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;

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

    Nestled in the southwestern corner of the legendary Greater Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve is a jewel of the African wilderness. This pristine sanctuary is not only renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for hosting some of Africa's most exclusive and luxurious safari lodges. Famed for its exceptionally high density of wildlife and intimate, up-close animal encounters, the Sabi Sand is particularly renowned for its leopard sightings.

    Iconic safari names like Sabi Sabi, Mala Mala, Londolozi, and Singita call this reserve home, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing experiences, particularly for the elusive leopard, thanks to years of careful conservation and habituation. These lodges blend seamlessly into the landscape, providing guests with world-class service, exquisite dining, and intimate encounters with the Big Five, making every safari an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild.

  • Timbavati Lodges

    Nestled in the heart of South Africa's bushveld, within the greater Kruger National Park area, Timbavati Private Game Reserve offers a safari experience like no other. The reserve is not just a destination; it's a vibrant, breathing canvas where the wild roams free and nature unfolds in its timeless rhythm. Safari lodges and camps within Timbavati are more than mere accommodations; they are gateways to an immersive adventure into the wilderness.

    The allure of staying at a safari lodge or camp in Timbavati lies in the unparalleled access to some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles. Guests wake up to the sounds of nature, with mornings greeted by birdcalls and evenings underscored by the distant roar of lions. These establishments are committed to conservation and responsible tourism, ensuring that every safari drive, guided walk, or night under the stars contributes to preserving this untouched ecosystem for future generations.

  • 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.

  • MalaMala Lodges

    MalaMala is more than just a game reserve; it's the blueprint for luxury photographic safaris in South Africa. Established in 1927, it's considered one of the best reserves in Africa, consistently offering incredible wildlife viewing. This vast, thriving wilderness covers an impressive 13,300 hectares, providing an unspoiled habitat for a diverse range of species.

    Bordered by the Sabie River, a permanent water source, this area attracts an incredible concentration of animals, including the "Big Five." Its unique location offers exciting and exclusive wildlife encounters, without the usual crowds. Within the reserve are four exceptional camps, designed to blend with the natural environment while providing top-tier comfort, service, and immersive safari adventures.

  • 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.

  • Singita Lodges

    For decades, the Singita lodges within this exquisite portfolio have unquestionably epitomized the absolute pinnacle of luxury safari, consistently setting unrivaled standards in accommodation, conservation, and impeccable, personalized service. Each lodge is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment while offering world-class amenities.

    If your quest is for the finest, most unforgettable experience imaginable—the very best that the safari industry offers—then your search culminates magnificently with any one of these extraordinary Singita lodges. Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Kruger National Park, they promise an unparalleled journey into the heart of the wild.