TRAVELLERS INFORMATION South Africa's Garden Route
The Garden Route is a 200km stretch of Southern Cape Coastline which begins at Heidelberg, some 276 kms from Cape Town, winds through many coastal towns including Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and ends at Storms River, just 60 kms past Plett. The area is serviced by two national airports - George Airport which is 60 kms from Knysna, and Port Elizabeth Airport, just over 200 kms from Plett. Both airports offer daily flights to South Africa's main centres - Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Free Entry Permit Sticker
Travellers from most overseas countries (Scandinavia, Japan, USA, and most Western European and Commonwealth countries) do not need a visa, but will be given a free entry permit sticker on arrival in South Africa that outlines how long they may stay in the country (usually a maximum of 90 days).
Immigration Act Regulations
All passports must have at least one unused page when presented for endorsements, or entry to South Africa may be refused.
Vaccinations
Visitors who enter South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt.
Getting here
Johannesburg International Airport is the major airport in South Africa and is the central hub for over 45 international airlines.
Language
Although South Africa has 11 official languages, English is widely spoken.
Electrical system
220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Money
The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards are widely accepted.
Tax
Value-added-tax (VAT) of 14% is charged on most items. Foreign visitors to South Africa can have their VAT refunded at the point of departure, if the value of the items exceeds R250.00 and they are able to produce receipts.
Clothing
In summer (October - March) lightweight cotton and linen clothing is recommended. A jacket or sweater may be needed for cooler days and evenings. Warm clothes are needed for winter (April-September), because, although the Garden Route experiences many balmy winter days, early mornings and nights are cold.
Hospitals and medical care
There is a large network of private hospitals countrywide which offer excellent medical services. Travellers must have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees.
Malaria
The Garden Route is a malaria-free area.
Water
In most regions of South Africa tap water meets international safety standards.
Driving
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your driver's licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver's licence is required. In South Africa, motorists drive on the left hand side of the road. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.
