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01 September 2010
Safety & General Tourist Tips
When to come | Your travel habits | Arrival & Departure tips | Health |
Transport & Road Safety | Travel Insurance | Important Tel. Numbers |
When to come to South Africa
South Africa can be comfortably visited at any time.
Winter (June to September) is cooler, drier and ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. This is also the best time for wildlife-watching. The eastern coastal areas are ideal all year round.
More of a consideration than weather are school holidays when waves of vacation-hungry South Africans stream out of the cities, and head for the coast with visitors from Europe and North America adding to the crush.
Accommodation is heavily booked, and prices can more than double. It's essential to book in advance. On the plus side, the high summer months offer some great festivals, including the Cape Town New Year Karnaval , and Swaziland's Incwala ceremony.
As a first time visitor, we suggest that you join an escorted tour where all your accommodation, porterage, excursions and so on are handled by a professional Touristguide employed by a reputable Tour Operator.
Your Travel Habits - Be a SAFE Traveller!
No matter how many times you have travelled, human nature is such that you 'let your guard down' whilst on holiday and thereby make yourself prone to abuse!
Be a 'safe' traveller!
Your luggage - The journey of a safe traveller begins when they pack. Always try to travel light. That way you will be less tired, more agile and be able to move more quickly. You are, as well,more likely to keep your luggage ready at hand, thus less prone to any unpleasant incidents which could occur if you leave it unattended. Furthermore - in the light of current global concerns - keeping your luggage well within reach and sight is less likely to pose a threat to you and your fellow passengers by actively warding off the unwelcome attentions of individuals who may have a sinister agenda. Your vigilance and alertness can most certainly contribute to a safer holiday.
Dress conservatively and don't wear flashy jewellery.
Please carry the least amount of valuables required for your trip. Leave your expensive jewelry at home! Ask your hotel management to lock these items in the hotel safe if your room doe snot have its own.
Bring one or two major credit cards instead of cash. Also keep a record of your card details in your luggage (not your CVC number!)
Keep a verified copy of your passport in your luggage.
Avoid the use of handbags and outside pockets, rather carry your valuables in either your inside pockets,or a strong shoulder bag , or a pouch or moneybag worn under your clothing.
Carry your presciption glasses (and an extra pair) and any medicines you may need in your carry-on luggage.
Please keep medicines in their original labelled containers and bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names of your drugs. If your medication is unusual or contains narcotics, please carry a letter from your doctor testifying to your need to take these drugs.Such pre- emptive action on your part, will save you serious problems with our customs officials who are among the best in the world!
Place your name, address, telephone numbers and email addresses inside and outside of each piece of your luggage.It is strongly suggested that you lock your luggage and have it 'wrapped' at the airports.
Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, as well as photocopies of your driver's licence, photocopies of the credit or debit cards that you plan to bring along with you and photocopies of your ariline tickets. Leave one set of photocopies with responsible and reliable family or friends at home, and pack the other set of photocopies in a place apart from where you've packed your valuables.
Arrival and departure tips - Airports & Hotels.
Please keep your luggage in view at all times!
On arrival at your hotel, lodge, Bed & Breakfast or place of accommodation please determine exactly where it is you are expected to park your car before unloading your luggage.
When unloading your luggage from your car or tour bus, ensure that it always remains well within your sight and that a verified member of staff of the establishment you are staying in conveys or carries it.
It is advisable that you assume full responsibility for whatever valuables you have by carrying it yourself.
The establishment that you are staying in is very likely to offer safe storage facilities for your valuables. In order to satisfy yourself with regard to the safety of your valuables, you are well within your rights to ask to view the designated safe storage facilities offered by your hotel, lodge or Bed & Breakfast.
Self-catering establishments are usually fully equipped with all the items required to make your stay as convenient as possible. Articles such as cutlery, crockery and most other necessities are almost always present in your apartment before you begin your stay. Ensure that management provides you with a complete itemised list of all articles in your room. Should any of these listed items be unaccounted for on the eve of your departure, please understand that you will be asked to pay for the missing items.
Whether residing in a hotel, lodge or Bed & Breakfast ensure that you are well acquainted with the rules and regulations of the establishment, thus protecting yourself from any embarrassments, misunderstandings or confusion that could result from your lack of awareness.
Actively clarify any such issues that may seem ambiguous with the management of your hotel, lodge or Bed & Breakfast.
Transport Tips and Road Safety
It is most important that you always obey the rules of the road in South Africa! We have a 'zero tolerance' attitude!
The Golden Rule: South Africans drive on the left side of the road.
Road signs are in English and conform to international standards.
Speed limits are strictly enforced. Speed limits are in Kilometres.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, or drugs is a criminal offence. You could be arrested on the spot!
The correct tyre pressure is extremely important to the overall safety of your vehicle. Your tyre pressure must be according to the recommendations set by the manufacturer.
Long journeys can be hazardous if you don’t plan your trip properly. Bear in mind that the distances between towns and gas stations can far exceed 300Km.
Defensive driving is an important preventive measure. When driving or riding, request a vehicle equipped with safety belts, and, where available, use them.
For travel with young children, you should bring your own child safety seat.
Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
Don't stop to eat,rest or relieve yourself on any roadside.
Be on the lookout for people on bridges who may want to throw projectiles at your vehicle as you pass under.
South African law requires that you have your driver’s licence with you when you drive. Check with the South African embassy or consulate in your country if your particular drivers licence is valid in South Africa. If not, you will have to obtain an international drivers licence.
Breakdowns:
It is vital that you inform your friends, relatives, fellow travelers and hotel staff of the route you intend taking, your exact destination and your estimated time of arrival. Soon as you’ve imparted this information, ensure that you adhere to the route, destination and details you’ve described.
Ensure that your personal cellphone or mobile you’ve hired has been fully charged in the hours before you embark on your journey. It is also advisable to carry with you a cellphone charger that can be operated from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.
It is highly recommended that you acquaint yourself with at least the basics of vehicle maintenance and repair, and to know the exact significance of all the warning devices, dials and lights fitted to the vehicle you are driving.
Make sure that your vehicle is significantly clear of passing traffic.
Place a warning triangle 200 feet behind your vehicle.
Remove all items of value from your person and your car, relocating them where strangers who may stop to inquire or to help cannot see them. Also remove and lock in your boot any items that may identify you as a long distance traveller.
Immediately use your cellphone or mobile to call for assistance.
Use your discretion and accept offers of help that you, in your utmost judgement, believe to be sincere and safe. Still remain especially wary and try not to divulge too much information.
In the event that someone does offer help and you believe him/her to be untrustworthy, extend your thanks to him/her and say that help is already on the way.
Public Transport
Travelling via public transport, should you choose to do so, can be a colourful, informative and novel means of gaining an authentic South African experience.
Using a registered Touristguide to travel with you is highly recommended.
You are strongly advised not to use public transport on your own.
Before your journey please remove and/or conceal all conspicuous items of value on your person such as jewellery, cameras, cellphones or mobiles, Pda’s and watches.
Carry exactly what you need for your fare and your outing. Have your exact fare ready at hand so there is no unnecessary mishandling of your wallet or handbag which could leave you and the contents of your purse or luggage exposed.
Know well beforehand exactly where you are going and exactly which vehicle will take you on your prescribed route. Before you leave your accommodation, make certain that you verify this information at least more than twice with hotel staff, your tour guide and approved security personnel.
Avoid the use of vehicles that are in poor or bad condition. Your safety is very dependant on the state of the vehicle you choose to travel in.
Should you find yourself travelling alone while on a train journey, stay away from empty compartments or carriages. Rather select a compartment or carriage that has decent and respectable looking male and female passengers.
Ensure that you have arranged for a friend, relative, colleague, tour guide or staff member of your designated hotel to meet you at your destination at your precise time of arrival.
Your Health
It is most important that you feel healthy before embarking on a long haul holiday!
It is always a good idea to take out extra medical insurance with your travel agent when you buy your tickets.
Vaccinations and other medical precautions are needed for travel to some countries, and advise is easily obtained through your doctor or chemist. Have them well before your departure, to allow time for recovery from any side effects. At the moment South Africa does not require you to have any innoculations. However, if you are intent on travelling through a malaria high risk area, please consult your doctor.
If you are on a prescription or if you take a specific medicine, take enough away with you, as you may not be able to get replacements. Carry your medical prescription clearly stating what medication you are taking just in case you have to purchase more during your summer holiday vacation. In this day of illegal drugs it is wise to carry them in the manufactures box/container so if stopped by a customs official he can clearly see the name and know that these are not illegal drugs.
Kruger Park and Namibia are Malaria areas - ask your family chemist for the right anti malaria pills for your country of destination. Remember to start 2 weeks before you depart and continue 2 weeks after returning home. We do not recommend ‘Larium’ as there have been many reports of adverse side effects. Small babies must not be taken into Malaria areas.
Always carry a few basic items from Elastoplasts, head ache pills, & something for upset tummies.
A word of caution on drinking water – The tap water all over South Africa is normally perfectly safe but if you are not acclimatised to it or have a sensitive stomach you could spend a great deal of your holiday in various bathrooms. This warning also covers ice in your drinks and rinsing ones mouth after brushing your teeth. All the international canned drinks are available as well as various bottled spring waters. What has become very popular are the flavoured spring waters and they have the added advantage of a screw-on cap so they can be saved for later without leaking – very refreshing
Travel Insurance
We suggest making comprehensive travel insurance compulsory!
It is always better to be safe than sorry!
Travel insurance is an integral part of your travel package, and should be purchased at the same time as you purchase your travel tickets.
Your existing house hold insurance policy may well have All Risks cover which is international cover and where you can specify various important & expensive items – jewellery, cameras etc. We strongly recommend you phone your insurance agent beforehand and ask him how much cover you have under the All Risks section for overseas travel.
Touring SA can also arrange added cover for you.
Useful phone numbers
National Police emergency number
(Toll-free from landlines/ payphones)
10111
National Ambulance and Fire
10177
National Police emergency number
from a mobile phone
(Free on all mobile networks)
112
Cape Town all emergency services
107
Cape Town all emergency services
from mobile phone
021 480 7700
Poison Information
(Toll-free from landlines/ payphones)
0800 333 444
Western Cape Mountain Rescue Services
021 948 9900 or 107
National Sea Rescue Services
021 449 3500
Western Cape Aviation Rescue Services
021 937 1211
Consumer complaints
0800 007 081
