Ordering a Cape Malay Dish (Cape Town): Typified by mild, sweet curries and stews, this cuisine is easy on the uninitiated palate. The most authentic restaurant is Biesmiellah, located in the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, but one of the loveliest environments is at Paddagang, in Tulbagh -- the waterblommetjie bredie (waterlily stew) is arguably the best in the Cape.

Lunching in the Vineyards (Winelands): Set aside at least one afternoon to lunch in the Winelands overlooking vine-carpeted valleys. If you're based in Cape Town, try Constantia Uitsig (tel. 021/794-4480), on the Constantia Wine Route. A great Winelands choice is a window table at La Petite Ferme (tel. 021/876-3016), which overlooks the lush Franschhoek Valley.

Braaing Crayfish on the Beach (West Coast, Western Cape): The West Coast open-air all-you-can-eat beach braais (barbecues) are legendary, giving you an opportunity to try a variety of local fish as well as sample local preparation styles. It's virtually impossible, but try not to fill up on the bread (baked on the beach) and the farm-fresh butter. Your best bet is Muisbosskerm, near Lamberts Bay, and ideal if you want to combine a trip to the Cederberg.

Eating with Your Fingers: You'll find that the African staple pap (maize-meal prepared as a stiff porridge that resembles polenta) is best sampled by balling a bit in one hand and dipping the edge into a sauce or stew -- try umngqusho, a stew made from maize kernels, sugar beans, chiles, and potatoes, and said to be one of Mandela's favorites. A number of restaurants in Gauteng serve traditional food.

Dining Under the Stars to the Sounds of the Bush (private game reserves throughout South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Botswana): There's nothing like fresh air to work up an appetite, unless it's the smell of sizzling food cooked over an open fire. Happily, dinners at private game reserves combine both more often than not. Weather permitting, meals are served in a boma (a reeded enclosure), or in the bush on tables placed in riverbeds or under large trees. Armed rangers and massive fires keep predators at bay.

Chewing Biltong on a Road Trip: Biltong, strips of game, beef, or ostrich cured with spices and dried, are sold at farm stalls and butcher shops throughout the country. This popular local tradition that dates back to the Voortrekkers is something of an acquired taste, but it's almost addictive once you've started.