 ArrivingAll towns may be reached by air, road and rail. Local people make use of their own motor cars or minibus taxi services to get around the area. The Area is linked to Nelspruit, Gauteng Province, Mozambique and Swaziland through inter-city bus services. The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, 25 km north east of Nelspruit, is an airport with easy access for everyone. Mobile ServicesAll cellular phone service providers have reasonable reception in and around the area. Service may be intermittent in mountainous areas. Many businesses sell cash call cards for cell phones and there are various supplier outlets in all the towns. ClimateNelspruit and the area’s climate is subtropical and the average day time temperature ranges from 18 degrees centigrade from June to August to the mid 30’s from October to February. It is a summer rainfall area and winters are dry. Courier ServicesSeveral companies offer courier services to national and international destinations. Their details are displayed under the courier heading in the business pages of this website. Disabled PeopleSome towns are not easy for disabled travellers to negotiate mainly due to its historic buildings and steep slopes. However, the municipality has various initiatives to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and many tour operators are becoming sensitized to their needs. We suggest you contact establishments first to find out whether they are geared to provide for your particular requirements. Electricity and VoltageYou will find a 220v power supply throughout, South Africa, using large three-prong round pin plugs for appliances. Voltage is compatible for British and European appliances. Equipment brought in from the USA will need an adaptor. National Emergency Numbers
Foreign exchangeForeign exchange is available at most ABSA banks as well as at Foreign Exchange banks in the Riverside Mall and the Kruger Park Airport. See the business directory of this website. Most international credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Diners Club and Mastercard are accepted in restaurants, shops and hotels. HealthNelspruit, Baberton and Whiteriver have private and government hospitals and day clinics. Medical doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and alternative health practitioners are available. Pharmacies will be able to meet most of your needs for medication. All medical practitioners are listed in the directory of this website. Remember to take precautions against the harsh African sun and heat by using a sun hat and blocking cream and drinking plenty of fluids. Check the specific town you are visiting for the malaria risk. Barberton, Nelspruit, Whiteriver, Sabie and Kaapschehoop is in a low risk malaria area and anti-malarial drugs are not neccessary, according to Department of Health and Medical Research Council. However, travellers visiting the Upper Kruger Park, Malelane and Komatipoort might want to get anti-malarial drugs or mosquito repellent to ensure they are safe. Most water in South Africa is potable and it is not necessary to drink bottled water, except in rural areas where there is no treated water supply. Never drink waters from rivers or dams, or swim in rivers or dams in South Africa, as there is a high incidence of Bilharzia in many of our rivers and dams. There is also the danger of contracting Cholera through drinking untreated water in rural areas. There are extremely good medical services in South Africa. Should you require medical treatment, you will be treated at any of the private medical clinics here. The Public Hospitals, however, are very overcrowded, and although you will receive capable and thorough treatment, you will probably face an extremely long wait before receiving attention. Please note that all hospitals and Doctors request payment "up front", so it would be wise to ensure that you are covered either by your own medical aid scheme, or by medical insurance. Most hospitals and doctors will not accept foreign currency. IdentificationVisitors are advised to carry some identification with a photograph, including their drivers license if applicable. InternetMost Tourism Offices, restaurants and internet cafe’s offers a wireless internet connection (WiFi) where visitors can connect from WiFi enabled laptops and PDA’s from anywhere in the establishment. See the directory on this website for telephone numbers and addresses. Motor vehicle servicesMost towns have several motor vehicle dealerships, breakdown services, mechanical workshops, panel beaters and spare part businesses. See the directory of this website. Automobile Association: 08 00 111 NewspapersRegional and national daily and other newspapers are sold at news stands. Personal safety and theftFor the visitor Nelspruit Area is comparatively safe, although petty theft is commonplace, much as you might expect in any urban area. It is sensible to take the usual precautions: wallets and valuables should be kept out of sight; hand bags worn on the shoulder tucked under the arm, park in secure areas especially at night. Any theft should be reported immediately to the police. If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your embassy or consulate as well as the police. Most tourist who becomes victims of crime, have not followed the simple basic rules of safety. Keep these in consideration when travelling: PoliceAll policemen wear blue uniforms and are conversant in English and one or more other South African languages. They are generally polite and helpful to visitors. Post OfficeThe post offices are open from 8:00 to 19:00 Mondays to Fridays and 8:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays. Public HollidaysMany shops choose to remain open on public holidays. If the public holiday is on a Sunday, the Monday will also be treated as a holiday. Major holidays include:
ShoppingMost of the major retail outlets are represented where clothes, furniture, linen, groceries and other items can be purchased. SmokingSmoking is forbidden in public buildings and in restaurants except in demarcated areas. Most common brands, including South African, European and American brand cigarettes are available in shops. TellephoneThe international code for South Africa is +27 and domestic dialling code for Nelspruit Area is (0)13 (omit the “0” if dialling from a foreign country). TippingTipping is left to your discretion. A 10% service charge or tip is the norm for good service at restaurants. ToiletsPublic toilets are not plentiful, but clean ones can be found at most fuel stations, the tourism information office, most shopping centres and food outlets. TrafficTraffic officers wear khaki-brown uniforms with identification badges and travel in clearly marked cars and are conversant in English and one or more other South African languages. They are generally polite and helpful to visitors. If you are suspicious of any circumstances surrounding being pulled off the road by any such official then drive to the nearest police station and report there. WaterAll water direct from the municipal mains is fit for drinking. Bottled water is available in supermarkets and cafés. Hiking VehiclesHire from a reputable company and take full cover insurance. Plan your route beforehand and keep to the major highways. Restrain from stopping and asking strangers for directions, or offering a lift to a stranger. Rather contact the nearest Tourism Office.
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