE
The climate in the Cape is similar to that of the south of Spain. A Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers. The exception is the arid semi desert of the Karoo where dry winters and low summer rainfall prevail.
Near the coast, the summer weather temperatures rise from a pleasant low of 15'c to a heart warming 27'c and occasionally up to 35'c. Inland temperatures are some 3 to 5'c higher. Coastal winters see the mercury drop to a mild 7'c at night and rising to a comfortable 18'c. The weather can be variable and it is wise advice to always carry a warm jacket.

DRIVING and ROAD CONDITIONS
Hire a car and travel South Africa.  We drive on the left hand side of the road.  The speed limit varies from 60 km per hour in town to a maximum speed limit of 120 km per hour (75 mph) on the motorways and open national roads.  All occupants must wear seat belts.  Our excellent all weather road systems are well maintained and comply with the international road sign standard.  South African roads are rated as some of the best in the world.      Driving license information

DISABILITY ACCESS ACCOMMODATION
Most public areas cater for wheel chair access. If you require these facilities, kindly advise us of your special needs at time of enquiring / booking so that we can assure your comfort at all facilities.

CURRENCY
The South African Rand (sometimes shown as ZAR) is the currency of our country.  See our currency converter.  Notes are available in R10.00, R20.00 ,R50.00,R100.00, R200.00. Coins are R1.00, R2.00, R5.00 and other copper coloured coins covering less than a Rand.  Our Bank ATM machines accept foreign Credit  / Switch cards and this is the most popular travellers method for obtaining cash.  You may find that you’re limited to R3000 per draw per day.  The modern day computers systems have a habit of letting one down when they are needed the most, we have all heard about being ‘Off-Line’.   It is therefore strongly recommended that you carry a little Sterling or Dollars in cash in case of an emergency and if possible, arrive with some ZA Rand notes and always have some available in when travelling in rural areas.   Please note Petrol Stations DO NOT accept Credit Cards

MEDICAL -
South African medical standards are exceptionally high meeting world standards. Facilities are similar as those found in USA and Europe. Private doctors are available in every town. Clinics in major cities and towns. Hospitals will be found in larger towns and cities.  It is always recommended that you take out medical travel insurance with your travel agent before departure.  It is becoming more and more popular for some to include a plastic surgery holiday while in South Africa.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
In the Western & Southern Cape, malaria is not a threat and no precautions are necessary.  The Kruger Park area is a Malaria area and your local chemist will advise you on which pills to start taking two weeks before departure.  Pregnant Mothers & small children should not enter Malaria areas.  South Africa requires some visitors to have a Yellow Fever inoculation before entry.  It is recommended that you check with your local doctor or British Airways who have a special division on health requirements required at any destination in the world.

LANGUAGE
Believe it or not South Africa has eleven, yes eleven, official languages. English, Afrikaans (Similar to Flemish -Dutch), and nine local African languages. However, English is understood throughout the country, and if you speak Dutch you may be understood by those who speak Afrikaans.
 

VAT
Value Added Tax
Refund Procedure

click for more info

VAT - Value Added Tax
With every Self drive tour, designed by Selftours, a copy of the South African Revenue Services brochure is included in your tour package.  This outlines what VAT a tourist can claim back on departing South Africa.  Basically items that you have purchased in South Africa and that you intent to export, take out of the country, you may claim back the VAT at the airport of departure provided the original VAT invoice from the shop can be produced.  Items used or consumed in South Africa may not be claimed back - example: car rental, accommodation meals etc.
 

DO I NEED A VISA?

SOUTH AFRICAN VISA REQUIREMENTS
Please visit the following website of the department of South African Home Affairs to establish the price of South African visas and assistance
                                Do I require a South African Visa?

SHOPPING
The South African shops cater for all your shopping needs, from designer clothing boutiques and fashion accessories to gift and curio shops and virtually everything in between. A pair of shorts can be purchased for about a third of the price in Europe. Large food supermarkets are open long hours 7 days a week as well as convenience stores from 7am to 11pm. These are found in every town and city suburb.  Catch up on some "Retail Therapy" and have a bit of a shopping holiday during your tour of South Africa.
 

INTERNAL AIRLINE TICKETS
Selftours does book and arrange internal domestic airline tickets.  Booking in South Africa often results in cheap airline fares compared to purchasing outside of South Africa.

ELECTRICITY
South Africa operates on 220-230v AC @ 50Hz current.  SA uses 13 amp round pin plugs.  A suggestion is to bring a Multi plug board from home.  On arrival, have a local round three pin plug fitted on the end and then you can plug all your accessories into the board.   Some hotels have facilities for 110v outlets for bathroom shavers.

SOUTH AFRICAN DRIVING LICENSE INFORMATION
For details of driving licence requirements in South Africa please visit our South African car hire page where full details will be found at the bottom of the page.  International driving license may not be required
                                 Driving license information

MOBILE PHONES and TELEPHONES
Most hotel rooms have telephones. Call boxes are available in hotel lobbies and cost much less to call from. Calling cards are best options available from convenience stores. Cell / Mobile phones must be GSM compatible. Check with your provider. (Selftour can provide guests with a mobile phone when hiring a car, free of charge against a refundable deposit of R1000 and R11.34 pd insurance- you only pay for your calls)  Fax, and email facilities are provided at most hotels. Most towns have internet cafes.