South Africa and safety question | South Africa - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 07:38:20 +0000

Hi,

We might be going on a family holiday to South Africa, including Cape Town, and also there might be some driving from e.g. Joburg to Gaborone, as we used to live in Botswana and will be going back to visit the country.

We have read about safety via UK govt website pages here:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/safety-and-security
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/safety-and-security

We are used to holidaying in the UK where we live, and this will be a real change from anything we're used to. I realise that re. crime in big cities like Cape Town, that the normal common sense rules apply to ensuring personal safety.

However, I wondered what views are about safety of driving in South Africa and Botswana? Again, common sense says don't leave anything valuable on display in the cars, maybe leave windows wound up and doors locked at busy junctions etc. Is it very dangerous? I think maybe not otherwise South Africa wouldn't have a big tourist industry.

I've also read about crime at the big airports - e.g. from the UK govt website it says:

Due to thefts at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you should vacuum-wrap luggage where local regulations permit. Keep all valuables in your carry-on luggage.

Is that really necessary?

I suppose I'm just trying to find out what people think - is there much to be concerned about, and if so, is it just normal common sense stuff to ensure we'll be okay?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

ONLINE

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 10:37:22 +0000

All the Foreign Offices advices (and not only UK) are always more political than touristic.
Using your common sense will be enough.

Michel

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ONLINE

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:10:11 +0000

I've been to South Africa six times in the last ten years now, and you seem to know most of the common sense "rules" . I would add on to not drive after dark if you can avoid it, people and animals are often on the roads and loads of places doesn't have street lights. We drive with our doors locked all the time, just so we won't forget when we need it.

O.R.Tambo has a reputation when it comes to theft from people's luggage, we lost a first aid kit 10 years ago, but that's the only episode we've had, so we don't bother with wrapping our suitcases. But I don't put my camera equipment in the suitcase, but I wouldn't do that anywhere.

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ONLINE

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:18:27 +0000

Thanks for that very useful advice :-)

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ONLINE

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 22:20:35 +0000

I agree with what´s been said. Use the common sense and enjoy your stay. I have been to SA ten times during the last 6 years and I keep coming, never had a security issue. I dont say there is no danger, but the goverment warning you mention makes things worse the they really are

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Sun, 02 Oct 2016 01:01:07 +0000

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