When to Visit - Arts and Events

South Africa encompasses within its boundaries many different cultures and sub-cultures displaying their own individual customs. With the 1994 election of Nelson Mandela this diversity has become even more evident and has manifested itself within the South African entertainments and arts scene.

Cape Town Dining

Cape cuisine owes much to the area's Dutch, French and English settlers, but most to the aromatic dishes introduced by Malay slaves in the 17th century. The city is home to a great number of South Africa's best restaurants, serving a wide range of international as well as local specialities. There are also a few seafood restaurants serving fresh, locally caught fish such as yellowtail, kabeljou, kingklip, snoek and crayfish.

Cape Town Tipping Advice

Tipping is expected for many services in South Africa, things that perhaps you would take for granted at home. Almost all gas stations in South Africa use attendants who expect around ZAR 2.00 or ZAR 3.00. In restaurants, waiters usually receive around 10% according to the quality of the service, unless a gratuity is included in the bill. Bartenders should be tipped around 10%; this also applies to hairdressers, taxi drivers and tour guides. Hotel porters expect around ZAR 3.00 and maids about ZAR 20.00 or so per week.