The 10 Stupidest Things Tourists Do on Holiday in South Africa
Exciting safaris, vibrant Cape Town, beautiful wine farms or spotting wild animals in Kruger National Park: South Africa has it all. But just like at any other popular holiday destination, there are tourists who aren’t exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. That’s why we’re happy to give you a few handy tips and tricks to make sure your holiday in South Africa is as enjoyable and safe as possible. These stupid things are best avoided!
1. Not Trying the Local Cuisine
Hello, you’re on holiday! Trying delicious new things at your holiday destination is half the fun, isn’t it? Sample delicious South African dishes such as bobotie (spicy, savoury and sweet, with minced meat, curry, chutney and raisins, among other ingredients), biltong (meat marinated in spices and soy sauce, then dried and sliced paper-thin) and fresh boerewors.
Boerewors
You can buy fresh sausage in pretty much every country, but African boerewors is a story in itself. The sausages can be up to a metre long and are coiled up with a few skewers. Naturally, you put them on the braai (the South African BBQ) for a deliciously crisp brown crust. And of course, you have some local wine or a local beer with them. Baie lekker!
2. Taking Nothing Home
Besides local dishes and star-worthy meals, which are much more affordable than here, there are many more treats. So leave some room in your suitcase for the return journey. What shouldn’t you miss?
Simba chips with chutney flavour:
Number one by a mile! Mrs. Ball’s chutney is legendary, and luckily, the clever minds at Simba chips realised they could make chips with it too. Spicy, sweet, sour and salty: according to FavorFlav’s Sabina, these are even the best chips in the world!
Chakalaka spices:
A secret spice blend mainly containing chilli, paprika and onion powder. Use it for stews, or really in just about any savoury dish.
South African wine:
Although you can buy plenty of South African wine in the Netherlands, it’s of course great to bring back special bottles that aren’t available here. You may bring two litres of wine. For spirits, the limit is 1 litre, and beer lovers can bring back a maximum of 16 litres of beer from South Africa.
Fruit rolls:
Dried fruit purée, such as mango or guava. The result is as chewy as liquorice and the ultimate holiday snack.
Be Careful with Biltong!
And that delicious biltong? Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to bring it back to the Netherlands. Bringing meat, milk and other dairy products from a country outside the EU is not permitted (because of possible diseases and bacteria).
3. Not Tipping
In South Africa, tipping is a matter of course. A 10% tip is customary in restaurants, and at petrol stations or car parks it’s normal to give a small tip if someone washes your car or windows. Don’t forget this—it’s greatly appreciated!
4. Drinking from Water Fountains
The tap water in Cape Town is perfectly safe to drink. It tastes fine and you don’t need to worry about health risks. Do you come across public drinking fountains? It’s better to avoid them. And if you’re in remote areas, make sure you drink bottled water or use a water filter.
5. Not Bargaining at Markets
At many local markets and on the street, it’s customary to negotiate the price. Besides saving you a lot of money, it’s part of the experience, just as it is in Turkey, for example.
6. Buying Souvenirs Made from Endangered Species
Unfortunately, South Africa also has plenty of souvenirs that are better left alone. We mean souvenirs made from endangered species (snakes and monkeys, for example). And of course, you don’t want to wear things made from rhino horn or elephant teeth either. It’s all illegal. If you do it anyway because you can’t resist that beautiful snakeskin bag, there’s a good chance it will be confiscated by Dutch customs. Expect a hefty fine too.
7. Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road
In South Africa, people drive on the left-hand side of the road, which takes some getting used to for many tourists. Make sure you’re well prepared when you rent a car. Don’t get lost in the navigation, pay close attention to the traffic rules and don’t take risks.
8. Getting Behind the Wheel After a Wine Tasting
South Africa is known for its wine tourism. And I personally think it’s great fun. Many wineries offer wonderful wine tastings (a favourite: combined with chocolate), often in very special locations. But don’t get behind the wheel afterwards. Seriously, why would you? And why risk it here? There are many police checks and speed cameras, and you risk a whole lot of trouble. Choose a taxi or decide in advance who the designated driver will be.
9. Flashing Your Cash
Cash is handy, but make sure you don’t carry too much. Taking large amounts of cash with you is not a good idea. Use your debit or credit card for payments, but be careful with your PIN and stay alert when withdrawing cash. In South Africa, criminals use a number of tricks to steal from tourists at ATMs. Always be alert when withdrawing cash. Keep your PIN well hidden and politely but firmly dismiss any curious passers-by. A safe place to withdraw money is at the banks and ATMs in V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
10. Not Using Your Common Sense
Cape Town is relatively safe by African standards, but the gap between rich and poor is enormous. And yes, that encourages crime. Use your common sense and trust your instincts. Never enter a township without a guide, and walking alone in the dark at night isn’t the best choice either. Enjoy your holiday in South Africa, but always be careful. Save important phone numbers such as the emergency number 10111 in your phone, and above all: have fun!
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