HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE TRAVELLER IN ZULULAND
Before Departure
What to pack
Comfortable light cotton clothing, hat, sunglasses, swimming costume, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, lots of film and most important comfortable walking shoes and insect repellant.
Public Holidays
Twelve in all, during which banks, administrations, some shops and businesses close:
January - New Years Day
March - Human Rights Day
April - Good Friday
Family Day
Freedom Day
May - Workers Day
June - Youth Day
August - National Women's Day
September - Heritage Day
December - Day of Reconciliation
Christmas Day
Day of Goodwill
School Holidays
Kwazulu - Natal pupils take four holidays a year March/April, June/July, September/October and December/January. Tourist offices are often crowded during these periods, especially between December and January.
Swimming
Richards Bay (Alkanstrand) is the only protected beach for swimming. Tourists are not advised to swim in rivers, lakes etc due to hippos and crocodiles.
Smoking
It is forbidden to smoke in public places and on public transport. Restaurants are divided into smoking and non-smoking areas.
Services
Some tourist establishments are somewhat isolated from essential services. The purchasing of provisions for camping and outdoor pursuits is limited to small commercial outlets. Variety of choice, however, is limited and it is recommended that consumers purchase essentials in centres with greater consumer choice.
Climate
Zululand is your ideal holiday destination, especially during the winter season from March/April when the temperature varies between 11 degrees Celsius to approximately 30 degrees during the day. The rest of the year the temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius with very high humidity levels. For information on weather conditions please phone:
North Coast +27 (0) 82 231 1677
Zululand Interior +27 (0) 82 231 1615
Ski Boat & Sailing +27 (0) 82 231 1607
Surf and Diving +27 (0) 82 231 1610
Sun, Moon, Tides +27 (0) 82 231 1618
Professional forecast aviation, ship and climate
+27 (0) 82 233 9500 or www.weathersa.co.za
Money Matters
Banks
Banking Hours are from Monday to Friday 09h00 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 11h00. Automated teller machines (ATM) operate 24 hours and can be found in most shopping centres and garages.
Currency
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. There are 100 cents to the rand, with bank notes in the denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins of R5, R2, R1, 50cents, 20cents, 10cents and 5cents. (100 cents = R1)
Credit Cards
Most shops, restaurants and hotels accept international credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Diners Club and Mastercard. However, small entities such as bed and breakfasts may not have this facility available and it is recommended that you enquire before hand. Please note that the uMfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve only accepts cash at the entrance gates.
Phone numbers for lost credit cards:
American Express 0800 110 929
Diners 0800 112 017
MasterCard 0800 990 418
Visa Card 0800 990 475
Foreign Exchange
Foreign Exchange is available at major banks
VAT
Value Added Tax(VAT) of 14% is payable on all goods and services and the marked price is inclusive of VAT. Foreign tourists are able to reclaim this money on departure from the country.
Tipping
Service charges (10%) are not included. It is customary to leave a tip to the person serving you, i.e. waiters, taxi drivers, porters, doormen, guides and petrol attendants.
Personal Safety
As in other countries there are a few basic precautions you should take to ensure that your stay is pleasant and safe as possible.
* Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewelry, cameras and other valuables.
* It is not advisable to carry large sums of money around.
* At night , stay clear of dark, isolated areas; explore in groups and stick to well lit and busy areas
* Keep certified copies of legal documents on you instead of the originals
* When driving keep the doors locked and windows closed. Never pick up strangers. Ask a policeman or traffic officer for directions if lost. Lock all valuables in the boot.
* Tourist protection unit Tel: +27 (0) 31 368 4453. Collect your safety guide from information offices in the region.
The Law and You
Report incidents of loss or theft at your nearest police station. You will be given an affidavit that will be useful for further proceedings. If necessary inform your embassy/ consulate.
Please note that KwaZulu-Natal has a zero tolerance policy, so when on the road adhere to speed limits and road traffic rules. To travel in South Africa you must hold a valid drivers license (international drivers license). Keep your papers with you at all times.
Communication
Making calls
Before dialling an international number, first check the national dialing code list for the required code and dialling procedure to be followed. For international calls dial country dialing code + area code and customer number. For further information call Worldcall Customer Service Centre 0800 223 368.
International Operator 0900
Trunk/Collect Calls 1025
Enquiries International Numbers 0903
Enquiries Local Numbers 1023
On the Move
The N2 is a national road that arcs through Zululand, linking Mpumalanga with the KwaZulu-Natal Coast. The regional roads that connect most of the towns in Zululand are tarred and well used. Consult your local information offices about using the secondary untarred roads, especially as some of them deteriorate after heavy rains. A handful of the wilderness areas require four -wheel drive.
Tollgates are in operation on national roads. Ensure that South African currency is available when travelling. Cost of tolls vary between R5 and R31 for a normal vehicle.
Service Stations
On entering the region from Durban there is only one service station (Mvoti Plaza, Shell Ultra City) situated on the N2 near Stanger. Other service stations are located within the various towns. Please note taht not all are equipped to take credit or petrol cards.
Fishing
Fishing in Zululand is a relaxing and rejuvinating experience. Patience can be rewarded with a broad spectrum of exciting sub-tropical fish as well as cooler water species such as Salmon (Cob) and Shad. Whether you prefer game fishing, shore, fly-fishing or even fishing inland water, opportunity awaits.
Fishing Regulations
Please note that regulations must be adhered to in respect to fishin liscenses and other specific permits are required for boating and beach access, launching sites etc.
Neptune's Creatures
Humpback Whales and Whale Shark, up to 18 metres in length and 40 tons in weight are among the sea life to be found in the vast expanse of the ocean. From May to September is the time when the Humpback Whale migrates from the south to Madagascar to calf.
Health Care
A network of State Hospitals and Clinics provide health services throughout Zululand. In addition threre are private Hospitals and Clinics in Richards Bay and Empangeni.
Malaria
Isolated cases of malaria occur in some areas of the Elphant Coast, especially as you get closer to Mozambique and Swaziland. Precautions must be taken, particularly between the months of October and May. It is advisable to obtain information in respect of precautions prior to your departure.
Play Safe
Levels of HIV infections vary across the different geographic regions in South Africa. One of the nine provinces KwaZulu-Natal continues to be the province with the highest prevalence.
Before Departure
What to pack
Comfortable light cotton clothing, hat, sunglasses, swimming costume, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, lots of film and most important comfortable walking shoes and insect repellant.
Public Holidays
Twelve in all, during which banks, administrations, some shops and businesses close:
January - New Years Day
March - Human Rights Day
April - Good Friday
Family Day
Freedom Day
May - Workers Day
June - Youth Day
August - National Women's Day
September - Heritage Day
December - Day of Reconciliation
Christmas Day
Day of Goodwill
School Holidays
Kwazulu - Natal pupils take four holidays a year March/April, June/July, September/October and December/January. Tourist offices are often crowded during these periods, especially between December and January.
Swimming
Richards Bay (Alkanstrand) is the only protected beach for swimming. Tourists are not advised to swim in rivers, lakes etc due to hippos and crocodiles.
Smoking
It is forbidden to smoke in public places and on public transport. Restaurants are divided into smoking and non-smoking areas.
Services
Some tourist establishments are somewhat isolated from essential services. The purchasing of provisions for camping and outdoor pursuits is limited to small commercial outlets. Variety of choice, however, is limited and it is recommended that consumers purchase essentials in centres with greater consumer choice.
Climate
Zululand is your ideal holiday destination, especially during the winter season from March/April when the temperature varies between 11 degrees Celsius to approximately 30 degrees during the day. The rest of the year the temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius with very high humidity levels. For information on weather conditions please phone:
North Coast +27 (0) 82 231 1677
Zululand Interior +27 (0) 82 231 1615
Ski Boat & Sailing +27 (0) 82 231 1607
Surf and Diving +27 (0) 82 231 1610
Sun, Moon, Tides +27 (0) 82 231 1618
Professional forecast aviation, ship and climate
+27 (0) 82 233 9500 or www.weathersa.co.za
Money Matters
Banks
Banking Hours are from Monday to Friday 09h00 to 15h30 and Saturday 08h30 to 11h00. Automated teller machines (ATM) operate 24 hours and can be found in most shopping centres and garages.
Currency
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. There are 100 cents to the rand, with bank notes in the denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins of R5, R2, R1, 50cents, 20cents, 10cents and 5cents. (100 cents = R1)
Credit Cards
Most shops, restaurants and hotels accept international credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Diners Club and Mastercard. However, small entities such as bed and breakfasts may not have this facility available and it is recommended that you enquire before hand. Please note that the uMfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve only accepts cash at the entrance gates.
Phone numbers for lost credit cards:
American Express 0800 110 929
Diners 0800 112 017
MasterCard 0800 990 418
Visa Card 0800 990 475
Foreign Exchange
Foreign Exchange is available at major banks
VAT
Value Added Tax(VAT) of 14% is payable on all goods and services and the marked price is inclusive of VAT. Foreign tourists are able to reclaim this money on departure from the country.
Tipping
Service charges (10%) are not included. It is customary to leave a tip to the person serving you, i.e. waiters, taxi drivers, porters, doormen, guides and petrol attendants.
Personal Safety
As in other countries there are a few basic precautions you should take to ensure that your stay is pleasant and safe as possible.
* Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewelry, cameras and other valuables.
* It is not advisable to carry large sums of money around.
* At night , stay clear of dark, isolated areas; explore in groups and stick to well lit and busy areas
* Keep certified copies of legal documents on you instead of the originals
* When driving keep the doors locked and windows closed. Never pick up strangers. Ask a policeman or traffic officer for directions if lost. Lock all valuables in the boot.
* Tourist protection unit Tel: +27 (0) 31 368 4453. Collect your safety guide from information offices in the region.
The Law and You
Report incidents of loss or theft at your nearest police station. You will be given an affidavit that will be useful for further proceedings. If necessary inform your embassy/ consulate.
Please note that KwaZulu-Natal has a zero tolerance policy, so when on the road adhere to speed limits and road traffic rules. To travel in South Africa you must hold a valid drivers license (international drivers license). Keep your papers with you at all times.
Communication
Making calls
Before dialling an international number, first check the national dialing code list for the required code and dialling procedure to be followed. For international calls dial country dialing code + area code and customer number. For further information call Worldcall Customer Service Centre 0800 223 368.
International Operator 0900
Trunk/Collect Calls 1025
Enquiries International Numbers 0903
Enquiries Local Numbers 1023
On the Move
The N2 is a national road that arcs through Zululand, linking Mpumalanga with the KwaZulu-Natal Coast. The regional roads that connect most of the towns in Zululand are tarred and well used. Consult your local information offices about using the secondary untarred roads, especially as some of them deteriorate after heavy rains. A handful of the wilderness areas require four -wheel drive.
Tollgates are in operation on national roads. Ensure that South African currency is available when travelling. Cost of tolls vary between R5 and R31 for a normal vehicle.
Service Stations
On entering the region from Durban there is only one service station (Mvoti Plaza, Shell Ultra City) situated on the N2 near Stanger. Other service stations are located within the various towns. Please note taht not all are equipped to take credit or petrol cards.
Fishing
Fishing in Zululand is a relaxing and rejuvinating experience. Patience can be rewarded with a broad spectrum of exciting sub-tropical fish as well as cooler water species such as Salmon (Cob) and Shad. Whether you prefer game fishing, shore, fly-fishing or even fishing inland water, opportunity awaits.
Fishing Regulations
Please note that regulations must be adhered to in respect to fishin liscenses and other specific permits are required for boating and beach access, launching sites etc.
Neptune's Creatures
Humpback Whales and Whale Shark, up to 18 metres in length and 40 tons in weight are among the sea life to be found in the vast expanse of the ocean. From May to September is the time when the Humpback Whale migrates from the south to Madagascar to calf.
Health Care
A network of State Hospitals and Clinics provide health services throughout Zululand. In addition threre are private Hospitals and Clinics in Richards Bay and Empangeni.
Malaria
Isolated cases of malaria occur in some areas of the Elphant Coast, especially as you get closer to Mozambique and Swaziland. Precautions must be taken, particularly between the months of October and May. It is advisable to obtain information in respect of precautions prior to your departure.
Play Safe
Levels of HIV infections vary across the different geographic regions in South Africa. One of the nine provinces KwaZulu-Natal continues to be the province with the highest prevalence.
| < Prev |
|---|
