One of the best ways to keep in touch while traveling is by email. Access in South Africa is widespread, with cybercafés found even in relatively small centers, and most backpacker hostels have internet and email facilities. The downside is that connecting with international sites can be slow, particularly in the afternoon when Americans come on line and gobble up bandwidth.

Before leaving home, you should check whether your existing email account offers a web-based service that enables you to pick up your email from any internet terminal in the world.

This is becoming increasingly common and is very useful and straightforward, though it can sometimes be a bit slow.