Climate: South Africa's weather is generally sunny and temperate although there are regional variations. Much of the country is prone to drought and is semiarid. The summer (wet season) is from September to April. Current weather forecast>>

Capital: Pretoria

Language: English and Afrikaans (+27 International code)

Visa/Entry Requirements:
UK nationals do not require Visas for visits up to 3 months. Passports need to be valid for 6 months

Currency rate: Rand (R) US$1 = R7.48

Fuel costs: Diesel: US$ 0.39 per litre

Roads: Drive on the left. Major roads are in good condition

Interesting Facts
The discovery of the Cape of Good Hope by Europeans at the end of the fifteenth century opened the sea route from Europe to Asia. Shaka (1787-1828), or Chaka, was the Zulu warrior who ruthlessly united the Zulu clans forming a strong Kingdom. For six months in 1879 the British army fought the Zulu Wars. The Battle of Rorke's Drift is particularly famous: one hundred and twenty men defended the British base at Rorke's Drift from thousands of Zulu warriors. The Zulu army was finally defeated later that year.