Travel
smart with these essential South Africa do’s and don’ts -
covering cultural etiquette, safety, and local customs to help you
explore confidently and respectfully while making the most of your
South African adventure.
• Greet warmly. A friendly “Howzit?”, handshake, or smile goes a long way; politeness and openness are valued.
• Respect cultural diversity. With 11 official languages, showing interest in local customs is appreciated.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Situational awareness is important in cities and tourist areas.
• Support local businesses and artisans. Markets and community projects benefit directly from your purchases.
• Try traditional foods. Braai, bobotie, biltong, bunny chow, and Cape Malay curries reflect authentic flavours.
• Dress modestly in rural communities. Traditional areas can be more conservative.
• Use card payments where possible. It is safer and widely accepted.
• Tip service staff. Around 10–15% in restaurants; small tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
• Take guided tours in wildlife areas. Rangers ensure safety and add valuable insight.
• Learn a few local phrases. Words in Zulu, Xhosa, or Afrikaans are warmly received.
• Walk alone at night in city centres or quiet suburbs.
• Flash valuables. Keep phones, jewellery, and cameras discreet.
• Ignore security advice. Guidance from hotels, guides, and locals matters.
• Feed wild animals. It is dangerous and harmful to wildlife.
• Photograph people without asking. Especially in townships or cultural villages.
• Underestimate driving distances. South Africa is large; allow extra travel time.
• Leave bags visible in cars. Keep belongings out of sight.
• Rely on public transport everywhere. Use reputable taxis or rideshare apps outside major hubs.
• Swim where warning signs are posted. Ocean currents can be powerful.
• Assume all areas are safe. Research neighbourhoods before exploring.
• South Africa is highly diverse. Customs, languages, and etiquette vary by region.
• Ubuntu guides social values. Kindness, respect, and community spirit are central.
• Hospitality is generous. Accepting tea or food is polite.
• Family is important. Elders are respected during gatherings.
• Braaing is a social ritual. It represents community, not just food.
• Townships have rich culture. Visit with registered guides for respectful engagement.
• Religion plays a role. Churches are important community spaces.
• Humour is friendly. Often self-deprecating; light teasing is common.
• Greetings matter. Say hello before asking questions.
• Accents vary widely. English is spoken throughout, but styles differ regionally.
• Use trusted taxi apps. Uber and Bolt are reliable in cities.
• Fly domestically for long distances. Saves time between major regions.
• Use ATMs inside malls. Safer than street machines.
• Buy a local SIM. Affordable data helps with navigation and safety.
• Pack layers. Weather varies by region and season.
• Take malaria precautions. Required for areas like Kruger and Limpopo.
• Carry sunscreen. UV levels are strong year-round.
• Choose guided hikes. Especially in mountains or reserves.
• Keep small cash handy. Useful for tips, markets, and rural stops.
• Download offline maps. Helpful in remote driving areas.
• Go on sunrise or sunset game drives. Wildlife activity is highest then.
• Expect fast weather changes in Cape Town. Carry a light jacket.
• Visit local markets. Neighbourgoods and Oranjezicht are favourites.
• Explore quieter safari parks. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi offers excellent sightings with fewer crowds.
• Taste local wines. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are world-class regions.
• Ask locals for food tips. They know the best braais and shisa nyama spots.
• Visit Table Mountain early. Avoid queues and clouds.
• Learn basic Xhosa clicks. A fun way to connect culturally.
• Stay in township guesthouses. Community-led stays offer meaningful insight.
• Travel slowly. Distances are vast and experiences are richer unrushed.
• Emergency number is 112. Works nationwide for police, fire, and ambulance.
• Carry document copies. Keep originals secure and digital copies accessible.
• Use hotel safes. Store passports and valuables.
• Avoid rural night driving. Livestock and poor lighting are common.
• Follow road safety laws. Seatbelts, speed limits, and caution are essential.
• Swim at lifeguarded beaches only. Rip currents are frequent.
• Avoid drugs completely. Laws are strict and penalties severe.
• Watch for wildfires. Especially during summer months.
• Protect against heat. Hydrate and rest during midday sun.
• Respect conservation rules. No littering, off-road driving, or wildlife harassment.
• English is widely spoken. Efforts in local languages are appreciated.
• Be friendly and open. Warm conversation is welcomed.
• Avoid political debates. Topics can be sensitive unless invited.
• Listen actively. Interrupting is considered rude.
• Use humour gently. It often helps build rapport.
• Be patient with service. Pace varies by region.
• Smile when greeting. It sets a positive tone instantly.
• Ask before taking photos. Especially of people or homes.
• WhatsApp is widely used. Common for bookings and coordination.
• Express gratitude. Appreciation for culture, food, and scenery is always valued.