Introduction viiIntroducing South Africa 11 Background 3History 5Economy and infrastructure 192 The Natural World 23Geology, geography and climate 24Habitats and vegetation 25Wildlife 343 Planning a Trip 57When to visit 58Booking a trip 59Your itinerary: 20 top attractions 62Red tape 71Getting there 71Health and safety 72What to take 75Organising your finances 784 On the Ground 81Health and safety in South Africa 82Banking and foreign exchange 86On safari: locating wildlife 87Eating and drinking 94Shopping 97Media and communications 97Business 100Car rental and domestic flights 100South Africa Highlights 1015 Johannesburg and the Northwest 103Gauteng 104Northwest Province 1226 Kruger and the Northeast 129Mbombela and the Panorama Route 132Kruger National Park 1397