Local information about South Africa

Climate

The sub-tropical region of South Africa is a temperate zone, bordered on three sides by the ocean and on the fourth by an inland plateau,with a reputation for sunshine. It has a relatively dry climate with an average rainfall of 464mm as opposed to a worldwide average of 860mm. Although the Western Cape Province has rain mainly during winter, in the rest of the country it rains in summer. At the same time temperatures in South Africa have a tendency to be lower than those of other countries at the same latitude, for example Australia because of its position higher above sea level.

The coastal regions of South Africa are the warmest in winter. There exists, however, a marked contrast between temperatures on the east and west coasts because of the warm Agulhas current and the cold Benguela current.

For the majority of South Africa summer (mid-October to mid-February) is characterised by warm temperatures and sunshine, often accompanied by thunderstorms in the afternoon. Winter (May to July) on the hot and humid coast of Kwazulu - Natal is chaaracterised by magnificent winter weather with sunny days and practically no wind or rain.

Month:	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Period:
Air (°C):	24	25	24	24	22	20	20	20	22	22	23	24
Water (°C):	23	24	24	23	21	21	21	21	21	21	22	23

	= Optimal period
	= Recommended period
	= Not recommended period

Help us protect the environment

Since its inception ABYSS has always been committed to the protection of the environment. We invite you to join us in observing these simple rules:

Your travel documents will include a responsible diver chart from the Longitude 181 Association. Please study and apply these rules wherever possible
Protect the environment, both above and below water, by reducing to a minimum the impact of our activities.
Leave nothing behind which is non perishable and remember to take back things such as batteries, cigarette filters and plastic containers to name a few.
Use a minimum of non renewable resources such as water and energy.
Never buy any souvenirs made from tortoiseshell, coral or shells.
Do not touch the fish or the coral during your dives and control your buoyancy at all times.

Logo Centre ambassadeur longitude 181

Usefull details

Customs formalities:	Valid passport with an expiry date of more than 1 month after return.
Health formalities:	Up to date vaccinations recommended. No mandatory vaccination.
Jet lag:	UT/GMT + 1 hour
Currency:	Rand (ZAR)
Accepted methods of payments:	Mainly ZAR cash. Visa/Mastercard.
Electricity:	220 V - Special outlets
Languages:	English and Afrikaan
Flight time:	Depending on departure location
Luggage:	Our preference is for soft baggage for storage purposes. Maximum 23 kilos on international flights. It is sometimes possible to obtain a free upgrade to 30 kilos when departing on diving holidays. Please consult us for further information.
Pharmacy:	First aid kit, aspirin or paracetamol, sun screen and sunburn ointment, insect repellent.
Required documents:	Photocopy of your passport, dive certification card, log book and valid dive medical within the last 12 months. Repatriation and assistance insurance highly recommended. (i.e. www.diversalertnetwork.com)