A thriving agricultural sector yields excellent fresh produce, meat, fruit and wines and the long coastline produces very fresh and cheap.

Things to know: Bars/cocktail lounges have bartender service. ‘Liquor stores’ are open weekdays 0900-1800 and Sat 0900-1300, although alcohol is now available in supermarkets outside these hours and under certain circumstances on a Sunday.

National specialities:
• Sosaties (a type of kebab).
• Bobotie (a curried mince dish, of which waterbolmmetjiebredie, made with a local water plant, is particularly good).
• Potjiekos (a casserole cooked for hours in an iron pot, usually outside).
• Bredies (meat, tomato and vegetable casseroles).
• Biltong (seasoned dried meat).

National drinks:
• Umqombothi, a home-brewed sorghum beer.
• Excellent local red and white wines (including chardonnay), sherries, brandies and some unusual liqueurs.

Tipping: Normally 10 to 15% if service is not included. It is customary to tip waiters. By law, hotel rates do not include a service charge.

Cinemas show a variety of international films. In the large cities, there are regular plays, operas and symphony concerts. The local music scene is thriving, and there is a unique South African township jazz style, exponents of which can be seen in all large cities. There are a number of nightclubs open until late. The large hotels usually have live music or cabaret.

Upmarket boutiques and supermarkets generally coexist with a mass of street traders selling arts, crafts and anything else profitable. Special purchases include Swakara hand-crafted gold, coats, gold, diamond and semi-precious stone jewellery, leather, suede and fur goods, ceramics and crafts, of which there are now a bewildering variety including many from the rest of the continent. Local wine, brandy and liqueur are cheap and usually excellent.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1400, although there is an increasing trend to open later and all weekend in major tourist spots.