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Durban is the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. The city is famous for being the busiest port in the country. Its coastal location and large port give it an edge over the other South African cities for export-related industries.
The city is also a major tourism destination because of its warm sub-tropical climate and extensive beaches. The municipality, which includes neighbouring towns, has a population of almost 3.5 million, making the combined municipality the biggest city on the east coast of the African continent.
The Golden Mile, developed as a major tourist destination in the 1970s, includes Durban and offers ample tourist attractions. Although it had lost its international holiday pre-eminence to Cape Town in the 1990s, Durban remains more popular among local tourists. The city is also a gateway to the national parks and historic sites of Zululand and Drakensberg.
Fast Facts:
Weather
KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate for most of the year. However, summer is very hot and humid. Winter in inland areas is clear and cool, and cold in areas of high altitude such as Drakensberg. These mountains frequently have snowfalls during the winter months also.
Population
KwaZulu-Natal is home to 10.2 million people with a rich cultural mix.
Official
There are 11 official languages in South Africa. In KwaZulu-Natal, English and Zulu are widely spoken.
Banks
Banking hours are from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday and from 8.30 am to 11.00 am on Saturday. Automated teller machines (ATM) operate 24 hours a day and can be found in most shopping centres.
Currency
The currency in South Africa is the Rand (R). Bank notes currently available are in R200, R100, R50 and R10, while coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. There are 100c in R1.
Value-added tax
A 14% tax is charged on most goods and services. However, foreign tourists may reclaim this money on their departure provided the purchases exceed R250 in value. Ask for more information at the airport on arrival.
Essentials to bring
- Light-cotton clothing (shorts, short-sleeved shirt)
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
Binoculars
- Walking shoes
- Camera
Fast Facts: South Africa
Geography
Situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa has a landmass of 1,233,404 km² edged on three sides by nearly 3,000 km of coastline washed by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is bordered in the north by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and also wraps itself around two independent countries - Lesotho and Swaziland.
Capitals
South Africa has three capitals - Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative) and Bloemfontein (judicial).
Political system
A well-known fact about South Africa is that since 1994 it has enjoyed democratic government, after discarding apartheid policies of the past. Its Constitution is regarded as a model to the world, and enshrines a wide scope of human rights protected by an independent judiciary. The country is headed by President Jacob Zuma of the African National Congress (ANC).
Economy
A less-known fact is that South Africa has achieved steady economic growth in gross domestic product (GDP) since the late 1990s. The country, regarded as an emerging market, has a well-developed financial sector and active stock exchange. Financial policies have focused on building solid macroeconomic structures. The country’s central bank is the Reserve Bank.
Tourism
Since the demise of apartheid, international tourist arrivals have surged, making tourism one of the fastest growing sectors. The tourism industry is well established with an exciting sector of emerging entrepreneurs. The country leads in adventure, sport, nature and wildlife travel, and is a pioneer and global leader in responsible tourism.
Population
The South African population of more than 49 million people is extremely diverse. Africans are in the majority (about 80% of the population), followed by the White population (4.4 million), mixed-ethnic group (4.2 million) and the Indian/Asian population (1.2 million).
Climate
South Africa has a temperate climate and is known for its long sunny days, hence the title 'Sunny South Africa'. Most of the provinces have summer rainfall, except for the Western Cape (winter rainfall). Winter is from May to August, spring from September to October, summer from November to February and autumn from March to April.
Communications
South Africa has an exceptionally well-developed communications infrastructure. A number of cellphone providers offer national coverage and there are well-established landline telephone networks. Internet and wireless services are easily accessible in most urban areas.
Provinces
There are nine provinces in South Africa - Eastern Cape, Free State, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
National symbols
The South African flag is a much-loved symbol of patriotism. Other significant national emblems include blue crane (national bird), springbok (national animal), galjoen (national fish), protea (national flower) and yellowwood (national tree).
Languages
South Africa is a multi-lingual country and there are 11 official languages, including English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. Composed by Enoch Sontonga in 1899, the Xhosa hymn 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika is its national anthem.
Religions
Almost 80% of South Africa's population is Christian. Other major religious groups include Hindus, Muslims, Jews and Buddhists. The Constitution guarantees freedom of worship.
Water
Tap water is potable. However, ensure that you take bottled water with you when travelling to remote rural areas and the bush.
Animals and plants
South Africa has been declared one of the 18 mega-diverse destinations in the world. As a pioneer and leader in responsible tourism, it has numerous conservation projects to protect its natural heritage - travellers can support and take part in many of these projects. The country is home to the famous Big Five (rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo).
Electricity
Electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz. With a few exceptions (in deep rural areas), electricity is available almost everywhere.
Airports
The three major international airports in South Africa are OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport (Durban). There are 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit.
Travel by road and rail
South Africa has an extensive road infrastructure, including national highways and secondary roads. Speed limits are set at 120 km per hour (kph) on highways, 100 kph on secondary roads and 60 kph in urban areas.
Entry requirements
South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over one year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas. For visa requirements, please contact your nearest South African diplomatic mission.
Health and safety
South Africa is well known for its medical advancement since Professor Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first successful heart transplant in 1967. There are many world-class private hospitals and medical centres across the country, especially in the urban centres. Most part of South Africa is malaria-free, but always check with the game reserves you're planning to visit and take precautions if necessary. Make sure you have the latest safety tips from the accommodation where you will be staying and take the usual travel precautions.
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