Africa

South Africa

Quick facts

  • Full name: Republic of South Africa
  • Capital: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
  • Largest city: Johannesburg
  • Official language: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, SiSwati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu
  • Area: 1,221,037 km2
  • Population: 55,653,654
  • Currency: South African Rand (ZRA) 1 (ZRA) = cent
  • Foreign tourists: 15.5 million (2016)
  • Travel risks and hazards: Violent crime, petty crime, dangerous animals.

South Africa is truly a place to visit. There are numerous natural attractions to visit such as the Drakensberg or the Blyde river canyon. Not only that but South Africa boasts masses of attractions in its three capitals and Johannesburg. Some of the world’s most renowned people come from South Africa among these the most famous Nobel peace prize winning Nelson Mandela. Although South Africa has much attraction it also poses many threats that visitors should know how to tackle.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to South Africa must have a valid passport. Certain nationals are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a visa and are allowed for a stay ranging from 30 up to 120 days depending on the nationality whilst others must obtain the document prior to entry to the country. Tourists who decide to drive in South Africa must have a valid domestic license. Although an international driving permit is not required some car rental companies will not rent out a car unless the driver has such a document. The left-hand side of the road is used for driving.

Traveling hazards

Roads in South Africa are generally in good condition. Even rural roads very rarely would require a 4×4. Safety on the roads, however, is a different matter. Aggressive driving and poor enforcement of traffic laws mix into a road accident rate much higher than the world average. Accidents involving pedestrians happen regularly, drivers often fail to give way to pedestrians even in areas designated as road crossing. It is vital to be very cautious in large South African cities when traveling on foot. Traffic lights are frequently out of order. In such cases, every intersection is to be treated like a four-way stop.

Environmental hazards

South Africa is home to many various animals that are capable of being mortally dangerous for humans. Snakes in South Africa are responsible for many death yearlies however the puff added is responsible for the vast majority of them. This snake is extremely dangerous due to its potent venom. It is responsible for over 30 thousand deaths across Africa yearly. The black mamba is another very dangerous snake. It may reach speeds of up to 20kmph and acts aggressively when feeling threatened, however, most clinics and hospitals in South Africa have antivenom capable of countering the black mamba venom. Both crocodiles and lions are responsible for numerous deaths in South Africa. Although the areas of crocodile activity are limited to bodies of water, these kill more people yearly than lions. Baboons in South Africa are known to be around urban areas looking for food. These primates have been reported to open car doors or even wander into peoples houses. When encountered by baboons it is best to stand tall and wait for them to walk away. Feeding them is the worst thing to be done. Male baboons will usually protect the group and if one is making loud noises and exposing its teeth it does not want to make friends. These animals are very strong and very agile. Not only carnivores may be dangerous but many herbivore creatures of South Africa are known to be capable of killing humans. Hippopotamuses although docile looking are some of the most aggressive creatures on the continent. When attacking they are relentless and responsible for over a thousand deaths per year. The largest land mammals, African elephants can also be very dangerous. Young males are especially dangerous due to high testosterone levels which make them very aggressive. These animals can easily break entire tree nevermind trampling a grown adult. Although vulnerable to poaching and small in numbers their animals kill almost 500 people yearly. Other dangerous herbivorous creatures include the rhinoceros which is quite rare and the abundant buffaloes also referred to as the black death due to the number of people these creatures kill yearly. Although shark attacks are rare, South Africa is the third country with most reported shark attacks however public beaches are generally kept safe and clear from any of these large predators. Currents on the South African coast may be quite unforgiving. Strong current may carry an experienced swimmer far away very quickly.
South Africa’s natural disasters are most commonly floods and wildfires. These can be very dangerous both for people and animals. Earthquakes strike the country every so often however most recent major earthquake took place in 2015.

Health hazards

Although there is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, every visitors traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever must present a yellow fever vaccination proof upon entry. There are several other vaccines which are not required but recommended. These are the routine vaccines, typhoid, rabies, and hepatitis A and B vaccine. There is a risk of Listeriosis in the country which may be transmitted by eating foods made out of unpasteurized milk or certain meats. There is a risk of contracting malaria in South Africa. There is no approved vaccine against malaria however there is medicine on prescription which should be available to anyone after consulting their general practitioner. The public healthcare system in South Africa provides quality care however even though 40% of spending goes to the healthcare sector about 80% of South Africans receive medical care. The private sector provides better quality care with shorter waiting times however most South Africans can not afford such expense.
In case of an emergency dial 112.

Crime

Crime in South Africa is a major problem. Violent crime such as murder or armed robbery is common. Racial killings are becoming more and more common. White landowners are particularly targeted and brutally murdered. Women especially western tourists should not travel alone as they often fall victim to a violent and brutal murder. Theft and robbery are quite common in and outside of the tourist areas. It is best to stay low key and to avoid exposing signs of wealth like flashy jewelry or being indiscreet with money. Victims are mostly targeted on the basis of wealth or around ATMs and Banks. Robbers usually follow their victims to secluded places to then use the opportunity. Wearing money belts is a good way of preventing pickpocketing and to keep money out of sight. Rental cars left in unguarded parking lots may be broken into. When in traffic it is vital to keep doors locked, it is also advised not to pick up strangers and to avoid helping people in the rural areas seemingly needing help. Gangs have been known to set up traps for tourists. It is best to report such sightings to the police. It is advised to avoid leaving resorts after dark even in groups. In doing so it is best to ask resort reception to order a reliable taxi. Taxis in the streets may also potentially be dangerous. South African laws state that narcotics of any kind and amount are illegal and punishable by jail.

Summary

Although South Africa is the most developed African nation it is also one of the most dangerous in terms of crime. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visas)
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa
http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/listeriosis-south-africa