Most parts in South Africa experience summer rains, but summers in the Cape are dry with winter being the rainy season. South Africa is marked by great division of income and wealth distribution. People in townships and rural areas can be very poor, commercial farmers and professionals in the cities live a life lacking of little materially. Poor people often eat traditional African food, while the traveler will find European food in towns and cities at reasonable prices.
International airlines fly into Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Landscapes, beaches and wildlife in national parks are stunning. In summer, northern KwaZulu-Natal and in and around the Kruger National Park are malaria areas. Comfortable buses connect large cities and towns on the route, but public transport between smaller towns is not well advertised, and sometimes non-existent. Backpacking hostels are generally of a good standard and are generally safe. Travelers need to be careful for their personal safety and valuables, as crime exists in South Africa as in other countries.