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Welcome to South Africa. As our guest, your safety and security are of the utmost. We want your visit to be special and filled with great memories; and we hope that you will visit again and again.
Stay clear of the central business areas of major cities at night and should you wish to go somewhere, please get the hotel/guesthouse to order you a taxi.
We would suggest you talk to the local people before venturing into desolated areas of Kwazulu-Natal and the the Wild Coast of Transkei on your own.
In general there is a great deal of goodwill to foreigner visitors as most South Africans realise the importance of tourism to the country's development.
There are a few basic precautions you should take to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and safe as possible. You could reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of crime, by eliminating the opportunity criminals are looking for.
Ensure that your visit is both safe and enjoyable by taking the following precautions:
Never leave your luggage unattended, even if you are on a guided tour. Hand the keys in at the desk whenever you leave the hotel.
Carry your passport and/or travel documents only if you have to, alternatively carry certified copies.
Keep your room locked at all times.
If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
Store all valuables in the hotel's safety deposit box, including large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery or cameras.
Be observant when entering parking areas.
Keep the car doors locked at all times and wind the windows up in densely populated areas.
Plan your route in advance, and be sure to have sufficient cash and fuel.
Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical order.
Use maps, and when in doubt as to the safety of specific areas, or which route to take, contact the police.
Do not leave packages or personal items in the seat of the car. Pop it in the boot (trunk).
Park in well-lit areas at night, and never pick up singles or any hitchhiker.
A camera around the neck identifies you as a tourist. Rather carry it in a large shoulder bag.
It's definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money around.
Whenever possible, do not walk alone. It's better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets.
At night, steer clear of dark, isolated areas.
A police or traffic officer will gladly direct you if you get lost.
If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.
When walking in the street be observant and guard against snatchers, pick-pockets and other criminals.
Carry your bag close to your body.
Keep your change in your purse or wallet, and credit cards and notes in an inside pocket - never in the back pocket of your trousers.
Don't be fooled by confidence tricksters or strangers offering you the chance of making extra money.
Be observant and if anything untoward should happen, give the police as much information as possible.
Keep a list of emergency numbers close at hand so that you have them available in case of an emergency.
Be alert at all times, and be aware of the fact that a criminal might be lurking around the corner.
When using an elevator, always make sure that you are at ease with fellow users before entering.
Avoid displays of expensive jewellery and don't flash huge sums of money around.
Should you possess a firearm, hand it in at your bank for safe keeping, unless you plan on carrying it on your person the whole time.
If you see any suspect activity, or experience an emergency please call the police emergency number: 10111