South African Travel Safety Tips If you’re considering a holiday to South Africa or traveling to the country for business, you can easily have a trouble-free, safe holiday by following these simple South African travel safety tips. Basic safety in the city Like any country, South Africa has a criminal element that targets tourists. Items like cameras, phones, jewelry and handbags are what thieves are after, and they can be aggressive in the pursuit of these items. The best way to avoid confrontations or having items stolen is to avoid advertising what you own. Don’t walk around with your camera slung around your neck or phone clipped to your belt. Your best option is to travel light and purchase a sturdy shoulder bag to protect your most expensive items. You’ll also want to stay away from crime hotspots. Your travel agent will be able to tell you which areas you should avoid. Don’t walk alone at night, unless you are in an area with lots of pedestrian traffic. Until you get a feel for the country, you may want to avoid having to find accommodation at short notice. It’s a good idea to book South African accommodation ahead of your trip, as this ensures you and your luggage will not be exposed as you search for a place to stay. Basic driving safety For a start, ensure that you possess an international driver’s license if you’re intending to drive on South Africa’s roads. Also ensure that you have contact numbers for emergency roadside assistance in the event of a break down. When hiring a car, stick to major car hire providers. When driving a car in the city, remember to keep your doors locked and windows only partially open to avoid smash and grab attempts. Also keep in mind that many South Africans disregard the ‘orange’ bulb on a traffic light and only stop for red, which means you need to be patient and alert at intersections.
Safety outside the city Many of South Africa’s most attractive tourist destinations are located in the country’s vast wilderness. In these areas crime is not a major concern, however; there are a number of things you need to be wary of when traveling. When driving, be aware that wild animals can unexpected appear on roads, and that you should maintain a high level of alertness at all time. Rest stops are spaced along the country’s major roads, giving you an opportunity to stop and refresh yourself. If you’re planning to drive between cities and your trip requires an overnight stay, you should once again strongly consider booking your South African accommodation prior to departure. During peak tourist season accommodation can be difficult to find, and you want to avoid being stranded in the middle of an unfamiliar town.
Booking holiday accommodation Booking your South African holiday accommodation in advance is easy, thanks to esouthafrica.com. Simply browse by province, city or town to discover which venues are available, and then book online to secure your accommodation in advance. It’s quick and secure, and takes all the hassle out of finding holiday accommodation in South Africa.