The North West province is largely composed of meadows dotted with trees and landscapes that stretch to infinity. It includes two of the largest nature reserve of the country, the largest playground in the world and a World Heritage Site.

Advice:

• The Pilanesberg and Sun City can very well be combined on a stay of 2 to 3 nights.
• If the hotels in Sun City are too expensive for you then it’s better to stay in the Pilanesberg Park and make round trips during the day. Rustenburg has also to be considered.
• You can self-drive in The Pilanesberg Park with your own vehicle (4x4 are not mandatory). Some accommodations and the park itself offer open vehicle safaris with experienced ranger. For safari beginners, we advise you to start with a guided game-drive…
• A 2-night stay is enough to cover the entire Pilanesberg
• The Madikwe Game Reserve is a private reserve in which self-drive safaris and day visitors are not allowed.
• The Madikwe Game Reserve is not cheap and the twenty or so lodgements are upscale… if you wish to save money, consider staying out of season (May to August). The prices of stays are often lower…   

South Africa, the 'rainbow' nation.

South Africa is so diverse you feel like you are visiting several countries in one trip!

With grandiose and various landscapes (mountains, « bush », beaches, forests, plains, desert), a pleasant climate in all seasons, an abundant and diversified fauna and flora including the “Big Five”, a population with the most composite ethnic groups, South Africa accumulates important natural wealth. Also note among its assets: quality of the hotel sector, services, road network, means of transport, rich and varied gastronomy, excellent wines, favourable exchange rates, 21 national parks and many private reserves, a multitude of activity throughout the country…

When to go?

South Africa has this peculiarity of presenting a wide variety of climates: Mediterranean, subtropical or temperate depending on the region with a high rate of sunshine everywhere (watch out for sunburn!)

South Africa can be visited all year round with more favourable periods depending on interests:

• June, July and August (South African winter) for animals and therefore preferably the North of the country.

• September and October: best times for flowers (Namaqualand) but very good for game drives as well.

• From November to March (South African summer): best time to enjoy the South and East of the country, beaches of the Cape and the Indian Ocean. The Garden Route is particularly appreciated in February: the weather is nice; the temperature of the water is pleasant.

• April and May: very pleasant autumn with always nice days in Cape Town and the resumption of the animal season.

Formalities:

The passport must include two blank pages and still be valid for 30 days after the expected date of exit from South Africa. 

French nationals are exempted from prior visas. A 90-day residence permit will be issued at the border on entry into South African territory. 

For other nationalities, inquire on a case-by-case basis with the competent authorities of their country of origin.

For any minor child: a multilingual extract of birth certificate (or an unabridged birth certificate translated into English - certified translation) is required to enter and leave South Africa (in the case of a child traveling with his 2 parents). Please consult the official sites for more information about all the requested documents according to your case.

Health:

No vaccinations are required for entry into South Africa. However, it is advisable to check the updating of your usual reminders and vaccinations as for any country.

Anti-malarial treatment is recommended (see your doctor).

Currency:

The Rand is the official currency of South Africa (symbol: ZAR). Credit cards are accepted everywhere and distributors are easily available for cash withdrawal. Travellers’ checks in euros are also accepted in banks and some hotels.