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South Africa Safety Tips

South Africa Safety Tips

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WORLD CHANGES ON ALMOST AN A DAILY BASIS, PLEASE CONTACT YOU NEAREST SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY FOR MORE ACCURATE NEWS AND UPDATES.

This is an essential guide for safety tips while in any of the South African cities or on a safari in the African bushveld. Traveling around South Africa can and most probably will be safe, but as in any destination on the planet - listen to your instincts and use common sense.

South Africa News Websites

The following websites offer the latest in news updates and are updated every few minutes;

  • www.news24.com
  • www.iafrica.com
  • www.iol.co.za

South African Emergency Services Contact Numbers

  • Emergencies from your cell phone – 112
  • Medical emergencies – 10177
  • South African Police Services (SAPS) – 10111
  • Cell C - 084 140
  • Vodacom - 082 147
  • MTN - 083 112

Safety Tips For When You Are In The Bush

  • Always listen to your guide!
  • Guides are experienced and professional individuals who have a very intimate knowledge of wildlife and the bushveld.
  • When visiting wildlife areas do not walk into the bush without your guide.
  • Do not approach any wild animals: If it is wild it bites!
  • Do not swim in any rivers, dams or lakes within or nearby wildlife reserves, the presence of crocodiles and hippo's is real!
  • Never feed animals: they get used to people feeding them and eventually have to be put down as a result!
  • Never leave the surrounds of your safari lodge or camp unattended.
  • Always have a torch with you at night.
  • Give your room a once over whenever you enter, we have had snakes, scorpions and monkeys as unwanted guests.
  • Respect Africa's wildlife at all times and the wildlife will respect you.
  • Disrespect the wildlife, and there will only be one winner (hint; it is not you).
  • Whether staying in a lodge or camping it is always recommended that one has a small first aid kit with you. Nothing like having a headache at 3 in the morning and all the staff are sleeping!
  • When travelling between lodges, never drive above 80kph on gravel roads. This is the quickest way to spoil your safari by wrapping your car around a tree.

Safety Tips For South Africa Cities

  • Using ones common sense is always a good start.
  • Ask locals to give you a run-down on all safe and unsafe areas and of course dress codes.
  • If you are not feeling safe, get out of there.
  • One does need at all time to be vigilant when travelling around.
  • When going out at night, always try not to travel alone, keep to small groups.
  • Always read the local news and keep up to date on current happenings in and around the areas you are currently staying or going to in the next few days.
  • Always use licensed taxi companies, your hotel will know which ones are good.
  • Let the hotel know approximately what time to expect you back and your contact details.
  • Lock your car/ taxi doors when on the move.
  • Never keep your travel documents on you, that is what the hotel safe is for.

Safety Tips For When Walking Around South Africa

  • The larger cities do have a criminal element that preys on unwary tourists (as in any city in the World)!
  • Do not walk alone in apparently deserted places (especially at night); wherever possible walk with a group.
  • Be on the lookout for pickpockets and bag snatchers.
  • Do not carry more cash than required.
  • Do not wear your finest jewellery.
  • Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
  • Don't carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities.
  • Keep a photocopy of your passport, visa and air tickets and itinerary separately from the original documents (or copy them to them to a DropBox.com, Google Drive or Itunes account so that they are accessible anywhere, anytime).

Safety Tips When Driving In South Africa

  • Drive carefully and slowly (speed kills).
  • Stick to the speed limits; 120 kph on highways and a maximum of 80kpm when travelling on gravel roads.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Always fill up with fuel when you get the chance, South Africa is a big country and distances are vast.
  • Always have your drivers license on you at all times.
  • Never try to bribe an officer of the law, no matter what they say.
  • Try your best not to drive at night, animals and humans can cross the road at any time (quite often just in front of you).
  • Stay alert as rural roads are often poorly maintained and potholes can be found.
  • Always wear your seatbelts.
  • Keep the doors and windows of your vehicle locked while driving in the major cities.
  • Stay aware of what's going on around you, and you have an excellent chance of enjoying a problem-free safari!
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Popular Game Reserves
  • Sabi Sand Lodges
    Lodges In Sabi Sand

    The Sabi Sand Reserve lies to the South West of the Greater Kruger Park. Home to some of Africa's most sort after names, Sabi Sabi, Mala Mala, Londolozi and Singita, to mention a few.

    All the lodges offered within the Sabi Sand ensure that one gets up close and personal with some of the best wildlife sightings and safari experiences in Africa.

    Sabi Sand Lodges
  • Timbavati Lodges
    Lodges In Timbavati

    Timbavati Reserve lies on the Western boundary of the National Park; the border is unfenced, allowing the wildlife to move freely between the reserve and the national park.

    The Timbavati Private Game Reserve is world famous for its wildlife and remoteness, and that is without mentioning the famed white lions.

    Timbavati Lodges
  • Cape Town Game Reserves
    Cape Town Game Reserves

    Experience the thrill of a "Big 5" safari near Cape Town! With the magnificent Karoo as a backdrop and the unique Fynbos biome, the Western Cape province offers an unforgettable experience for wildlife lovers.

    Visitors can spot elephants, rhinos, lions, Buffalo and leopards amongst other wildlife along with some pretty amazing birdlife.

    There are several Malaria-free game reserves within a 2-3 hours' drive from Cape Town offering luxury accommodation options with private air charters available at some reserves.

    Cape Town Game Reserves
  • MalaMala Lodges
    MalaMala Lodges

    MalaMala is the South African safari Industries' original formula for the high-end photographic safari. Today, the MalaMala Reserve is one of the best in the whole of Africa.

    In existence ever since 1927, this enormous flourishing stretch of land delivers with the Sabie River in the south is probably the most exciting wildlife encounters this side of the equator.

    Four camps can be found offering only the very best.

    MalaMala Lodges
  • Shamwari lodges
    Shamwari lodges

    Shamwari Game Reserve is a premier wildlife and safari destination in the Eastern Cape, home to the famous "Big Five" and numerous other plains game and bird species; this malaria-free game reserve has been recognized for its incredible conservation efforts and luxury lodges.

    With miles of untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife, the Shamwari Game Reserve offers visitors an unforgettable experience that will surely be cherished for years to come.

    Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Shamwari provides something extraordinary that can not be found anywhere else.

    Shamwari lodges
  • Singita Lodges
    Singita Lodges

    The Singita lodges within this portfolio have been setting the highest standards in accommodation, conservation, and service for decades while synonymous with all that is the best in the safari industry.

    If you are seeking the best of the best, look no further than any one of these luxury Singita lodges in Kruger National Park.

    Singita Lodges

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About Uyaphi.com

We at Uyaphi.com are specialists in arranging tailor-made African holidays and safaris and have been doing so since 1999.

We are passionate about all of Africa as well as creating that dream safari experience of a lifetime, so we invite you to experience one of the finest safari destinations on the African continent with us.

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