Hey!! going on holiday with some backpackers to South Africa?

Question

and was wondering whether it is a good idea? What is it like over there?

Answer 1

Ships Ahoy says that you should "forget what people who have never been to South Africa tell you about the crime". Perhaps you should - but then you should definitely listen to what all those people who been to, lived in, been brought up in, still live in South Africa tell you about the crime.

The statistics for murder and violent crime are the worst in the world - other than a South American drug capital or two (and that may no longer be the case either)

Go backpacking if you're prepared to be exceptionally securty conscious and are willing to take risks. Whatever you do, ensure that you have medical insurance because you DO NOT want to end up in a government hospital anywhere in SA.

Answer 2

There are some great things to do in South Africa. If you are flying into Jo'burg, do a tour through Soweto and then head up to Suncity. There are three types of accommodation there are one of them is quite inexpensive and very nice. From there you can head up through the Pilansburg (not correct spelling) National Park.

There is a road called the Garden Route with some excellent things to do along the way. There is the worlds highest bridge bungy jump in a place called Wilderness. Knysna is a really cool seaside community. J'Bay on the East coast has awesome surf, Mossel Bay has a really cool Great White Shark Swim and Cape Town is one of the best cities in the world to travel.

South Africa will blow your mind. It is awesome.

Forget what people who have never been to SA tell you about the crime. Just be sensible and don't travel at night in the big cities and stay away from the Shanty Towns and dark alleys. You will be fine.

Answer 3

Great idea - tons and tons and tons to do, and a lot of backpacking accomodation. Just be careful in big cities - not so much Cape Town, but definitely Johannesburg - that's where the crime deserves it's reputation.

You have urban enclaves - Jo'berg, Pretoria (Tshwane), Durban - and Cape Town, of course. Near Jo'berg you can take a tour of the most famous township of Soweto. Plus, a bunch of smaller cities and towns that each have their own distinct flavor and charm. I've heard that to get from Durban to Cape Town via coastal highways is a must.

There is a lot of trekking to be done in the vast bushlands and mountains. Water sports - some of the best surfing in the world. Safaris can be taken rather inexpensively depending on the company.

You will just be overwhelmed by the country's beauty and charmed by most of it's people.....oh, and don't forget the Durban poison......

Have fun!

Answer 4

i just hope you got some insurance theres certain people in there mases that like to steal kill and rob people