Travel Safety Tips
Southern Africa is in general a safe destination for international travelers. However, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions while traveling. These precautions should be applied while traveling anywhere in the world. Following basic advice can avoid most potential problems:
- Make photocopies of your passport, airline tickets, driver’s license and other important documentation. Also keep a record of the numbers of your traveler’s cheques. These should be kept in a safe place.
- Never carry large amounts of cash; credit cards are widely welcomed
- If you need cash handy for purchases at local markets – keep it in a travel wallet or a zip pocket
- Check beforehand that the areas or attractions you plan to visit are safe. Ask the staff of your hotel or your host. When in doubt, contact the National Tourism at +27 87 803 4636.
- Avoid visibly wearing cameras, handbags or other valuables in areas that are considered risky.
- Do not leave handbags, mobile phones, cameras etc. in full view on the passenger or back seat of the car. Keep them out of sight, or rather lock them in the boot of your car.
- Do not stop and wander around in deserted areas off the beaten track, rather stop at open picnic areas or service stations.
- Car hijackings do occur in South Africa. You should be on the alert when coming to a halt at a traffic light or stop street, as well as when you are arriving at or leaving premises. Be careful when approached by strangers at these places.
- When parking, choose busy, well lit or security patrolled areas. At shopping centres and in the main streets of most cities, street security guards will watch over your vehicle in return for a tip. This may be anything from R 2.00 to R 5.00 (South African Rands).
- Watch out for con artists. A favoured target is the Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Under no circumstances allow a stranger to assist you in your transactions. Should your card become stuck in the ATM, enter your PIN three times whereupon the machine will retain your card. The card is safe now and you can enter the bank to ask them to release it. Alternatively you can call the helpline number that can usually be found at ATM’s for assistance.
- Do not stop to pick up hitchhikers, however innocent, lost or appealing they may look. If you are worried about their plight, stop at the next town and report it to someone.
- Keep your doors locked and keep the windows as far up as possible. Baboons are especially cunning and will even open your car door or try and get through an open window with the hope to find some food in the car.
- At viewpoints, hides, camps and other more heavily populated areas, wildlife is more accustomed to people and will usually be less threatened by your presence. A general guideline is to refrain from teasing or cornering wild animals as it may cause a potentially dangerous reaction. In addition, feeding or calling animals should be avoided, as this can cause them to lose their fear of humans.Although a multitude of potentially dangerous species like snakes, scorpions, spiders, and insects are indigenous to Africa, very few visitors are adversely affected if common sense is used. Snakes are typically shy and generally stay away from highly populated areas. Safari lodges and camps usually have insect (especially mosquito) proofing. If you go on a walk, a good rule of thumb is to always wear enclosed walking shoes, socks, and long trousers.
- Although travel to South Africa generally poses no medical threat, malaria is prevalent in certain areas. Prior to your trip to South Africa, you should consult your physician or health department for the latest anti-malaria prophylactics.
