General and Safety tips for Tourists

General Safety Tips:

• If you're on a packaged holiday, encountering safety risks are minimal - Tour operators make it their business to know the areas they travel through so risk is kept to a minimum. Try not to travel alone, always keep to small groups, never hitch hike or get a lift from a stranger when you are on your own.
• Always read the local news and keep up to date on current happenings around the world and in Africa. Websites like www.news24.com, www.iafrica.com, www.africanews.org and www.iol.co.za are updated with top stories almost hourly.
• Ask a few locals to give you a run-down on all safe and unsafe areas, dress codes as well as areas where the tourist are.

Safety Tips within Cities:

The central areas of the larger cities (e.g. Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Harare, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Windhoek and Maputo) have a criminal element that preys on unwary tourists!

• Do not walk alone in apparently deserted places especially at night; wherever possible walk with a group.
• Be on the look out for pickpockets and bag snatchers.
• Do not carry more cash than required.
• Do not wear expensive 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 the first few pages of your passport, visas and air tickets, separately from the original documents.
• Beware of thieves posing as police officers.

Safety on Roads:

• When driving in Africa there are a few simple rules, drive carefully and slowly (speed kills), remember animals and humans can cross the road at any time (quite often just in front of you), try never to drive at night, stay alert as roads are often poorly maintained and pot holes are to be found.
• Another fairly common occurrence are vehicles with missing headlights.
• Always wear you seat belts.
• If you are renting a car, keep the doors and windows locked while driving in the major cities.
• Car-jacking occurs fairly regularly but may not end in violence as long as you comply with demands made.
• Stay aware of what's going on around you, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free holiday!

Safety on Safari:

• Always listen to your guide!
• When visiting wildlife areas do not walk into the bush without your guide!
• Do not approach any wild animals: It is dangerous!
• Do not swim in any rivers (presence of crocodiles and hippo's)!
• Never feed any animals, however inquisitive they may appear to be!

If unsure of any area, approach the local police station or tourism office for further advice and guidance. Although incidents against tourists in South Africa are rare, it is advisable for you to be aware of basic emergency procedures in the unlikely event that you are a victim of crime. If you have been victimised, call the police emergency number (10111) and briefly explain what happened. If you are using a cell phone dial 112 for emergency services.