10 Tips On Safer Travel In South Africa

This short article could have been entitled tips for making travel to South Africa SAFE. Yet safe is a relative term when it comes to the rainbow nation. Both travelers and residents face a day to day challenge when it comes to avoiding crime. This article is simply tips on making any time here a safer experience.

While crime statistics have improved over the past decade (though again rising slightly in 2009), South Africa still retains one of the world’s highest crime rates. It’s not simply the amount of crime that’s the worry, but the percentage of that crime that is violent in nature. In a recent address to parliament, South African President Jacob Zuma stated that South Africa has a greater problem with violent crime than any other country in the world (a statement made in the year South Africa is hosting the world cup). Traveling this country is an amazing experience but a journey that must be undertaken with caution.

The following tips are well worth considering if you plan to travel in South Africa.

10. Safety starts as soon as you get of the plane. The main gateway to the country, Johannesburg’s international airport, is not a particularly safe place. Thieves and other lowlifes stalk the arrivals area looking for anything like something to steal. Be highly aware of your possessions and try to leave as swiftly as possible. Having transfers arranged beforehand can be a good idea.

9. Rental cars. Renting a car is probably the safest way to get around the country outside an organized tour. Despite this everybody has heard the car jacking stories (there are currently over 250 police in Joberg dedicated to car jackings alone). Precautions have to be taken. DO NOT drive at night. Leave a gap of an inch or so on your drivers side window (which helps prevent the window shattering). Keep all the doors locked at all time (central locking is not a luxury here). Be as vigilant as possible at street corners and traffic lights as this is where car jackings often occur.

8. Traveling as a group does not guarantee your safety. Being in a group can help though you should not assume either you or your group will not be singled out. Always stay alert.

7. Hotels. South Africa has a high rate of theft from hostels or hotels (as is common elsewhere in the world). Not taking to much to the country you are not happy to replace is a good policy.

6. Avoid travelling alone. Don’t wander off down quiet side streets, avoid deserted beaches and dark areas at all times and at all costs.

5. Try to avoid reading the news papers. Crimes that would be on the front page at home barely rate a mention while the ones that do are usually horrific. Just a bit of ignorance can be bliss when it comes to the day to day crime stats.

4. Always ask the locals. Keep a close ear for advice from locals and hotel operators on where and where not to go. From street to street the safety situation can change quickly.

3. Try to avoid public transport if you can. Renting a car, organized tours and backpacker buses are all safer (and very cheap) options. Safety standards of the vehicles (particularly the mini buses) can be very low.

2. If you plan to surf or swim at the ocean beaches be aware that South Africa is home to a healthy and hungry population of great white sharks. Signs will be up at certain times of year advising against swimming or surfing at some beaches due to the ‘sardine run’, a time when great whites are especially active. Be aware!

1. Be alert but not alarmed. While all this might sound off putting South Africa is still a great and memorable place to visit. Time spent here can be a great experience, as long as you keep your wits about you.

For great advice on things like travel immunisations and australian travel warnings check out our site aussietraveladvice.com.