Northern Cape Accommodation Links

NORTHERN CAPE ACCOMMODATION AND TOURIST INFORMATION

Tourist Information

Northern Cape Tourism Authority

Private Bag X5107, Kimberley 8300

Tel 053 832 2657/832 2643/831 2789

Fax 053 831 2937

Email tourism@northerncape.org.za

Land Area - 361 830 km2. The largest province in South Africa

Population - ±850 000

Population density - 2 per sq km

Capital City - Kimberley

Major Towns - Calvinia, Colesberg, Kuruman, Springbok and Upington

Languages - Afrikaans, English, Nama, SeTswana and Xhosa

Tourist Safety

Though the Northern Cape is a safe haven for tourists, we urge you to take the same precautions you would in any other city or town. Avoid the unnecessary display of valuables and do not walk in deserted places or go out alone at night.

International dialling

The international dialling code for South Africa is +27. The first 0 in the local dialling code falls away eg. 053 833 1434 becomes +27 53 833 1434.

Public Holidays

New Year’s Day 1 January

Human Rights Day 21 March

Good Friday 25 March

Family Day 28 March

Freedom Day 27 April

Workers Day 1 May

Youth Day 16 June

National Women’s Day 9 August

Heritage Day 24 September

Day of Reconciliation 16 December

Christmas Day 25 December

Day of Goodwill 26 December

Banking

Most banks are open Mon-Fri 09h00-15h30 & Sat 09h00-11h00. Autobanks are found in bigger towns.

Tax Refund

Visitors to South Africa are not exempt from paying VAT (Value-added Tax) on bought goods. However, tourists can claim back the VAT paid on items, with a total value exceeding R250, that they take out of the country with them. Keep proof of payment. Goods will be inspected at customs.

Petrol (Gas)

Though widely available at most towns, we recommend filling up before travelling long distances. On major routes and in bigger towns, petrol stations are open 24/7.

Transport

Kimberley has air and rail links with most major South African cities. The airport is eight kilometres out of town and there is no bus shuttle into or out of town. Major car hire companies, however, have rental kiosks at the airport. A taxi service is available on request. Tel 053 861 4015 or 053 842 1764. The capital city’s railway station is in Florence Street, close to the city centre. The luxurious Blue Train and Rovos Rail travels from Pretoria to Cape Town via Johannesburg and Kimberley, where passengers can board or disembark. The Kimberley Tram Service - a vintage tram dating to the turn of the century, carries passengers from the City Hall to the Mine Museum from 09h00-16h00 daily. Tickets are sold on the tram. Tel 053 832 7298. Upington also has air links with all major cities in South Africa.

Air Travel

Kimberley:

SA Express Tel 053 838 3337

SA Airlink Tel 053 838 3337

Springbok:

National Airlines Tel 021 934 2336

Upington:

SA Airlink Tel 054 332 2161 Walker Flying Services Tel 082 820 5394

Rail Travel

Kimberley:

Tel 053 838 2709/838 2731

Shosholoza Meyl Tel 053 838 2731/2631