Question about south africa.

TomTom

I heading to australia in november but i am also going to be hitting some countries on my way there and on the way back. One of these countries is South Africa and we are supposed to be going to Johannesberg but i have being hearing alot of bad stuff about the place laetly. The tickets are booked and i do want to go to south africa. Anyone that has been there can they share their experiences with me.

Zaph

Myself and some friends were in South Africa last May and we're going again in November, if that's any indication of how safe we thought it was. Admittedly we weren't near Joburg, we drove from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and back. We did hear some bad things about Joburg, and if you're worried about heading there I'd recommend changing your plans to go to Cape Town instead. We definitely felt safe there and the people are really friendly (as they were everywhere else we stayed).

One thing to remember is that November is summer in South Africa, and it's going to be a lot hotter inland in Joburg than it would be on the coast. If you do decide to travel around, I've heard Durban is a bit dodgy these days and there's not an awful lot worth seeing in Port Elizabeth (we only went there to see big game in a malaria free region). Knysna and Plettenburg Bay on the south coast are nice, and nearby Wilderness lives up to its name if you're looking for somewhere quiet. The wine region is also worth a look, the three main towns are Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshoek.

Hope this helps - enjoy your trip

kaalgat

I've lived in South Africa for about 17 years, near the Jo'burg area, and I would advise you to stay away from it, or otherwise just be on guard ALL THE TIME!!

Little things, like, don't carry valuable things out in the open, like money and mobile phone and camera. If you're not seen with anything valuable, you won't really be noticed.

I've found that here in Ireland people grow up in a really safe environment, so you really won't be prepared to go there. Jo'burg just isn't the place for you if you have been living a safe and happy life in Ireland all your life.

If you can't change your plans, I'd just advise you to lock everything that is valuable up, and don't hang around in the city at night, because that is just asking for trouble.

Apart from that, South Africa is a beautiful place, with over 11 different official languages and cultures. It really is a nice place to go to, but just be careful about staying out at night.

It's such a shame that such a beautiful country should go to hell like that because people can't keep their hands to themselves.

Best of luck, and have a great time!!

azi

Originally posted by kaalgat

Little things, like, don't carry valuable things out in the open, like money and mobile phone and camera. If you're not seen with anything valuable, you won't really be noticed.

Let me add to that:

car-jacking is the most common and dangerous crime. If you happen to hire a car, don't stop at red lights (called robots in RSA, btw) after dark (unless there's traffic coming, of course). Drive up, look for traffic and if it's free, GO. If you do happen to get caught (ie there's a bloke outside, pointing a gun at your head) give the car up and comply with their demands. don't try to run and don't look 'em in the eye and you may get way with yor life. (same goes for mugging).

If you're walking around do so in groups. If you want to visit a township, don't do it without a local guide.

Having said that, I was in the RSA for 3 months (Jo'burg and Pretoria) and never had any trouble. It's just common sense, really.


Apart from that, South Africa is a beautiful place, with over 11 different official languages and cultures. It really is a nice place to go to, but just be careful about staying out at night.

Absolutely agree.


azi.

Billy Turdhed

One to watch for...If hiring a car be careful, if punctured, to lock all valuables away and dont get distracted if a "crowd" gathers to "help"... Tyres can be "doctored" to ensure deflation after a few miles and are followed by the gang waiting for this to happen.
Then anything of value can be robbed while the tyre change is in progress....been there...had it happen...camera zapped!
I would not discourage you but ....be ready and be v e r y alert.

WPD

Kambika

And if you rent a car better dont stop at the traffic lights, too dangerous...