We are thinking on going on honeymoon to South Africa and a more economical option seems to be going on a fly drive where you drive yourself from one hotel to another and go on safaris etc on the way...is it safe to drive in South Africa any tips?? thanks
2006-09-25 06:47:07 · 30 answers · asked by Smurfett 4 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ South Africa
I HAVE DRIVEN FROM CAPE TOWN TO ROBERTS IN THE WINE REGION DOWN TO THE MOST SOUTHERN POINT BACK ALONG THE GARDEN ROUTE TO KYSNA THEN ONTO PORT ELIZABETH.
THE SECOND TIME I DROVE FROM JO BERG TO CHARLTON THOUGHT LESOTHO DOWN THE SIAN PASS ON TO DURBAN UP TO SWAZILAND. THEN ONTO HAZYVIEW AND THE KRUGER
FINISHING UP IN PRETORIA GO THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT
THE ONLY PLACE IN TWO MONTHS OF DRIVING THAT HAD A PROBLEM WAS SUBAWANNA BAY WHICH IS OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
IF YOU STICK TO THE MAIN ROADS (SOME ARE GRAVEL) AND DRIVE MAINLY IN DAYLIGHT USING COMMON SENSE
THERE IS NO PROBLEM
ITS A GREAT COUNTRY WITH SPECTACULAR SCENERY , FANTASTIC HELPFUL PEOPLE. THOSE WHO SAY ITS DANGEROUS ARE THOSE THAT ONLY HOLIDAY N SPAIN
LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE, YOU MINIMISE THE RISKS OF THE ADVENTURE
2006-09-25 07:13:40 · answer #1 · answered by RAMSBOTTOM 5 · 10⤊ 3⤋
Let me tell you, I live in South AFrica, and it is a GREAT COUNTRY. I would recommend it definately. The people telling you that it is not safe, either haven't been here and only heard a bunch of nonsence or sadly was a victom of crime.
Keep in mind, every country has its crimes. If you go into places where there is a high crime rate (for instance the townships, where there are very poor people and steal to make a living) then ofcourse you will get robbed.
Otherwise, if you stay on the main roads (seen as you're tourists), then you will be fine.
Come and enjoy our country. In South Africa you'll experience safaris, a romantic place, you can go to the beach as well as the bushveld(where the safaris is). , experience lots of different cultures, as well as history. South AFrica offers you lots of different interesting things to do!
Don't let anybody tell you one can not surfive in South Africa, how can I then make a living here for 25 years.
Good luck and congratulations on the big day!
2006-09-26 22:29:18 · answer #2 · answered by poepies 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
My friend from Europe was here about 2 weeks back and in his words : "you have better roads than we do..and it is so clean!" We have a few major highways that is tolled in some stretches, i.e. you pay for using a piece of road. Then there is the ordinary roads that is in good condition and then the roads that towns have to upkeep - but some of these roads do have potholes and generaly you are well warned of it. The gravel roads you will only find in farming communities and rural areas - if you don't need to use it , don't because generaly you need a 4x4 or off road vehicle to drive these. Drivers are sometimes a bit crazy in their driving but that you will find almost anywhere in the world. Have a good following distance from the car in front and just look out for the taxi's because they can be unpredictable. And you won't get AIDS by speaking or touching someone with the disease - so please ignore the other remark about bringing garlic, etc...Crime : yes NONE of the SA people here will ever deny that for us it is a problem. We don't like the situation, and none of us condone it or hide away from it. But if you are street smart you will not have a problem. We are a developing country with a lot of poverty and lack of education and too soft policy on illegals..but that's another story. Please come and form your own opinion and don't listen to the negative ones on here. You will love the country for its beauty and it's diversity...and food!
2006-09-26 09:37:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
It is perfectly safe, I have lived in Cape Town for 20 years and have been on many driving holidays. Make sure your car is reliable however, you don't want to go breaking down at night anywhere in the world. Also have a mobile/cell phone for emergencies. You must be aware that where there are single lane highways, people move over into the hard shoulder over the yellow line to let you go past and you must do the same for them. You should flash your lights and thank them or wave your hand. The roads are excellent in most places especially the main routes, I thought they were worse in Australia. You should drive down the Garden Route to Cape Town and while in Cape Town visit the wine areas which are beautiful. You wll have a great time I promise. Look up Cape Town tourism sites, there are many. The fly/drive option will be your best bet.
2006-09-26 00:27:56 · answer #4 · answered by jaygirl 4 · 6⤊ 1⤋
We have travelled to South Africa on several occasions. We normally hire a car at Johannesburg travel to Kruger National Park and then take the Garden Route to Cape Town, the drives are awesome and we found it very safe, but it is advisable to hire a car with air conditioning, just to be on the safe side, so you can travel with your windows up and doors locked. Hope you have a great visit, and plan your route, and find out about any roadworks or problems prior to your viist.
2006-09-28 05:12:29 · answer #5 · answered by Loz 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
South Africa is safe, yes there are crimes and hijackings etc..
Just drive during the day, never at night, know where you are going. When you arrive to South Africa go to the AA, they have all the maps and will tell you where to go and where you shouldn't.
I drive long distances in South Africa every 2 weeks (For business and pleasure).
Just know where you are going and what road to take. (This is very important).
Enjoy your stay in South Africa.
2006-09-26 21:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
South Africa is very economical for international guests. The wildlife and game lodges/resorts/hotels are exceptional. World class. Yes it is safe to drive in South Africa. What I always tell international guests is that you must remember that not all of the people in South Africa are friendly and you must keep your wits about you. However it is a very romanticdestination for honeymooners... the beaches, the winelands, the drakensburg, game drives.
Note to others answering this question: People please refrain from running South Africa down. If you do not live in this country then you honeslty do not know what it is like to live here. Let people make their own decisions.
2006-09-25 20:33:38 · answer #7 · answered by tay_jen1 5 · 7⤊ 2⤋
It all depends on where you are going. I met up with friends in Cape Town who were driving around and had no problems. The best advice is to be careful - don't drive after dark, stay in hotels where there is a locked car park at night and if you see anyone flagging you down at the side of the road - don't stop!
2006-09-26 01:45:42 · answer #8 · answered by HB 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
South Africa may have some violence in it but it is only in certain areas. I drove by myself from Cape Town to Welkom (Orange Free State). I was fine. As always where ever you go in he world if you dont know the area plan your route the night before. SA is very touristy and there are plenty places full of friendly helpful people. Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Durban to Johannesburg via Kruger Park. I would avoid the Transkei, I believe the roads are not in good repair and you do get the odd herd of goats round the corner so to avoid a long tedious drive up towards Bloemfontein then down to Durban.
If you are in doubt go to a travel agent and ask them if they have any feed back from previous clients of theirs.
Proudly South African
2006-09-26 01:08:21 · answer #9 · answered by MissBehave 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I live in South Africa and drive around all the time! Driving is the only means of transport that i have. Its great, safe and i have no problems!!
For a tourist though, i would recommend that you drive during the day and make sure you know where you are going. You'll be fine! Have a great honeymoon!
2006-09-25 19:23:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
We, a family group of two daughters plus husbands and my wife and I, spent three weeks in January in South Africa(in three cars) without any problems. However, lots of the other responses urging caution are valid but no one has pointed out what can/could be a problem, namely the excess on your hire car insurance and the penalties you can be exposed to if you have an accident. There are some real horror stories on Tripadvisor about this and before we left, I arranged extra cover(quite cheaply) with a UK insurance firm on the net, who cover the difference in the basic cover.
2006-09-25 07:41:44 · answer #11 · answered by busterdomino 4 · 8⤊ 0⤋