Practical tips
Best time
It’s the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons are reversed from Europe. For Cape Town and the Garden Route, the austral summer (November–March) is excellent; for Kruger safaris, many prefer the dry season (austral winter, May–September), with easier wildlife spotting.
Languages
South Africa has 12 official languages (English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, among others). English serves as the lingua franca of business, media and tourism.
Etiquette
An informal, warm style, but with strong personal-safety awareness. Tipping is expected — 10 to 15% in hospitality. Socially, “African time” is more fluid; in business, punctuality is expected.
What to see & culture
Places
Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope (Cape Town), Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned), the Garden Route, Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. The Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) are a must.
Culture
The “Rainbow Nation” identity is tied to the anti-apartheid legacy of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, and the unifying force of the Springbok rugby team. In music, from South African jazz to amapiano, which conquered the world.
Food
The braai (barbecue, almost a social ritual), biltong (dried, spiced meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat with an egg topping) and the Indian and Cape Malay cuisines. All washed down with excellent Cape wines.