Are there good surfing spots?
There are several surfing spots along the Hessequa coastline of which The Point at Stilbaai and the surf off Jongensfontein draws surfers from far and wide.

Are there camping facilities both near the sea and inland?
Takkieskloof camping site in Riversdale offers chalets, camping facilities and caravan stands. There are two camping sites in Stilbaai and one in adjoining Jongensfontein.
Visit the Nona Rosa Bush Camp in Witsand; Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve in Heidelberg; ZandKraal or Garcia Pass near Riversdale, and Gouritsmond Municipal Caravan Park.

 
How many beaches are there and are they all swimming beaches?
There are three swimming beaches in Stilbaai and swimming in the Lagoon on both the east and west side of the Goukou River.
In Jongensfontein just outside Stilbaai, tidal pools are a favourite among families with young children.
Witsand, is renowned for pristine swimming beaches and is also the best land-based whale-watching spot in the Hessequa.
Gouritsmond has some lovely swimming beaches and the Gourits River.

Are you allowed to light fires on the beaches?
Under no circumstances are fires allowed on beaches.

Is it legal to camp on the beaches?
No camping is allowed on any of the beaches. There are several campsites close to beaches.

Is it a wine farming region and are farms open to the public?
Edenberg Wines is situated on the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains in Riversdale and is open to the public for wine tasting and cellar tours.

Are there any annual festivals and if so, where?
(hyperlink in to the Events page)
Heidelberg: Agricultural show
Riversdale: Annual Street Festival; Agricultural show; Hessequa Challenge; Tour de Akker; Bi-annual Wildflower Show
Stilbaai: Beach Touch Rugby; Beach Festival; Galjoen Derby; Pampoen (pumpkin) Festival; Trans-Agulhas Rubberduck Race – Stop-off leg; X-treme Festival; Freedom Road Rally; Fynbos Festival of the Garden; Food and Wine Festival
Gouritsmond: Cape Outback Mountain Bike Expedition; Trans-Agulhas Rubberduck Race – 3rd leg
Albertinia: Aloe Festival; WCCC 4X4 Extreme Challenge.
Heidelberg: Agricultural Show; Heidelberg Arts Festival; Beaver Bike Rally
Witsand: Baby Whale Festival.

Is there a good public transport system?
Trains and coaches to and from the Hessequa (Garden Route) are available but getting around such a diverse region requires a motor vehicle.

Is car hire easily available?
Most rental agencies are situated in the main towns of the Garden Route such as Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Alternatively, all towns in the Cape Town and Winelands region offer rentals from all of the main car rental companies in SA.

Is the tap water safe for drinking?
Yes, it is safe, but foreign visitors are more inclined to use bottled water.

Some regional terms and expressions:

 
 
Howzit? – A casual greeting sometimes used by both English and Afrikaans-speaking locals

Molo – Hello in Xhosa
Dankie - Thank you in Afrikaans
Enkosi - Thank in Xhosa

Sharp, or sharp-sharp – all right/OK/fine.

Boet/Broer - is the Afrikaans word for brother and is often used affectionately between friends

Babbelas - this is a friendly Afrikaans word meaning hangover.

Bakkie - is a small utility truck.

Kafee- refers to the local corner shop selling milk, bread, cigarettes, newspapers, magazines etc
Lekker! – Tasty/great/nice

Just now - in South Africa just now means anytime in the near future so don't expect results very soon!

Now-now - means that you will see results slightly quicker than "just now".

Rooibos - is a herbal tea unique to the Cape that is also available abroad.

Braai/Braaivleis – cooking meat, fish, chicken, vegetables on a barbecue (over an open fire) is a way of life in South Africa.

Boerewors/Wors - is a sausage normally made from beef or lamb with lots of herbs and spices – the flavor is enhanced when cooked on a braai.

Accommodation:
Every conceivable form of accommodation is available – but no 5-Star hotels!

Enjoy an overnight experience in a hut on the mountain slopes or nature reserve, or ‘feel’ Africa in a bungalow. There are many self-catering establishments, B&Bs, guesthouses and Homestays, where you can join in family life with the locals... There are several camp and caravan sites.
Clothing:
Lightweight, cool clothing is recommended between September and April, but always have a sweater on hand for early spring and late summer nights. Comfortable walking/hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses and sun block are essential.
Food and Beverage:
Enjoy quality local wine with South African, Eastern and Western dishes. There are food outlets along the N2 national road and in all towns. Most places of accommodation – other than self-catering – offer delicious meals. Try local specialties and join in a traditional braai (barbeque), or potjiekos (a whole meal cooked in one pot over a fire).

Family Travel:
All towns provide for families in respect of accommodation, activities and attractions. Obtain updated list or information from any of the Local Tourism Offices. (See the section: ‘How do I contact the Tourism Offices’).
Language:
Although South Africa has 11 official languages, those most spoken in the Hessequa are English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 10111
Ambulance: 10177
Mobile: (MTN): 083 112; (Vodacom): 082 147 and (Cell C): 084 148.
Ambulance: 10177
Police: 10111
Mountain Rescue: 10177
Sea Rescue: (0)21 689 5227.
Health and Medical Services:
The region is malaria free. Hospitals provide emergency and casualty wards, and out-patient treatment.

Immunisations
No international immunisation is required when entering South Africa. A yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers over one year of age entering South Africa from a cholera-infected area is required, within six days of leaving an infected country.

Medical Facilities:
Government and private hospitals offer excellent health services. South Africa does not have National Health Insurance. Ensure that you have sufficient medical cover when visiting any country.
Phone calls
To connect to overseas dial ‘00’, which is the international access code, followed by the country code, then dial the area code of the city or region and the number of the person you wish to call.
 
For example, if you a call the London number: 548 3682 116420 - dial 00 548 3682 116420.

Phone calls within South Africa:
Dial the area code (e.g. 028 for Hessequa towns) and the subscriber number 713 4139, therefore 028 713 4139.

Phoning from abroad to SA
Dial the international access code followed by the area code and the subscriber’s number: +27 21 413 6650. Mobile phones/cellphones can be hired at airport outlets. Blue-coloured public phone booths work on coins only, while green phones use the local Telkom phone card, available at Post Offices and selected stores.
Currency and Foreign Exchange
The local currency is the rand (R) and comprises 100 cents. Notes are available in R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 denominations and coins in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

Foreign currency is exchanged at all commercial banks, American Express, Thomas Cook, Rennies Travel or Diners Club International Offices or Bureaux de Change.

Credit cards are accepted by the majority of hotels, shops and restaurants. Travelers’ cheques are redeemable at most major outlets, but have cash on hand for market stalls, taxis and informal hawkers.

Banking Hours
Generally 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday and Saturdays 08:30 to 11:00.

There are Automatic Telling Machines outside banking premises and at many shopping centres and some petrol stations.
Gratuity/Tipping
Tipping is generally not included in your hotel, restaurant or Taxi bill. A guideline is the following: Porters R2 per item, Car guards R2; Taxis 10%; Waiters in hotels and restaurants 10 - 15%.
VAT Refunds
Foreign tourists enjoy a value-added tax (VAT) refund, provided the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.
VAT is refunded on departure at the point of departure. VAT of 14% is levied on most goods and services. Original tax invoices, foreign passport, plus all the items on which a refund is required, must be presented at the VAT Refund Administration Office or an appointed RSA Customs and Excise official on departure, for the total VAT on the items to be refunded.

Visitors are required to complete a VAT Refund Control Sheet (VAT 255). When not exporting all of the goods specified on a particular Tax Invoice, only the value of the goods and the tax paid on such goods being exported must be declared. This can be done at the International Airports
Post Office
Hours are generally from 08:30 to 16:30 on weekdays and 08:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays. Mail may be addressed ‘Poste Restante’ to any Post Office. Phonograms: 1+27 (0)28 or send from any Post Office; Telephone Enquiries: 1023.
Internet and Courier Services
Internet access, courier and tax facilities, postage stamps, stationery, public telephones and other communications services are available at internet cafés and postal service outlets. There are a number of private courier services in most towns and cities.
Trading Hours
Weekdays 08:30/09.00 to 17:00 and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays (may vary). Most chain stores, shopping malls and tourist shops remain open until 20:00 or later and until 20:00 on Sundays.

Cafés and convenience stores open at 07:00 until late, seven days a week. 24-hour convenience stores can be found at most larger petrol stations.

Value Added Tax is included in the sales price.
Standard Time
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 1 hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and 7 hours ahead of the USA’s Eastern Standard Winter Time.

Transport:
A well-developed infrastructure. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. A valid Driver’s Licence is required.
Safety
South Africa’s reputation worldwide is that of a friendly, warm and hospitable people and most citizens desire only that you have a memorable experience in our country, however, as with anywhere in the world, tourist should take certain precautions. Ask the locals about areas that should possibly be avoided. Keep to well-lit areas after dark, lock your car and store your valuables in a hotel safe or your place of abode.

Crime is a global problem and South Africa is no exception. Take the same precautions you would when visiting any other international destination. Do not display valuables and avoid walking alone in deserted areas.
Electricity
Electrical Systems: 220/230 Volts AC.
Three pronged plugs are universal - bring an adapter.
Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and other minor appliances
Visa
All persons entering South Africa must be in possession of a valid Passport and, where applicable, a Visa.

Enquiries can be directed to South African diplomatic representatives abroad or the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. Visitors who intend traveling to South Africa's neighboring countries and back into South Africa are advised to obtain a Multiple Entry Visa. In terms of existing arrangements, passport holders of certain countries are exempt.

Tourists must assure immigration officers that they have the means to support themselves during their stay, and that they are in possession of return or onward air tickets. They must also have valid international health certificates
Driving
Drive on the left and give way to traffic approaching from the right. The general speed limit is 120km/h on national roads, 100km on open roads and 60km/h in urban or built-up areas

Petrol, Diesel or Gas:
Available 24 hours a day. 97 or 95 (unleaded) Petrol cannot be paid for with an international company card. Cash payment is recommended.

THE Destination
THE Western Cape
THE Garden Route
THE Hessequa
THE website: www.hessequa.net