Safety & Security When Traveling To South Africa

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Valuables

Lock your valuables such as passports, wallets and jewelry in the safe of your room where you are staying or keep them on you at all times.

Carry these valuables discreetly when walking in the cities. Walk confidently, enjoy the city but remain alert.

Watches, sunglasses and other jewellery being offered to you by street vendors are most likely FAKE – Don’t even get into a conversation or price negotiation with them. Simply IGNORE them!
Keep an eye on your possessions. Don’t leave bags, valuables and wallets unattended especially on beaches or at sidewalk cafés. These are hotspots for bag snatches and petty thieves. They won’t try their luck with the smart and vigilant tourist!

Plan Your Movements

Before setting off on your journey, especially in the evenings, plan your movements and your trip. Know where you are going and let someone know at the place where you are staying, where you are going and more or less, when you will be back.

Beaches

Most public beaches are patrolled by lifeguards so swim when they are present and where signs indicate it is safe.

· Don’t swim on isolated beaches. Preferably, swim in areas where other people are present.
· Some beaches have strong currents so check with the lifeguards and read the sign boards before venturing into the water.
· Do not swim out too far.
· Do not drink alcohol on the beach and don’t swim if you have been drinking. On some beaches, especially in Cape Town, it is illegal to drink alcohol on the beach.

Sun Protection

Always apply sunblock when venturing into the sun. Visitors with fair skins should apply sunblock regardless of whether the sun is shining.

Mountains

· Always let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
· Travel in a group, never alone.
· Take along plenty of water and warm clothes.
· When walking in nature reserves stick to the marked routes.
· Don’t dive or jump into pools unless you know how deep they are.
· Adhere to the local rules and regulations and consult the local authorities before starting your trip, hike of nature walk.
· Do not litter!
· Do not pick wild flowers.
· Fires are strictly prohibited.
· Protect your skin with sunblock.

Mountain Rescue Register

Extremely important that hikers fill in the register before setting off and sign in when returning. This will assist a potential rescue operation if something should happen.

Security

Keep all your belongings inside your tent or cabin at night. Do not leave valuables unattended.

Water, Food And Hospitality

It is very safe to drink tap water anywhere in South Africa – no need for bottled water!

Avoid drinking water from dams or rivers though as Cholera and other borne water diseases are common in certain parts of the country, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.

South African accommodation establishments and restaurants maintain a strict and high standard of hygiene and food preparation is no different. Eat all the fresh fruit and salad You want!

African Summer Holidays

When you decide to plan your vacation for this summer, think about taking a wild adventure in beautiful and exotic Africa with African Travel Specialists. You will thank yourself for taking such a life-changing trip and exposing yourself to a unique experience. Perhaps you have a vacation destination that is a place you have gone to again and again, and although this may be a wonderful and comfortable tradition, making a radical change in your travel plans might be a way to spice up your life a bit and experience something totally different. Variety is the spice of life, and few places offer as much variety and spice as magical, exotic and wild Africa. There are many places to go in Africa and many things to do, and this place will change the way you see the world for sure. Africa is a magical place and has the tendency to transform the lives on anyone lucky enough to visit.

Planning a trip to Africa is a serious endeavor and it helps to get the assistance of African Travel Specialists who knows the ins and outs of the area, has experience with the culture and people, and knows the many different things there are to do. It helps to be able to talk with someone who is willing to take their time with you and get to know you personally so that they can recommend and help to plan your vacation in such a way that you will get the most out of it. There are folks out there who are willing and desirous to make sure that you experience the African continent in a uniquely personal way and have an experience that will stick with you and last the rest of your life. If you want to become one with Africa, do yourself the favor of choosing a travel company that is dedicated to doing just that.

There are many places to go in Africa and many options for travelers and tourists of every stripe. If you are looking to explore the cities, there are a multitude of options and places to go such as Cape Town and other famous urban centers. The wine country of South Africa boasts some of the best cuisine and most upscale dining establishment s anywhere in the world. If you are seeking a more wild adventure then there is no end to the incredible expeditions available to the intrepid explorer. Sea kayaking, deep sea diving, fishing, safaris, animal watching adventures and anything else you can imagine will await you in the wild places of beautiful and enchanting Africa.

The cultural experience is unparalleled in Africa. The people are warm and welcoming and the right travel planning company can help facilitate a cultural exchange that is beyond anything imaginable. A good Africa travel company will have already developed a relationship with the indigenous population and will be able to make sure that you make contact with the authentic dwellers of the country. The cities of Africa are filled with tourists and travelers from all over the world and you are likely to run into people from every corner of the globe. There is nothing quite like making a lasting a friendship so far from home and having a cultural exchange that changes you for the better and broadens your horizons.

What To Expect When Traveling To Africa

There are various tourist destinations and every country differ from each other in terms of landmarks, history, culture, and development. African Travel Specialists are very important for all travelers. Every African country has tour operators who offer all services and information regarding each individual interest and taste. You will need to confirm all the information about your travel with your tour operator before you take your flight. Make sure you keep up to date with the local news and have clear information about your accommodation. You should have all your traveling documents ready such as Visa, Passport and Identification Papers.

Your health is very important and since many African countries have Malaria, make sure you have the right precautions. Let your doctor advise on which Anti-Malaria tablets to take early before your flight. To avoid mosquito bites, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Use treated mosquito nets and oil repellents. Beware of malaria symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, joint and muscle pains. You should visit a doctor for emergency treatment if you experience such symptoms. Have a yellow fever immunization and certificate, since it is mandatory in most sub-Saharan countries.

Beware not to fall into the hands of un-reputable tour operators. Always make your payments in an office and ask other travelers about their experience at least to have a clue on what to expect. In most African countries, tourists from abroad are considered wealthy, therefore, give a hand to the charity and at least some tip to the guides for appreciation.

Avoid being a target for theft, especially in big cities and crowded areas. It is important to register with your embassy to help in case of an emergency. If in any case, you realize you are in a dangerous place, go to the nearest police station and or inform your embassy immediately. Keep all your valuables with you at all times, a money belt around your waist is best recommended.

Bargain on every service and product you are interested in to avoid spending too much money. Shop around and compare other sellers selling the same products and services. Avoid carrying your money in one place for security reasons and a good bargain. Buy a cheap phone and get a local SIM card to avoid becoming a target and lose your valuable phone. Take plenty of water and other drinks to avoid dehydration, since you will sweat a lot and walk for long distances during your adventure.