South Africa has a fair few unique features that it doesn't share with fellow countries around the world. Whether you're a new local resident or a foreign visitor, some things must be experienced. From savouring a freshly-grilled Boerewors to dancing a traditional Zulu dance, give the real South Africa a go.

Cultural Villages

South Africa boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage and history that has experienced its fair share of clashes but seems now to have settled. Nowadays, this diversity is best experienced at Cultural Villages that are modern reconstructions of historic dwellings.

Actors clothed in traditional dress guide visitors around and enact certain scenes of what life would have been like in the past, as well as put on musical and dance performances. If you're lucky, you could also get treated to samples of traditional meals.

Some of the most popular villages to visit are Shakaland for a taste of what life in a Zulu tribe would have been like, Lesedi to experience a variety of cultures, and Kayalendaba for an introduction to the differences between Xhosa, Sothos and other cultures.

Braais

When it comes to public celebrations of any shape and size, in South Africa one of the most popular ways of marking the occasion is by hosting Braais or barbecues for family and friends in gardens, parks and town squares. As local cuisine is heavily focused on game meat, it's common to grill springbok, ostrich, kudu and zebra, as well as snoek, a type of fish. A barbecue favourite is the Boerewors, a minced beef (and occasionally lamb or pork) sausage with a spice bouquet of coriander, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice and cloves.

Side dishes and accompaniments that are often served include Chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish, samosas, chutneys, Biltong, a salty dried meat, Potbrood, a savoury bread baked in a pot over a fire, and Vetkoek or fat cakes. Beer is the drink of choice at the social gathering that is the Braai.

Fancy throwing a beast of a feast for your friends or family to celebrate Freedom Day on 27th April? Or how about Mandela Day on 18th July? South Africans love their celebrations so you have plenty to choose from. Just invest in a quality barbecue or hire large-scale professional equipment that may require additional generator hire to power it. This solution could be suitable for large neighbourhood groups hoping to mark the occasion together.