Is south africa reasonably safe?

[JG26Irish_2]

I was in Limpopo in 2024 and plan to return later this year. I never felt overtly unsafe while in country. As is my habit, I am very aware of my surroundings when in an unfamiliar place. I watch and listen and maintain a higher SA than I would when in my safe space. But, that is true when I am in Atlanta, Chicago, or LA also. The only times, I saw my PH get on a higher state of alert was when entering or exiting the airport at night and in Joburg once when a group of street vendors began beating on a driver who had tossed a drink into the face of one of them. That guy started it and got the reward for his misbehavior. Joburg is about like any large American city and has its share of crime. Just stay aware, do not wander around alone or after dark.

In fact, my PH and his wife were in Atlanta last January and witnessed a drive by shooting between two gangs in downtown while there. They felt more at risk in parts of the USA than they ever do in SA.

 

[Philip Glass]

Trump is calling attention to the many problems in South Africa. This is needed. Just because it is now in the news does not mean anything has changed there.
Our Christian school takes the juniors and seniors on an annual mission trip to Guatemala. We always have some parents get up in arms and overcome with fear due to reading the State Department bulletins. They wind up not letting their kids have this epic experience. It is completely safe and we walk around the small town we work in every day. It is similar to RSA or Chicago or most anywhere on the planet. Stay out of the big cities at night and you will never know there are problems in the country!

 

[Daveboone]

We went to SA, hunting Eastern Cape (via Jburg) in 2022. Jburg (especially at night) is a spooky place to Americans, but we took a day tour with a private driver, and hit downtown, and Soweto...sites of the infamous riots. Eye opening, but we never had a concern. Locals have no clue as to American politics (and most likely thier own countries), to have any concern with Americans. Do not dress flash, key it down...avoid totally "look at me" clothes....designer labels, safari clothes, logo shit, etc. Dont carry camera bags, etc.
In the major airports, you will have many "porters" approach you to offer help. Assume NONE are airport approved, but politely say "no thanks". They are just looking for a few bucks for tips, which is what they live on. The poverty will be eye opening. Once at your destination, no concerns whatsoever.
We would return in a heartbeat, but other places to see first.

 

[Bandera]

Our trip in 2023
J’Burg in general did not feel unsafe.
Soweto Township, very touristy but danger was lurking. We hoped out of the Van near Mandelas home. Quick scan of the surroundings and people, saw a big cheeseburger eating dude eyeing us. Eye contact made and he gave us a nod. Off we went. Other than that no issues or problems.
We later sat and drank in the Soweto brewery for a couple of hours. Again no issues.
Tip if drinking there, the bathrooms are outside and tucked in the back. For the ladies an escort while most likely not needed is always a good idea.
Cape Town had a very safe feel to it where we were. People out walking to and from restaurants after dark.
Pretoria same vibe as Cape Town.

South Africa in general seems like any other place. Going looking for trouble and trouble finds you.

Adapt the Gray-man attitude and blend in. There are enough idgits dressed flashy and doing the look at me thing that you will be overlooked.

Learn to say no, no thank you, I don’t want, in several different languages. It confuses the heck out of the locals when they try to sell you things.

 

[Hogpatrol]

When at Tambo and I get approached by all the helpers, I just tell them I'm looking for Bruce. End of conversation. Those that use Gracy will know.

 

[Wiley64]

There are definitely safer places to go, but they aren’t going to scratch my itch for adventure. I try not to hang on to life too tightly. You can go somewhere and be safe, even if that place isn’t particularly safe in general. If you are deliberate and have good ph and plan your travels accordingly you will be rewarded with stories to tell!

 

[AfricaRob]

Ifs mostly safe - lived in Africa 25 years and 13 of them in Joburg.
Be aware and don’t flash cash or expensive watches or jewelry- like anywhere including US/UK.

If you are taking grandchildren make sure they wear seatbelts. November can be hot so drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun.

Small pockets of Limpopo have malaria sometimes - I don’t consider it a risk but worth checking depending on where you are staying.

It’s beautiful enjoy and make sure the kids get to walk in the bush properly not just in the truck.

I envy the person who gets to see Africa for the first time.

“The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to.”

* Richard Mullin

 

[Malambo]

Besides the news. SA has its issues about crimes, for ever.
Most of the locals carry guns at every moment, that means something.
You have to be more aware and carefull than in your country.
You don't want to go to downtown Johanesburg, not even in day light.
My friend living there was victim of theft and on another time his house was burgled.
Nevertheless, I've been to SA many times as traveler with couple and little children.
Been to many of its provinces. I do my own driving. Never have a problem, nor I did on the other african countries i have visited. Only once they try to scam me one night in Tanzania, it didn't work.
I love SA.
Be carefull and enjoy

 

[schwerpunkt88]

Everywhere you go, from South Africa to Detroit is "reasonably safe" right up until the moment it isn't. I tell my students, when they think about concealed carry, you have to honestly ask yourself, do you believe you'll ever be in the position where you might have to worry about being confronted in a scenario that could result in death or great bodily harm? If no, then don't carry. I'm a student of Nasim Taleb and recognize tail events, events many deviations from the mean, do occur. Not frequently as some people mistakenly conclude, but the risk is not zero. Most people who read these pages are by nature not risk averse- we've all got to die sometime. So, I'd go.

 

[coreydb]

Tune everything out you hear and read. It's intentional anxiety producing BS to sell their networks. Listen to the people who actually go there (US).

 

[swashington]

Yes it is safe, my wife and I are in East Cape right now on our honeymoon. As stated by others stick with your PH and they will take care of you. My PH knows everyone in the area and is very well respected by all. The only thing that will make you nervous are animals and riding in a car on the left side at night. Terrifying!

 

[JG26Irish_2]

South Africa in general seems like any other place. Going looking for trouble and trouble finds you.

Adapt the Gray-man attitude and blend in. There are enough idgits dressed flashy and doing the look at me thing that you will be overlooked.

Learn to say no, no thank you, I don’t want, in several different languages. It confuses the heck out of the locals when they try to sell you things.

The former Chief of Police from Baton Rouge, LA once told me this: Be aware, if a potential threat is encountered, make eye contact, if they approach you change directions, if they continue to approach, raise your hand and say with authority but not in a threatening tone, "Stop, I don't have time to talk." This will halt 90+% of potential bad guys just long enough to allow you to proceed unmolested. Most bad guys are looking for weakness, as they are predators. Project confidence and awareness and they will see you as being too much trouble to mess with. Learn the Afrikaans Phrase, "Stop, ek het nie tyd vir jou nie" Translation: "Stop, I have no time for you". Another is, "Ek is nie die man wat jy soek nie", translation, "I am not the man you seek". All you need is to cause them to pause for a moment while you proceed out of danger.

Agree 100% on the Grey Man approach. Dress agnostic. No American Flags, Harley Davidson shirts or anything with English words printed on it. No flash, no cash, blend in as much as possible.

 

[Brian]

I and my family have spent many months in South Africa over the last decade.

Simple rules for your first trip. Same as anywhere in the world.
- Always use a guide for touring.
- Never go anywhere without your guide.
- Dress down with plain clothes and shoes, no jewelry etc.
- Don't be stupid or intoxicated. Exercise some situational awareness.
- Always have a focused demeanour, don't look like a tourist, when in doubt, be quiet in public.
- Mind your own business.

Yes, Johannesburg is designated a war zone by international's standards. Look it up.
South Africa is an awesome and vibrant country. There are many things to do there in addition to hunting. We love visiting and exploring South Africa.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I’ve been to RSA many times. Never a significant instance or event that made me feel unsafe.

I always feel uncomfortable arriving and departing O.R. Tambo. I don’t like the aggressive efforts by “porters”. Some will follow you to your vehicle. If you allow them to “help” you may put yourself at risk of having something stolen. I politely, but firmly, say no thanks.

One time,4 of us, on my 2nd to last Safari flew in late, had to stay at a safe house/guest house and on what felt like a back street, at night, were overtaken by a 4 door car that stopped in front of us. It unsettled everyone, including me, and two of my guests were voicing concern. We were in a van towing a trailer with our guns and gear. The driver did not stop, but aggressively drove around. The car did follow us but it wasn’t a pursuit. They broke off shortly before we reached the guest house. I will no longer arrive on the late flight and stay over in JoBerg. I’ll fly Emirates through Dubai and transit with layover through Dubai so I can arrive in the morning and travel during the morning or afternoon.

The other thing that has changed is the amount of patrol stops or efforts to stop and question drivers while traveling on the highways in South Africa. I’ve travelled by Landcruiser from Limpopo to the Freestates and noticed more of this and the concern from my PH that an effort to harass outfitters assuming they travel with guns and may result in some type of violation or at least a bribe attempt. We simply did not stop at any hint of a request. This unsettled me even though we were Traveling “Legally” with 2 rifles. That didn’t seem to be an issue 10 years ago.

Other than that, everything has been pleasant, comfortable, and nice. I plan on going back!

**I have had to dig up, test, and/or replace sections of high pressure gas pipeline through the worst parts of Oakland and San Francisco where we had 24 hour armed security and I asked our people to not work alone or at least not have their phones or wallets on them, but locked in their trucks!