South Africa |
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Hospitals and clinics in South Africa are vying to attract more international medical tourism patients from around the world. With many private, world-class medical institutions, highly skilled doctors, serene vacation settings and somewhat close proximity to Western Europe; Europeans have been traveling to South Africa for health tourism procedures for some time now. Although the cost of medical treatment is not as price competitive as many of the other popular medical travel destinations, the quality of treatment is world-class and available tourists attractions are astounding.
Traveler Support:
Activities:
Accommodations:
Westcliffe Hotel
Related Links:
http://www.southafrica.net/
http://www.southafrica.com/
http://www.sa-venues.com/tourist_and_visitor_information_.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa
http://www.tourism.co.za/
Johannesburg
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501609-johannesburg_vacations-i;_ylt=AtZhicq94sOQZ._TBMV0GismFWoL
Traveler Support
Country Information
South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history, and culture provide tourists with a truly unique and exciting experience.
South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by northern neighbors Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It encompasses the independent mountain kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland and is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east - giving the country its spectacular range of biodiversity. [top]
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest and most vibrant city. It offers the tourist a lot to choose from including recreational facilities, historical sites, nature escapes, botanical gardens, mountain trails, vibrant wildlife, and much more.
Known as the gateway to Africa, “Joburg” is built on gold. Established in 1886 when gold was struck, the city has been rebuilt four times in the past century - it started as a tent town, worked up to a tin-shack settlement, a four-story Edwardian settlement and finally graduated as a modern city of glass and concrete skyscrapers. It's one of the youngest major cities in the world and is a mélange of African cultures, and is considered by many to be the most cosmopolitan city on the continent. [top]
Language
In South Africa there are 11 officially recognized languages, most of them indigenous. English is one of these, and everywhere you go, you can expect to find people who speak and understand it. English is the language of the cities, of commerce and banking, of government and official documents. Road signs and official forms are in English. [top]
Religion
South Africa does not have an established (national) church. Most Afrikaners belong to the Dutch Reformed Church or to its sister churches. Most English-speaking whites belong to Anglican, Congregational, Methodist, or Roman Catholic churches, or to Jewish congregations. [top]
Climate
The climate in South Africa is almost perfect, with warm sunny days most of the year. The seasons of the southern hemisphere are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere so the summer runs from November to February, when most of the country is characterized by hot weather with afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are generally mild and dry. South Africa enjoys one of the world's highest average daily hours of sunshine - 8.5 compared with 3.8 in London, 6.4 in Rome and 6.9 in New York. The average temperature in South Africa during the summer months is 67° and 52° during the winter months. [top]
Clothing
South Africa's climate is sunny at any time of the year. However, your dress requirements may vary according to your particular destination, so you should be prepared.
It you intend spending a lot of time outdoor during their summer months, be sue to bring a hat for protection against the scorching sun. In the summer, lightweight cotton clothing is advised because daytime temperatures generally hover around 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
For the brief period of January until Mid-March, temperatures sometimes reach 95 degrees. During this period, the nights might be just as hot. In the Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, there is no rain to cool down the air. You may or you may not want to bring a costume to swim in. There are a few topless and nude beaches in South Africa, but generally nudity is still frowned upon.
Further inland there is often an afternoon or evening thunderstorm. In fact, the rain may become quite heavy, so a raincoat is advisable. In the summer evenings, the heat usually lessens and only a light jacket is required.
In the winter months (May to October) the sun shines almost every day. Daytime temperatures hover around 63 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The evenings can get very cold. Temperatures have been known to plummet to below zero in Johannesburg. [top]
Mobile Phones
A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for South Africans and foreign customers who are traveling around. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range. [top]
Getting Online & Checking E-mail
Most hotels offer Broadband Internet connection. And, Cyber-cafés are widely spread throughout the city. [top]
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Tourism Information and Safety Call Line 083 123 2345
Police 10111
Fire 1022
Ambulance 10222
US Embassy 021-421 4280 [top]
Activities in Johannesburg
Advisory
Please be advised that you may not be able to participate in certain activities after receiving your medical treatment. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the appropriate activities in which you can participate. [top]
Safaris
Please be advised that you may not be able to participate in certain activities after receiving your medical treatment. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the appropriate activities in which you can participate.
One of the most exciting ways to explore the magical and romantic diversity of South Africa is to enjoy your day on a guided safari. Through our partners in South Africa, you will have many options to choose from, such as:
Bush Safari
Wine Safari
Day Safari
Train Safari
Country Safari
Wilderness Safari [top]
Please be advised that you may not be able to participate in certain activities after receiving your medical treatment. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the appropriate activities in which you can participate. One of the most exciting ways to explore the magical and romantic diversity of South Africa is to enjoy your day on a guided safari. Through our partners in South Africa, you will have many options to choose from, such as: Bush Safari Wine Safari Day Safari Train Safari Country Safari Wilderness Safari
Pampering
With the amazing climate and wonderful scenery, there are so many perfect settings for real rejuvenation and ‘decompression’. In South Africa, you will find an abundance of excellent spas and wellness centers scattered all around the country from mountain hideaways, beach retreat to game lodges and even a wellness center located on a golf course.
If you’re planning some serious time out on your vacation and need to fully rejuvenate, a stay at a spa may be just the thing. A gentle regimen of daily massage, healthy eating, moderate exercise and magnificent scenery will leave you feeling great after a few days. You will find that the complementary health facilities are among to the worlds finest and the exchange rate makes the whole experience a totally stress-free and budget friendly one. Most spas have very flexible offerings so you can stay for as long or as short as you like. [top]
Shopping
Shopping is a South African pastime. Whether it’s in a mall, at the roadside or at a market, the many colorful, creative and local wares are decidedly a part of our lives. On every corner in Johannesburg there is a street vendor, plying his wire creations and ethnic designs. Take a road trip and discover the exotic craft villages that are a consistent feature of every country road. Fill your car with pineapple beer, hand woven baskets, colorful bead necklaces and intricately carved wildlife statues.
Designer boutiques, major shopping malls, international brands and foreign decorative brands are also available in South Africa but it is the local products that reflect the cultural diversity. Over the past two and a half years, the Proudly South African campaign has promoted various pioneers in different industries. These are companies that have contributed to the economy through job creation and by supporting local products. [top]
Beaches
South Africa claims some of the best beaches in the world. From the pristine coastal stretch of Kwa Zulu Natal’s Cape Vidal to the Eastern Cape’s wildest Wild Coast….from the penguin colony of Boulders Beach in the Western Cape to the sun-drenched shores of Camps Bay – when it comes to beaches, we win, hands down. [top]
Entertainment
Johannesburg has a number of ‘villages’ – places where people choose to go and play at night. Melville for example, is Little Hollywood – home to local celebrities, musicians and creative souls. Outdoor cafés, funky bookshops, serious restaurants, music venues and vendors with craft work all vie for your attention. Another such ‘village’ is Norwood, which is a cosmopolitan spot with eateries ranging from Jewish to Japanese with Indian and Italian and everything in between. [top]
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