|
At
the tip of the African continent, surrounded by the Indian and
Atlantic Oceans, outlined by beautiful stretches of coastlines and
nestled between various mountain ranges, lies South Africa. The
untouched and unexplored gem of the African countries. South Africa
offers holiday and honeymoon adventures ranging from African bush
safaris, sea 'n' sun escapes to the many coastal resorts, or a cosy
campfire at a country lodge in one of the many mountainous regions.
Through
all the murkiness of South Africa's tumultuous history, one thing is
clear: South Africa is a land that its peoples -- all of its peoples
-- care passionately about. And like its peoples, South Africa is a
land of dramatic diversity. Seacoasts, mountain ranges, forests, arid
plains, deserts: all have a special quality that set them apart as
uniquely South African. This quality is a combination of climate,
wildlife and terrain that must be directly experienced to be
understood and makes the most perfect environment in which to start
your new lives together.
Climate
South
Africa offers the ideal climate for summer and winter visitors. The
northern provinces, have summer rainfall (November - April), and the
southern coastal provinces, especially Western Cape, have a late
winter rainfall (August - November). The climate is very moderate and
even in mid-winter, most regions have warm sunny, wind less days,
with cool afternoons, and temperatures dropping to 5-10 degrees
Celcius at night.
Currency
The
South African currency is the Rand. It is the equivalent of 100
cents. One American Dollar is worth approximately R4,70 and one
English Pound is worth approximately R9,00.
Language
Most
South Africans speak English, and most road signs, maps and tourist
details are in English. Other languages spoken are Afrikaans, Zulu,
Xhosa, Sotho and other African languages, but the majority of South
Africans have a conversation level of English. The official languages
at national level are English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, Sesotho sa
Leboa, Sesotha, Siswati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu.
Air
Travel
The
official airline of South Africa is SAA (South Africa Airways).
Other airlines include Sun Air, Comair, and Britiah Airways, these
doing mostly local air travel. Airports are located in all major
cities and towns, with international airports situated in
Johannesburg and Cape Town. No visas are needed for travel in South
Africa. Car hire, airport shuttle services and taxi companies have a
presence at these airports for your convenience. All direct flights
to South Africa from the UK
Food
South
African cuisine is quite vast and many restaurants specialise in
South African dishes such as the all famous South African braai (the
equivalent of barbeque), potjiekos (meat and vegetables cooked in
African kraal pot), curries (Cape Malay and Indian curries),
waterblommetjiebredie (a South African water lily simmered with a
lamb stew), and bobotie (a traditional Cape Malay curry dish). Along
the tourist routes, are many quaint little coffee shops that are
frequently visited by foreigners and locals. These offer selections
of South African delicacies such as milktart, koeksisters and pancakes.
Travel
Tips
South
Africa has a voltage of 220V AC;
There
are Foreign Exchange counters at most banks, travel agents and airports;
South
Africa has high levels of Ultra-Violet rays. Sunscreens can be
purchased locally.
The
Pal Format is used in video recording.
Master
Card, American Express, Diner Club and Visa are widely accepted -
valid at banks, hotels, restaurants and shops.
Lightweight
cottons and linens are required, warmer clothes are needed for the
winter months.
Most
shops are open Monday to Friday 08h30 - 17h00, and are open on
Saturday afternoons, and Sundays from 09h00 - 13h00.
Speed
limit in urban areas 60km/h, and 120km/h on motorways.
VAT
(Value Added Tax) is fixed at 14%, and is included in the marked
price of most goods.
What
NICK says
about South Africa
"Whether
you are considering South Africa for a wedding, a honeymoon or both,
the contrasts are sure to make a valuable contribution to the start
of your new lives together. From the game reserves and unique scenery
of Mpumalanga to the wonderful Garden Route there is at least one
part of South Africa which will draw you back after your first visit.
Our
superb wedding venues include Table Mountain, Cape Point (dramatic
setting where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet), private game
reserves, beach locations, hot air ballooning over the Paarl Valley
and many, many more fantastic
options.
Also, as South Africa is so close to other unique countries, you
could marry there but honeymoon in Mauritius or Zimbabwe or Botswana
or the Seychelles or&ldots;well, the list goes on.
We
take pride
in creating our weddings and honeymoons in South Africa. We listen
to your requirements and give honest and impartial advice. By working
with you, we can create a wedding and/or honeymoon that can make all
your dreams reality.
We
have South African planners based in the UK who have been to each
of our hand-selected hotels and game reserves. We can speak from
personal experience and offer impartial advice rather than simply
read from brochures which are designed to make every property sound desirable.
We
are proud to offer weddings and honeymoons in a country so unspoilt
and rich in beauty.".
Nick
Cropper
Managing
Director of Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad
Top
of Page |
