INFORMATION ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA
Safety and Security in South Africa
South Africa Travel Safety
We believe that it is important that travellers are alerted to opportunistic crime in our country and are aware at all times.
General Safety Tips for South Africa
General rules apply all over the world. In London we are warned of violence on buses and underground. In Germany we are advised not to walk through subways and in Spain we hear of pickpockets.
In South Africa we would give the same kind of practical, sensible advice.
- Do not venture into unknown areas alone
- Take advice from your host or hostess on the areas around your guest house
- Don’t leave the establishment looking like a tourist - leave your valuables indoors or carry them inconspicuously
- Do not go out alone at night
- Do not hike or spend time outdoors without a qualified guide. Hike in groups.
- Hitch hiking is not recommended
- Be aware of local news – check sites like News24.com daily, read the local papers.
- Keep copies of your identity and travel documents in a safe place, separate from the originals.
- Keep money in a money belt under your clothing
- If you are driving by yourself at night, always park in well-lit areas with car guards, not in isolated areas.
Road Safety in South Africa
- Stick to the speed limit
- Don’t drink and drive
- Wear your seatbelt
- Look out for potholes in some areas
- Beware of both animals and pedestrians on the roads
- Keep doors locked when driving
- Do not keep handbags / cell phones etc on car seats. Keep these items out of sight.
- Do not leave luggage and valuables locked in the car or boot when you park your car for any length of time.
- Many mini-cab taxi drivers do not drive with any great regard for the rules of the road. Be aware of these vehicles as they are liable to swerve in front of you, overtake on the inside lane. Some can be aggressive towards drivers who show their annoyance.
- When parking, be aware of any suspicious-looking characters in the vicinity before exiting the vehicle
Safety Tips for your South African Safari
- Listen to your guide
- Do not get out of your vehicle while on a game drive
- Never approach or feed any wild animal (this includes baboons and monkeys that are commonly seen on the side of the road in the Western Cape)
- Only swim in dams / rivers that have been declared safe by your guide.
- Do not walk alone in any 'wild' area.
