Greetings!

Around the world people greet in different ways, some bow, kiss, hug, and others shake hands. As there are different cultures in South Africa, the greetings can be quite different. The South Africans have a particular hand shake that is similar to our normal shake but with a couple added moves. These moves symbolize respect and friendship even though you may be just meeting the person.

To perform this special shake you begin clasping hands as ‘normal’. From here slide your hands up to be able to lock thumbs, closing your fingers over the other person’s hand. After slide back to the ‘normal’ shake with a shake movement. This shake is usually done in a fluid motion but can also be done in steps. Below you will see some photos on how to perform this shake.

In some cultures they go a bit further. Some will place their left hand touching between right wrist and elbow as they shake sign of respect. This shows the other person they are important enough to devote their entire attention to you.

When you stay at a lodge, hotel, or even someone’s house you will be greeted every morning. Upon waking you will, not only say good morning but be asked how you slept. South Africans are very friendly and will always make sure everyone is happy.