Can I Cross Borders in your Vehicles
South Africa is bordered by 6 countries - Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
Our campervans are allowed into Lesotho and Swaziland. Under special circumstances we do allow vehicles into Namibia and Botswana.
In order to take a rental vehicle across a border into Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia or Swaziland you need to have a letter of authority from Lekker Camper. Travel into Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia & Zimbabwe is currently not allowed.
Most countries impose a cross border charge - for Namibia this is currently R140 for the vehicle and R90 for a trailer. Note that prices are subject to change. UK citizens pay R1,000 to enter Zimbabwe, so if you are tight on cash then check with the appropriate tourist information service before you go.
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What Happens if the vehicle breaks down
Every Lekker Camper vehicle is maintained to an extremely high standard. Each vehicle is fully checked before it is delivered to our customers using a comprehensive safety and mechanical checklist. In addition, all our vehicles are protected 24:7 with AA Fleetcare Plus in South Africa giving you complete peace of mind on your vacation. The following services are included:
- 24-hour, 7 days breakdown assistance
- roadside repair service
- flat battery service
- tyre change service
- key lockout service
- tow to safety
- emergency fuel
- AA Mayday medical assistance
- emergency overnight accomodation
- and more....
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Easy as 1 .... 2 .... 3 - booking process
In order to secure an advance booking for a Lekker Camper there are 2 methods available for you to choose from - ONLINE or FAX:
ONLINE BOOKING:
- Submit secure online booking
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Quick Response: Lekker Camper will respond to your booking within 24 working hours to confirm the booking.
- Your credit card shall be debited with the R1,500 deposit.
FAX BOOKING:
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Confirm vehicle availability and quote with Lekker Camper. If vehicle is available for the required dates then Lekker Camper shall email you a Booking Confirmation form
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Pay a booking confirmation deposit of R1,500 directly into the Lekker bank account OR Request Lekker Camper to debit your credit card
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Fax the fully completed booking confirmation form and payment deposit slip (if applicable) to Lekker Camper on +27 (0)21 851 8569. Once received then Lekker Camper shall email your booking confirmation. n.b. Your fax must be sent within 3 days of Lekker Camper confirming the availability, to ensure that your vehicle remains available.
If for any reason the vehicle is not available on the booked day then Lekker Camper shall be happy to refund the booking confirmation deposit. For full cancellation policy see terms and conditions
Where do we collect the Vehicle from?
A member of the Lekker Camper team shall meet you with a board showing your name & flight number. You will be escorted to the Vehicle where all the relevant documentation will be completed.
If you prefer we can also deliver the vehicle to your Hotel or you home address in Cape Town
ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE:
On the day of departure we shall meet you at the agreed location. We shall require: - the remaining balance of the account to be paid, lock the insurance excess on your credit card and the cross border deposit (only if applicable), your valid drivers licence and valid full passport (n.b. the originals must be available for inspection). We also require a standard vehicle contract and inventory to be signed to protect both parties.
Before driving off in the Lekker Camper, a member of the Lekker crew shall take you through the vehicle to show you all the lekker gizmos and gadgets and ensure that you are happy and know where everything is.
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Does the driver need a special License (PDP)
You do NOT need any special licence to drive any of our vehicles - with the exception of the 14 Seater Toyota Quantum. All our campers are standard size and makes them ideal for driving in cities and even parking in multi story car parks.
In order to drive the 14 Seater Quantum the driver requires a PDP licence.
A PDP licence is a Public Drivers Permit. It has recently been replace by a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP). The purpose of the PrDP was to expand the scope of drivers that had to be medically sound and display an impeccable driving record. This is to ensure that the drivers who are mostly on the road or transport dangerous goods or are entrusted with transporting many passengers (more than 12 passengers) at once have satisfied the legal requirements of being medically fit and not having a criminal record relating to driving or behaviour towards people.
You can apply for a PrDP at any Driving Licence testing centre (DLTC). You will have to take you ID, 4 photos and complete form PD1 at the DLTC. Once you have paid the application fee you will be issued with a form MC that has to be completed by a medical practitioner. You will also be referred to the nearest SAPS station for a criminal record check.
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Do we need to book Campsites in Advance
In general you do not need to book campsites in advance.
However, if you are planning to visit during the Summer Holidays from 10 December - 10 January, then we strongly advise you to book at coastal campsites. Most South African's have a long holiday during this period and many choose to migrate to the seaside during the summer holidays. On the other hand Inland caravan parks may be quiet during this time.
National park campsites can also fill up quickly especially during bank holiday weekends, so we encourage our customers to make advance bookings if possible.
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Can we camp next to the road
In short - NO. Most service / petrol stations in South Africa have a rest area where any motorists can take a short break from driving. You can safely sleep in the Lekker Camper at such a stop. However with so many great campsites all over South Africa it is a waste of your time to spend an evening in a petrol station. It is always advisable to find a campsite before dark. Even the smallest towns usually have a campsite.
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CAMPSITES
There are over 800 campsites around South Africa. Having rented a Lekker Camper, you should have no problem in finding great and cheap accommodation all over Southern Africa. Lekker Camper provide an up-to-date campsite guide with all campervan rentals.
If you are travelling in South Africa holiday season then it may be advisable to pre-book some of your campsites, particularly in the more popular areas. If you need assistance with bookings then we at Lekker Camper are happy to help.
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Does a 2-Berth camper have enough space to accomodate our child.
Both our 2 berth campers have enough space for an additional small bed. Any child up to about 5 years old can easy join to adults on a Lekker Camper Trip. The Comfort Camper has the additional advantage of having a walk trough to the back so the front passengers can easy get to the rear of the vehicle. At night time we provide you with an extra mattress and bedding for your little one. We can also supply an infant or child seat.
Our 4 Berth campers are big enough for 4 adults.
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COVER
Standard Lekker Cover (Free)
Standard cover is included in the daily rate. In the event of any damage to either a Lekker Camper vehicle or third party vehicle / property, the hirer will be liable for the first R10 000 (R20 000 in case of theft).
Note: The hirer will also be fully liable for replacement or repair of windscreen and / or radio, all tyre damage and interior furnishings damage or loss
You can upgrade the standard cover to reduce your excess if you wish:
Well Lekker Cover / Super Cover (Only available for rentals 10 days +)
Well Lekker Cover will reduce the excess for any damage to either the Lekker Camper Hire vehicle or third party vehicle / property . The option of Well Lekker Cover will also waive the excess for replacement or repair of radio.
Note: hirer is responsible for all windscreen, tyre damage and interior furnishings damage or loss
Notes:
* The cover excess will be locked on the primary driver's credit card
* We strongly advise travellers to get their own travel insurance before travelling to Africa.
* You are advised to read our terms and conditions prior to booking.
see terms & conditions for full detail
24:7 ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE/FLEETCARE COVER:
All our vehicles come with full comprehensive 24:7 AA Fleetcare Plus cover for free (South Africa) and the Lekker Camper team are only a call away.
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DRINKING WATER
Drinking water is generally safe & palatable across all of South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland & Namibia unless specifically stated to the contrary. If in doubt then ask a local. If still in doubt drink bottled water which is available at most shops, cafes, restaurants & service stations. If this is not available then you may consider using water purification tablets.
Always carry plenty of water when travelling as distances between service stations and shops can be very far and long. Never underestimate how long a journey may actually take you!
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DRIVING + ROADS
Drive on the left-hand side in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. The majority of roads in South Africa are of good quality tarmac and link all major areas of the country. Be careful after a rainy spell as the roads are very slippery. Also watch out for other drivers - there are many unroadworthy vehicles around and driving skills aren't always 100%.
speed limits may be indicated, otherwise:
- Urban freeways 80km/h
- Open freeways 120km/h
- Built-up areas 60km/h
SPEED KILLS - There are speed cameras that do work and traffic police are often hiding in a ditch at the side of the road to catch you out so ...don't speed!, especially in towns, where if you don't get caught out by the police it is quite possible that you could run over an animal, child or drunkard.
ALWAYS CARRY YOUR DRIVING LICENCE WITH YOU WHEN DRIVING. It is a legal requirement and the police will not allow you to continue driving if you are found without one.
Please note that the law is always subject to change.
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DO NOT DRINK + DRIVE - Currently the legal blood/alcohol limit is 0.05mg p/100ml - approx. 2 drinks (although have 1 or none to be on the safe side)
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NO MOBILE PHONES - It is against the law to use your cell phone whilst driving. Pull over before dialling out or answering a call or text
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SEATBELTS PLEASE! - It is compulsory for both drivers + passengers to wear their seatbelts
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DISTANCES
The below distances are in kms:
| Bloemfontein |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1004 |
Cape Town |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 534 |
1753 |
Durban |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 586 |
1099 |
679 |
East London |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 869 |
438 |
1317 |
638 |
George |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 398 |
1402 |
630 |
1002 |
1285 |
Johannesburg |
|
|
|
|
|
| 177 |
962 |
811 |
780 |
824 |
472 |
Kimberley |
|
|
|
|
| 932 |
629 |
1254 |
575 |
63 |
1351 |
887 |
Knysna |
|
|
|
| 743 |
506 |
1377 |
575 |
60 |
1170 |
698 |
123 |
Oudtshoorn |
|
|
| 968 |
665 |
1218 |
538 |
99 |
1387 |
923 |
36 |
159 |
Plettenberg Bay |
|
| 577 |
769 |
1003 |
324 |
314 |
1099 |
1138 |
251 |
374 |
215 |
Port Elizabeth |
| 456 |
1460 |
636 |
1040 |
1229 |
58 |
530 |
1417 |
1199 |
1348 |
1133 |
Pretoria |
| 570 |
1314 |
445 |
234 |
872 |
862 |
747 |
809 |
932 |
773 |
558 |
920 |
Umtata |
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ELECTRICAL
Electrical appliances are run on 220/240 volts, 50Hz. Outlets are of the round, 3-pin type.
There are very occasional spells of powercuts, so it may be advisable to carry a small torch if you are scared of the dark! Most campsites should have backup generators.
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FIRE
Due to extreme dry climate across Southern Africa at certain times of the year (usually the dry summer months) there are fire restrictions. These are usually advertised on the radio or on boards by the road so keep an eye out. Please do take heed of fire restrictions, as fire is a huge problem in Southern Africa that destroys forests, animal habitats and homes.
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LANGUAGE
There are 11 official languages in South Africa. Noone here expects you to speak all of them - although a little bit of effort with the appropriate Thankyou, Dankie (Afrikaans), Ngiyabonga (Zulu), Enkosi (Xhosa).... goes along way. Generally you will get by in most places with English and the occasional bit of drawing and pointing thrown in for good measure.
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MAPS
See http://www.brabysmaps.co.za for some great maps.
We provide you with detailed AA maps covering the whole off of South Africa. You get a camping guide with included with a camper rental that has additional maps and indicate all the campsites. We do offer an optional GPS on rental too.
If you need advice on routes then please ask a member of Lekker Camper.
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MEDICAL STUFF
It is advisable to take out full medical insurance before coming to Southern Africa as undoubtedly you may receive the most prompt treatment in private medical facilities. Whilst there are plenty of public hospitals, which you can visit for small fees, these hospitals are often stretched to capacity.
Before your holiday contact your doctor to discuss what vaccinations he/she suggests you get. The vaccinations you may need will depend on exactly where you are visiting and what you may be exposed to.
If you experience any of the following symptoms then it is advisable to visit the nearest health facility for proper diagnosis and prompt treatment: fever, bad headaches, backache, diarrhoea, vomiting, general feeling of unwellness, rash or swelling. This list is not exhaustive. If you feel unwell and suspect that something may be wrong, then do not hesitate to go to your nearest health facility without delay.
AIDS Helpline tel: 0800 012 322
HIV and AIDS is undoubtedly a real problem in Southern Africa that should not be taken lightly. Statistics say that there are over 5.5million people living with HIV in South Africa, although many believe this to be a huge underestimate. Certainly 100s of people in Southern Africa - adults and children die every day from AIDS related illnesses. It is estimated that 2:1 women:men have contracted HIV due to issues such as with men having multiple partners, lack of respect for women, rape. There is still a high spread of HIV in Southern Africa due to lack of education, poverty, cultural and social issues, misinformation and much more. Unfortunately, it is not a disease that is going away in a hurry and it is still being heavily spread. If you do decide to sleep with someone whilst on holiday here, then PLEASE use adequate protection for both parties sake.
See:
- http://www.afroaidsinfo.org for leading information/advice/event info
- http://www.aids.org.za/ to see how the AIDS Foundation of South Africa are making a real difference and how YOU can help
- there are many other HIV/AIDS websites that you can access - just type 'hiv in south africa' in your search engine
Malaria is only prevalent in certain areas of Southern Africa. Malaria is transmitted to people by the bite of an infective mosquito, which commonly bites after dark.
Prevention - the following measures may help to reduce the risk of mosquito bites :
- apply mosquito repellant to exposed areas and clothing
- wear long sleeved clothing and trousers
- avoid dark colours - they attract mosquitos
- sleep under a mosquito net
- avoid going out between dusk & dawn
- before your holiday consult your doctor to discuss taking appropriate malaria prevention drugs - prophylaxis
Emergency numbers
Ambulance tel: 10 177
Netcare 24hr emergency tel: 082 911
Er 24 tel: 084 124
Citi-Med tel: 080 033 3911
Visit: http://www.sahealthinfo.org for up-to-date articles and information regarding health in Southern Africa.
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MONEY
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand - ZAR which comes in Rands (R) and cents (c). This South African Rand can also be used in Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana & Namibia. The Namibian dollar (N$) is equal to the South African Rand.
There are 100 cents to the Rand. the Rand comes in the following denominations: - R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 and coins in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.
There are plenty of commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaus in most towns and cities across South Africa. Most banks open from 09:00 to 15:30 Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 08:30 to 11:00. Branches in smaller towns may close earlier - between 13:00 and 14:00
ATM's are readily available in all major towns at banks, garages, shopping malls etc. They will accept most International bank and credit cards.
Most International credit and Pin + chip cards are accepted at formal businesses. is used at some establishments but is still relatively unheard of. Be very very careful with your credit cards - you will quickly notice that virtually no shops ever check your signature, which means that if you lose or have your card stolen then it is very susceptible to fraud.
Expect to use cash at most markets, road side stalls etc.
Travellers cheques can be exchanged for cash at commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Accepted tipping rate is between 10-15% if you are happy with the service you have received.
It is customary in South Africa to pay a parking attendant for looking after your vehicle whilst you are away. Generally people tip from R2 up to R5 depending on how long you have left your car, whether the attendant helped you with your bags etc. It is a great way to lighten your pockets of change and give to those who are trying to earn a decent living. Generally parking attendants can be recognised as they wear orange parking waistcoats and they will normally approach you after you have parked your car to ask if they can look after it for you.
Spare a thought for the people living on the streets and begging at traffic lights / robots. Whilst Lekker Camper does not condone begging, it is VERY tough to get a job in South Africa and wages are very low. Typically,a domestic worker earns between R90-R150 per day. If you have spare change then please donate to a worthwhile charity of your choice or pass on to Lekker Camper who will be happy to distribute it to a worthwhile cause on your behalf.
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NATIONAL PARKS
There are great National Parks across Southern Africa.
To contact South African National Parks phone: 012 307 4135 If you are going to visit many parks then it may be worthwhile investing in a Wild Card that allows you free or reduced access to some/all National Parks.
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ONE-WAY RENTALS
George |
R 1250 |
Port Elizabeth |
R 2200 |
Durban, Jo-burg |
R 3300 |
All one way rental costs are based on either a pick-up or drop-off in Cape Town. Only available for bookings of 10+ days. Please contact us for more information if required. Other locations are available on request.
PRICES : ALL Prices are in South African Rands (ZAR)
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PETROL, FUEL + GAS
Petrol is readily available across all of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. Africans like to travel too so you WILL find petrol in the majority of towns - small and large. Make sure you do not run out of petrol - the distances between towns can often be very far and you could drive 100kms without seeing another car let alone another petrol station!
Petrol prices are controlled by the government and generally cheaper by the coast and more expensive inland due to the associated additional transportation costs.
You can purchase gas to refill the gas cylinder in every town. Hardware shops and/or petrol stations are a good place to start the search - if they don't have it then they most certainly should know who does. However, we provide you with a full gas cylinder and you should not run out.
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POST
General Opening hours: Weekdays 08:30 to 16:30, Saturdays 08:00 to 12:00 (smaller post offices may close between 13:00 and 14:00
The postal service in South Africa is generally good and timely. As all around the world it is never advisable to send cash !
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STORAGE
Storage is provided in custom designed drawers and cupboards. Lekker Camper can safely store any luggage and/or bags that you may wish to leave behind (at no extra charge of course!).
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SAFETY
There is alot of hype about safety in Southern Africa, some of it completely exaggerated and unfounded. However, there is a lot of poverty in Southern Africa and with poverty does come crime. Most towns are making a considerable effort in driving down crime and making areas safer. This includes introducing CCTV, improved lighting and security guards. The general rule of thumb that applies around the world also applies here.
- Avoid dark unlit areas
- Don't wander the streets at night time alone
- Don't carry large wads of cash
- If you feel unsafe in an area then leave
- Don't sit at traffic lights/robots with your windows wide open and your valuables on display
- Don't leave any valuables on display in your vehicle - remember out of sight, out of mind
- Take special precautions at lonely lookout points
- Don't look like a tourist - cameras,video cameras and bum bags all give it away!
- If in doubt, ask locals about areas to be avoided
IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 10111 (SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE)
- EMERGENCIES FROM A MOBILE: 112
- EMERGENCIES FROM A LANDLINE: 107
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SHOPPING
The major towns and cities of South Africa have some fantastic shops to explore. Particularly Cape Town and Johannesburg have some great designs from newly emerging designers.
Many towns also have malls where the major chains can be found. The malls are handy for parking.
There are many markets across South Africa where you can pick up African curios and handcrafts. Ask Lekker Camper for more details about specific towns and/or cities. As in any market across the world it is wise to watch your wallet.
Opening hours vary but are generally Weekdays 08:30 to 19:00 and Weekends 08:30 to 17:30 in malls. Highstreets opening hours are generally Weekdays 08:30 to 17:00 and Saturdays 08:30 to 12:00. Many petrol stations have 24:7 convenience stores.
It is worth keeping receipts for high value products as you can claim a VAT refund on presentation of receipt and purchase item at point of exit from South Africa. Currently the total claim must exceed R250.
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VISAS
Tourists from most western countries do not need to arrange a visa in advance. You receive a 3 month tourist visa on Arrival.
Visit the Department of Home Affairs website : http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za for the most up-to-date information regarding visas
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TELEPHONE
The International telephone dialling code to dial into South Africa is +27. To phone another country from South Africa dial +00 infront of the country's number.
There are public phones available in South Africa in the town high streets and the malls.
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TIME
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, 7 hours ahead of USA's Eastern Standard Winter Time.
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TOURIST BOARDS
Please note that the below list is not exhaustive. If you are looking for something then you can always contact a member of the Lekker crew who will be pleased to help you.
Tourist Board |
Email |
Website - www. |
Phone |
| Namibia Tourism Board |
info@namibiatourism.com.na |
namibiatourism.com.na |
+264 61 2906000 |
| Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism |
info@nmbt.co.za |
nmbt.co.za |
041 582 2575 |
| NAMAKWA Tourism |
tourismsbk@namakwa-dm.co.za |
northerncape.co.za |
027 718 2985/6 |
| Greater Cape Town |
capetown@tourismcapetown.co.za |
tourismcapetown.co.za |
021 426 4260 |
| West Coast |
tourism@wcdm.co.za |
tourismcapewestcoast.co.za |
022 433 8484 |
| Cape Winelands |
info@bolanddm.co.za |
tourismcapewinelands.co.za |
021 883 8871 |
| Overberg |
info@capeoverberg.org |
tourismcapeoverberg.co.za |
028 214 1466 |
| Garden Route / Klein Karoo |
info@gardenroute.org.za |
tourismcapegardenroute.co.za |
044 873 6314 |
| Central Karoo |
joostes@internext.co.za |
tourismcentralkaroo.co.za |
023 449 1000/16 |
| Northern Cape Tourism Authority |
northerncapetourism@telkomsa.net |
northerncape.co.za |
053 833 1434 |
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WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR!
Phone 082 162 for a weather report or see www.weathersa.co.za
Summer: October to April
Winter: May to September
Visitors should pack both warm and cold clothing for Southern Africa. The temperatures can vary greatly within a season depending on things like what side of the mountain you are on! Even on a really hot Summer day the evenings can get extremely cold.
Temperatures can drop to below freezing in the winter inland and rise to well over a whopping 35 degrees Celsius
in the summer.
Everyone talks about the sun in Africa being hot and dangerous. This is NOT HYPE! - the sun can burn and damage your skin really badly, even on a milder day. The hole in the ozone layer is huge and directly above South Africa. Wear high factor sunscreen (30) and protective clothing.
Always bring: hats; sunglasses;high factor sun screen; lip balm; moisturiser; insect repellant BUT remember there ARE plenty of normal pharmacies and shops around all the South African towns that stock pretty much everything that you can get hold of at home. Support the economy in South Africa where you can by BUYING SOUTH AFRICA.
Cape Town Weather Forecast, South Africa
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