I have wanted to travel there for some time but I keep hearing mixed stories, some people say its the best thing they have ever done and some say its so dangerous its not worth it.
I’m a 22 female and would either be going solo or with one friend. I have traveled solo once before. I also want to volunteer with the wildlife, like the live with the lions programs and such. I would also love to join a group for a week or so safari.
Could anyone who has been there tell me of their experiences and how safe or unsafe it was?
April 24th, 2010 at 1:17 am
Ya as you said one of my pals was been there and he told me that most of the Burglars there have pistols and burglary is quite common there.
SO take care better take a Pistol for your safety.
April 24th, 2010 at 1:27 am
I was in South Africa last year. It’s the most beatiful country I’ve been to. Crime is a problem in some areas. It depends on where you are going. Joburg is pretty dangerous but everywhere else is fine. Make sure you visit Cape Town, its a very beautiful city and its pretty safe. I would advise you travel with a friend in order to ensure safety. If you want to go to the wildlife areas, I recomend you go to the Kruger National Park. They have a variety of wildlife and they provide accomodation.
April 24th, 2010 at 2:00 am
Crime is an issue in South Africa, but you can definitely enjoy a safe trip! I live in South Africa and to keep safe, I just use common sense. These tips might help:
- Avoid displaying any valuables
- Don’t walk on your own in badly lit areas
- Don’t drive with your windows wide open. If you do, keep your handbag hidden from view
- Carry your bag close to your body.
- Take note of emergency numbers you might need
- Keep doors locked at night, and close windows that don’t have burglar bars.
Check out my source for some more info! Hope that you had a wonderful trip!
April 24th, 2010 at 2:19 am
If you travel by car it can be save if you keep your windows locked and keep out of black townships like soweto etc. Around Pretoria, Johannesburg, Is your live not worth a penny. If you’re thinking about hitch hiking. Then You’re crazy. You will be an easy target to get a few bugs. They will also rob you in Namibia, but usually they won’t kill you there. Traveling alone without a male partner, I really think is crazy. If you like To know more, jou’re welcome to ask.
April 24th, 2010 at 2:24 am
Travelling in South Africa can be safe if you avoid generally avoid all city centres.
I have travelled the country extensively over the years that I lived there and never once had any incident when I travelled on the open country roads.
Nevertheless it is highly adviseable to have a travelling companion (or 2), and not being sexist, preferably a male – there seems to be a culture that men are more respected there than women.
I would urge you not to use public transport i.e. metro trains, city buses or minibus taxis. Best option is to rent a car. It’s fairly cheap for a small car.
You can get overland bus tickets similar to National Express or Greyhound. They have air-con and you get to see the country too.
You would need to research which wildlife farms take on volunteers.
A google search should provide you with some info.
Most will be based near the Kruger National Park but there is the De Wildt Cheetah Foundation 30 miles north west of Pretoria.
Many may say that Cape Town is still safe (compared to other cities) however there are only a few safe areas within the city centre that are safe, and that only being during the day.
City centres are a definite no-go area at night except to well established night spots and tourist attractions.
April 24th, 2010 at 2:27 am
South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder. However, most cases occur in the townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations. The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists. Tourism police are deployed in several of the large towns.
Passport theft is common. It is usually opportunist and non-violent (and increasingly occurs at airports on arrival or departure), although some passports are taken during muggings. You should carry photocopies of your passport with you.
Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and cell phones out of sight. Do not change large sums of money in busy public areas.
Remember that you are on a foreign land and unless you have already traveled there a couple of time, you’ll have no way of knowing how to get around. Becoming lost is probably the biggest nightmare for travelers. Before embarking on your trip, buy a travel book with maps and some useful phrases that you can use with the locals. Carry with you a credit card, identification papers and enough money to get around the city in case you get lost. It is also a good idea to ask your hotel for a business card which you can show to locals when you ask for directions.
Eat local cuisine – Eating can minimize travel stress! So, treat yourself to local foods and stay away from your usual staple of burger, spaghetti and cola. Be adventurous and have fun in local restaurants. Before leaving, you can ask people who already traveled in the country if they can recommend any restaurants. Hotel personnel can also help you immensely.
April 24th, 2010 at 3:19 am
Which part of South Africa are you going to?
April 24th, 2010 at 4:05 am
i am from south africa
theres alot of crime here sad to say but with the 2010 things are looking better so if u need to come come now