Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[alfie]

Hi everyone,bit of travel advice wanted here.
My son is of to South Africa next week,plans to stay a month,first week in Pretoria for a family wedding,then plans to travel ALONE onto Cape Town.
Any advice on what and where to avoid enroute would be welcome.
Alfie.

[Chris_H]

Tricky one to advise on.  You really need a local to help.

I spent a month on Jo'burg a couple of years ago on business and my wife flew out to join me, but we had friends and work colleagues to mitigate the risks.

It was spooky out there as all except the poorest properties had electric gates, electric fences and most had armed guards on call.  These would drive around hanging off 'backies' (pickup trucks to UK people) with automatic weapons on display.

At night the traffic lights would flash amber to avoid drivers having to stop un-necessarily as they would possibly get ambushed.

Most would travel by car from behind locked gates to a secure car park destination.  I did walk on the roads but was expected to hide jewellery and other valuables.

Sat-navs were not used much as they could take you down roads that you would never return from.

I believe Cape Town is a lot more civilised but I did talk with a guy who had been attacked with an iron bar in his own house there.  He was really just happy to be alive so was not on the same planet as you or I.

My wife's friends lost their dog (German shepherd guard dog) to poison shortly after we returned home and there was a run of atm bombings just before we went.

Get the picture?

[Plomien]

red24 offer a lot of advice for unknown countries.

I get free access because of work

South Africa, located on the southern tip of the African continent, is a politically and economically stable country and has become a beacon of democracy within Southern Africa since its first multiracial elections in 1994. The country is a popular tourist destination and has extensive tourist facilities. Although most trips to South Africa are trouble-free, there are a number of security concerns of which travellers should be aware. Crime poses a high risk in South Africa, and both violent crime, including incidents of hijacking and armed robbery, and petty crime, such as mugging, are prevalent, especially in the major urban centres. Incidents of civil unrest occur often, particularly in and around major urban centres; as the propensity for violence is high, all large gatherings should be avoided. The threat from terrorism is generally low, although small-scale bombings have occurred in the past. Kidnapping is judged to be medium risk, and incidents are most often linked to criminal activities and target wealthy families for ransoms. Although violence has been reported in relation to these incidents, travellers are not usually directly targeted.

Travel advisories and areas of concern
Although South Africa is considered a high-risk country, red24 does not advise against travel there. However, travellers should only visit the country's townships if accompanied by a reputable tour group or someone with a good knowledge of the area. Furthermore, petty crime is a concern on South Africa's public transport.

Upcoming event
South Africa is set to commemorate Heritage Day on 24 September. Various processions will be held across the country and travellers to South Africa should expect traffic delays and road closures.


Overall risk rating

Overall       High       

red24 rates this country as high risk, but does not advise against travel to the country. A high degree of caution is advised.


Risk rating breakdown

Crime       High       

High levels of crime countrywide involving both petty and violent crime.
 
Terrorism       Low       

Little threat of terrorism.
 
Conflict       Low       

No current conflict and little threat of conflict occurring.
 
Political       Medium       

Stable political system but underlying tensions often result in incidents of civil unrest.
 
Kidnap       Medium       

Sporadic kidnapping incidents occur.
 
Infrastructure       Medium       

Main cities and towns have sound infrastructure, but limited in rural areas.

Cape Town, known as the 'Mother City', is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. With an estimated population of at least 3 million people, the city is the main gateway into the Western Cape province and is home to a number of top tourist attractions, including Table Mountain and Robben Island. Cape Town is also the seat of South Africa's parliament, making it the country's legislative capital. Although most visits to Cape Town pass without incident, there are some security risks to consider, especially the high levels of petty and violent crime in the city.

[Plomien]

Safety and security

Crime
Street crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, mugging, theft at ATMs and theft from vehicles, are the most commonly reported crimes in Cape Town. Violent assault, rape and murder are serious concerns, but mostly affect locals rather than foreign visitors. Likewise, kidnapping for criminal purposes does occur in the city, but travellers are not usually targeted. However, other violent crimes, such as armed robbery and carjacking, are still significant concerns for visitors to Cape Town. Vigilance is advised at all times, but particularly at traffic lights and along the city's major highways. In addition, express kidnapping is a concern in Cape Town. This form of kidnapping involves victims being held at gunpoint and forced to withdraw money or hand over their PIN codes so that money can be withdrawn from ATMs. Express kidnapping gangs tend to operate in groups of two or three people and generally work from a vehicle. Tourists, who are often both easily identifiable and vulnerable, are at risk of being targeted. Express kidnappings tend to be initiated near outdoor ATMs, but are also known to occur in taxis with rogue drivers.

Drug-related crimes are reported to be much higher (by at least four times) in the Western Cape province than anywhere else in the country. This is partly explained by the longstanding presence of rival organised crime gangs in parts of Cape Town and elsewhere in the province, who vie for control of the narcotics trade; gangsterism also contributes to the Western Cape’s relatively high murder rate. There have also been increased reports of bomb attacks on ATMs by criminals, and attacks on cash-in-transit vehicles are common.

Cape Town’s city centre and its surrounding suburbs form the 'City Bowl', an area visited by many locals and foreigners. It is generally inadvisable to walk in the area at night, as the threat from crime is heightened at this time. ATMs should be used with caution, particularly at night, as incidents of pickpocketing and robbery of people using such facilities are frequently reported. If in popular nightlife districts, such as Long Street, Kloof Street or De Waterkant, it is recommended that visitors do not stray from the busy, well-lit areas and always keep sight of their possessions in bars, restaurants and coffee shops; theft can occur at any time of the day or night, even in high-end establishments. Petty crime is also a problem in popular tourist areas, such as the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and at beaches including Camps Bay and Bakoven. Travellers should remain vigilant at all times on beaches. There are also occasional reports of muggings on the slopes of Table Mountain, the lower slopes of nearby Devil's Peak, Signal Hill and in the upper parts of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Travellers are advised to exercise heightened caution in these areas, particularly close to dusk when the majority of incidents occur. Authorities have also recommended that hikers avoid the mountain areas after dark and that they stay in groups of at least four people. Officials have, however, set up security patrols on the mountain, which have helped to reduce the number of incidents. For more advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime, please click here.

Travellers should also note that street children and beggars are an ongoing concern in Cape Town. Although authorities are addressing the problem, street children and beggars may approach travellers for money and can become violent. It is advisable never to give money to these children, as money is usually handed to an older person or is used to buy drugs.

Civil unrest
Protests, strikes and marches take place regularly in Cape Town, but these generally pass without incident. There have, however, been occasions when demonstrations have turned violent. Protests in Cape Town often take place in the city centre, where there is a concentration of central and local government buildings as well as parliament, which often form the focus for protests. Demonstrations also take place in or around township and informal settlement areas, including Khayelitsha, Langa, Guguletu and Nyanga. Many of these lie close to the main N2 highway, which links the airport to the city; on occasions, sections of the road have been temporarily blocked by protesters. Most protests are generally planned in advance and well publicised, and travellers are advised to monitor local media for information on any possible civil action. Please click here for advice on what to do if caught up in civil unrest.

In May 2008, xenophobic attacks occured in many townships and informal settlements throughout the country. The attacks started in the Gauteng province, but spread to the Western Cape and affected several areas in and around Cape Town including Guguletu, Langa and Khayelitsha. The attacks targeted immigrants from other African countries who were housed in these areas, and further incidents cannot be ruled out.

[Plomien]

Terrorism
There have been no recent terrorist incidents in Cape Town; however, there is judged to be a potential ongoing terrorist threat from two main locally based sources. Firstly, among the local Somali community there are believed to be radicalised elements who could be attracted to al-Qaeda’s ideology and methods. Cape Town-based Somalis from the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab extremist group were thought to be behind a terrorist threat that led the US to close its diplomatic premises in South Africa in September 2009; those responsible for the threat remain at large. Separately, Cape Town, which has a large Muslim population, is the base for People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD), an Islamic-oriented vigilante group, formed in 1996. Parts of PAGAD were believed responsible for a bout of urban terrorism in and around Cape Town between 1998 and 2002. In addition to targeting gang leaders, targets also included the South African authorities, moderate Muslims, synagogues, gay nightclubs, and tourist spots, including popular restaurants. After a series of arrests and other intelligence-led disruptions, terrorist-style attacks linked to Muslim extremist elements in Cape Town ceased in 2002 but the group still exists. For advice on what to do in the case of a terrorist incident, please click here.

Areas of concern

    * Townships and informal settlements surround Cape Town and these areas have high crime and poverty rates. The city's largest townships include Khayelitsha, Langa, Guguletu and Nyanga, all of which are located off the N2 highway near Cape Town International Airport. It is not advisable to visit these areas unless accompanied by a reputable township tour company or a local guide.
    * Gang- and drug-related crimes are prevalent in some suburbs of the Cape Flats, located south east of the city centre. Travel to areas such as Hanover Park, Manenberg, Delft, Bonteheuwel, Belhar, Lavender Hill, as well as Tafelsig in Mitchell's Plain, should be avoided or only undertaken in the company of a local resident or guide.
    * Visitors should also practise caution when travelling on the N2 highway and the main R300 road, both of which cross the Cape Flats and link the city with the airport and other suburbs. Stone-throwing incidents have been reported, and travel on these routes at night should be undertaken with particular care. It is also advisable not to stop on the side of the R300 or on the section of the N2 in the greater Cape Town area.

Health concerns

Cape Town has an adequate medical infrastructure, with several major private and public hospitals available. It should be noted that private medical institutions, which generally offer a better standard of care than public facilities, are expensive and will not usually treat patients without proof of comprehensive medical insurance. Furthermore, many medical practitioners expect upfront payment for their services. Travellers are advised to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to departure. Pharmacies are also widely available in the city, and these are generally well stocked. Cape Town has few specific health issues and no inoculations are needed. Tap water is considered safe to drink in Cape Town; however, food from street vendors should be avoided, as this food carries a higher risk of causing illness.

Airport information

Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport is located 20km from the city centre. Direct flights to and from a large number of domestic and international destinations, including cities in Europe, South America, Asia and elsewhere on the African continent, are available. The airport’s passenger terminals have recently been reconfigured and expanded, extra car parking has been created and its road network upgraded. The airport's facilities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, VIP lounges, shops, a tourist information office, conference rooms and a post office. There are also several restaurants and bars in the terminal buildings. Taxis are available from the airport; travellers are advised to use only registered metered taxis. Shuttle services also operate from the arrivals halls at the airport, and provide rides to the city centre, from which taxis can be taken to final destinations. Desks for major car hire companies are also located at the airport. Journey time to the city is about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. In addition, an advanced Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system is being introduced in Cape Town, and a dedicated road lane for IRT buses on the main N2 highway will link the airport to the city centre.

The airport has tightened its security measures in recent years, but travellers should be aware that incidents of theft and robbery are still regularly reported in the airport precincts.

Getting around

Cape Town has an adequate public transport system. The city undertook an ambitious programme of transport infrastructure upgrades ahead of the World Cup in 2010, including improvements to roads, the refurbishment of Cape Town’s main railway station, and the start of an Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) bus system. For more information about Cape Town's IRT system, please click here. Other bus, train and taxi services are readily available, but travellers are urged to maintain caution, as petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, is fairly common on public transport and at bus and train stations. Travelling alone on public transport should be avoided. Most international car rental agencies are represented in the city.

Bus
Cape Town has regular bus services run by Golden Arrow that operate daily from six depots, including a main terminal on the Grand Parade, to many parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased when boarding or from the main terminal. Travel on buses should be undertaken with caution, as numerous incidents of pickpocketing and mugging on buses and around bus stops have been reported.

[Plomien]

Rail
Metrorail has an extensive network in Cape Town, with trains running between 04:30 and 19:30 daily from the main railway station on Adderley Street to most parts of the city; services on weekends are more limited. However, this mode of transport should be used with caution, as petty crime, such as muggings and pickpocketing, occurs frequently on trains and at railway stations. Travelling alone or after dark on trains is ill advised due to the elevated risk to personal safety.

Taxi
Metered taxis, run by numerous operators, are available in Cape Town and can be identified by the yellow lights on the roofs. In most cases, metered taxis need to be ordered telephonically. Taxis are often the quickest way of getting around the city, and also operate 24/7; however, these can be considerably more expensive than other public transport services.

Minibus taxis, although widely available and cheap, are a hazard on the roads of Cape Town and should be avoided. These are often overcrowded, poorly maintained and their drivers seldom obey the rules of the road or possess driver's licences. Minibus taxi ranks, especially in township areas, should also be avoided, as these are often havens for criminals and are often witness to violent clashes between rival taxi operators fighting for the control of routes.

Vehicle rental
All major international car rental companies are represented at Cape Town International Airport and these also have offices throughout the city. Cape Town has a reasonably well-maintained and adequately signposted road network, making car hire a convenient and viable option for travelling around the city. Travellers should note that the city does suffer from traffic congestion at peak times. Also, drivers should be vigilant at all times, as incidents of smash-and-grab thefts and carjackings are an ongoing concern in Cape Town, particularly on exit ramps from the city's major highways and while entering or exiting places of residence.

Money matters

Currency
South Africa's currency is the South African rand (ZAR). One rand is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 rand, and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Foreign exchange
The South African rand is the only currency accepted in the country. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, authorised hotels and larger shops throughout the city.

ATMs
Banks can be found throughout Cape Town and many accept foreign bank cards. ATMs are widely available at banks, in shopping centres, at fuel stations and popular tourist spots, and operate on a 24-hour basis. However, machines should be used with caution, particularly at night, as incidents of pickpocketing and robbery of people using such facilities are frequently reported. There have also been increased reports of bomb attacks on ATMs by criminals, and attacks on cash-in-transit vehicles are common.

Credit cards
Credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club, are widely accepted throughout the city. American Express is not as widely accepted.

Tipping
A service charge is not usually included in the bill; however, a ten percent tip is generally expected at restaurants. Tipping of taxi drivers, attendants at fuel stations and hotel porters is also expected. Car guards, who offer to watch parked cars, operate in most outdoor parking lots and tourist spots, and usually expect payment. For this, some small change, about R2 and upwards, is generally acceptable.

Business hours
Business hours are Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:00. Shopping hours are generally Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 17:00, and on Sunday from 09:00 to 13:00.

Banking hours
Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 15:30, and on Saturday from 08:30 to 11:00.

Important contact details

Emergency numbers

    * Police: 10111
    * Ambulance: 10177
    * Fire: 10111
    * Local Fire Service: +27 (0)21 535 1100
    * Sea Rescue: +27 (0)21 449 3500
    * Mountain Rescue: +27 (0)21 948 9900
    * Tourist Police: +27 (0)21 418 2852

[pscocoa]

I travel a lot in Africa and Cape Town is an area I would associate with less problems than elsewhere. But when I go Cape town it is not at night prinicpally because we stay about 45 minutes north east in Paarl.

He must avoid wandering around alone at night - obvious - but young people short of money will take travel risks - you cannot afford to do that in Africa as there is just too much poverty around.

If you do travel at night then be with a colleague, don't have flash watches, phones etc, money on show and use recognised taxis - much the same advice as you would give for any big city. Keep to the main areas. Most important is the logistics of getting to the place he is staying at in the evening - this is probably biggest risk.

[pscocoa]

Input from locals/tourists:

"I can't believe what I am hearing. No wonder so many tourists get mugged and hi jacked in SA. You should avoid places like the Cape Flats, Mitchells Plain, Guguletu ect at all costs, these places are extremely dangerous!I am definitely NOT a racist, but if you want to be in a dangerous area, go there.

BE CAREFUL AND STAY AWAY! "

"On the whole I had a lovely time in Cape Town where I was staying with family. However I decided to take the Red Bus City tour of Cape Town, and felt as I would be with a group of other fellow tourists it would be ok. However I did not count on being the only tourist waiting for the bus, which was extremely late, outside the District 6 museum!!! Although the museum was extremely thought provoking, I felt extremely vunerable whilst waiting for the bus as I soon attracted the attention of some local drunks! Before I knew it I was surrounded by 4 guys harrasing me for money, grabbing my wists etc!! Luckily one of the employees from the museum saw and helped me back in where I waited inside for the bus. I urge anyone who does the bust tour, if you are doing it by yourself ask if you can join other fellow tourist when getting off a stops. This incident really did ruin my stay in Cape Town unfourtunately, as I felt so scared and vunerable, a feeling which I am not used to. "

"Crime and safety are among the main issues of people travelling to South Africa. However, there is no reason to be that concerned about it like in Johannesburg, for example. Just follow a couple of rules and you will be able to move safely and comfortable around Cape Town:
-Ask for and listen to local advice
-Do not visit the townships and outskirts without any local guide
-Do not visit areas like the Bo-Kaap or the city center around the train station at night
-Use public transport only on routes within the city center, to the Waterfront or to Sea Point. If you want to use public transport on other routes, do it only with locals you know.

Waterfront, Long Street and most areas of Sea Point are safe and lively places to go out. Be careful and don’t do anything you would not do in any other big city of this world. Follow this rules, use your common sense and enjoy a safe trip to one of the most interesting places on this planet. "

[Kevin Wood]

We spent our Honeymoon in Cape Town and travelling in the surrounding area. Whilst we came across places that were a little edgy at times we didn't have any problems.

Travelling alone you are a much easier target for crime, of course, and from what I saw of the public transport I was very glad to have a hire car.

There is huge inequality there and, as said, the "haves" have to take what we regard as extreme measures to avoid crime.

Having said that, it is a lovely place and well worth a visit. I would just be uneasy about travelling alone and/or on public transport. Internal flights and/or driving, with a companion if possible, would be better IMHO, as would doing whatever you can not to look like a tourist.

Kevin

[alfie]

Hi,thanks for the help,it dos,nt seem like a nice place to spend a month. Although he  will be spending a week with my BIL he,s determined to fly or drive to Cape Town,most certain on his own.
I,ll make him read all your warnings.
Alfie.

[Dishevelled Den]

A former girlfriend moved from J'burg to Cape Town a few years back.  She's still there, living in a gated community protected by armed guards.

Being part of a well known family she knows the country intimately but remains careful about when and how she travels.

To my mind the secret of travelling, with some degree of safety, in this sad but beautiful part of the world is to be with a trusted local and not to wander off believing that there are sights to be seen irrespective of any perceived risk.

[Martin_1962]

We spent our Honeymoon in Cape Town and travelling in the surrounding area. Whilst we came across places that were a little edgy at times we didn't have any problems.

Travelling alone you are a much easier target for crime, of course, and from what I saw of the public transport I was very glad to have a hire car.

There is huge inequality there and, as said, the "haves" have to take what we regard as extreme measures to avoid crime.

Having said that, it is a lovely place and well worth a visit. I would just be uneasy about travelling alone and/or on public transport. Internal flights and/or driving, with a companion if possible, would be better IMHO, as would doing whatever you can not to look like a tourist.

Kevin

Did you see any Lightnings?