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Bookmark & shareWildlife, wild times and a culture in repair.
South Africa is an exhilarating and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and a sense of progress about the place. Travellers are returning to a remarkable land that has been off the trail for way too long.
The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's wildlife. But if you want to understand South Africa, you'll have to deal with the full spectrum; poverty, the AIDS pandemic and violence remain a problem.
Travel Warning: Crime - Street Violence
Foreigners should be on high alert at airports and bus stations where criminal gangs are reportedly in operation, particularly at Johannesburg International Airport. Muggings and carjackings are regularly reported in Johannesburg's city centre.
In May, Johannesburg and Durban were been hit by a wave of xenophobic violence as mobs of locals roamed the city centre and surrounding townships in search of foreign refugees and migrants. Dozens of people were killed, and the government deployed the army to contain the disturbances. Travellers should steer well clear of any street clashes in these cities.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
The Republic of South Africa
Population
43,800,000
Currency
Name: South African Rand
Code: ZAR
Symbol: R
Electrical Plugs
220/230V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Zulu, Afrikaans, English, Swazi,,,,
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +2
Country Dialing Code
+27
Weights & Measures
Metric
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
