It's an exciting time to visit. But if you want to understand the country, you'll have to deal with the full spectrum South Africa dishes up, and it's not always from one side of the rainbow to the other. The segregation of society is still extreme and the crime rates in some areas call for caution, but South Africa's natural beauty and nation-building enthusiasm make it a great place to visit. When to go Summer can be uncomfortably hot, especially in the lowveld. Higher altitudes are pleasantly warm over summer, but the mountains are rain and mist-prone.
Spring is the best time for wild flowers in the Northern and Western Cape provinces.
Winters are mild everywhere except in the highest country, where there are frosts and occasional snowfalls. School holidays in April, July and September can clog up beaches and national parks. No visas are required for travellers from Commonwealth countries, Japan, the USA and the European Union for visits of up to 90 days. Bilharzia is also found mainly in the east but outbreaks do occur in other places so you should always check with knowledgeable local people before drinking water or swimming in it. Other official languages are isiNdebele, saLebowa, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana and Tshivenda.