i have always wanted to visit south africa but is it too dangerous?

Question

i had planned to spend some time there early next yr on my way to the uk but after doing a bit of looking arond for info on the net and in yahoo answers im starting to be a little put off. i cant see it being any worse than S.E. asia and i've never had any problems there, but its got me wondering ,is it too dangerous for me to travel around there on my own? am also keen to travel up the west coast of africa and cross to europe from there. any hints on the situation thru these areas would be greatly appreciated thanks

Answer 1

I live in cape town and have worked in both jo'burg and durban.
The media has contributed a lot to a very negative image of south africa. In all fairness we have rough areas and crime is an issue here, but where in the world will you find a country that doesnt? Tourism is a huge industry here....i work on the game reserves and hotels...south africa is a beautiful country that will touch your heart and leave you wanting to come back again and again. Just use common sense such as not carrying valuables, flashing around money, and driving late at night if you are unfamiliar with the area. You cant go wrong with a trip anywhere down here, and you will find that the people are incredibly friendly and fun and you should have the trip of lifetime.
Hope you come visit

Answer 2

My advice would be to go with a group of friends or in one of those holiday package things. Don't get into a so called "taxi". They are minibusses and they only want you to get in so they can murder you for your money. Always look for a registered taxi or ask someone at the desk to call one for you. Always keep your bags close by and try to get a guide to show you where to go and where not. Some places are more dangerous than others obviously.
Don't go into any townships for a cup of coffee if you get invited, you are asking for your death if you don't know what you're doing. Just be vigilant and go to the tourist places. Don't do something stupid like hire a car and just drive because that is really dangerous if you don't know the country.
All in all it's a great place to visit and you shouldn't have any problems if you go with a guide. Just do a bit of homework beforehand.

Answer 3

The level of risk in SA and other places is way higher than most SE Asian countries. In Johannesburg razor wire on your back fence is obligatory and females most definitely do not go out alone. Durban and Cape Town were reasonably OK, but its fast getting worse. Apart from probably Ghana, West Africa is corrupt and dangerous. Unfortunately they all frown on visitors carrying guns for self protection. You would be OK in a tour, but solo travel is a high risk activity.

I don't know much about Kenya and Uganda these days, but.....

Go to Asia.

Answer 4

chortle on the Midknight guy....he's humorous :-) the guy who suggested 5 out of 20 woman gets raped... nicely they did no longer do the archives between travelers and volunteers. confident, the rape cost is severe, even yet it relies upon on the section too. i would not say walk around the townships on your very own -yet you won't try this besides! i'm specific the volunteer application will take measures to be certain your effectively. do exactly no longer do something stupid like ask your self around damaging factors with all your valuables on your very own. i'm no longer asserting it incredibly is risky to be in a team of ladies (I easily have been particularly some situations), yet you're able to needless to say experience safer if there some adult adult males around on your team. good on you for coming to South Africa. i'm specific you would be wanting a stunning time!

Answer 5

We spent 2 weeks in South Africa (July 2005) driving around in a rented car and had no problems at all. There were three of us and we took the ususal precautions--parked carefully, never left valuables in the car, took care to be alert to our surroundings etc. We spent just a short time in Durban and Johannesberg. The hotels we stayed in (budget type hostels) were always helpful in letting us park in a parked courtyard space. It was a fantastic trip and would recommend it to others.

Answer 6

It is possible to be in the wrong place at the right time anywhere in the world.
Advice i can give you is to be alert at all times, don't walk around alone , try not to be anywhere alone where you could be targeted.
Most of the crimes take place because people do not listen..like drawing money at lonely ATM's late afternoon or night, leaving the car keys in the car and getting out, walking in the parks when there are not many people around, taking short cuts through bushy areas when walking..things like that, which common sense can prevent.If you would ,for example, flash money around, or appear unguarded and not alert, you will be attacked and robbed.
There is much violence and crime around, much more than before, and getting worse all the time.

Answer 7

HA HA war is everywhere!! Not just in SA. I live in Johannesburg and I'm a female and I'm not dead or once been raped or stolen from.I walk in the streets everyday!

Johannesburg has places that is bad like Hillbrow, but come on! Tourist wont go there.. Every country got their bad and good places.

But hey it will be fun if you go with a friend.If you wanna see wildlife go to Kruger National Park or to Namibia. SA is a GREAT place to travel.

But good luck hey! ;)

Answer 8

Don't do it.
South Africa was once a beautiful, economically sound country.
Now it's a war zone, with a criminal government more concerned with self-enrichment and blaming whites for everything, than providing basic defense for its citizens, in the form of a decent police force.
You are highly likely to be raped or robbed.

Answer 9

I've been there, although I was with a group. No problems.

What exactly are you worried about? If you're worried about violence, there's no way it's as bad as some cities in the U.S. Then again, where are you from?

Go with at least one other person if possible.

God bless.

Answer 10

Y brand morris7 is hiding behind an avatar?????????