Golfing Region South Africa

Travel information at a glance - Golf tours South Africa

• Golfing in South Africa - a brief introduction
• Country-specific information about South Africa
• The best time to travel to South Africa
• Good to know in South Africa

Golfing in South Africa - a brief introduction

South Africa is a versatile travel destination that offers everything from beautiful coastlines to endless steppes, impressive mountains and fascinating cities. The country at the southern tip of Africa is about three and a half times the size of Germany, but has only around 44 million inhabitants. Until a few years ago, golf in South Africa was still an insider tip. Today, there are numerous opportunities for a golf vacation in South Africa.

There are now over 500 golf courses spread across the country. As most regions have a mild climate even in winter, a golf vacation in South Africa is possible all year round. Golf in South Africa was introduced by the British back in the 1920s. For a long time, however, they largely kept to themselves. Since the 1990s, more and more golf courses have gradually been built, which was also due to the increase in tourism following the abolition of apartheid. Since then, golf tourism has played an increasingly important role. With 20 golf courses in its immediate vicinity, Cape Town is the most popular destination for golfers. Cape Town's golf courses around Table Mountain offer fantastic views. A number of professional tournaments are also held in South Africa. In the 2015/16 season, a total of six European Tour tournaments were held. This makes South Africa the front-runner, ahead of traditional countries such as Scotland and Spain.

Country-specific information about South Africa

The Kruger National Park is located in the north of South Africa and is the largest and most famous of the more than 50 protected animal reserves. Between the rainy north of South Africa and the vegetation-rich south lies an incredibly varied landscape. The highest mountain range, the Drakensberg with the 3,299 meter high Mont aux Sources, runs through the south-east of the country. Behind it lie the extensive beaches on the Indian Ocean and numerous popular vacation resorts such as Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth. This is also where the beautiful Garden Route begins. The 225-kilometre coastal road leads past numerous seaside resorts and game parks and ends in Cape Town, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. The population is made up of approx. 85% black Africans, approx. 10% whites (mainly English and Boers) and approx. 5% Asians. Since the abolition of apartheid in the early 1990s, a black middle class has increasingly emerged.

The best time to visit South Africa

South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere, which means that the seasons are opposite to those in Germany. The German winter therefore falls in the South African summer. Most regions of South Africa can be visited all year round due to their temperate climate. The hottest months are from November to February. In the interior of the country, temperatures can rise to well over 30 degrees. On the coasts, however, especially on the Atlantic coast, temperatures are usually lower and there is often a refreshing breeze. During the European summer (summer time) there is no time difference, in winter it is one hour.

Good to know in South Africa

Food and enjoyment

The Cape region in particular is known for its good cuisine. There are numerous excellent restaurants in Cape Town and along the Garden Route. But there is also excellent cuisine in other parts of the country. Of course, a visit to one of the many wineries should not be missed on a golf trip to South Africa. South Africa has enjoyed an excellent reputation as a wine producer for many years.

Currency

The national currency is the Rand (1 Rand (ZAR) = 0.07 cents).

Money

It is forbidden to import more than 5,000 Rand, which corresponds to approximately 330 Euros. It is therefore advisable to change money only in South Africa, where exchange rates are much better. Currency can be exchanged in numerous exchange offices (for example at the airport) or in banks. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies and traveler's cheques. International credit cards (e.g. Visa) are accepted by most hotels and restaurants. ATMs are also available in the tourist centers. Eurocheques are only accepted by banks.

Telephone calls

If you use your German SIM card to make calls, you must expect to incur considerable costs and roaming charges. Costs are incurred not only for outgoing calls but also for incoming calls. A prepaid card from a South African mobile phone provider offers a cheaper alternative. As in Germany, there are also different tariffs there. For calls to Germany, the country code 0049 must be dialed. Callers from abroad must dial the country code 0027.

Visa

German citizens must present their passport when entering the country. Visas are not required for short-term vacations or business trips. Entry is possible for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. Instead, you will receive a "Visitor's Visa". The passport must be valid for 30 days beyond the specified departure date. However, the embassy in Berlin should be contacted for long planned tourist trips. They will determine whether a "Visitor's Visa" is sufficient. Important: Overstaying the visa, even by a few days, can result in severe penalties and long entry bans.

Since 01.06.2015, minors must present a birth certificate when entering the country.

Arrival and transportation

South Africa has two international airports: Cape Town and Johannesburg. Johannesburg is the largest airport and the most important hub for international and national connections. Most larger and medium-sized cities have a regional airport. The road network in South Africa is well developed. There are car rental companies in all major cities. An international driver's license is required to rent a car.

Languages

- English (official language)

- Afrikaans

- Xhosa

- Zulu

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for entry, unless you are traveling from a yellow fever zone. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for the region around Kruger National Park.

Country-specific features of South Africa

It is generally not advisable to travel on foot in remote areas after dark. It is strictly forbidden to feed animals in a game park.