General Information Page Index

• Background Information On The Northern Cape
• Climate
• Exposure To The Sun
• Clothing
• Currency
• Driving
• Drugs And Alcohol
• Electricity
• Entry Requirements
• Facilities For The Disabled
• Financial
• Firearms
• Fuel / Gas / Petrol
• Health
• Language
• Medical Care
• Peak Seasons
• Postal Services
• Public Holidays
• Religion
• Restroom Facilities
• Safety And Security
• Social Behaviour
• Taxation
• Telecommunications
• Time
• Tipping
• Tourism Authorities: Northern Cape
• Tourist Information
• Trading Hours
• Transport
• Water
• Weights And Measures

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE NORTHERN CAPE

return to index

CLIMATE

The South African seasons are the reverse of those of the northern hemisphere. The Northern Cape is a dry region with fluctuating temperatures and differing topographies. Its weather is typically that of desert and semi-desert areas. In South Africa, summer is from December to February and in January temperatures in the Northern Cape usually reach to between 33 ° and 36 ° Celsius.

Although this is rare, summer temperatures in the Northern Cape have been known to exceed 40 ° C.

During winter (June – August), day temperatures are mild (22 Celsius), but the evenings can be cold (0 ° Celsius), after dew and frost has cooled down the earth.

In winter, snow can often be seen on the mountains surrounding Sutherland, one of the coldest towns in southern Africa.

The annual rainfall is never high (50 mm to 400 mm) and is always lower than the rate of evaporation. The western areas of the province, which include the Namakwa region and small sections of the Green Kalahari, receive rainfall during the winter months.

These rains bring to life the glorious displays of wildflowers that decorate these regions from late August until the end of September.

The central and eastern parts of the province get their rain during the summer months (December to February).

These summer rains are often accompanied by heavy thunderstorms.

return to index

EXPOSURE TO THE SUN

South Africa has one of the world's highest daily sunshine rates and visitors who are not used to the sun, should take extra care, especially between 11:00 and 15:00. Sunscreen lotion with a protection factor of at least 15 is advised against the high UV rating of the South African sun. A variety of good quality products are available throughout the country.

return to index

CLOTHING

For the summer months, lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey might be needed for the cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are needed for the summers and the winter rainfall areas such as the western regions of Northern Cape - Namakwa and the Green Kalahari. Warm clothes will be needed for the winter months, especially the Northern Cape evenings. The town of Sutherland in the Northern Cape is the coldest town in South Africa.

return to index

CURRENCY

The SA monetary unit is the South African Rand (R) and it equals 100 cents. The international symbol of the Rand is ZAR.

Bank notes are issued in denominations of :
R 200 (orange), R 100 (purple), R 50 (pink), R 20 (brown), R 10 (green).

Coins are issued in denominations of :
20 c (copper), 10 c (copper), 5 c (copper), 2 c (copper), 1 c (copper).

For the latest information on exchange rates, click on this website: http://www.jse.co.za/, which will link you to the website of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

return to index

DRIVING

The legal alcohol limit for drivers is 0,05%. This law is very strictly enforced. Penalties are severe and could even include a prison sentence.

The Automobile Association (AA) is South Africa's largest motoring organisation and will provide assistance to tourists who experience problems with their vehicles if they can produce a membership card of a motoring association affiliated to the AA through the AIT (Alliance Internationale de Tourisme) or FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile).

The emergency number of the AA breakdown service is: 0 800 01 01 01.

Drivers must be in possession of a valid driver's permit containing a photograph and the signature of the holder and it should be printed in English. Should a permit not comply with these requirements, an International Driver's Permit will be needed.

The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law. It is also against the law to drive a vehicle and talk on a cell phone without an earpiece.

South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. The speed limit is 60 km/h (35 mph) in urban areas, unless signs indicate otherwise. The speed limit on national roads is 120 km/h (75 mph), unless signs indicate otherwise and 100 km/h (60 mph) on rural roads.

Road signs are in English and distances are indicated in metres and kilometres.

Some South African roads require toll fees. The amounts charged vary widely and visitors are advised to keep enough cash handy. All the major credit cards are also accepted at the tollbooths.

return to index

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Alcohol is not served or sold to any person under 18 and may not be drunk in public places, e.g. beaches.

All habit-forming drugs are banned in South Africa and prescriptions are necessary for all Schedule 3-7 drugs. All Schedule 8 drugs are strictly prohibited.

return to index

ELECTRICITY

SA electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.

Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. Adaptors can be purchased but may be in short supply.

US-made appliances may need transformers, which are available in South Africa.

return to index

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visitors entering South Africa are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Most passport holders need visas to enter South Africa, but some countries are exempt from this arrangement. Check with a travel agent or the nearest SA representative to determine if one is needed. Visas should be obtained in the tourist's own country and will not be issued in South Africa. Visas are issued free of charge.

A multiple-entry visa is needed if visitors intend to travel to and from neighbouring countries during the time in which the visa is valid.

Upon arrival, visitors need to present proof that they have enough money to support themselves and need to be in possession of a valid return ticket.

return to index

FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED

Facilities for disabled people are limited and enquiries should be made before arrival in South Africa to avoid unnecessary discomfort.

The airlines provide aid to disabled passengers at the major airports and some hotels do have facilities, but it is safer to confirm this beforehand.

The larger car rental companies have vehicles with hand controls available.

It is possible to rent wheelchairs and other aids in most cities.

return to index

FINANCIAL

Credit cards

All major credit cards such as American Express, Diner's Club, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in South Africa. Money can also be withdrawn from these cards at various cash points in towns and cities.

There are no limits on the amount of cash that visitors can bring into South Africa. However, some countries have limits on the export of bank notes and visitors are therefore advised to convert most of their money to traveller's cheques. The necessary permit should be obtained from the South African Reserve Bank (the central bank of South Africa) if visitors wish to leave the country with more than R 5 000 in cash in their possession. Importation of foreign currency is free, subject to declaration. The exportation of foreign currency is limited to the amount that the visitor declared upon arrival. For more information, contact any Customs and Excise Office.

South Africa has a sophisticated banking system that can accommodate all international transactions. Automatic teller machines are open 24 hours a day and only in some very small towns in the rural areas may these facilities be unavailable.

Automatic teller machines are available in all the larger towns in the Northern Cape. Before you travel to remote areas of the province, it would be advisable to draw enough cash for your needs.

Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 15:30
Saturday, 8:30 - 11:00

Commercial banking services are available at international airports from two hours before to two hours after the arrival and departure times of international flights, 24 hours a day.

Banks, foreign exchange bureaux and certain hotels accept all major foreign currencies, as do most restaurants, businesses and shops. The best currencies to use would be the US Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro. Traveller's cheques can also be exchanged at any commercial bank. Most hotels, shops and businesses also accept traveller's cheques but a fee may be charged for this service.

American Express offices and most hotels also have exchange facilities for guests.

Rennies Foreign Exchange Money Line is a toll-free information line, which operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The number is 0800 11 11 77. A touch-tone telephone or cellular phone is needed to access the system from within South Africa.

ABSA Bank Limited
First National Bank of Southern Africa Limited
Nedcor Bank Limited
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited

Banco Espirito Santo e Comercial de Lisboa
Banque Française du Commerce Extérieur
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
National Bank of Egypt
Standard Chartered Bank
Swiss Bank Corporation

return to index

FIREARMS

A permit is required to bring a firearm into the country but the permit need only be obtained after arrival in South Africa. However, it is advisable to contact the airline a few weeks before a trip to arrange for transport of the firearm.

return to index

FUEL / GAS / PETROL

There are numerous filling stations in cities, towns and on principal road routes. Most of these are open 24 hours a day.

In the Northern Cape, it is advisable to fill up with fuel before travelling long distances. Unleaded fuel is available in South Africa but many cars have not been converted for unleaded fuel. Visitors using rental cars are advised to ascertain if the vehicle has been converted before filling up on unleaded fuel. Diesel is also readily available.

Fuel cannot be bought with an ordinary credit card and should be paid for either in cash or with a special garage card.

return to index

HEALTH

Country Health Risk Profile

South Africa offers all the excitement and adventure of the African continent but with health and sanitation standards on a par with those of the developed world. However, as on any travels, simple common sense precautions will ensure a healthy journey. Food and beverages served in tourist establishments are prepared and served under hygienic conditions and the tourist runs no greater risk of contracting traveller's diarrhoea than in the south of Europe. Tap water is safe in all cities and towns.

Insect-borne diseases occur as anywhere else in the world. The most important diseases for the tourist to take note of are malaria, limited to a small geographic region, and tick bite fever, limited to rural areas and affecting mainly hikers and adventure tourists. Northern Cape falls within the low risk malaria area.

South African private sector health care facilities compare with the best in the world but visitors are urged to take out travel health insurance prior to departure from their home countries.

Immunisation

Please remember, for your own safety and peace of mind, it is advisable that you consult a Travel Health Practitioner at least two weeks before visiting any country. The Department of Health of the Government of South Africa abides by World Health Organisation (WHO) International Health Regulations. Apart from Yellow fever vaccination, NO other compulsory vaccinations or inoculations are required for travellers to South Africa.

However, the following vaccines may be recommended by Travel Health Practitioners:

Routine Childhood vaccinations: All travellers;
Tetanus toxoid: All travellers;
Hepatitis A: Adventure tourists going off the beaten track;
Hepatitis B: Contact-sport players, Health care workers;
Typhoid: Sometimes long-term rural residents;
Meningococcal meningitis: Not necessary;
Rabies: Sometimes veterinarians, game rangers, NOT for the average tourist; and
Polio: Not necessary.

Bilharzia

Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) is a microscopic organism found in rivers, streams, pools and dams (both stagnant and flowing) in the northern and eastern areas of the country. Visitors are advised not to swim in unchlorinated pools, dams or rivers in these areas. Any water for consumption other than from a tap should be boiled beforehand.

There is no immunisation against Bilharzia and symptoms may only manifest themselves months or even years after exposure.

Cholera

Isolated cases do occur in some communities. However, these areas are not normally on the standard tourist itinerary. Vaccination is not a statutory requirement in South Africa. South African tap water is safe to drink, except where indicated otherwise.

HIV / AIDS

There is a high incidence of HIV / AIDS in South Africa. It is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse and every precaution needs to be taken to have safe sex. Condoms are readily available from pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and supermarkets. Medical facilities, including injections and blood transfusions are sophisticated and safe for visitors and blood is carefully screened before use.

Malaria

Malaria is caused by a parasite that requires two different hosts during its lifetime: humans and mosquitoes. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside humans, the parasites move to the liver where they develop. After maturing, they move back into the bloodstream where they invade and multiply inside the red blood cells. The infected red blood cells burst, releasing the parasites back into the bloodstream where the whole process begins again.

A malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant form caused by P. falciparum, exists in certain low-altitude areas of the country, namely parts of the Limpopo (former Northern Province), Mpumalanga and the northeastern part of KwaZulu-Natal. Certain areas in the neighbouring countries of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Botswana are also malaria areas.

The Northern Cape is a low risk area for malaria.

Rabies

Although South Africa is considered to be rabies endemic, the average tourist is very unlikely to come into contact with a rabid animal. The highest risk area is in KwaZulu-Natal and certain parts of the Free State. Visitors are advised to avoid contact with all stray dogs and wild animals. In the unlikely event of a bite, scratch or lick from any animal, the animal should be considered rabid until proven otherwise. The wound should be washed with soap under running water, a disinfectant applied and a doctor consulted immediately. An expert opinion on whether rabies post-exposure vaccination and / or rabies immuno-globulin should be administered should be sought immediately and vaccination started within 24 to 48 hours of the time of the bite.

Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for animal handlers only.

Tick Bite Fever

African tick bite fever is a febrile disease transmitted by ticks that have fed on infected dogs, cattle or game. The measures to avoid or minimise the risk of tick bites in rural and game watching areas are the same as those required to avoid mosquito bites. The disease masquerades as a severe flu but is often accompanied by an eschar (tick bite with a scab / necrotic skin), skin rash and or enlarged lymph nodes. It is very rarely fatal, but is very dangerous to the very young, very old and debilitated persons. It is effectively treated with specific antibiotics.

There is no vaccine available.

Tuberculosis

Short-term visitors to South Africa have a negligible risk of contracting this disease. Long-term visitors who had been inoculated as children do not need to be inoculated again. Those who had not been inoculated may consider a skin test prior to and following a prolonged stay in Africa.

Typhoid fever

This food and water borne disease is mostly a threat to visitors exposed to poor hygienic conditions. The average tourist will not be at risk and vaccination is not required or recommended except in special circumstances.

Yellow fever

A valid Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from ALL travellers over one year of age entering South Africa within six days of leaving a country listed as “Yellow Fever Endemic” by the WHO. Visitors who come from, travel through, or disembark in these areas, are advised to be inoculated against yellow fever at least ten days before visiting South Africa. Yellow fever does not occur in South Africa and the above measures are intended to protect the South African community from the disease being imported. Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted from infected to susceptible people by a mosquito.

Yellow fever is endemic to West, Central and East Africa, as well as South America.

return to index

LANGUAGE

South Africa has 11 official languages but English is spoken well by almost all people. Afrikaans, SeTswana, Xhosa, English and Nama are the most popular languages spoken by the Northern Cape population and visitors will always be able to have their needs met in English. Road signs and official notices are all in English. Information documents and booklets are also available in English, e.g. maps, telephone directories, forms and tourist brochures.

return to index

MEDICAL CARE

Medical services are readily available in South Africa and are sophisticated and safe for visitors to use. Blood is carefully screened before use.

Doctors are listed by their surnames, under Medical in the telephone directories. Major hotels have arrangements with doctors and dentists to treat guests when needed.

Hospitals are listed under “H” in all telephone directories and are indicated with “H” on road maps.

Most medicines are obtainable at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies are open at night. However, visitors are advised to bring any supplies of specialized medicines they may need, with them. Should visitors carry any prescription medicines with them, it would be best to bring along a letter of authorisation from a doctor, since some medicines might be mistaken for illegal drugs.

There is no national health scheme and visitors are advised to take out medical travel insurance for the duration of their stay.

return to index

PEAK SEASONS

Some visitors enjoy the heat of the Northern Cape summers and are sometimes treated to magnificent displays of nature's powers when thunderstorms rage on the Kalahari.

The late autumn and winter months (April – August) are often the most opportune time for game viewing. The grasses are low during this time, which makes it easier to spot animals.

From late August until the end of September, thousands of people visit the Namakwa region when an exuberant palette of wildflowers decorates the land.

return to index

POSTAL SERVICES

The postal service in South Africa is well developed and modern. Poste restante facilities are available in the main post office of every town. Identification documents are needed to claim mail.

Weekdays: 8:30 - 16:30
Saturdays: 8:00 - 12:00

return to index

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 January - New Year's Day
21 March - Human Rights Day
18 April - Good Friday
21 April - Family Day
28 April - Freedom Day
1 May - Worker's Day
16 June - Youth Day
9 August - National Women's Day
16 December - Day of Reconciliation
25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Day of Goodwill

Banks and other businesses that are ordinarily closed on a Sunday will also be closed on public holidays. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is automatically also a public holiday.

return to index

RELIGION

South Africa caters for most religious dominations. Places of worship that include churches of every denomination, temples, synagogues and mosques are readily accessible in most towns and cities.

These places of worship are normally indicated on city and town maps, as well as advertised in the local newspapers.

return to index

RESTROOM FACILITIES

Most tourist destinations, garages, shopping centres and restaurants have very neat and clean restroom facilities. In game reserves and at the beaches these facilities may be more primitive, but are usually clean.

return to index

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety precautions

Northern Cape has a low crime rate, but visitors are still advised to take basic safety precautions, much the same as they would in any major city around the world.

The basic safety precautions are:

• DO NOT walk alone at night, especially in unlit streets.
• DO NOT draw unnecessary attention to money or jewellery on your person.
• DO NOT be tempted into pavement games or gambling.
• DO NOT buy gold, diamonds or other seemingly valuable items offered for sale on the street - they are often stolen or fake.
• DO NOT leave your property unattended in a public place.
• DO NOT pick up hitchhikers.
• DO NOT travel off the beaten track without informing someone and asking for advice.
• DO NOT resist if confronted.
• DO NOT accept lifts from strangers.
• DO NOT venture into township areas unless you are part of a tour group led by a reputable tour guide.
• DO lock valuables in the hotel safe.
• DO check your route before leaving the hotel.
• DO lock your hotel door at all times, whether you are in the room or not.
• DO lock your car doors at all times.
• DO listen to the advice of your host or hotel personnel.
• DO park in well-lit areas when going out at night.
• DO lock your personal items and luggage in the boot of the car.
• DO contact the police immediately after a crime.
• DO make use only of reputable taxi companies.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) can be contacted 24 hours a day. Police vehicles are yellow and blue or white and blue and police officers' uniforms are blue. The police emergency telephone number is 10111 and the Police Crime Stop number is 0800 11 12 13.

return to index

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

The customary form of greeting in South Africa is a handshake. Casual clothes are acceptable in most places, but some events and venues have clothing requirements. Specifications for semi-formal or smart-casual clothes require a dress or neat pants for women, and a shirt and tie for men. Specifications for formal dress require eveningwear or smart clothing for women, and a tie and jacket for men.

When sunbathing, the most acceptable behaviour would be to follow the example of others. Topless bathing is only allowed on some beaches, although the rules governing this are not as strict as they used to be.

return to index

TAXATION

VAT (Value Added Tax) is currently set at 14% and is included in the marked price of goods. Foreign visitors may claim refunds on goods (with a total value exceeding R 250) that they take out of the country.

Note that only goods purchased from shops that are authorised under the export-incentive scheme and that display the VAT logo qualify for the VAT refund.

VAT can be claimed at airports and harbours of departures and customs offices.

In order to claim the refund, visitors will need:

• A foreign passport
• A VAT-refund control sheet, which can be obtained from international airports, harbours, offices of the Receiver of Revenue, or the offices of the VAT Refund Administration
• The items on which VAT is being reclaimed
• The original tax invoice, containing the following information:
  • The words “Tax Invoice”,
  • The amount of VAT charged or a statement that the VAT is included in the price,
  • A tax invoice number,
  • The date of invoice of the receipt,
  • The seller's VAT registration number,
  • The cost of goods in Rands,
  • The seller's name and address,
  • A description of the goods bought,
  • The name of the buyer.

Goods consumed or services made use of in South Africa do not qualify for a tax refund.

Airports in the Northern Cape do not have VAT Refund Administration offices or Customs Offices. These are only situated at Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg International Airports, as well as at Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London Harbours and Beit Bridge Border Post (Zimbabwe).

Refunds are issued by a VAT refund cheque that can be exchanged for foreign currency before leaving the country, or that can be deposited in the visitor's personal bank account.

return to index

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

South Africa has a sophisticated telecommunications network. The telephone system is the best developed and has the highest capacity in Africa. Except in remote rural districts, direct dialling connects all centres. Cheaper telephone rates have been instituted from Monday to Friday, 8 pm – 7 am and Saturday 1 pm until Monday 7 am.

The cellular network in South Africa is well developed and calls can be received almost anywhere. Problems are experienced mostly in the mountainous areas. Cellular phones are available for hire from most cellular-phone outlets. When using a cellular phone, the dialling code for each area has to be entered before punching in the telephone number.

Dialling code

The international dialling code for South Africa is +27. Within South Africa, the +27 should be replaced with 0. Dialling codes should be dialled when calling outside metropolitan or municipal areas. For example, a number in Pretoria would be: 000 0000 (from within Pretoria) (012) 000 0000 (from another location in South Africa) and 2712 000 0000 (from another country). The national and international dialling codes are easily found in the first few pages of South African telephone directories.

Emergency telephone numbers

Pay phones

Pay phones can be found in most public places, some operating with phone cards, others with coins. Phone cards can be bought from shops that indicate that they sell these cards.

International dialling and full telex, telefax and electronic mail facilities are widely available, e.g. at hotels and Postnet outlets.

International Operator: 0009
International Directory: 0903
International direct dial: 09 + the country code

return to index

South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, eight hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time, USA.

There is no daylight saving. There are no time-zone changes between the nine provinces of South Africa or between South Africa and its neighbouring countries, except for Namibia.

Namibia is one hour ahead of South Africa.

return to index

TIPPING

Restaurants normally do not include the service charge in the account and it is customary to include an extra amount of 10 % -14% as a tip for the waiter, depending on the quality of the service.

Some hotels keep a staff-box at Reception where tips for the staff can be left; otherwise tips may be given to individual staff members personally.

Some visitors also prefer to tip tour guides and game rangers between R 20 - R 25 per day.

return to index

TOURISM AUTHORITIES: NORTHERN CAPE

Northern Cape Tourism Authority
Private Bag X 5017, Kimberley, 8300
Tel: +27 (0) 53 832 2657 / 832 2643 / 831 2789
Fax: +27 (0) 53 831 2937
Website: http://www.northerncape.org.za/
E-mail: tourism@northerncape.org.za

Diamantveld Visitor Centre
PO Box 1976, Kimberley, 8300
Tel: +27 (0) 53 832 7298
Fax: +27 (0) 53 832 7211
Website: http://www.northerncape.org.za/

Karoo Regional Tourism Office
Private Bag X1012, De Aar, 7000
Tel: +27 (0) 53 631 0891
Fax: +27 (0) 53 631 2529

Namakwa Regional Tourism Office
PO Box 5, Springbok, 8240
Tel: +27 (0) 27 718 2985 / 6
Fax: +27 (0) 27 712 1421
E-mail: namakwaland@intekom.co.za
Website: http://www.northerncape.org.za/

Green Kalahari Regional Tourism Office
Private Bag X6039, Upington, 8800
Tel: +27 (0) 54 337 2800 / 26
Fax: +27 (0) 54 337 2888
E-mail: greenkal@bodr.gov.za
Website: http://www.greenkalahari.co.za/

Kalahari Regional Tourism Office
PO Box 1480, Kuruman, 8460
Tel: +27 (0) 53 712 1001
Fax: +27 (0) 53 712 2502
E-mail: info@kalahari.org.za
Website: http://www.kalahari.org.za/

return to index

TOURIST INFORMATION

Flower line: One of the enduring attractions of the Northern Cape is the wildflowers that come up after the first spring rains. The Flowerline supplies callers with information on where the best flower displays can be found on any day during this time. The telephone number is +27 (0) 83 910 1028. The line is only operational from mid-June until the end of September.

return to index

TRADING HOURS

return to index

TRANSPORT

Northern Cape has an excellent road infrastructure and its capital, Kimberley, has air and rail links to most South African cities. Upington is also linked by air to several South African cities.

South Africa has three international airports:
Johannesburg International Airport, Durban International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.

In addition to these, there are several national and smaller airports and airfields. In the Northern Cape, there are airports at Kimberley, Upington and Springbok. Kimberley Airport is 8 km out of town and there is no bus shuttle service into town. Cars are available for rent at the airport.

The national airline (South African Airways - SAA) and other smaller airlines combine to create an excellent air network. Charter companies operate widely within South Africa and visitors are able to rent and pilot light aircraft if they can produce a valid pilot's licence.

South Africa has a well-developed rail infrastructure. However, travel by train is mostly not recommended for tourists because the system is not geared for it and safety is a concern. There are, however, luxury rail companies that offer the tourist high levels of comfort and safety, such as Rovos Rail and the Blue Train. The Blue Train travels from Pretoria to Cape Town via Johannesburg and Kimberley, where passengers can leave or board the train.

Kimberley also still operates a tram service with a vintage tram that dates from the beginning of the 20 th century. Tickets for this interesting sightseeing trip can be bought on the tram. The tram departs daily from the City Hall to the Mine Museum.

South Africa has an excellent road infrastructure and Northern Cape is no exception. Areas that are difficult to reach with a normal vehicle have been designated as 4x4 areas, e.g. the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Some rural roads are not in peak condition but road signs will warn drivers of danger. When travelling on gravel roads, drivers should remember to slow down. After heavy rains some gravel roads are not safe to travel on unless one is driving a 4x4 vehicle. Another danger on rural roads is the presence of people and of animals such as sheep and goats and, in some areas, wild animals. Drivers therefore need to be extremely careful, especially in areas where rural communities are established.

Several long-distance coach companies provide transport between cities but visitors should book well in advance. In the Northern Cape, intercity bus services operate from Kimberley, Upington and Springbok. Information can generally be obtained from railway stations or from the companies' offices.

Some coach tour companies also operate in the Northern Cape.

There are several national car rental companies in South Africa which have conveniently placed outlets, e.g. at airports. Cars can be collected from one outlet and dropped off at another on payment of a premium. Local firms offer a cheaper but more limited service. Several companies are represented at Kimberley, Upington and Springbok airports.

South Africa does not have a well-developed public transport system. The Northern Cape does not have any municipal bus services. Also there are no bus shuttle services between Kimberley, Upington or Springbok airports and town.

There are mainly two types of taxis in South Africa. Metered taxis are more expensive and are found mainly in the cities although some small towns may have a limited number. They cannot be hailed from the street and must either be ordered by phone or at taxi ranks, which are scarce. Minibus taxis are the cheapest but also the most uncomfortable. Violence connected with minibus taxis, as well as a relatively high accident rate, make these the least preferable mode of transport.

South Africa has a number of ports where passenger ships call and bookings can be made with the cruise companies that operate them. However, the Northern Cape is not one of these destinations. Day trips or shorter trips out on the sea are also scarce along the Northern Cape coast.

return to index

WATER

Tap water in South Africa, in major cities as well as in most game reserves, is purified and completely safe to drink. However, bottled water is also available countrywide.

return to index

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

South Africa operates on the metric system.

Distances are measured in metres and kilometres (1 mile =1,621 km) (1 km = 0,621 mile).

Weights are measured in grams and kilograms.

Liquids are measured in litres.

Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (10 °C =50 °F; 20 °C =68 °F; 30 °C =86 °F).

return to index