Browse these tips for traveling safely while visiting South Africa. The crime rate is high in this country and being aware of the problems will lead to a more secure trip

South Africa is a beautiful country with much to offer visitors. Part of its charm is the strange mixture of modern malls and technology, mud huts and rural areas and magnificent game parks. South Africa also has a reputation for being a violent, crime-ridden country and care needs to be taken when traveling there.

Airport Safety

Most international flights arrive at The O R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. This is an acknowledged hotbed of theft and it is best to have suitcases plastic wrapped before arriving in SA. Once in the airport, beware of pick pockets and thieves. They work in groups and target items such as cameras, cell phones, wallets and laptops. They are incredibly quick so don’t take any chances.

Hotel Rooms

Take extra care to ensure that all valuables are locked away. Cleaning staff are known to be very light-fingered.

Road Safety

Rental Cars are the safest way to travel round SA. However there are some basic safety rules to remember:

• Keep all the doors locked
• Be vigilant at traffic lights. Hijackings are very common
• Keep all valuables out of sight or on the floor
• Leave a gap of 1cm at the top of the window. This makes it difficult for wouldbe thieves to shatter the glass
• Park in a car park that is well lit and busy
• Uniformed car guards may offer to watch your car. This is the norm and they will expect a tip for their services

Public Transport

Don’t expect much in the way of public transport. Locals use minibus taxis which are often dangerous. The taxi bosses are involved in gang wars and the vehicles are often in poor mechanical condition.

Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town have limited commuter train services but these are best avoided. They have a huge problem with muggings, assault and crime on the trains and a tourist is seen as a soft target.

Hiking

South Africa has incredible scenery and lovely weather. Hiking is popular but stay in large organized groups with a guide who knows the area well.

Expect to Pay

The unemployment rate in South Africa hovers at around 45%. Aids is a huge problem as is poverty. People desperate for a few cents will pop up everywhere and can become aggressive. Look out for those who offer to act as guides, to wash your windscreen or sell you cheap merchandise. Some are quite legitimate but be careful.

What to Avoid

Don’t go walking alone. Quiet side streets, deserted beaches and dark areas are to be avoided at all costs. Be careful on normal beaches and try and stay with a group, even if not part of it.

Violent Crime

Unfortunately, violence is an integral part of crime in SA. A lot of theft is driven by poverty and need and people have been murdered for a couple of dollars, a pair of shoes or an old cell phone. Keep valuables out of sight and if confronted by a criminal, give them what they want and comply with their demands.

It is still possible to have a safe, enjoyable holiday in South Africa but vigilance and care are keywords to remember. Don’t take any chances.