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General information. |
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| On this page information about the most asked questions. If you want to know more, please send us an e-mail: | ||||||
| info@amukela.com | ||||||
| Seasons: The seasons in South-Africa are opposite to those in Europe. Summer starts in October and lasts | ||||||
| until March. From May till September it's winter. It can rain in the summer, winters are dry. | ||||||
| April/ May and September/ October are according to most people the best months. | ||||||
| Climate: The climate in the Lowveld is very pleasant. From September to April is the rain-season with average temperatures between 23 and 34 Celcius. | ||||||
| The rainfall is spread over 5 or more months. The most rain falls usually in December and January. Annual averages are between 350-400 mm. | ||||||
| The humidity is usually low and at night it cools down untill about 20. December and January are the hottest months, making you appreciate the airco in the rondawels and the | ||||||
| swimming pool. In winter the average temperature
during
the day is between 18 - 27, but the nights can be cold. |
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| We don't get frost here in the lowveld but in June and |  |
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| July it can be cold at night, we have recorded 2 degrees | ||||||
| Celcius once!. | ||||||
| The stars are usually very bright and beautiful in winter. | ||||||
| (Have a look at our page about astronomy) | ||||||
| Take a look here for the latest weatherforecasts for | ||||||
| Hoedspruit. | ||||||
| Malaria: Amukela is located in a low-risk area. | ||||||
| The Kruger park has a malaria risk from October to April but even here the risk is low. Hazyview for instance has a higher risk since there are more people there, and permanent | ||||||
| water (Sabie-river). Our rondawels all have musquitonets and gauze in the windows. The airco also keeps the mosquitos away. | ||||||
| We recommend that you contact your local health department concerning vaccinations etc. | ||||||
| More information on this website: Malaria in Southern Africa. | ||||||
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What to bring: In the warm summer months (November to March) you will need sunglasses, cap or hat and | |||||
| sun crème. Walking boots and open sandals, as well as light clothes are recommended. | ||||||
| In the winter months (April to September) you need a fleece jack and long trousers for the evenings. | ||||||
| Do bring a spotlight, as nights can be pitch dark, and don't forget your binoculars. | ||||||
| Driving: in South Africa you drive on the lefthand side. Traffic rules are similair as in Europe, US and Australia. | ||||||
| When you approach a 4-way stop (without trafficlights) then the rule 'first come first go' is applicable. | ||||||
| Watch out for speedtraps, even in the Kruger park! (mostly a couple of km. from the entrance and exit- gates). | ||||||
| If the police stops you and give you a fine, then always ask for an official ticket. In SA fines are payable at the Magistrate's Court. | ||||||
| If another car wants to take over, it is common to make way and drive over the yellow line on the left. Often the other car gives a light signal (thank you), in which case you can also | ||||||
| give a light signal (my pleasure). Off course you are not obliged to do this, but it is a common habit on the roads. | ||||||
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Try to avoid driving in the dark, especially in rural areas as people and cattle are used to walk next to the road. |
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| Rural roads are often not lit. |  |
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| Filling stations: At most filling stations you can
now also pay with your credit-card . |
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| In South-Africa it is custom that the car is filled up for you. Usually they will ask you if oil and water needs to be checked and | ||||||
| they will wash your windscreen. It is custom to give a small tip. | ||||||
| Prices for fuel can vary through-out the year. In May 2009 the price for unleaded petrol was R7,50 per liter. | ||||||
| Money and banks: The currency in South Africa is the Rand (South African Rand) and (dependent on your bankcard) you can withdraw cash at most ATM's. | ||||||
| Look out for the cirrus symbol. In case of doubt please consult your bank before departure to South-Africa. The total amount which you can withdraw is also dependend on the limit you | ||||||
| have with your own bank. If you want to withdraw cash, try to avoid the last working days of the month as in rural areas (such as Hoedspruit) there will be long queues. | ||||||
| Never allow a stranger to 'help' you at an ATM, if you don't trust the situation then cancel the transaction an enter the bank. | ||||||
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Internet: in most shopping areas you will find internet facilities, and often lodges, guesthouses and B&B's | |||||
| offer internet facilities. | ||||||
| Electricity: voltage is similair to that in Europe (220-240V). In supermarkets such as Spar, Pick n Pay etc. | ||||||
| you can buy adapters. | ||||||
| Safety: As traveller in this beautiful country it's most likely that you will have a peaceful trip. | ||||||
| However you need to be alert on certain things and take the normal precautions as you would do in most cities | ||||||
| and foreign places. | ||||||
| Most of the crime takes place in townships and the bad neighbourhoods of the bigger cities. If you wish to go out for dinner, ask your hosts for information. | ||||||
| When you are not familiair with the area, make sure you arrive in time: before dark. | ||||||
| A lot of crime takes place in the weekend and is alcohol related. |  |
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| Don't leave valuables behind in your car, and never trust a stranger. | ||||||
| In the national parks and game-reserves it is safe, when you follow the rules. These rules are made available when you enter | ||||||
| the wild areas. Important is to respect the animals, and realize that they also might have a bad day sometimes. | ||||||
| From guests we got the following feedback: at the N4 on a petrol-station around Middelburg people might offer you their | ||||||
| 'assistance'. They tell you that you need to buy a ticket for the toll-fee, and that this can be done there. | ||||||
| Don't trust themand decline their offer polite but firm. Local authorities there have been informed. | ||||||
| If you need more information, please let us know. And for the rest: enjoy your stay in South-Africa! | ||||||
