After years of political, social and economic turmoil, South Africa is back on track and back on the tourist trail. While the country of 41 million people has a long way to go before it cures all of its ills, most areas are now peaceful and safe enough to explore and the people have a new optimism about life and their nation.
A place of great natural beauty, South Africa's attractions include Cape Town and Table Mountain, the beaches and nightlife of Durban, the wildlife of Kruger National Park, the forests and wildflowers of the Garden Route along the south coast and the parks, waterfalls and trails of Drakensberg, on the border with Lesotho. Activities include diving, whale watching, wine-tasting and wildlife-spotting at the reserves.
You should still exercise extreme caution when travelling in Johannesburg.
Best sites
· South African Tourism. Official site with some great images, good cultural sections and salient traveller info.
· Lonely Planet South Africa. Excellent travel guide.
· Visit South Africa. Alex Sievers' pictorial tour of the country.
· Daily Mail & Guardian. News, opinions and some informative travel features.
· Museums Online South Africa. Guide to dozens of museums and galleries.
· Foreign Office travel advice
If you only do three things ...
Explore the beaches and bars of Cape Town, see the sights of Durban and go on safari in Kruger National Park.
News and current affairs
South African online publications from the world news guide.
Language
English, Afrikaans and several African languages.
Climate
The coastal areas, including Cape Town and the Garden Route, have a Mediterranean-style climate, with warm, mild summers and unpredictable rain and wind. Inland, Johannesburg is warm but not humid like the subtropical KwaZulu-Natal region, with temperatures usually above 10C (around 50F) even in winter. Temperatures at Kruger National Park are more extreme, with cold nights and hot days.
Health
Malaria exists in some areas, including Kruger National Park. Immunisation against hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B and rabies may be necessary for those at risk. HIV/Aids risk is high. Routine immunisations for tetanus-diphtheria, polio and measles should be up-to-date.
Food
South African food unfortunately owes much to stodgy British and Dutch traditions. Steak, chips and overcooked vegetables are the norm, and Afrikaner-devised “farmer's food” is much the same, but layered in fat and rich sauces. Vegetarians will not find much to eat, though most restaurants are conscious of providing at least one vegetable dish on the menu. African food is rarely found in restaurants, and what you will find of it at street stalls is not particularly enticing - rice or stodgy porridge with a meat or veg sauce. Portuguese, Italian and Indian food is available in some areas. Along the coast, seafood is plentiful so it is best to fill up on fresh fish and guzzle fine South African wine.
Currency
£1 buys about 14 South African rand (ZAR).
Events
January/February: Kavadi Festival, Durban area –Hindu devotees of Muruga fall into a trance and perform bizarre feats.
March-April: Klein Karoo Festival, Oodtshoorn - ostrich racing, ostrich riding and feather and egg buying.
May/June The Royal Show, KwaZulu Natal - 10-day event with exhibitions, fireworks, concerts and agricultural competitions.
September One City arts festival, Cape Town, and Arts Alive Festival, Johannesburg.
What to buy
South African wine, African crafts.
Embassies and visas
UK: South African Embassy, South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DP (020 7451 7299).
South Africa: British High Commission, 255 Hill Street, Arcadia 0002, Pretoria (+27 12 421 7733) - and consulates around the country.
Visa requirements: Citizens of the UK, EU, US and all Commonwealth countries can visit visa-free for stays up to 90 days.
Time zone
GMT +2.
Getting there
Most international flights land in Johannesburg, though an increasing number land at Cape Town or Durban. The national carrier is South African Airways (020 7312 5005). Overland, there are excellent roads from Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Related literature
Disgrace, JM Coetzee. A fiftysomething college professor recounts the affair which lost him his job, and tries to relate to his daughter in this Booker prize-winning novel set in post-apartheid South Africa.
Burger's Daughter, Nadine Gordimer. The story of a young white South African, the child of ant-apartheid parents.
Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela. The inside story, by the architect of modern South Africa.
