Do safety warnings for avoiding crime in South Africa apply to off-the-beaten-track rural areas, as well as the cities?
Myself and my girlfriend are travelling in South Africa for three and a half weeks in June and have a car rented. I love visiting random places off the tourist route and get more of a kick travelling up a dirt road in the middle of nowhere than standing behind a barrier at a tourist attraction (not that I don't enjoy that too).
I want to get a good idea of how safe it is in general, outside of the cities. I know all the standard precautions about not carrying/wearing valuables, leaving nothing visible in the car, always locking the doors while driving, only carrying what cash we need etc. Do the same rules apply outside of the cities? For example, lets say we stop in a random small town in rural South Africa (how about here ) to refuel and we are the only tourists there, should I feel okay about locking the car and walking around the town on foot for a look?
Best Answer
Just thought I'dd add a few useful tips. I went back home recently for seven weeks and I felt uncomfortable in my own country... The following is just a few things I noted while I was there.
- Try not to look or act like a tourist, people take advantage of this really easily. You'll quickly realise nothing has a price on it at some souvenir shops and they will charge you based on what they think you can pay (make sure you haggle).
- Do not travel with visible suitcases in the car, you get picked as a target instantly.
- Do not open your windows when someone knocks and don't get out of the car if people by the side of the road point at your tyres or do something similar.
- Be vigilant at all times, it doesn't take much to stay a bit more on your toes and it could save you some trouble. Read the situation as best you can.
- If you feel unsafe, drive to the nearest police station, although don't expect any help. It might just deter the people following you.
- Don't rely too heavily on google maps since a phone in your front window is asking for trouble.
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Answer 2
As with most African countries, a lot of people when they see a foreigner will have dollar signs in their eyes. Don't give any beggars money. Generally, don't carry any cash at all on you. Do not fiddle with your cell phone while you are out in the open, that is just asking to be mugged.
When people walk past them have a certain amount of strength in your demeanor. If someone walks past you, you look them in the eye. Subtle shows of strength go a long way in preventing altercations.
Stay away from the townships, these are the places of lower socioeconomic standings and if you are foreign to this country these really are not the places you should visit.
I know some may want to visit it to get a glimpse of the 'real' Africa, just don't. It is a fool's errand.
South Africa just like any other country has crime in relation to poverty and because there is real poverty the crime is a real concern. If you just keep calm and don't go to the places that are clearly the bad parts of town, you can have a fine holiday.
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