- Mzansi is South Africa’s nickname
- Table Mountain doesn’t look like a table
- Bunny Chows don’t contain rabbit meat
- The word ‘now’ doesn’t mean what you think
- A braai is definitely not just a barbeque
Visiting South Africa for the first time? You are definitely in for the best kind of culture shock you can have! First things first: you’ll hear people using the word ‘Mzansi’ when referring to South Africa. That’s our country’s nickname, and locals will be seriously impressed when you use it! We’re looking at another four things first-time visitors should know about South Africa below:
1. Table Mountain doesn’t look like a table
It might have a flat(ish) plateau, but Table Mountain doesn’t exactly look like a table in the traditional sense. But this doesn’t mean it’s not a sight to behold when visiting the Mother City!
There is much lore around Table Mountain, just ask the locals, and there’s more than one way to reach the top. Pay to take the cable car and get the best view of Cape Town, or grab your walking shoes, your sweatband, and hike up the side of the mountain for free.
If you’re looking for holiday accommodation with easy access to Table Mountain, take a look at City Lodge Hotel V&A Waterfront.
2. Bunny Chows don’t have rabbit meat in them
The name ‘Bunny Chow’ might bring up mental images of cute bunny rabbits being made into food, but that’s simply not the case.
First-time visitors to Durban simply must try one, and you’ll be happy to hear that no bunnies are harmed when preparing Bunny Chows. Essentially, it’s an unsliced half loaf of bread that has been filled with delicious chicken, beef, mutton or vegetarian curry.
Looking for somewhere to stay in Durban that’s safe, comfortable, and affordable, have a look at City Lodge Hotel Durban.
3. The word ‘now’ doesn’t mean what you think
You’ll hear the word ‘now’ being used quite often and in varying contexts while visiting South Africa. Internationally, doing something ‘now’ would imply that it’s being done immediately. In Mzansi, we’ve adjusted the word’s meaning to suit our unique way of getting stuff done. So, here’s a quick guide on the variations of the word and what each actually means:
Right now: It will be done immediately or is currently being worked on.
Now: Could be immediate but will likely take up to 10 minutes or a little longer.
Now now: Another way of saying ‘soon’ and it can take up to 30 minutes.
Just now: Another way of saying ‘later’ and it can take anywhere between 30 minutes and a couple of hours.
4. A braai is definitely NOT just a barbeque
“Braaiing is just like having a barbeque,” said no South African ever! While the fundamental principles of cooking meat over flames and enjoying a drink while doing so are the same, it’s everything else that a braai entails that sets it well apart.
We make use of wood fires instead of gas, and there have to be at least two salads and a roll of garlic bread accompanying the flame-grilled meat. Also, it’s not a proper braai if you don’t have boerewors!
Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, is one of the braaiing hubs in South Africa. If you’re visiting this laid-back coastal city for the first time, consider Courtyard Hotel Port Elizabeth when choosing your accommodation.
Explore, experience and enjoy South Africa!
We’re making it easier for you to explore, experience and enjoy everything Mzansi has to offer, by making sure you have safe, comfortable, affordable accommodation near to South Africa’s biggest tourist attractions. No matter where you’re vacationing in Mzansi, we’ve got hotels and other accommodation options close by:
Explore our properties in Cape Town.
Explore our properties in Durban.
Explore our properties in Johannesburg.
Explore our properties in Port Elizabeth.