South Africa has the second largest economy in the continent of Africa, with mining playing a large role. The country’s top exports include diamonds and gold. However, South Africa isn’t just rich from minerals and metals, it has an abundance of wildlife and culture. Keep in mind that South Africa is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so the summer peak season is November through March.
International flights arrive at Cape Town International Airport (FACT), King Shaka International Airport (FALE), Lanseria International Airport (FALA), Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (FAKN), O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR), Pilanesberg International Airport (FAPN) and Polokwane International Airport (FAPP). It is advisable to plan in-flight catering as far in advance as possible, especially during summer and around Easter.
A driving safari is perhaps one of the top outdoors activities to enjoy while in South Africa. Kruger National Park, located in Mpumalanga, is the perfect place to view the “Big Five” (Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhinoceros). Another amazing site is the Sudwala Caves, home to artifacts as ancient as 2.5 million years old. If you are in town on the first Saturday of a month, you can reserve a spot for a tour to a crystal chamber. To the south, at Agulhas Bank is where billions of sardines start the voyage that has been dubbed the “Sardine Run.” This is a huge ecological event that draws dolphins, sharks, seals and birds. South Africa also hosts Comrades Marathon, the world’s oldest ultramarathon, in which participants face a 56 mile (89 kilometer) course.
While South Africa has many unique outdoor experiences, on slower days there are plenty of things to do indoors. When shopping, the local currency is the South African Rand, which is usually valued at 1/10 of the United States Dollar. Additionally, it is important when ordering in-flight catering, or any other goods and services, to note that about one-third of the population speaks English. The most prevalent language is Afrikaans, which evolved from Dutch. If you are going to be operating to South Africa frequently, it would be beneficial to learn basic terms in Afrikaans.
South Africa cuisine features some unique protein choices, such as ostrich, springbok and kudu. The cuisine has been influenced by a variety of cultures throughout history, mainly Dutch, English, French, German, Indian, Chinese and Indonesian. Fish and chips, “biltong” (beef jerky), “bobotie” (beef potpie with apples, raisins and almonds) and “sosaties” (lamb skewers) are just a few examples of South African cuisine. The Test Kitchen and The Greenhouse in Cape Town, Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch and Hartford House in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands are fine examples of the dining options available around the country.
As with any new destination is it important to research the location in advance of your trip. Take time to carefully plan your time on the ground, and you are certain to have a memorable experience in South Africa.
Questions?
If you have any questions about inflight catering in South Africa, contact weborders@airculinaire.com.
