Planning a Trip

South Africa's major cities are generally smaller than those in Europe and the United States, but they offer comparable facilities and make a comfortable starting point or base for your travels. Unless you're heading into really remote areas for an extended period of time, don't worry about packing for every eventuality: Anything you've forgotten can be bought here, credit cards are an accepted form of payment, and you're no more likely to be affected by water- or food-borne illnesses that you would be back home. You'll also find a relatively efficient tourism infrastructure, with plenty of services and facilities designed to help you make the most of your trip. Start by browsing the Web, or simply read through this section.