Geography
South Africa is a huge country, extending 2000 kilometres north to south and 1500 kilometres east to west. It is conveniently divided into 3 separate geographical areas, which are; the Kalahari Basin, the central highland plateau and the eastern coastal lowland area. One of the provinces which makes up the eastern coastal region is KwaZulu-Natal, the “Kingdom of the Zulu.” This is a fascinating and diverse province which includes pleasant coastal resorts, numerous game-filled reserves and a rich Zulu history. On the western edge of KwaZulu-Natal, the rugged 200 kilometre escarpment of the Drakensberg rises up to form an effective barrier between the lowlands and the land-locked territory of Lesotho. The Drakensberg is a remarkable mountainous region, which boasts several 3000 metre-high summits and an unusual landscape of steep cliffs, towering waterfalls and dramatic rock formations. There is a long tradition of hiking and climbing in this part of the world and there is a network of good trails throughout the range. As well as being a playground for human-kind, ancient and modern, the high slopes and valleys of the Drakensberg provide a valuable sanctuary for wildlife. The most commonly seen animals are genet and caracal cats, jackal, chacma baboon, rock hyrax (dassie), as well as antelopes, such as grey reedbuck, mountain and common reedbuck, bushbuck and grey duiker. There are also many types of birds, ranging from the mighty Lammergeier to tiny sunbirds. Along with spectacular flora and fauna, the Drakensberg region is especially rich in cultural heritage. Thousands of Bushman painting sites from the primitive San people are scattered throughout the mountains. Close up beneath the Drakensberg and on the “lowveldt” plains to the east, there are numerous historical sites associated with relatively recent battles, between the British and the Zulus and also involving the Boers, the descendants of European settlers who claimed divine right to this “Promised Land.” An atmospheric visit to this picturesque landscape of rolling hills and isolated rocky peaks is an integral part of any trip to KwaZulu-Natal. A visit to one or more of the game reserves is the other unmissable element of any trip to this part of South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal has some of the country’s finest reserves, including the Hluhluwe and Umfolozi parks, which were founded in 1895 and are the oldest such sanctuaries in Africa. It was here that the world-acclaimed Operation Rhino was introduced during the 1960s, successfully capturing and relocating white rhino to havens within South Africa and abroad. Now a single park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is focusing its efforts on saving the endangered black rhino. Around a fifth of the world's black and white rhino population here.

Time Zone
The time in South Africa is GMT + 2 hours.

Climate
Generally, the climate is mild throughout South Africa, throughout the year. The range of daytime maximum temperatures in Johannesburg, for instance (at an altitude of 1665 metres (5462ft.)) is from approximately 17 degrees centigrade (63º F) in June and July to 27 degrees centigrade (80º F) in December and January. Most of South Africa’s rain falls during the southern hemisphere summer months, from November to February. The mountainous region of the Drakensberg usually enjoys long spells of mild, dry weather in the period from May to August and this is the best time of the year for climbing and trekking. However, cold fronts moving in from the southwest can bring rain and snow-fall to highest areas and even to the valleys of the eastern foothills, a region known as the Little Berg. Midday temperatures at the foot of the Drakensberg scarp during this southern hemisphere winter season will average 20 degrees centigrade (68º F). At the highest camps on the crest of the range, at altitudes of around 3000 metres (10000ft.) we can expect temperatures at night to fall below freezing.

Rough guide to temperatures May to August

Currency
The unit of currency in South Africa is the rand. As of February 2006, the exchange rates are:

£ 1 = R 10.6
$ 1 = R 6.1
€ 1 = R 7.2

Your travel money should be carried in the form of cash or travellers cheques (American Express). Sterling, euros and dollars are readily exchanged. Credit cards can be used to purchase goods and services and it is a good idea to carry one in case of emergency.

Visas
A valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity), is required. British and most European and Commonweath passport holders do not need a visa for South Africa.

Vaccinations
You should attend your own GP and dentist for a check-up. A ROUGH GUIDE for an immunisation programme is as follows:

(We must stress that this is only a basic guide - and you must abide by the advice of your local GP).

(a) Polio. Normally you will just need a booster.
(b) Tetanus.
(c) Typhoid. A full course requires 2 injections separated by an interval of 4-6 weeks.
(d) Hepatitis (A).
(e) Anti-malarial prophylaxis: Please refer to your GP (or to one of the agencies listed below) for the most up to date information about anti-malarial medication for the areas that you will be visiting.
(f) Rabies pre-exposure vaccination. Please refer to your GP (or to one of the agencies listed below) for advice on whether you need rabies pre-exposure vaccination. This vaccination does not eliminate the need for urgent evacuation to a suitable medical facility for additional treatment, in the unlikely case of your being bitten. However, it does simplify that additional treatment and also prolongs the period that you can safely delay before receiving post-exposure treatment.

Given enough notice, your GP will be able to administer all the above.

Additional Sources of Information

Books
Africa the South. Lonely Planet Guide.
South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Lonely Planet Guide.
The Rough Guide to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.
Mammals of Southern Africa. Charles and Tilde Stuart.
Barrier of spears: drama of the Drakensberg. R.O. Pearse.
Drakensberg walks: 120 graded hikes and trails in the Drakensberg. David Bristow.
AA Guide to KwaZulu Natal. Discover the Magic.

Maps
Globetrotter Travel Map of South Africa. 1:2,400,000.

Our trip dossiers/itineraries give details of books and maps that are specific to a particular trip. Click here for details of book and map retailers.

Web
Lonely PLanet - www.lonelyplanet.com
Rough Guides - www.roughguides.com