Yes. With a well-planned itinerary and some common sense, South Africa absolutely is a safe country to travel through, even if you drive yourself in a rental car! And after more than 16 years of operating tailor-made holidays and looking after thousands of international travellers, we have plenty of first-hand experience to support that.
South Africa unfortunately has a reputation for crime, and we completely understand why this makes first-time visitors nervous. Crime statistics can look alarming from overseas, but they don't necessarily reflect the experience of tourists travelling through the country.
In all our 16 years of operating, we have never had a client involved in a serious crime-related incident. Yes, we've had the occasional case of an iPad or another valuable disappearing from a room, but nothing involving violent crime or physical danger.
South Africa unfortunately has a reputation for crime, and we completely understand why this makes first-time visitors nervous. Crime statistics can look alarming from overseas, but they don't necessarily reflect the experience of tourists travelling through the country.
In all our 16 years of operating, we have never had a client involved in a serious crime-related incident. Yes, we've had the occasional case of an iPad or another valuable disappearing from a room, but nothing involving violent crime or physical danger.
(Our) local knowledge makes the difference
South Africa is like most countries: it has very safe areas and places where tourists simply shouldn't go. Serious crime is heavily concentrated in particular communities and areas that international visitors would normally have no reason to visit.
This is where travelling with a local South African specialist makes a real difference.
We live here. We travel these roads ourselves and know the destinations we recommend. When designing an itinerary, we carefully consider not only the accommodation, but also where it is located, how you will get there and which routes you should take.
A hotel can have wonderful reviews online while being in an area we wouldn't recommend. Likewise, two routes on Google Maps may look equally suitable while local knowledge tells us otherwise.
Our rule is actually very simple: we wouldn't knowingly send our clients somewhere we wouldn't happily visit with our own families.
This is where travelling with a local South African specialist makes a real difference.
We live here. We travel these roads ourselves and know the destinations we recommend. When designing an itinerary, we carefully consider not only the accommodation, but also where it is located, how you will get there and which routes you should take.
A hotel can have wonderful reviews online while being in an area we wouldn't recommend. Likewise, two routes on Google Maps may look equally suitable while local knowledge tells us otherwise.
Our rule is actually very simple: we wouldn't knowingly send our clients somewhere we wouldn't happily visit with our own families.
What about dangerous animals?
Safari can certainly feel adventurous. Having an elephant make it very clear that you're getting too close or watching a lion walk alongside your vehicle can get the adrenaline flowing!
But perceived danger and actual danger are two very different things.
Reputable safari operators and experienced guides understand animal behaviour and know how to respond. Visitors should always respect wildlife and follow the rules of national parks and game reserves, but serious incidents are extremely rare.
Across the thousands of travellers we have looked after, we have never had a client seriously injured by a wild animal.
But perceived danger and actual danger are two very different things.
Reputable safari operators and experienced guides understand animal behaviour and know how to respond. Visitors should always respect wildlife and follow the rules of national parks and game reserves, but serious incidents are extremely rare.
Across the thousands of travellers we have looked after, we have never had a client seriously injured by a wild animal.
With us, you're not alone while travelling
Another advantage of booking with us is knowing that we're still here once your holiday begins.
Our clients have access to us through WhatsApp while travelling. If you're unsure about a route, something doesn't feel right, you've encountered a problem or you simply need some local advice, we're only a message away.
Most clients will never need us for anything serious, but it's reassuring to know that you can get real advice & help from someone here in South Africa when you need it.
Our clients have access to us through WhatsApp while travelling. If you're unsure about a route, something doesn't feel right, you've encountered a problem or you simply need some local advice, we're only a message away.
Most clients will never need us for anything serious, but it's reassuring to know that you can get real advice & help from someone here in South Africa when you need it.
So, is South Africa safe?
Be sensible, yes. Be frightened, absolutely not.
South Africa isn't a country where we recommend travelling blindly without thinking about where you're going. Sensible precautions are important, just as they are elsewhere in the world.
But after more than 16 years and thousands of clients, our experience is overwhelmingly positive. People travel safely, have an incredible holiday and quite often tell us afterwards that they wondered why they had been so concerned before coming.
Safety is paramount when we design your itinerary. If we recommend a destination, accommodation or route, it's because we'd be comfortable taking our own families there too. And as a result, we're comfortable sending you there as well.
Travel sensibly, follow our local and expert advice and enjoy South Africa. We'll take care of the route, so you can concentrate on the experience.
South Africa isn't a country where we recommend travelling blindly without thinking about where you're going. Sensible precautions are important, just as they are elsewhere in the world.
But after more than 16 years and thousands of clients, our experience is overwhelmingly positive. People travel safely, have an incredible holiday and quite often tell us afterwards that they wondered why they had been so concerned before coming.
Safety is paramount when we design your itinerary. If we recommend a destination, accommodation or route, it's because we'd be comfortable taking our own families there too. And as a result, we're comfortable sending you there as well.
Travel sensibly, follow our local and expert advice and enjoy South Africa. We'll take care of the route, so you can concentrate on the experience.
Written by Nick van de Wiel
Founder, Tailor Made Safaris
Nick has lived in South Africa for nearly two decades and has been designing tailor-made South African holidays since 2009. His advice is based on first-hand experience travelling throughout the country and looking after thousands of international visitors.
Founder, Tailor Made Safaris
Nick has lived in South Africa for nearly two decades and has been designing tailor-made South African holidays since 2009. His advice is based on first-hand experience travelling throughout the country and looking after thousands of international visitors.
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