President Jacob Zuma has arrived in London yesterday and has already met the Prime Minister Gordon Brown who commented that Zuma was leading South Africa with “great distinction” and that “over the last 15 years South Africa has restored its rightful place in the international community”. The countdown to the cup has just entered double digits, but is South Africa ready and do those travelling to the country know what to expect?

I’m a born and breed South African and have called London my home for 5 years now, we are so settled here that both my fiancée and I are starting the process and applying for British Citizenship!

South Africa is a hugely diverse country: more so culturally and economically. You also have to tap dance around 11 official languages, but English is the most widely used, so fear not. How safe is South Africa, I hear you ask? As safe as you make it, is my reply. Don’t walk in isolated areas at night. Don’t wear your expensive Nikon SLR camera around your neck. Carry enough cash to get you through the day, not the entire month. In the wild, animals tend to stay in packs and we’d advise that travelers do the same.

Public transport is not as evolved as it is in Europe and if you’ve not booked a rental car, it advisable to do so. What’s that? You can’t drive! Contact your hotel and ask them to recommend a driver during the duration of your stay.

And whatever you do – make sure that you support local artisans in South Africa. It’s a country with a deep, rich history and if you can’t fit enough in suitcase – visit Urban Africa when you return!