South Africa Travel Forum

I'm thinking about going to South Africa - not too sure when, but judging by my trip to South America - maybe around March would be good - is this true?

- "the safety" question. I will be a woman traveling alone. Plans are to go to Cape Town and use the little tours offered by the major hotels. I usually don't use tours, but in this case I think I'll be more comfortable.

- Next I'd like to go to Kruger National Park. Have looked at a couple of places to stay - again, how safe is it to be there? Any issues with malaria?

- What is the best option flying round trip from Cape Town to Kruger?

This is just the first pass. Any other notes you'd like to ask welcome!

Hi Nomad. I think you are quite right to join tours if you are traveling alone. I am lucky and have friends there so I didn't have to join a tour but I certainly would if I was alone.

Kruger is an awesome place to visit and one you won't soon forget. South Africans can best advise you on where to stay there. The Kruger Park site gives many options. I would ask my doc. if I were you about Malaria.
There are domestic airlines you can use which seem to be very efficient. I used 1Time for flying between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

You will love this country.

Southern Africa is a fantastic destination from a scenic point of view and promises some of the most amazing vistas you'll ever hope to see.

The "safety" question: high crime rates, including violent crime, is a significant problem and it'll be a good idea to brush up on crime prevention strategies, such as:
1. When traveling, let someone know your destination and estimated time of arrival.
2. Tell a responsible person when you're expected back from your excursion.
3. Do not advertise items of wealth: jewellery, Ipod, mobile phone, wallets, purses, anything that may be a target for an opportunist criminal.
4. Try not to go out at night.
5. Walk confidently with head erect and taking obvious notice of your surroundings.
6. Never be encumbered with lots of baggage or bags.
7. Maintain clear sightlines. If you are unsure of what may lie ahead, cross the road so that you can see what's ahead.
8. Lock your car doors while traveling and don't leave your windows open too wide.
9. When driving, be particularly vigilant at red traffic lights and stop signs.
10. When stopping behind another vehicle, allow enough space for an emergency getaway.

Cape Town: great destination. Have a look at http://www.capecarol.com/

Kruger National Park: it is in a malaria area, so take precautions. Criminals have been known to target vehicles appraoching or leaving the entrance gates, so once again, be vigilant.

Sorry Johan - but "Do not go out at night"?????????? We OFTEN go out at night.
It is quite safe to be out and about at night. Unless you are in "downtown" Johannesburg. Even Cape Town downtown is safer than Johannesburg.
Just be vigilant at all times.
SOUTH AFRICA IS NOT THAT BAD!!!
Kruger Park is always better during the winter months in SA.

Enjoy your stay and thank you for choosing to visit our beautiful country.

June, I did say "try" not to go out at night, simply because it is more dangerous than during the day. I think it is a well established crime prevention strategy in most of the world's crime hot spots.

SOUTH AFRICA IS NOT THAT BAD!!! Unfortunately, it is. A year ago, The Star reported: South Africa has the world's second highest rate of violent crime, after Colombia.

Time magazine just reported: South Africa has one of the highest incidents of reported rape in the world.

Recently, the Global Peace Index ranked South Africa a poor 123rd in the world, which is worse than its showing in 2008 (116th) and in 2007 (99th). Level of violent crime is a major component of this ranking system.

There is a plethora of proof for above statements, which is simply something a prospective visitor to South Africa needs to take into consideration, which is exactly what the initial poster asked for.

I live in Pretoria, and I agree that you’d have to be very careful if you go out in the evening – especially alone. Personally, I don’t go out after dark much anymore and when I do, I don’t feel at ease. Some people don’t even stop at red traffic lights or stop signs at night.

Don’t leave any handbags or cell phones or any possessions on the seat or even under your feet. Criminals know people are hiding property behind their legs – rather lock everything in the boot.

I get very angry when I hear bad reports. The Star's (which I read everyday)statistics are no doubt from the townships.
I spent 18 yrs in PE and have been living in the suburbs of Johannesburg for 20 years. I have no doubt that the suburbs are much safer. I dont go about being nervous...I am more nervous in a place like Bangkok.
I want to encourage people to visit this country.

I sympathise June, you'd be quite angry then considering the daily reports of indiscriminate crime, like the poor victim shot dead when a hijacker crashed into his car in Mpumalanga; or the medical doctor stabbed and then torched in his Rosettenville surgery south of Johannesburg; or the father shot dead beside his two sons by another motorist while driving on the R562 north of Johannesburg; or the gentleman who eventually expired in the boot of his car having been hijacked in Joburg and driven to Durban - all within the last fortnight...

Whether on the roads, in the cities, suburbs or the townships - equally tragic!

Perhaps I must go out and buy the top newspapers for all the cities of the world, I am sure I will read the same stories.
I am not having a go at you personally.
It is tragic, but I think South Afirca has a lot more positives than negatives. You may disagree?
I would rather have these negative reports in the misc forum than the travel forum.

Thank you for all the responses.

Usually I contact an expensive hotel and work with the concierge. I do most of my sightseeing during the day, make a late lunch my main meal (out of habit), and unless I am very comfortable with the feel of a place, will not go out to eat at night but will have room service.

So if I stay at a major hotel, have them pick me up, and do the tours the hotel offers, would there still be a "rape" problem?

I know things can be exaggerated. I went to Argentina earlier this year. When I read the reports and the US Dept. of State warnings (crime, kidnappings, bad traffic accidents, yellow fever, malaria, etc.etc.) - I looked for ways to mitigate the risks and had a fabulous trip. Yes, there were a couple of brief times I felt uncomfortable, but things worked out.

Sincerely appreciate both points of view. South Africa looks wonderful.

One last question though, how would you suggest would be the safest way to travel between Cape Town and Kruger?
And will one of the expensive game reserves in Kruger be a safe place?

The best way to get to Kruger from Cape Town is a flight to OR Tambo Johannesburg ( 2 hr flight), then connect to Nelspruit via air as well. (about 40 minutes) Or you can travel by luxury bus. Nelspruit is situated in Mphumalanga near the Kruger Park. The Lodges in the Kruger have high security. You will not be "raped"!!
I hope you visit.

Thank you June!

I agree with June. You will have taken all of the safety precautions possible and should be really safe. You will have a wonderful time. I can only speak from a tourist point of view and I have never been so amazed as when we were in Kruger and I saw all of those animals. Take a camera with a zoom lens and have fun.

Thanks Diane!

Hi Nomad

March is the best month for Cape Town, but not the greatest for Kruger because they are still lush green after the summer rain and the animals are harder to spot. The private lodges however make a big point of finding as many animals as possible for you. While the country undeniably has of the world's highest rape statistics, it cannot be said that sensible tourists are the victims. (I wish Johan would restrict his beloved sensationalist snippets to widespread crime which regularly befalls sensible tourists). Malaria is an issue in Kruger in March.

If you are looking at high end hotels and lodges, may I suggest the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town and Shamwari near Port Elizabeth? The Table Bay hotel will let you be in total safety inside the V&A Waterfront precinct. Shamwari is Malaria free and in March is coming out of its driest period. Flights between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth are plentiful, with a choice of airlines.

May I also suggest you ask VT member Travelmad478 for her advice? Julie could be the solo traveller with the most visits out here.

Johan the South African Chamber of Commerce won't be hiring you anytime soon. If a person were to pull out the horror stories in the Vancouver papers, they wouldn't go anywhere near the city or surrounding areas. It's good to know the ways to stay safe but there are many positive things to say about South Africa.

Thank you Gerald and Diane!

Thank you for your support Gerald and Diane.

Nomad, I hope you have a fantastic and safe holiday!

June, what would be the sense of answering safety questions in the misc forum? Nomad asked a travel question, which relates to her personal safety.

Nomad, the rape problem will still be there, but you are sure to be safe as you seem to take the well meant advice to heart. Theft of property in the hotels may still be a problem though.

Sadly, I don’t think crime in SA is exaggerated and is a huge concern for all of us living here - which is why I am upset with Gerald D’s “sensationalist snippets” comment. Very insensitive! Johanisweg mentioned sad realities. They were victims of crime, normal people – not simply “sensationalist snippets”!
Frankly, I am a bit surprised at some of the above responses. Seems to me some of my fellow South Africans protest too much…

Nomad, you might also find some good background info on VT South Africa’s “warnings or dangers” page.

Nomad, I saw on your home page that you have cycling as an interest, and that reminded me that March sees a huge cycling event in Cape Town, the Argus Cycle Tour. You might want to join in, or avoid the date because it fills up a lot of accommodation. But it is usually a very festive event, even for non-competitors. (except this year when stormy weather caused havoc)

Thank you Gerald. I ride the bike very casually. Started when my doctor wanted me to stop running, but I ended up cutting my running down to one day. I do enjoy bike sightseeing tours in some cities, but thank you for mentioning the event. I'm still sorting out 2010 - there's a bit VT meet in May, I need to balance the rest of the year. If March is in the middle of the World Cup, I might push the Cape Town visit to 2011.

The World Cup is in June.

Hi.

I think the crime issue has been covered. My personal perspective is I was terrified when I moved to Johannesburg 4 years ago and have never looked back, have never been a victim of any crime and would never return to London. If you take certain precautions (as mentioned above) you'll be fine. Whatever you do, don't let fear ruin your holiday - just see what how other people are acting and you'll relax very quickly.

In terms of things to do around Cape Town, I'd recommend: Robben Island (where prisoners under Apartheid were held, done very well with guides by former prisoners); Table Mountain (take cable car unless want a serious hike - take the first clear day because it's often covered in cloud); The Winelands (recommend Franschhoek. Would consider spending a couple of nights in this stunning valley / village as there's much to see/do/drink!). March is generally an excellent time, especially in the winelands because the vines are all turning golden.

My favourite place to stay is Camps Bay. It's got an awesome beach, the sun sets in front of you, it's less hectic and touristy than the V&A Waterfront / City Bowl where most people stay.

As discussed, fly to Joburg and connect through to Nelspruit. Kruger is very safe because it's so popular with international tourists. You probably should take malarial tablets (your Dr will advise you to, but we never do). However, one option would be to go to Addo Elephant Park or Shamwari further along the coast from Cape Town (i.e. a lot closer) where the bush will be less thick than in Kruger (i.e. easier to see animals).

Happy to help if have any more questions...

Thank you Rob.

Well done Rob!!!! Thumbs up to you!

I am anxious to see some of Rob's pictures. Particularly of Jo'burg and surrounds.

Welcome to VT!

From News24 (Die Burger) today:

More violent crime in Britain - 2009-07-03 08:08

London - Statistics compiled by the European Commission indicate that there is more violent crime in Britain than in South Africa.
The British public, who are often warned about the situation regarding crime in South Africa, were caught off-guard by this news.

As far as violence in relation to population size is concerned, Britain is at the top of the list according to these statistics, with 2 034 violent crimes for 100 000 people in 2007.

In Austria this figure is 1 677 for 100 000 people, in South Africa it's 1 609 and in Sweden it's 1 123. The South African figure was an average for the period 2006 to 2007.

According to the British media, however, South Africa is still the world's murder capital, with approximately 20 000 murders committed here annually, compared to 921 in Britain.

Europe’s most violent

The statistics are derived from European Commission documents, and were also distributed by the United Nations.

The British Conservative Party presented the data in the form of a table, and said the Labour party is to blame for the fact that Britain is now being considered Europe's most violent nation.

On the list, labelled the "list of shame" by the Conservatives, South Africa (3rd) and Canada (6th) are the only two non-European countries in the top ten.

The Daily Mail, however, was told by experts that the fact that "violence" is interpreted differently in different countries should be taken into account. For instance, where a disturbance is considered a violent offence under British law, in other countries such as South Africa, it's only considered a violent offence if someone is assaulted.

Another fact which has the British public concerned is that the incidence of violence has risen by 77% since 1998.

News websites were buzzing about the information on Thursday, and South Africans in Britain took part in the commentary with great enthusiasm.

Safe?

A certain Callum wrote on the Daily Mail's website that he didn’t believe, even for a second, that the crime level in Britain is higher than in South Africa.

"Britain and Europe are safe places to live."

In turn, Dean from Cape Town wrote that the news about Britain's crime levels didn’t surprise him in the least, and that it was precisely for that reason that he moved to South Africa.

"I feel much safer walking down the streets of South Africa. Most of the crime that happens here is in Johannesburg."

Another sceptic, Alan from London, believed the South African government's policy is "not to properly record the true crime figures".



- Die Burger

In a lighter vein . . .
Crime is supposed to be so common in South Africa, that it is supposed to be plausible when someone claims that they were hijacked. Again from News24 today:

Cops bust 'kidnapped' wife 2009-07-03 14:26

Pretoria - A Pretoria woman, who pretended to be kidnapped, has been arrested after she was caught in her pyjamas at her boyfriend's apartment, police said on Friday.

Captain Colette Weilbach said the woman and her boyfriend - both in their 40s - were arrested in Dunnottar, Nigel, on the East Rand on Thursday night and were charged with defeating the ends of justice.

"The whole operation wasted more than four hours of precious police time and resources that could have been used more optimally to prevent or investigate other crimes," said Weilbach.

She said earlier on Thursday the woman phoned her husband in Jan Niemand Park to say that she was on her way home after working in Johannesburg.

About half-an-hour later the husband received a SMS telling him that he must not look for his wife and that he must not involve the police.

At 18:00, after calls to his wife's phone went unanswered, a "very concerned husband" went to the Villieria police station to report a kidnapping.

Weilbach said police immediately started an investigation and involved additional manpower and resources from specialised units to assist with the search.

A tracking device in the woman's Toyota Yaris was activated and led more than 10 police officers to an address in Dunnottar where they saw the car in a parking bay at an apartment block.

"After some enquiries, they learnt that a female driver... often seen at the apartments got out of the vehicle. The police were directed to an apartment where the lady allegedly visits on a regular basis," said Weilbach.

When no-one answered the door, police forced their way inside.

"Once inside the apartment they found the missing wife in her pyjamas and another man with whom she allegedly has a relationship.

Weilbach said the woman would be held accountable for the financial implications of the investigation.