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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;

South African Emergency Services Contact Numbers

  • Emergencies from your cell phone – 112
  • Medical and fire emergencies – 10177
  • South African Police Services (SAPS) – 10111
  • Netcare 911 - 082 911

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!

Map of Lodges in and around South Africa

South Africa Travel Topics

The Perfect Kruger National Park Honeymoon Safari

Embarking on the perfect Kruger National Park honeymoon safari offers an unparalleled blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and luxurious romantic escapes in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness destinations. The Greater Kruger area, encompassing both the national park and its adjoining private reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati, provides newlyweds with exclusive access to the Big Five, rare wildlife sightings, and world-class cuisine paired with rejuvenating spa treatments. Beyond the captivating game drives and wildlife, Kruger seamlessly integrates with other South African highlights to create a truly bespoke honeymoon journey. Many couples combine their safari with cosmopolitan stays in Cape Town, exploring Table Mountain and the Winelands, or extend their trip to the breathtaking Victoria Falls or pristine beaches of Mozambique.

Best Kruger National Park Safari Itinerary

Embarking on a safari in Kruger National Park is an adventure that promises the awe-inspiring beauty of African wildlife and landscapes. For those plotting their first journey into this majestic wilderness, understanding the daily rhythm of safari life is essential. Early morning game drives are your golden ticket to witnessing the park's inhabitants in their most active states, as the cool air and rising sun stir them to life. Our Kruger National Park itineraries are designed for every type of traveller. Whether you want an intimate, three-night stay in a private reserve or a nine-day exploration of diverse ecosystems—including stops in Johannesburg and the Panorama Route—there's an itinerary for you.

Luxury Safari Lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve

Nestled in the heart of South Africa's vast wilderness, Madikwe Game Reserve stands as a beacon of luxury and exclusivity for those seeking an unparalleled safari experience. As our latest blog post delves into the opulent world of Luxury Safari Lodges within this remarkable reserve, we invite you on a journey to discover the epitome of high-end bush hospitality. In this haven of serenity and wildlife conservation, discerning guests find their expectations surpassed by personal attention, privacy, and unmatched game viewing opportunities. Madikwe’s luxury lodges offer a sanctuary where elegance meets wilderness, catering to those who yearn not just for a holiday but for an encounter with nature that leaves a lasting imprint on their soul.

Best Eco-Friendly Lodges In Kruger National Park

Embarking on a safari adventure through the majestic landscapes of Kruger National Park is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. However, in an age where sustainability and conservation are more important than ever, choosing eco-friendly lodges that prioritise minimal environmental impact while providing luxurious comfort is essential. The Greater Kruger area, known for its breathtaking biodiversity and sprawling wilderness, offers a selection of such accommodations. These eco-friendly safari lodges not only ensure an unforgettable safari experience but also demonstrate how luxury and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Kruger Game Reserves

Embarking on a safari adventure in the heart of South Africa’s majestic landscapes is an experience that beckons travellers from all corners of the globe. The Kruger National Park, a beacon of natural beauty and wildlife preservation, offers an escape into a world where nature reigns supreme. Since its establishment in 1898, this iconic destination has not only played a pivotal role in wildlife conservation but has also become synonymous with the ultimate safari experience. In our latest blog, "Kruger Game Reserves", we delve deep into the heart of what makes this region so captivating. Beyond the vast expanses of public land lies a collection of private game reserves such as Sabi Sands and Timbavati, each offering an unparalleled luxury safari experience. These reserves are renowned for their high concentrations of wildlife and provide guests with exclusive lodging options that promise comfort amidst the wild.

Top 10 Day Trips In Cape Town

Cape Town, a jewel at the tip of Africa, is a city brimming with an eclectic mix of landscapes, history, and culture that beckons travellers from around the globe. It's a place where the rugged mountains meet the endless ocean in an explosion of natural beauty, making it not just a destination but an experience. Each destination has been carefully selected not only for its unique beauty and charm but also for the story it tells—a story that adds another layer to Cape Town's rich tapestry. In our latest blog post titled "Top 10 Day Trips in Cape Town," we're about to take you on a journey beyond the well-trodden paths of Table Mountain and Robben Island to discover hidden gems that offer unforgettable experiences. Embarking on these day trips will allow you to explore stunning vineyards that seem to stretch into eternity, beaches with penguin colonies that look almost too whimsical to be real, and quaint towns whose cobblestone streets whisper tales of days gone by.

Kruger National Park Travel Bucket List

Nestled in the heart of South Africa, Kruger National Park stands as a beacon for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Its vast landscapes, teeming with an incredible variety of life, offer a sanctuary not just for the animals that roam its plains, but also for the human spirit seeking connection with the wild. Our latest blog post, "Kruger National Park Travel Bucket List," is, without a doubt, the most essential guide for anyone preparing to embark on a journey through this iconic reserve. It will spectacularly navigate you through the rich tapestry of experiences that await in this magnificent corner of the world.

10 Best Hotels In The Cape Winelands

Nestled amidst the rolling vineyards and majestic mountains of South Africa's Western Cape, the Cape Winelands region is a picturesque haven for wine lovers and travelers seeking tranquility and beauty. With its rich history, splendid architecture, and world-renowned wines, this enchanting locale offers more than just exquisite tastings. For those planning an unforgettable getaway in this serene landscape, choosing the perfect place to stay is paramount. Our curated list of the top 10 hotels in the Cape Winelands promises to guide you to accommodations where stunning views meet exceptional service, ensuring your visit is nothing short of magical.