'Mugging-risk' Durban rail

Hi,

I'm planning my - budget - diving trip to S-Africa & Mozambique. Although I will lbe carrying my divingequipment with me in my ordenary, big, cheap looking rucksack. Expensive stuff. So I want to minimize the risk of loosing it. I don't mind handing over money but loosing my equipment...

How is the 'mugging' risk in Durban rail station & south Metrorail leg? Should I avoid it? Or is the risk neglectable? My itinairy: Cape Town by train to Durban (arrivial in morning) , from Durban station straight by Metrorail to Umkomaas.

Wim

You should ask the "Oracle of Delphi" rather than a bunch of hapless guys, who are just as clueless when it comes to your question. And I've never heard about a "cheap looking rucksack" to be an excuse for not swiping it for as long as it has content. But the guys who swipe it will probably be sore about it, if they can't make out what the stuff is good for when they check the goodies. In Mozambique you could count on them to come back to you and offering your stuff to buy back.

But your solution may be in needle work! How good are you in stitching on things? Or get somebody to do it for you. My suggestion would be a sign reading "Caution! Live Snakes!! in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. Or maybe "Tokolosh in Transit! :>)))

Why don't you tell us something about your diving plans? Are you going to dive off Umkomaas? And where in Mozambique are you heading for? Bazaruto?

Hope all works out well for you.

Wim, it pains me to say this, but I would not do the train trip south from Durban to Umkomaas. And even less so when carrying anything you would not want to part with.

Here is an idea: I'll dress up like Osama Bin Laden, that should scare them away (or give them a good laugh) You know what, I'll give it a try and report back, haha.

I am planning to dive Tofo in Mozambique and Protea & Aliwal Shoal.

statistics just convinced me. Wow, I get the idea crime makes up half of SA's GDP.
Durban Central 2006 crime statistics

Baz Bus seems a good alternative since it avoids mugging hotspots. Renting a car seems more and more the best option, especially since I only have 2 weeks of holidays. It is quiet expensive though, especially with the border crossing fee.

If you do the "Osama-look-alike-number" maybe a sticker reading "don't light my fuse" would be helpful. But only put it on after the airports, and you may find it difficult getting people to come close enough to give you directions ;>).

Would be interested to know more about the dive conditions after you are back.

As regards the "mugging risk" anything that takes you door-to-door is preferable over anything else and yet also not 100 % sure. But you know that yourself. It's just a matter of weighing the expense against the suspense and maybe looking at the extra cost as a price to pay for a more relaxed way of travel and insurance for what one doesn't want to lose. When you get to the border, get there early and hang around a while. Maybe you can pick up some hickers who are willing to share in the costs.

All the best, and safe diving!

hikers, that is!

Hi Wim,
when will you be in Tofo? I am planning on going there soon. Like end of June/beg of July.

~Michelle

I'll be over there around Christmas/New Year... If Egyptair will get me there :-)

Yep, I know, the SA high season - it will be buzy.