Tourism

Community tours will give you an authentic South African experience. Heritage sites such as the Apartheid Museum and Robben Island will give you a glimpse of the violence of South Africa's past - and the miracle of our reconciliation. And don't forget where it all began: the Cradle of Humankind.

If you're not used to driving long distances, buses and trains offer comfortable alternatives, allowing you to relax and enjoy the landscape. Both budget and luxury options are available.

Information about public holidays, who and how much to tip, where you're allowed to smoke, the time zone that South Africa falls into and what to expect from the seasons.

Plan ahead so you don't have any unpleasant surprises. Bring walking shoes, sunglasses, medication and insect repellant. If you forget anything, don't panic - you can buy whatever you need here.

Throughout each year, as tourists flock to the golden beaches of South Africa's "Surf City", the containers roll in and out of the country's biggest port. Durban's new air thoroughfare for this traffic: King Shaka International Airport.

Take milk with your rooibos? Fancy some pap with your wors? Brave enough to try some skop or mashonzha? Brush up on your culinary vocabulary with our quick list of indigenous South African food terms and what they mean.

Wondering where to eat out tonight? Here's our update on South Africa's restaurant guides, plus where to go for restaurant and food news, features, recipes and more.

Whether you're living or travelling abroad - or getting ready to do so - our offices abroad, or the Department of Foreign Affairs at home, can help you in a number of ways.