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5TH SEP 2008
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 With post-apartheid optimism melding South Africa into a new society of energy and significance, travellers are returning to a place that has been off the trail for most of the century. Political violence seems to be a thing of the past and among the vast majority of people there is a desire to get on with building a new nation. It's an exciting time to visit.
For the first-time traveller to Africa, South Africa is not a bad place to start: 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 the country, you'll have to deal with the full spectrum. Poverty still exists alongside riches, the AIDS pandemic is devastating and violence remains a problem. It's necessary to take some precautions: keep money and valuables out of sight; take care when using local public transport and around railway stations; and note that car hijackings and armed robbery are risks in parts of the country. But balancing the downside is the almost tangible sense of pride and hope across all communities (rich and poor, black and white), particularly at the way South Africa has emerged from the nightmare of apartheid.
 Facts for the Traveler
Visas: Entry permits are issued free on arrival to visitors on holiday from many Commonwealth and most Western European countries, as well as Japan and the USA. If you aren't entitled to an entry permit, you'll need to get a visa (also free) before you arrive.
Health risks: Malaria is mainly confined to the eastern half of South Africa, especially on the lowveld (coastal plain). Bilharzia is also found mainly in the east but outbreaks do occur in other places, so you should always check with knowledgeable local people before drinking water or swimming in it.
Time: GMT/UTC plus two hours
Electricity: 220/230V (250V in Pretoria), 50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
 When to Go
Summer can be uncomfortably hot, especially in the lowveld. Higher-altitude areas are pleasantly warm over summer, but the mountains are rain- and mist-prone. The north-eastern regions can be annoyingly humid, but swimming on the east coast is a year-round proposition. Spring is the best time for wildflowers in the Northern Cape and Western Cape provinces. Winters are mild everywhere except in the highest country, where there are frosts and occasional snowfalls.
Holiday-makers stream out of the cities from mid-December to late January: resorts and national parks are heavily booked and prices on the coast can more than double. School holidays in April, July and September can clog up beaches and national parks.
Provided by The Student Zone (United Kingdom)
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