Travel Comments - Backpacker Guide through Southern Africa

Game & Nature Reserves in South Africa

South Africa boasts a huge collection of wildlife regions and game parks - both public (rather affordable) and private (a little more expensive). Read more »»

New and old city/place names in South Africa

The South African Constitution mandates government and, indeed, the entire nation to take active steps to redress the injustices of the past. Read more »

Public Transport in Cape Town/Joburg

You definitely don't need a car in Cape Town. You can do almost everything with public transport.
· Cape Town
· Johannesburg

+ Southern Africa
+ South Africa
+ Garden Route
+ Kruger National Park
+ Namibia
+ Botswana
+ Zimbabwe

Safety in Southern Africa

General

For tourists, Southern Africa is probably as safe as any other part of the world. The southern part of the continent boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions - most parts can be visited safely by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions meaning not walking around at night alone in deserted streets, avoiding dodgy areas, not flashing photographic equipment or other valuable stuff (like cellphones, jewellery, mp3 players etc.). Like anywhere else in the world, there are some areas of major cities which are more dodgy than others. It is easy to avoid these and still have a good time.
Use your common sense, ask the staff at your accommodation about the area you are staying in, listen to advices and simply avoid dodgy looking streets and places and you should have the time of your life in Southern Africa.

don't the pic take it too seriously... ;-)

Driving and parking safely

Carjackings do occur in Southern Africa, so again some precautions may help to avoid this:

be on the alert when they come to a halt at traffic lights or stop streets
doors should be locked at all times
keep windows closed in sunny weather,
plan your travel route
make sure that you do not leave valuables in clear view of people

When parking at night choose well-lit or security-patrolled parking areas. Street security guards will usually ask whether they can watch over your car and in return should be paid a small fee – anything from two rand upwards.

ATM (Automatic Telling Machine)

Never allow a stranger to assist you in your transactions. In the case that your card become stuck in the ATM, enter your PIN three times. The machine will now retain your card. You can then approach the bank to release it, or call the helpline number that can usually be found at ATMs for assistance.

Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using the ATM.
Never give your card or PIN( Personal Identification Number) to anyone, for any reason.
Dont write your PIN on the card or anything that is kept with the card.
Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen.
Never use an ATM with a blank screen and, if the ATM is obscured from view or poorly lit, leave immediately and find another ATM.
Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as shield to make sure nobody sees you keying in your pin.
Also, make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swop or take your card.
Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. You should be wary of strangers asking for help.
Criminals work in teams- one to distract you while the other steals your card or money.
If your card is retained (swallowed) by the ATM it is advisable to phone your bank toll free stop card line immediately and stop your card.
Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf- they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.
Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore cannot help you with transactions
If you need help, ask a bank official.
It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch.

Emergency numbers (dialled locally)

Ambulance 10177 (Free landline call)
SA Police Emergency 10111 (Free landline call)
Metro Emergency Rescue Service 10177 (Free landline call)
Cellphone Emergency Number 112 (Free on all cell phone networks)