As you prepare to spend time in a new culture, here are some expert tips to help you understand the ins and outs and feel like a local South Africa:

• South Africa is an incredibly diverse country, with eleven official languages (one of which being English).
• There are actually three different capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).
• People drive on the left side of the road, so be careful when crossing streets.
• The pace of life is laid-back to the point where there's a term "now-now", which could mean anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
• Locals are very warm and welcoming. It's not difficult to strike up a conversation.
• Having only ended in the 1990s, Apartheid is still a very sensitive subject for many.

With so many overlapping cultures, it's unsurprising that South Africa's culinary offerings can really run the gamut. You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Braai: Braai is both method of grilling and a social gathering. All different types of meat are involved, and you can even find braaibroodije (braai bread) made of white bread filled with tomato cheese, onion, and chutney.
• Potjiekos: Also more of a style of cooking than an actual dish, potjiekos translates to "small pot food". These mini cast irons can carry an endless array of stews and casseroles.
• Vetkoek: While the most popular variety of these fried yeast balls is minced meat, there are other filled with cheeses or syrups.
• Chakalaka & pap: Often served together as a braai side, chakalaka a vegetable dish made up of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans and spices, while pap is a corn dish similar to grits or polenta.
• Bobotie: This baked dish is a combination of minced meat, curry spices, and dried fruit in a pan that's topped with a mixture of egg and milk.
• Malva pudding: Distinguished by the apricot jam folded into the mix, this baked dessert is a sweet delight. Try it topped with ice cream or a thick custard for maximum indulgence.
• Wine: Red or white, South Africa has no shortage of superb wines to sample.
• Amarula: With a fruit spirit base distilled from marula, this cream liqueur has a similar consistency to Bailey's.