Safety

If you watch the news regularly you may ask yourself if it is safe to travel around South Africa. It is indeed true that South Africa has a high crime rate but that is mainly because of high unemployment, poverty, drug and alcohol abuse and serious crimes often occur in townships. As a tourist, you should not come into direct contact with it. As long as you keep your wits about you, and take advice from the locals, walking in South Africa need be no riskier than in any other country.

It is true that you should be extra wary when visiting the big cities but it's the same in many other countries. You should also be aware that certain streets in major cities are better avoided and that you are, at times, better off driving as opposed to walking. The majority of your trip, however, will be spent in national parks and tourist destinations such as St Lucia, which are the safest parts of South Africa.

Overall, Europeans often have an overwhelmingly negative image of the safety in South Africa, due to the media coverage mostly focusing on negative events.
 
A few safety tips: 
  • Try to arrive at your destination before sunset. This will ensure that you will not get lost in the dark. South African roads are often not                 illuminated and cows (and people) can suddenly cross the highway at night
  • Do not give lifts to hitchhikers 
  • Do not park in secluded spots (unless in a national park) 
  • Do not drive around a township on your own 
  • Do not wear flashy expensive jewellery 
  • Do not leave valuables visible in the vehicle, rather keep them on your person or hide them in the boot/trunk prior to arrival at a destination.