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Safety Precautions for Travel in South Africa:

General:

Any traveller, to any country in the world, should be aware of the fact that there is always some element of danger involved. It would be naive to believe that one can just pack one's bags and take off into the "wild blue yonder"! Part of the lure and excitement of traveling to Africa, is the underlying primitive pulse of danger traditionally associated with Africa! 

However ... 

You do not actively wish harm to befall you! Whether you decide to travel with us, or with other conventional tour companies, or if you are "going it alone" here are some hints on how to protect yourself in Africa.

IF Hiring a Vehicle:

• Hire from a reputable company
• Take full cover insurance
• Plan your route beforehand and stick to the main highways. Try not to be forced to stop and ask passers-by for directions.
• NEVER give any stranger a lift.
• Make sure you have enough fuel to reach your destination. Do not travel to areas where you have not done research to see whether or not they are suitably safe. There are, as in any country, certain areas that even South African citizens would hesitate to enter. 

Health Precautions:

• Be aware of the fact the AIDS and HIV is rife in South Africa. NEVER have unprotected sex with anyone other than your own life partner.
• Many areas in South Africa carry a Malaria risk. Ensure that you consult your local doctor some weeks before departure, to begin a course of prophylactics which he will prescribe.
• Most water in South Africa is potable and it is not necessary to drink bottled water, except in rural areas where there is no treated water supply.
• Never drink waters from rivers or dams, or swim in rivers or dams in South Africa, as there is a high incidence of Bilharzia in many of our rivers and dams. There is also the danger of contracting Cholera through drinking untreated water in rural areas.
• There are extremely good medical services in South Africa. Should you require medical treatment, you will be treated at any of the private medical clinics here. The Public Hospitals, however, are very overcrowded, and although you will receive capable and thorough treatment, you will probably face an extremely long wait before receiving attention.
• Please note that all hospitals and Doctors request payment "up front", so it would be wise to ensure that you are covered either by your own medical aid scheme, or by medical insurance. Most hospitals and doctors will not accept foreign currency.

Crime:

The crime rate is high in South Africa at the moment. However, most tourists who are victims of crime, have not followed the simple basic rules of safety that should be observed in any strange country one is visiting. While no-one can guarantee 100% safety, the following sensible advice should be followed:

• Always keep the doors of your vehicle locked.
• Do not drive with the windows open and with vauables such as cellular phones, briefcases, purses or handbags openly displayed on the seats. A common practice for thieves is for one of them to distract the driver while the other one smashes the window.
• Do not venture into areas where you have neglected to ascertain from a reliable source whether these areas are considered "safe" to visit. e.g. no-one should visit any "Township" areas whatsoever, unless you are going on a guided tour with a reputable firm of tour operators.
• Central Johannesburg is considered to be a high crime area at present and should be avoided.
• Do not wear jewellery obviously displayed on your person.

Hijacking:

Hijacking of vehicles is on the increase in South Africa. Observe the following precautions. 

• Remain alert when stopping at a traffic light or a stop street. Beware of strangers approaching the vehicle. 
• Beware of other drivers indicating a problem with your vehicle and encouraging you to pull over to the side of the road. Rather travel slowly until you reach an area where you can stop in relative safety.
• Also be alert when re-fuelling. Hijackers have been known to strike at the more isolated service stations.
• Always leave sufficient space between you and the vehicle in front of you when stopping at a traffic light or stop street. This way you won't be "boxed in" by the vehicle behind you.
• Avoid stopping at isolated "view sites" along the road, particularly in the late afternoon or evenings.
• Avoid traveling at night.