SOUTH AFRICA INTRODUCTION

South Africa is border by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and lies at the Southern tip of the African continent. For most, the sheer size of the country is unknown, in fact South Africa is 5 times larger than Great Britain covering an area of over 1.2 million kilometres.

Often described as A World in One Country, the geography, culture and climate is as diverse and varied as one can get. South Africa is home to no fewer than 43 million people and there are 11 officially recognised languages. Since the days of apartheid, South Africa has become a thriving nation. From the crashing waves of the Western Cape to the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast, the mountainous terrain of the Drakensberg to the bushveld of Mpumalanga, the scenery is truly stunning.

The weather patterns are also diverse. South Africa, being in the Southern Hemisphere has opposite seasons to Europe. South Africa is a year round destination, but many ask when is the best time to go. The answer depends, on what exactly you want to do. Generally the best time to visit the Cape is November to April. For game viewing in the Kruger area, generally the springtime August to October is best. For beaches January to March on the Cape and year round on the Kwa-Zulu coast although December to March can be humid.

Although the local currency, South African Rand, has recently gained strength, South Africa is still a value for money destination, especially when it comes to dining. Local specialities with influences from India, China and Europe combined with indigenous products make for some wonderful dining opportunities. Washed down with some of the finest Pinotage and Cabernets from the Cape, dining in South Africa is such a pleasure.

With so much to see and do, from the Winelands, Robben Island and Table Mountain around Cape Town, the Garden route of the Western Cape, the Zulu Culture and Drakensberg Mountians of Kwa-Zulu Natal, shopping and nightlife of Johannesburg, or the Game and wildlife of Kruger Mpumalanga area, you will certainly not be bored! In addition a short 2 hour flight from Johannesburg will take you to Victoria Falls in Zambia, on of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

CURRENCY:	South Africa Rand
TIME DIFFERENCE:	GMT+2
VISA:	None required for Irish Passport holders
VACCINATIONS:	Recommended. Please contact your local GP

Cape Town

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sun hrs	11	10	9	8	7	6	6	7	8	9	10	11
Rain mm	25	25	25	51	76	102	76	76	51	25	25	25
Temp C	26	26	25	23	20	18	17	18	19	21	24	25

Garden Route

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sun hrs	11	11	11	8	7	6	7	7	8	9	10	11
Rain mm	15	8	18	48	79	84	89	66	43	31	18	10
Temp C	26	26	25	23	21	17	16	17	19	21	23	24

Kruger

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sun hrs	8	8	8	8	9	9	9	10	10	9	8	8
Rain mm	114	109	89	38	25	8	8	8	23	56	107	125
Temp C	33	31	28	26	24	20	20	20	23	25	26	31