A typical first trip here runs about $425 to $575 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
Cuisine Highlights
- Braai (barbecue) culture - social gatherings around grilled meat
- Cape Malay cuisine: bobotie, bunny chow, koeksisters
- Biltong (dried meat) and boerewors (sausage)
- World-class wine regions (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek)
- Heritage Day (September 24) - celebrate diverse cultures
- Cape Town Carnival and Cape Town International Jazz Festival
- 11 official languages representing diverse heritage
- Ubuntu philosophy - humanity toward others
English is widely spoken and understood everywhere. Afrikaans is also common.
There are 11 official languages including Zulu and Xhosa. English will serve you well throughout the country.
- South Africans are friendly and welcoming
- Tipping is customary (10-15% at restaurants)
- Be mindful of economic inequality - avoid flaunting wealth
- Learn about apartheid history to understand modern context
Latest for South Africa
Updates for South Africa will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.