Most first-time visitors to South Africa are amazed at how sophisticated the infrastructure is here, but it's still a developing country -- the high levels of poverty can be disturbing, and service standards can be patchy. Although generally smaller than those in Europe and the United States, South Africa's major cities offer all the same facilities, and it's a good idea to start your southern African trip here. Unless you're heading into really remote areas (which some Botswana camps constitute), don't worry about finding what you need: Anything you've forgotten can be bought here, credit cards are an accepted form of payment, and you're as likely to be affected by water- or food-borne illnesses as you would be back home. You'll also find a reasonably efficient tourism infrastructure, with plenty of services and facilities designed to help you make the most of your trip. Start by browsing the Web and contacting your local travel agent.
