SAFETY TIPS FOR TOURISTS TRAVELLING TO SOUTH AFRICA 02/12/2009
Posted by frostygirl in travel.Tags: safety tips, south africa, tourists, travel
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South Africa is a wonderful country to visit! It is so diverse and has something to offer for everyone. Beautiful beaches, great golf courses, scenic tours along the “Garden Route” and the majestic Drakensberg mountains and fantastic experiences with our wild animals in the various National and private game parks. We have a rich past which can be enjoyed by the UK citizens who may wish to visit old war memorials and battlegrounds where their ancestors fought the Boers. The Dutch, French, Germans and Portuguese can visit to find out more about how their countrymen impacted South Africa. There are so many different attractions in South Africa so I will not elaborate further as there are many travel blogs and websites covering this subject.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING
Please first read my two stories on this blog, i.e. “What Shapes a Person?” and “Africa Playing Catch Up” to get a better understanding of the country and its people.
CRIME:
Crime is a very serious problem in South Africa and you need to be aware of the dangers in the country! If your flight is booked to O R Tambo Airport please read the stories by following these links:
Airport heist was an inside job, say cops
Airport security is vital, say businessmen
http://www.africancrisis.co.za/Article.php?ID=24169&
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13
These are only a few of the stories, the idea is not to scare you but to make you aware of the dangers so that you can prepare yourself mentally to be on the lookout for strange behaviour around you and avoid becoming a victim. Many tourists are very naïve when they travel abroad and therefore fall victim to crime.
- Leave your valuables at home, your luggage may be opened and your valuables missing from your bags when you collect your luggage from the check out area
- Do not wear expensive jewellery
- Do not allow yourself to be separated from your hand luggage
- Laptops, camera’s, mobile phones and handbags are targeted items
- Do not allow yourself to be distracted by one person while another person runs off with your possessions.
- If you are hiring a car and intend driving from the airport be sure you know the exact route you should take so that you need not stop to ask for directions making yourself vulnerable and an easy hijack target
- Avoid walking in deserted areas on your own during the day and particularly at night
South Africa is not the only country where the above list applies, it applies to many destinations and innocent tourists are caught up in unpleasant situations because they are not vigilant and do not apply wisdom because they are “on holiday” and in a carefree mood.
Please also avoid giving money to beggars; you are more likely to lose your whole wallet in this type of situation. Poverty breeds crime!
Exodus out of Joburg as people flee crime
http://www.africancrisis.co.za/Article.php?ID=24082&
http://www.africancrisis.co.za/Article.php?ID=24087&
http://www.africancrisis.co.za/Article.php?ID=24158&
HIV / AIDS:
We do not have accurate HIV / AIDS statistics available, but I can quote Dr Inonge M Kamungoma-Dada from the UN who advised that 63% of the inhabitants between the ages of 15 – 25 years, south from the Sahara, are already HIV positive. The amount of HIV infections in this age group will increase by about 5 million per annum.
The moral of the story, DO NOT indulge in sexual activities with the locals as you may take home more than just fond memories of your trip.
Please visit our country, but be vigilant!
