South Africa - scared!

slopemaster

We're considering a holiday to South Africa in June/ July.

DH is very keen. I am intrigued, but badly scared by the amount of violent crime.
We would be flying into Jo'burg, picking up a hire car, staying overnight, then heading out into the countryside. I'm particularly concerned at the possibility of carjackings near the international airport. We would be staying away from the big cities as much as possible, visiting places like Krger national park.

Can anyone share their experiences?

SavingPennies_2

It was many years ago when I visited but it was an amazing experience, I really want to go back but like you I'm concerned about safety.

What about going for an organised tour instead?

jackomdj

We had the most fantastic holiday in SA. We have relatives there so did a lot with them.

There were only two times on the holiday that I felt "uncomfortable" not scared but not overly happy. First time we parked up and came back to someone cleaning the car, demanding payment. My Aunty told him in no uncertain terms he wasn't getting paid as she hadn't asked him to do it. The second time we were in a market and there were some "touchy" people, who kept touching my arm, hair etc.

We went to Swazi where my cousin lived. Her car broke down, whilst we were waiting for her husband two cars stopped to check we were ok, you wouldn't get that in the UK.

It is a country of contrasts in lifestyle and wealth, however it is a lovely country and we would love to go back soon.

slopemaster

SavingPennies wrote: »

What about going for an organised tour instead?

Definitely not our thing I'm afraid...

sandsy

We go frequently, having previously lived in Cape Town for 7 years.


We've driven around Jo'burg a lot without incident. There's good roads/highways by the airport although you have to keep your wits about you to get on the right roads when leaving the car hire car park. I just print out a decent map of the roads around the airport from the internet before we go. But you are immediately onto good dual carriageways and on your way.


There's a number of hotels at the Emperors Palace (casino) complex just 5 minutes drive from the airport with a good selection of restaurants in the complex if you prefer to stay overnight first. A free shuttle runs from the airport to these hotels so you could save a day's carhire and return to the airport the next day to pick up your car once you're rested.


An alternative thought, particularly if you are heading to Kruger first is to fly to your first destination - that's what we'll be doing this year. We're flying to Jo'burg then onto Phalaborwa 3 hrs later and we'll pick up our hire car there and head to a B&B for a good night's rest before we hit Kruger itself. That way, you have time to get used to the car and the roads in much easier circumstances. There's many airports serving Kruger (Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Skukuza) and all offer carhire.


But very few tourists to SA become victims of crime and many, many fall in love with it and return time and time again (like us!) It's a beautiful country and we still enjoy exploring it and discovering new areas each time we visit.

slopemaster

sandsy wrote: »

An alternative thought, particularly if you are heading to Kruger first is to fly to your first destination.

I hadn't thought of that at all.
will look into it, thanks

bylromarha

We're going for our first time to SA this Christmas. We're visiting friends there. Our friends tell us we're fine to hire a car and drive up to their house in Clarens and how there is little crime toward tourists.

But there is a "violence" niggle in the back of my head which I know is crazy but it's hard to not believe all the stories you've heard, eh? I guess we'll both feel far more comfortable after we've gone and seen that the media are selling their stories.

callum9999

The media certainly aren't lying - there is lots of crime and violence in the country.

That being said, there are also millions of people. Assuming you are sensible, the odds of you being a victim of any of it is minimal.

pendragon_arther

Not sure about SA but you can get an AK47 for about ten pounds in Kenya although bullets are extra

charliewocka

I've driven in Jo'burg when working over there (single young female) and found things to be ok. Keep wits about you, don't hire a flash car, stick to main roads and try to slow down coming to traffic lights so you don't have to stop unnecessarily. I kept my mobile phone in my pocket at all times so it was easy to hand but kept valuables out of site. One small thing I do when I am travelling anywhere is to keep a second wallet on me with an expired credit card and about $30 in cash so if I am approached on the street or in a car I can hand it over easily.

I've worked and driven in Kenya, Zambia and Congo with no issues. It's all about being sensible and prepared.

[Deleted User]

flosswoss21 wrote: »

I've driven in Jo'burg when working over there (single young female) and found things to be ok. Keep wits about you, don't hire a flash car, stick to main roads and try to slow down coming to traffic lights so you don't have to stop unnecessarily. I kept my mobile phone in my pocket at all times so it was easy to hand but kept valuables out of site. One small thing I do when I am travelling anywhere is to keep a second wallet on me with an expired credit card and about $30 in cash so if I am approached on the street or in a car I can hand it over easily.

I've worked and driven in Kenya, Zambia and Congo with no issues. It's all about being sensible and prepared.

Not sure I'd enjoy a " relaxing " holiday if I was constantly on guard for possible carjacking or armed robbery.
If I want that I'd go to Mosside.��