Southern Africa

In towns and cities, cheap guest-houses are usually available; however, these are in poor condition, often with no running water. Some even double up as a brothel of some sort (usually). In large cities like Windhoek and Harare however, there are decent hostels that also cater to budget travellers Ð they have electricity, running water and other like-minded travellers for company. In national parks and forests, budget travellers usually prefer a lightweight tent and camp Ð however, winter nights are very cold in most countries and especially hard on the campers. A second option is the national park lodges Ð these however, are quite costly.

1. South Africa - diverse cuisine with influences from British, Dutch, German, Indian, Malay and Portuguese; popular dishes include Braaivleis (meat roasted over an open wood or charcoal fire) and Pap (a porridge made with corn meal). Local beer, wine and liquors are a must try. 2. Zimbabwe - to get a sample of everyday food, try sadza and tsunga (stew) - tasty, inexpensive and very filling. 3. Mozambique - food is heavily influenced by Portugese occupation; popular food items include Piri-Piri and P‹ozinho. 4. Malawi - traditional Malawian food revolves around one main staple - maize, which is served in one form - nsima (n'SEE-ma), basically a type of thick porridge rolled into ball; a traditional local drink worth trying is maheu. 5. Lesotho - local speciality is deep fried harajja with Golumbi paste; Maluti beer is a must try.

Home to many cultures and people, Southern Africa houses a number of ethnic groups including the Zulu, Tsonga, Xhosa, Swazi, Northern Ndebele, Southern Ndebele, Tswana, Sotho, and Shona people, and they all speak the Bantu languages (owing to the Bantu expansion). Further, due to a history of colonization, a significant population of European and Asian descent also exists here. Christianity is the dominant religion in Southern Africa; a significant population is also ethno religious and the remaining people practice Hinduism, Islam and other religions. Nearly all countries in the region boast of English as their official language and majority of city folk speak it fluently. Apart from this, Afrikaans is widely spoken in South Africa and Namibia; German is also spoken in Namibia and Portuguese in Mozambique.

While Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe are relatively safer (there are some incidences of theft and violence - normal precautions should be taken, such as avoid venturing out alone after dark and travelling to deserted places), there are some concerns about the remaining two countries. Violent crime rate in South Africa is significantly high so appropriate safety precautions must be taken - offers from strangers should be refused; avoid wearing/carrying expensive items; distribute your valuables amongst your belongings and do not walk by alone through deserted places. Avoid taking public transport alone; instead rent a car, take a taxi or an escorted tour. Do not visit townships alone as some of them are extremely dangerous - go with an experienced guide. In Mozambique, violence between FRELIMO and RENAMO has erupted recently (August 2016), with many South African tourists having been attacked. Consult your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further information.

South Africa - The Gateway Mall in Durban is the largest in the southern hemisphere; popular weekly markets in Johannesburg Ð 44 Stanley, Arts on Main and the Neighbourhood Market; Cape TownÕs V&A Centre is also well-known for an integrated shopping and entertainment experience; For traditional African arts and craft, JohannesburgÕs Rosebank Mall craft market is a must visit. Popular choice of souvenirs Ð intricate beadwork necklaces, carved wooden masks and six foot tall giraffes. Zimbabwe Ð Handicrafts such as beaded jewellery and masks can be found at Harare; popular places include Ð Sam LevyÕs Village, ElephantÕs Walk Shopping and ArtistÕs Village and Avondale Flea Market. Lesotho Ð handicraft shops and shopping centres everywhere sell souvenirs like conical hats, grass-woven articles (mats, baskets), pottery, wool and mohair rugs, textiles, rock paintings, traditional jewellery and silver/gold items. Malawi Ð known for colourful art and crafts (handmade items) including woodcarvings, wood and cane furniture, soapstone carvings, decorated wooden articles, colourful textiles, and pottery, beadwork, cane and raffia items. The Mua Mission, south of Salima, has an excellent shop to buy these souvenirs. Mozambique Ð special items include basketwork, reed mats, woodcarvings, masks, printed cloth and leather items. Maputo Market, Maputo Shopping Centre and Machilla Magic are popular shopping destinations in the country.

Popular festivals- Lake Of Stars: Malawi (September) Ð cited as "the world's most spectacular music festival"; performers are eccentric (once a musician played from a trees) and play for free; a fusion of local Malawian music and other international styles. HIFA: Zimbabwe (May) - Week-long festival that encompasses five main disciplines: theatre, music, dance, fine art, and poetry; marked by a number of activities like djembe drumming lessons, poetry sessions and music performances. Cape Town International Jazz Festival: South Africa (March) - Fourth-largest jazz festival in the world; encompasses a number of genres. Vic Falls Carnival: Zimbabwe (December) Ð three-day festival that includes exciting activities like rafting, bungee-jumping and museum visits.

Like most tropical regions of the world, Southern Africa is hot and humid. While some areas are clean and hygienic, same cannot be said for others. Drinking mineral, packaged water is advised- avoid tap water; Wear sunscreen or some sort of sun protection to guard against burns when outdoors; There's a high risk of contracting Malaria in certain parts of the region - adequate safety measures should be taken for the same.

South Africans are generally polite, friendly and accommodating to tourists; homosexuality is legal here so LGBT tourists are safe as well; a handshake is an appropriate form of greeting; barring a few designated beaches, nude sunbathing is illegal, although topless sunbathing for women is allowed in certain areas; South African people are considered very straight-forward which should be kept in mind. In Zimbabwe, people are very friendly and relaxed; some customs include - clapping twice signifies an accepted "thank you", especially when someone is handing you something; also when shaking hands with someone or passing anything valuable, the right forearm should be supported with the left hand (or vice versa). Lesotho Ð learning a few Sesotho such as Lumela for hello, Kea leboha for thank you and U phela joang for how are you can be very helpful; no matter what, never get angry at anyone as Basotho culture doesnÕt accept a show of frustration towards others. Malawi Ð people are general extremely courteous, and think of shaking hands, speaking softly, and referring to travellers with respect as part of that courtesy; they donÕt like rudeness; culturally, women arenÕt permitted to wear shorts or mini-skirts, especially when travelling outside the lodge/camp, hence, many female travellers wear wraps, available in the stores and markets of major cities. Mozambique - song and dance are an important part of the many local customs and ceremonies here. While, in southern Mozambique, groups such as the Thonga are patrilineal, in northern areas of the country, many groups are largely matrilineal.