South Africa

Introducing South Africa

The Kalahari desert and Kruger National Park. Whale-watching and great white shark diving. Canyons, capes and coastal routes. South Africa is big on everything. Adventure-seekers can climb Table Mountain or go gorge hiking, while those for a taste for the finer things in life explore the Cape Winelands vineyards. And for breath-taking landscapes off the typical tourist trail, laid-back cape towns such as Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay capture the very ‘best of’ South Africa.  

Practical Information

Capital city
Cape Town

Currency
The South African Rand in R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 notes. 

Cuisine
 Biltong, boerewors, braai, bobotie, ‘bunny chow’… it seems all the best foodstuff in South Africa begins with a ‘b’. Beloved dishes are full of the country’s history, but there’s also a flourishing food truck culture and some of the most exciting modern fine dining restaurants in the world.

Tipping etiquette
Tip for top service – around 10-15% is typical in hotels and restaurants. Many do the same with their safari guides, too.  

Saying hello
There are many ways to greet people in South Africa, depending on where you are and who you’re speaking to. In Afrikaans it’s “Hallo”, while colloquially people often call out “Howzit”. 

When To Go

The best time to visit South Africa is often less about the weather and more about the wildlife. That said, the dry seasons are ideal for going on safari and whales can be spotted from June all the way through to November. Springtime in September and October carpets the landscape with wildflowers. And, on the flip side, mountaineers find April and May ideal for tackling Drakensberg.

Top Tip from SLH

For a pint-sized encounter with South African wildlife, pitch up at Boulders Beach where you’ll share the sand with a colony of penguins. Remember to bring a little cash with you to cover the conservation fee.