For information, contact South African Tourism on 0870 155 0044, www.southafrica.net
Getting there There are more than 50 direct scheduled flights a week from London to South Africa. British Airways flies the 10-hour journey to Johannesburg twice daily and the 11-hour journey to Cape Town daily, from £499 return, tax included
Visas British passport-holders visiting for less than three months do not require visas. Passports must have at least two clear blank pages for the South African entry stamp
Health Private hospitals are good but expensive, so buy appropriate travel insurance. Immunisation is not essential, although anti-malaria pills are recommended in some areas in wet summer months (UK winter)
Driving Cars drive on the left, as in the UK. Old-style British paper driving licences are still recognised, accompanied by a passport. but only those who have had full licences for five years may hire cars. For online motoring advice and routeplanning, see www.shellgeostar.co.za Africa Travel Centre has a five-star 10-night fly-drive package, travelling from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, staying for two nights each at Constantia Uitsig, Grootbos Nature Reserve, Pezula Resort at Knysna, Hog Hollow in Plettenberg Bay and on safari in the Amakhala Game Reserve, with rental car and return British Airways flights. From £1,875 per person
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Sport South Africa is sports mad — there is always some event to participate in or watch.
See www.southafrica.info/what_happening/sports.
Contact Africa Travel Centre for packages to watch cricket, golf or rugby
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Tipping Tip for good service: 10% in bars, restaurants and hotels. Tip licensed parking guards 5R to keep an eye on your car — pay on your return. Petrol stations are not self-service and it is customary to give petrol pump attendants a similar amount. In game lodges, the skills of your guides and trackers can make your safari experience - so be generous
Safety As with any country, it’s mostly about common sense. Just remember that in a society where there is poverty, it’s not wise to flash your cash. Be sensible, be careful where you go at night, and always ask locals for advice