Headline

South Africa, Isn’t the violence bad over there?

The answer is, in certain parts, yes just like the rest of Africa!

Then why should I take a holiday there and how can we stay safe?

Well South Africa like any other African country suffers from a bit of violence, however if you follow a few safety tips, you will have a holiday to remember for all the right reasons!!

• Be aware of roadside sellers and beggars.
• When in a car put valuables under the seat (Do not have them on show).
• Stay within the areas designated.
• Make sure car doors are locked and rooms are locked when leaving the house/hotel.

If these precautions are followed you can be sure that your holiday can be safe and enjoyable. However most of the crime that takes place in South Africa is between people who know each other and random acts of violence are only a minority of cases.

Most major cities run organized crime prevention programs. Basic safety tip guidelines will be available at hotels and tourism information offices.

If you intend on driving in South Africa, you have to be familiar with the driving laws over there and precautions that should be considered…

• Visitors to South Africa who intend to drive need to have an international drivers permit. Failure to have this on inspection will result in a fine and a discontinuation of your holiday. If you plan on renting a car you will be asked to show a valid drivers permit.
• Like Great Britain it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt and this is strictly enforced by the law. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
• Drink Driving is a serious offence. Perpetrators will be prosecuted! The alcohol allowance in the blood is 0.05%. This translates as 1 and a half glasses of wine for a man and 1 glass of wine for a woman.
• South Africa boasts of their excellent road conditions. However there are usually significant distances between the towns. To ensure a safe journey it is a good idea to plan an itinerary so that you are not driving long distances. Tiredness kills.
• Avoid driving at night as this carries more risks of fatigue and dangers to you safety.
• Stray animals in rural and remote areas can be a problem as the roads aren’t fenced. This can result in an accident at night as street and road lighting there are minimal.

When travelling to South Africa it is important that you understand what healthcare is provided there for you and what vaccinations etc you are required. Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world.

It is very important that you have taken out holiday insurance (like on any other holiday in the world.) The level of insurance decides what grade of hospital you would go to i.e. private or public. South Africa prides itself on an excellent level of health care so you can be assured you will be in good hands.

When you are travelling to South Africa from a yellow fever zone you must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only young children under the age of one year are exempt. No vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa. 

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. If visiting these areas a mosquito net and repellent is a very good idea.

If you decide that you want to take malaria prophylaxis please ensure to follow the leaflet. You will need to start taking the tablets 2 weeks before you enter a malaria risk area and finish the course 4 weeks after you have left. If you are pregnant you should avoid malaria medications and malaria risk areas!

Self-Catering is a great source of accommodation in South Africa. Families and groups in particular will really appreciate the self catering on offer.

The joys of self catering are really self explanatory. You have the freedom to take control over meals and sleeping arrangements. and quite often there is also more space than other types of accommodation. This might seem like a bit of a chore to those who enjoy the comforts that hotels offer, however, for families with children it will really appeal because children are guaranteed a bed for themselves.

Whether you are on a budget or have a lot to spend, you will not be disappointed with both the reasonably priced and high-end self-catering on offer. South Africa is a world renowned travel hotspot and as a result you are able to find self-catering accommodation wherever you visit, whether it be on safari or along the Garden Route. You will be spoiled for choice.

South Africa, like the UK, has resorts where self-catering is the main form of accommodation. Similar to our Centerparcs or Haven resorts. You can choose to let a chalet or rondavel for a variety of family and group sizes. Warmbaths and Buffelspoort are just two of many of these resorts in the country.

Have a look in our South African Services section for self-catering accommodation and for travel advice don’t hesitate to contact us!