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South Africa, the southernmost country on the African continent, is known for its vast wilderness and safaris and is often called the Rainbow Nation. With diverse cultures, languages and religions, South Africa offers much for tourists to learn about the culture and get to know the local people.
Additionally, the country also has certain regulations that tourists exploring this region of the world are expected to follow. Therefore, it is important to know about it to control your behavior. Things Not to Do in South Africa,
12 things not to do in South Africa
If you are visiting South Africa for the first time, you should already be aware of the mandatory rules that tourists have to follow. Here are some things that one should keep in mind while visiting the country.
1. Don’t expect wild animals wherever you go
2. Don’t forget to tip
3. Don’t show off your valuables
4. Don’t assume that locals can’t speak English
5. Don’t wander around without knowing where to go
6. Avoid going on unplanned trips
7. Don’t be ignorant of South African table etiquette
8. Don’t expect amenities everywhere
9. Don’t forget your plug adapter
10. Don’t forget to be careful of pranksters
1. Don’t expect wild animals wherever you go
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South Africa is famous for its wildlife, however, don’t expect that you will find wild animals hiding everywhere in the country. You will not see them walking on the roads, however you will definitely find them in the national parks which you must visit if you want to witness the majestic indigenous species. After all, South Africa boasts some of the most amazing wildlife on Earth.
Plan a safari of at least 3 days and 2 nights to experience the best of the jungle and witness some of the most amazing views of your life as wild animals roam among you. If you go to South Africa, do a safari. You can also catch a boat and try your luck at whale watching in the ocean. You may have to wait, but the sight of the whale leaping out of the water is definitely worth seeing.
2. Don’t forget to tip
Tipping is a part of South African culture. One is expected to tip at least 10 percent of the bill amount in restaurants, cafes and bars. Not doing so is considered indecent. Besides, suggestions are also expected for services like hair washing in salons. This falls under the cultural do’s and don’ts in South Africa.
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3. Don’t show off your valuables
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Be careful with precious jewelery and electronic items. Don’t carry them around and don’t flash them wherever you go. This place is notorious for bad neighborhoods and you might lose your stuff. If you rent a car, double-check that you’ve locked it and don’t leave your luggage and money unattended. Make sure to carry important documents with you at all times.
4. Don’t assume that locals can’t speak English
Tourists often assume that people in South Africa do not speak English and ask if they speak ‘Afrikaans’. Don’t do this because there is no such thing as an African language, however, there are 11 official languages in the country including English and the languages of the many native cultures there. People often speak English as a second language so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.
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5. Don’t wander around without knowing where to go
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Don’t wander aimlessly through neighborhoods or cities; Be aware of your location as well as destination. Stay away from bad neighborhoods which are often very close to good neighborhoods. Also, if by chance, you hear an angry crowd or demonstration, do not head towards it, no matter how curious you may be! Turn to the other side.
6. Avoid going on unplanned trips
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Plan your journey well. The country is vast, so you cannot travel here without adequate planning in advance. Road tripping is common but should be well considered and planned. If the planning is not correct then you may end up wandering around in a place with nothing and missing out on the most beautiful things. There are many unknown places that you will not find on websites and only locals can tell you about.
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7. Don’t be ignorant of South African table etiquette
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In South African restaurants, you may have to share a table with others, especially in informal settings. If this happens, don’t force small talk with the people sitting next to you. Women should keep in mind that they should sit only near other women. Make sure you ask for help by making eye contact or raising your hand to the waiter; Note that calling them names or whistling is considered rude here.
8. Don’t expect amenities everywhere
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Most of the country is under construction and has toll roads. So, prepare well and don’t expect basic amenities like gas, toilets and food wherever you go. If you’re road tripping, fill your tanks wherever possible and note that sometimes you can’t even find a toilet at a gas station in remote areas.
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9. Don’t forget your plug adapter
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There may be differences in the socket board plug faces of your homeland, so make sure you carry plug adapters for your electronic gadgets, otherwise they may end up lying idle in your bag and unused for the purpose for which you have brought them. Can stay. better safe than sorry!
10. Don’t forget to be careful of pranksters
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If you find someone in trouble in the middle of the road, do not stop near them to offer help, as it may be a ruse or a feint to harass you. However, if you are really concerned, report it to the police instead. The emergency number to contact the police is 10111. Also, keep yourself aware of South African laws set for tourists.
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11. Don’t let the scorching heat affect your skin.
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When talking about things not to do in South Africa, this should never be forgotten. The climate here is hot even for the local people. Be sure to carry sunscreen, wear a hat, and hydrate well. The heat here is unbearable and it is advisable to take all necessary measures to avoid sunburn, especially when visiting the beach or hiking to see beautiful views.
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12. Don’t try to rush
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People here move around in African time at a slower pace than the usual urban hustle and bustle. So, if you want to get somewhere on time then leave early and be patient on the roads as you will find slow moving traffic. Also, tourists in different locations may find service slower than in their own countries. Be patient.
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Tourists will definitely enjoy their time in South Africa. One forgets all the worries when surrounded by nature, which this country is blessed with in abundance. To have the time of your life in this country, it is as important to know about the things not to do in South Africa as it is to know about the things one can do. Make sure your trip to South Africa is as hassle-free as you want it to be!
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