|
South Africa is a country of diversity stretching over 2,000 km (1,243 miles) from the Limpopo River in the north, to Africa's southernmost point, Cape Agulhas. The southwestern Cape with a Mediterranean climate has superb beaches and vineyards. It contrasts with the bleak desert landscape of the northwestern Cape which annually erupts with a riot of colour in spring when the Namaqualand daisies bloom. The African bushveld interior boasts many game reserves, including the Kruger National Park, promising sightings of the Big Five.
South Africa's predominantly sunny and dry climate makes it the ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiast, offering water sports, hiking, fishing, climbing and river rafting, to name but a few.
President Nelson Mandela is the President of the country and the leading party, the African National Congress. South Africa has eleven official languages and numerous religions are practised. English is understood in the major centres and most forms and timetables are printed in both English and Afrikaans.
The new South Africa is a sunny and affordable destination.
I'd heard plenty of warnings about traveling along the Wild Coast, a section of the Transkei region of South Africa. Well-meaning people — none of whom, of course, had actually been there — advised me of all sorts of potential dangers: muggings, shootings, carjackings, and other nightmarish tales crafted to terrify. A little more research and I realized that with common sense and a few precautions, none of these threats was particularly poignant. So off I went, prepared (I thought) for whatever lay ahead. But there was one danger that nobody had warned me about. They call it "Pondo Fever."
A mystery to modern medicine, Pondo Fever is extremely contagious. It is most often contacted at hostels (known down here as "backpackers") in Port St. Johns and Coffee Bay, although it has been known to strike travelers up and down the African coast. Affecting scores of unprepared journeyers every year, symptoms can last weeks, months, or even years. In some cases it becomes chronic or recurring. The onset is gradual; most of the time people don't realize they've fallen victim to the Fever until the syndrome reaches advanced stages. There are no vaccines, no preventive measures, no pills or shots or herbal remedies. Nobody is immune.
So what are the symptoms of this insidious malady? Quite simply, Pondo Fever causes its victims to stay in the Transkei much longer than they expected. A glance through the guest book at the Amapondo Backpackers in Port St. Johns reveals the Fever at its worst, with entries such as "Came for a few days, stayed 3 months!" Most of the hostels have made provisions for this, offering weekly rates (or even longer term). Some former guests are now permanent residents.
When I first arrived in Port St. Johns and met backpackers who had been there for more than 4 months, I found it hard to believe. Sure, the beach was beautiful, the town laid-back and friendly, and the weather gorgeous nearly year round. The fishing is supposed to be some of the best around, there's a small nature reserve that practically guarantees up-close views of zebras and wildebeest, mountain biking and hiking opportunities abound, and traditional Xhosa villages are but a few hours walk into the hills. The hostels are excellent places to enjoy beer, joints, campfires, hammocks, pool tables, good music, and great company. But still, four months? I was skeptical.
My Let's Go itinerary had me scheduled to cover Port St. Johns in two days, then Umtata and Coffee Bay in one day each. Judging by the size of the towns and the number of services, I figured that wouldn't be much of a challenge. I arrived in PSJ late one Tuesday afternoon. My plan was to stay there for two or three nights, then head to Umtata Thursday afternoon or early Friday morning, and be in Coffee Bay by nightfall on Friday. So when people in PSJ asked if I'd be around for the full moon trance party on Saturday night, the answer was obviously No.
You guessed it. I, too, caught Pondo Fever and ended up going to the party. I convinced myself that by staying longer I was getting a better feel for the town and thus my writing would be better. Oh, I wasn't completely negligent in my Let's Go duties. I drove into Umtata to do my updating research during the day, then returned to PSJ that afternoon. I was comprehensive in my coverage, staying not only at a backpackers hostel in PSJ's Second Beach but also at the Kraal, a hostel about 40km from town in the middle of a scenic nowhere, and I spent an additional two nights at a permaculture farm just outside of PSJ. I walked up to the Silaka Nature Reserve and hiked back by the path along the coast. I visited Mama Constance in the Mtumbane township and spent a while in peaceful meditation at the Blowhole, a rock formation that sends water shooting into the air with every crash of the waves. In standard Let's Go fashion, I took care to visit every single listing in the guide, updating the info on my laptop while gazing out over the ocean.
By the fourth day, I no longer doubted the Pondo Fever phenomenon. I was quickly developing what could have turned into a pretty serious case. I couldn't rationally explain it, but I knew I too could have stayed for months. The morning after the trance party, extremely content despite having slept less than two hours, I realized I had to get out of there, fast, for the sake of Let's Go if not for my own. I left a note for Sandy and Theresa at the Forest Glade permaculture farm where I was staying, and slipped out while everyone was still asleep. It took a huge effort, but I had gotten over the Pondo Fever. Or had I? My post-Let's Go plans still haven't been finalized. Look for me among the Fever-smitten when you get down here...
Time
South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Time, seven hours ahead of USA Eastern Standard Time, and eight hours behind Australian Eastern Time. There are no different time zones within South Africa.
Tourist Offices
The South African Tourism Board, SATOUR, has offices in most major cities and in the arrivals hall at the Johannesburg International Airport (27-11-9701669).
Tourist information on local attractions, hotels, restaurants, transport, sport and recreation is available free of charge at publicity associations in major centres and tourist areas. The offices are sign-posted with a white 'i' against a green background.
SATOUR
442 Rigel Avenue South
Erasmusrand
Pretoria
South Africa
Tel. 27-12-3470600
Fax. 27-12-454889
In the United Kingdom
SATOUR
5-6 Alt Grove
London
SW19 4DZ
United Kingdom
Tel. 44-181-9448080
Fax. 44-181-9446705
Visas & Passports
Valid passports are necessary for anyone travelling to South Africa. Entry permits are issued on arrival. Nationals of the United States of America, Canada and the European Union do not require visas to visit South Africa on holiday. Visitors from Commonwealth countries, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and Japan are entitled to stay in the South Africa for ninety days. Visitors from most South American and African countries are issued an entry permit which is valid for thirty days. On arrival you need to be able to show the immigration officer that you have sufficient funds for your stay and an indication of how you are planning to leave the country.
Customs
The South African Customs Union includes South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho and therefore there are no custom regulations for these internal borders. When entering the customs union you may have 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 g cigarette or pipe tobacco, 2 litres of wine, l litre of spirits, 50 ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette and gifts, souvenirs and all other goods to the value of ZAR 500.00. No person under 18 is allowed a tobacco or alcohol allowance. Permits for firearms are available at points of entry and are valid for 180 days. The permit can be renewed at any police station. Personal effects, goods that are not outlawed or not intended for commercial purposes are admitted dutyfree.
Money
The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR): 100 cents = 1 Rand.
South Africa recently changed its notes and coins. Notes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 rand. The coins consist of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent pieces, as well as 1, 2 and 5 rand. You may still come across an old ZAR 5.00 note, but they are uncommon. However the old coins are still common. The ZAR 200.00 note can easily be mistaken for the ZAR 20.00 note as they look quite similar.
Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and at authorised dealers such as Thomas Cook and American Express. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency travellers are allowed to bring into the country. However, if you want to change rand back into your own currency at the end of your trip, you will need to produce at least some of the receipts you received when changing your money into rand.
Business Hours
Banking hours vary, but are usually from 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays and from 08:30 to 11:00 on Saturdays. Banking facilities are available at the three international airports. Most ATMs are available 24 hours a day.
Transport
Public transport is available in and between major centres, but may be unreliable. Hiring a car is probably the best option, otherwise 'minibus taxis' are cheap and fast, if sometimes hazardous. Buses and trains run within and between the major cities. While there are a few smaller airlines, South African Airways dominates the local market.
As South Africa is geared towards private transport, there is a well-maintained network of roads and motorways. Motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road. The speedlimit is 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on secondary roads and 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas. Petrol stations are open 24 hours a day on major motorways. (Remember that normal credit cards cannot be used to buy petrol, Garage or Petrol cards are required.) A prefix system identifies the different types of roads. N is used for national highways, R is used for regional highways and M is used for metropolitan roads.
Foreign driver's licences are valid as long as they carry the photograph and signature of the holder. If the licence is not printed in English, a certificate of authenticity from an embassy, written in English, is required.
In the major cities, buses are reasonably cheap. There are two main national bus services, Translux and Greyhound. National bus travel is time-consuming and relatively expensive. Return fares are double one-way ticket prices.
Taxis are expensive and can only be found at designated ranks, airports and railway stations. Passengers should phone for a taxi as they do not drive around looking for passengers. The less expensive ãminibus taxisä provide quick but often crowded urban transport.
Train services are efficient but very busy during peak hours (07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:00). Some routes may be dangerous during off-peak hours. Trains are more expensive than buses but a coupe (a two-person compartment) allows for a more comfortable journey.
Air travel is expensive, but definitely the quickest way to get about. SAA offers an African Explorer ticket which, offering one monthâs unlimited travel, provides the best value.
Public Holidays
South Africa has 13 public holidays. If one should fall on a Sunday, then the following Monday is a holiday.
Peak Seasons
Reservations are usually required between October and February and during the Easter holidays.
Post & Telecommunications
Telephones are cheap and easy to use. Fax connections are readily available. The postal service is fairly efficient with airmail from Europe taking between 7 and 10 days.
Local telephone calls cost ZAR 0.30 per unit. However, international calls are fairly expensive. Phone cards are available from post offices and some shops. Telkom is the telecommunications provider.
The country code prefix for South Africa is 27. Dial 1025 for international enquiries and 1023 for local enquiries.
Most hotels have a fax service. Certain businesses provide faxing/posting and telephonic services to the public.
An international priority mail service is available to and from a number of countries including Britain, the USA, Germany and France.
Normal airmail to Europe takes 7 to 10 days. The standard airmail cost to Europe is usually between ZAR 1.15 and ZAR 2.00.
Electricity
Generally, urban power systems are 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Plugs are 5-amp, two-pin plugs or 15-amp, three-pin (round pins) plugs. Adapters can be bought in hardware stores and a few travel agents.
Disabled Travellers
Facilities for disabled persons are available at most hotels with two stars or more. Most of the larger game reserves have facilities, but visitors are advised to check with the management.
A Directory of Services for the Visually Handicapped is available from the SA National Council for the Blind. Tel. 27-12-3461190.
Budget Travel
Most cities have a few youth hostels. There are plenty of camp sites around the country.
History
Over 10,000 years ago the San people first settled in what is now known as South Africa. They were hunter-gatherers, moving wherever the game took them. Their extraordinary rock paintings are still visible today all over South Africa. The San have survived extinction with a few living in the northern wastelands. The Khoi pastoralists settled in the Western Cape about 2,000 years ago.
Pastoralists from the north moved into southern Africa with their cattle in search of grazing. They populated the northeast and east coast by the eleventh century and had moved into most of the eastern half of southern Africa by the fifteenth century. Their arrival caused conflict with the San and Khoi over grazing land.
It was only in the fifteenth century that the Portuguese reached the Cape of Good Hope as they searched for a sea route to the east. The first permanent European settlement was established by the Dutch East India Company in 1652. A shortage of labour experienced by the early settlers resulted in slaves being brought in from Guinea, Angola, Delagoa Bay, Madagascar, Java and Malaysia, creating a melting pot of cultures.
By the middle of the eighteenth century, contact was made between the expanding colony and the African tribes in the southeast coastal regions when stock farmers moved further north and east. As a result conflict erupted. Nine frontier wars occurred between 1779 and 1879. In 1820 settlers from Great Britain arrived to swell the European numbers. In 1836 the Great Trek began as Boers moved in large numbers to the north and northeastern interior.
Following the discovery of a five-carat diamond near the Witswatersrand, Britain tried to strengthen her position in the colony to one of complete control. Resistance from the Afrikaners led to the Anglo-Boer wars. There was no outright victory, but the postwar period was dominated by the English, resulting in even more Afrikaner resistance.
The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 under the leadership of Boer generals Louis Botha and Jan Smuts who wanted to reconcile the two White groups, and Barry Hertzog who was determined to entrench Afrikaner power. Afrikaner nationalism resurged and consequently the Black population was placed under numerous restrictions and excluded from the democratic process. Equal status was given to the English and Afrikaans languages.
In 1912, African political activity took shape with the emergence of the African National Congress (ANC). The National Party was created in 1914 and came into power in 1948, creating legislation to separate Blacks and create homelands within South African boundaries which would eventually be self-governing. In 1959, the Pan African Congress (PAC) was founded as a breakaway from the ANC.
Resistence to apartheid grew both in and outside the country. In 1960, police opened fire on a demonstration against the pass laws at Sharpeville and sixty-nine people were killed. In 1961, South Africa withdrew from the Commonwealth and became a republic. The ANC and PAC were banned and many of the leaders and members went into exile. In 1964 Nelson Mandela was convicted for sabotage and attempting to further communism and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Political unrest and violence continued through the 1970s. In 1976, rioting broke out in Soweto and Black schools throughout the country. A number of so-called homelands were granted nominal independence. During the eighties the slow process of reform began. Black trade unions were accepted, the Pass laws were scrapped, Blacks were allowed to purchase housing and the Mixed Marriages Act was abolished. Unrest levels increased and in 1985 a state of emergency was declared.
F. W. de Klerk succeeded P. W. Botha as president in 1989. Much unrest was followed by peaceful negotiations, resulting in nonracial elections in April 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected president. A Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed with Executive Deputy Presidents, Thabo Mbeki and F. W. de Klerk, the former prime minister. Following the adoption of the new constitution on 8 May 1996, the GNU dissolved when the National Party decided to withdraw and pursue their role as the leading opposition to the ANC government.
Population
The population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. Of the 45 million South Africans, nearly 31 million are Black, 5 million White, 3 million Coloured and one million Indian. The population density is 32.9 people per km².
The Black population is divided into four major ethnic groups, namely Nguni, Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga and Venda. There are numerous subgroups of which the Zulu and Xhosa, two subgroups of the Nguni, are the largest. The majority of the White population are of Afrikaans descent (60%), with many of the remaining 40% being of British descent. Most of the Coloured population live in the Northern and Western Cape provinces, whilst most of the Indian population lives in Kwazulu-Natal. The Afrikaner population is concentrated in the Gauteng and Orange Free State provinces and the English population in the Western and Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal.
Government
The Republic of South Africa is a constitutional state with three tiers of democratic government, and a Bill of Rights. Parliament is made up of a 400-person National Assembly and a 90-person senate. The head of state is the executive president, Nelson Mandela. Thabo Mbeki is the executive deputy president. The African National Congress (ANC) has a majority in the national parliament and seven of the nine provincial parliaments. The National Party (NP) heads the parliament in the Western Cape and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has a majority in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial parliament. The ANC was banned for many years under the apartheid regime. There are several smaller political parties, including the Freedom Front which advocates a separate homeland for the Afrikaner people. The NP and IFP are the largest of the minority parties.
For South Africa, 1994 was a landmark year. After the country's first democratic elections, South Africa resumed its seat in the United Nations, joined the United African Unity and rejoined the Commonwealth of former British colonies.
As a result of the major changes that have occurred in South Africa recently, the priorities of the government have altered to include objectives such as building houses, creating jobs, feeding underprivileged school children and reviving the economy. However, the most important objective is motivating a demoralised population that has been marginalised for a long time.
The country is divided into nine provinces, each with its own legislature. The powers of these provincial bodies is still a matter of contentious debate, but the central government is responsible for foreign affairs and macroeconomic issues. Cape Town, in the Western Cape, is the legislative capital; Bloemfontein, in the Free State, is the judicial capital; and Pretoria, in Gauteng, is the administrative capital.
Language
There are eleven official languages in South Africa: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Zulu and Xhosa.
Religion
The majority of South Africans are Christian. About 70% of the Indian population is Hindu, while another 20% is Muslim. Traditional African religions are practised by a small percentage of the population. There is also a small Jewish community.
Art & Culture 
Most cities have a few museums and galleries which are worth visiting.
Food & Drink
South Africa offers a wide range of culinary experiences, with influences from the Cape Malays, the Indian community in Durban and traditional African recipes. Typical dishes include bobotie (a curried mince dish), sosaties (kebabs) and bredies (meat and vegetable casseroles). The Western Cape is well known for its seafood dishes. Curries and chutney are excellent. There are many excellent red and white wines. A wine-tasting tour through the Western Cape is highly recommended.
Entertainment
The major centres have a selection of cinemas to choose from. Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town all have many nightclubs and theatres.
Shopping
In the cities, many shops are situated in modern shopping complexes and are generally open until 18:00 on weekdays and 15:00 on Saturdays. Some shops are open on Sundays. Corner cafes (minisupermarkets) are open from early morning till late at night, every day of the week throughout the year. A full range of luxuries and necessities is available in the shops.
Shopping in South Africa can be extremely rewarding for the foreign tourist with the wide range of often exquisite handmade African arts and crafts that can be found in most cities and towns.
There are also many flea markets scattered throughout the country's city centres where typical South African items can be bought. One of the best known and most popular is the classic and charming Green Market Square market in Cape Town.
Sport
South Africans are keen sporting enthusiasts. Rugby and cricket are popular sports. There are more than 400 golf courses in the country, including a course designed by Gary Player at Sun City in the Northwest Province.
Parks & Reserves
In conserving South Africa's most valuable heritage, its wildlife, the National Parks Board has developed national parks and reserves to provide South Africans and travellers with a unique opportunity to view the fauna and flora in their natural habitat. Of the many parks and reserves in South Africa, the Kruger National Park in the Northern Transvaal which is home to the Big Five, is the most well-known. The park offers a variety of accommodation and walking trails.
National Parks Board
PO Box 787
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
Tel. 27-21-3431991
Fax. 27-21-246211
Western Cape Province
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Includes the best examples of fynbos. There are serveral walks along a spectacular coastline.
Bontebok National Park
Just south of Swellendam, this park is a sanctuary for 300 bontebok.
Tsitsikamma National Park
Situated along the Garden Route, the park is characterised by evergreen forests, steep cliffs and tidal pools.
West Coast National Park
Langebaan lagoon forms the most important part of this park which is home to 256 bird species.
Wilderness National Park
Situated in the foothills of the Outeniqua mountains along the Garden Route.
Karoo National Park
This park is an excellent example of the Karoo landscape, fauna and flora.
Eastern Cape Province
Karoo Nature Reserve
This park is the largest natural ecosystem in the country with a number of antelope and black rhino. Fossils dating back 310 million years have been found here.
Addo Elephant National Park
Situated near Port Elizabeth, this park is home to 170 elephants, as well as Cape Buffalo and other antelope. The unusual flightless dung beetle is found only in this park.
Mountain Zebra National Park
Home to more than 200 mountain zebra as well as other antelope and 200 birds species.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal Parks Board
PO Box 662
Pietermaritzburg
3200
South Africa
Tel. 27-331-471981
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park
One of the largest game parks in South Africa, it hosts the 'big five' as well as cheetah, wild dogs and many antelope.
Royal Natal National Park
Situated high in the Drakensberg range, the park includes the Amphitheatre, a crescent-shaped rock wall; Mont-aux-Sources (3,282 m/10,768 ft) and the Tugela Falls (850 m/2,789 ft). Baboons, black wildebeest, dassies, black eagles and bearded vultures are frequently seen. Bushmen paintings can be viewed at four sites. A number of hikes are available.
St Lucia Wetlands
This wetland park was recognised in terms of the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. St Lucia is a 60 km-long (37 miles) estuary featuring forested dunes, tropical plants and an amazing diversity of animal life.
Tembe Elephant Park
Situated on the Mozambique border, the park protects South Africa's last free-ranging elephants.
Northern Cape Province
Kalahari Gemsbok Park
An impressive park, with its red-dust sand dunes, the Kalahari has a large population of birds, reptiles, small mammals, springbok, eland, thousands of antelope and lions, cheetahs, hyenas, foxes and leopards.
Augrabies Falls National Park
Situated where the Orange River drops into a granite ravine, this park is inhabited by rhino, kudu, springbok, klipspringer and various bird life.
Richtersveld National Park
A wondrous variety of plant species inhabit this mountain desert. It is the most recently opened park in South Africa.
Goegap Nature Reserve
This reserve is famous for its fabulous display of spring flowers and succulents. There is also fauna such as springbok, zebra and bird life.
Orange Free State
Golden Gate National Park
The rich sandstone formations of the Maluti Mountains dominate this park.
Northwest Province
Pilanesberg National Park
Surrounding the holiday resort and casino complex of Sun City, this park covers 500 km² (193 miles²) of extinct volcanic craters. Rhino, elephant, giraffe and a wide variety of antelope can be seen. The walk-in avairy where injured birds are rehabilitated is a definite highlight.
Climate
South Africa is a dry, sunny country, with a high number of sunshine days. The mean annual rainfall is 502 mm (20 in). Due to the mild climate, snow is usually only found on the highest mountain peaks. Summer is from October to March with temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 36 °C (60 °F to 90 °F).
The country can be divided into two climatic zones: the winter rainfall region, in the southwestern corner, and the summer rainfall region, which covers most of the country. The climatic conditions also vary between the different provinces.
Kwazulu-Natal has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm winters. The Southern Gauteng region has a dry, frosty but sunny climate in winter with a maximum temperature of about 20 °C (68 °F) at midday and lower temperatures of about 5 °C (41 °F) at night. The summers are hot with occasional spectacular thunderstorms and hailstorms.
The Lowveld (the northeastern part of Gauteng), the Free State and the Cape interior share Southern Gauteng's stormy, hot summers and warm, mild winters. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with dry and sunny summers achieving average maximum temperatures around 26 °C (79 °F). It is during the summer months that the Southeaster (or 'Cape doctor' as it is informally known because of its smog-moving power) blows, often reaching gale force. The winters are mild and wet with an average temperature of around 17 °C (63 °F). The nights can be very cold and snow is not uncommon on high peaks.
Most of the country experiences twelve hours light a day with small seasonal fluctuations. However, the Western Cape enjoys long evenings in summer with the sun setting between 19:00 and 20:00.
Health
The high elevation and dry air of the most of the country results in few health risks. However, malaria occurs in the Northern Transvaal, Eastern Lowveld and the Natal coast and it is strongly recommended that all visitors take a course of tablets, starting at least four days before entering these areas. No prescription is required. Details on how to prevent malaria are available online.
Bilharzia is found in the rivers and lakes of these regions and can be cured with a course of tablets available at pharmacies.
Tick-bite fever is also a danger and can be avoided by regularly checking for ticks after a hike in a bushy area.
Vaccinations are recommended for polio, tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid, cholera and yellow fever. The latter three are only necessary if you intend travelling further into Africa. Visitors having passed through a yellow fever zone must produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination when entering South Africa.
Tap water is safe in the urban areas. Caution should be taken against sunstroke and dehydration.
It is advisable to take out a travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems. The public health system is not free, is overcrowded and grossly underfunded. The private hospitals are excellent but expensive, as are the ambulance services which are often privately run.
For mild illnesses, it is best to consult a pharmacist at one of the many pharmacies around the country. They are highly trained and willing to advise and dispense certain medications. Some medications require a prescription which must be obtained from a doctor. Emergency pharmacies are open 7 days a week until 23:00 but others may close at 18:00 and may not be open on Sundays. For more serious illnesses, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Names and addresses of various doctors are listed in the telephone directory under 'Medical Practitioners' or they can be obtained from the nearest consulate or police station. Major hotels have contracts with doctors and dentists. The national ambulance phone number is 10-177.
Safety
Visitors are advised not to walk around South African cities at night, as crime is a problem. Daylight muggings in Johannesburg are not uncommon. The much-publicised political violence has decreased, but visitors should not enter the townships without a professional guide. It is wise not to wear extravagant clothing or jewellery or carry anything you cannot afford to lose. In an emergency phone 10-111 for the police flying squad. |
