Is South Africa still safe to hunt?

[TnKen]

Most dangerous part of my trip was riding in car with ph from the airport to the farm. Man those roads get bad and they drive fast.

That’s what I told everyone when I got back. If I was going to die in Africa , it was going to be a car wreck

 

[fourfive8]

Most dangerous part of my trip was riding in car with ph from the airport to the farm. Man those roads get bad and they drive fast.

Now that’s a fact!
I’ve hunted Africa several times and have always gone alone. Never felt threatened. Just have to be smart about where you go… I wouldn’t bar hop around Jtown

 

[PARA45]

In 2022, I went on my second safari and traveled to the Eastern Cape and then the Kalahari. I was alone and never felt unsafe, the PH will take excellent care of you and he/she will ensure you are safe. Follow the directions others have provided (VIP, rifle permits, etc) and enjoy the safari. I leave for my 4th safari in 15 days.

 

[Stephen Ausband]

Relax and enjoy your trip. You'll be fine. There will be annoying guys at the Jo'berg airport wanting to "help" you with luggage and stuff for a tip, but if you're being met there by your PH or someone from the Afton staff, you don't even have to worry about that.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Or you could go to the birthplace of our nation and see the Liberty Bell. Then again, maybe not.

Police say at least 5 guns used in Memorial Day's mass shooting in Fairmount Park

Police in Philadelphia report that investigators now believe there were five guns used in the mass shooting that left 2 dead, 9 hurt in Fairmount Park on Memorial Day.

www.nbcphiladelphia.com

 

[sjones42347]

A buddy and I are set to go on our first hunting safari this upcoming July in South Africa. We'll be flying into Johannesburg. We have a VIP meet/greet escort with the Afton House where we'll stay the night. We fly out the next morning into Kimberly where we'll be picked up by the outfitter and driven to their property on the outskirts of Aliwal North. The return is the same vice versa. My friend has grown very concerned over the news here in the States about white genocide and farmers being targeted and other crime. I don't believe most of it, but he's considering cancelling over it. I'm looking to get feedback from people in South Africa or that have just gotten back. What's the reality of it? Does Julius Malema really have people raiding farms? Are black South Africans targeting white tourists? Is there really anything to be concerned about? If he cancels then I probably won't go alone.

Ill be flying into Kimberley in July as well (but from Cape Town) and am not worried at all. Biggest concern is getting scammed in the airport lol

 

[Nyati]

Ill be flying into Kimberley in July as well (but from Cape Town) and am not worried at all. Biggest concern is getting scammed in the airport lol

Not in Kimberley !

It´s one of those small town airports where you walk from the airplaine to the terminal.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Not in Kimberley !

It´s one of those small town airports where you walk from the airplaine to the terminal.

The guy who was in charge of inspecting guns at Kimberly airport when I disembarked looked to be a PH. White middle-aged, rugby build, safari shirt, shorts. Very quick getting us on our way. It's a bit different up there. We hunted a property where I shot my buffalo bull. The owner was an interesting guy. Rather short, about my age, not big but sinewy. He clearly looked "Don't mess with me." My PH told me he was guiding a client there the year before when the black police flew in with a helicopter to pick this guy up. They had a serious problem of some sort with somebody and knew Alec was the man who could fix it. Yeah, I believe he was a fixer! Most of the RSA police couldn't fix a bike with a flat tire.

 

[sjones42347]

Not in Kimberley !

It´s one of those small town airports where you walk from the airplaine to the terminal.

Im talking more about Cape Town lol

 

[coreydb]

Enjoy your trip and don't worry. Turmoil sells; safe day to day doesn't......I spent 33 years in conflict zones. Concern yourself only when the SA government says it can no longer guarantee visitors' safety, and it takes a lot of crap to get to that point.

 

[ActionBob]

I did get hurt on my very first trip to South Africa.

Had a flight delayed from Joburg to PE but made it late but ok. PH drove to the camp in the dark so we got to see some critters in the headlights.

Hunted 9 days, toured 11 days with me driving a rental car with a rented GPS and booking half the hotels on the way same day or day before. Parked in various public parking lots, drive through small town amd down dirt roads only watching the fuel gauge. Went to public beaches, parks, shops, etc. Then finished up with 4 days unguided in and around Cape Town dealing with panhandlers, baboons, etc.

Out of all that, I got wounded while taking a trophy photo of a springbok where I sat on a cactus

 

[lkydvl]

Was just there, its fine....GO!

 

[Philip Glass]

I was at Caesars Palace last night in Las Vegas. One block away by the Bellagio fountains there was a double homicide. Evidently a social media squabble led to a tragedy.
I use this as an example of a situation that no one would use as a reason to not visit Las Vegas.

 

[ActionBob]

I was at Caesars Palace last night in Las Vegas. One block away by the Bellagio fountains there was a double homicide. Evidently a social media squabble led to a tragedy.
I use this as an example of a situation that no one would use as a reason to not visit Las Vegas.

So Facebook does kill!

 

[Philip Glass]

So Facebook does kill!

Evidently. Sad deal there.

 

[spike.t]

A buddy and I are set to go on our first hunting safari this upcoming July in South Africa. We'll be flying into Johannesburg. We have a VIP meet/greet escort with the Afton House where we'll stay the night. We fly out the next morning into Kimberly where we'll be picked up by the outfitter and driven to their property on the outskirts of Aliwal North. The return is the same vice versa. My friend has grown very concerned over the news here in the States about white genocide and farmers being targeted and other crime. I don't believe most of it, but he's considering cancelling over it. I'm looking to get feedback from people in South Africa or that have just gotten back. What's the reality of it? Does Julius Malema really have people raiding farms? Are black South Africans targeting white tourists? Is there really anything to be concerned about? If he cancels then I probably won't go alone.

Yeah just come to zambia instead of that dodgy SA place.....

 

[crackerman]

Posted from a similar thread but just go and going by yourself is not bad. I did.

I’m guessing you haven’t travelled internationally a lot, If you have I apologize.

Your worry is valid but extremely low. I just went in April and I had the same worries somewhat but found it to be very similar to other places I’ve been. Don’t go places that feel sketchy and trust your guide aka PH. Tourists bring cash and even bad guys have legit business to keep going. They don’t want to scare off people who spend big and then go away.

When we were out It was extremely obvious that we were a hunting truck and despite my best efforts I’m sure I screamed tourist hunter. I could tell all the locals knew I was.

Same vibes I have gotten in Mexico, Taiwan, and Jamaica. While a little overcharging, petty pickpocketing, or harassment happens I’ve always felt everyone from the cops to really hardcore crims known not to ruin tourist destinations. That’s not to minimize that violence can find you anywhere but I felt safer in my week in South Africa then I did in downtown LA skid row or on the US border in Texas for solo business trips.

 

[swashington]

Just got back last week, a week in the East Cape and 4 days in Cape Town. Doesn't seem that much different than home, especially in Cape Town. Just relax and have a great time. I took my wife on our honeymoon. Hope she isn't more manly than your buddy. Time to butch up and go hunting.

Seriously though, I asked the same question before I left. When you get there speak with your PH a lot to learn about the reality of the situation over there. You will learn a lot.

 

[jlb1036]

totally safe

 

[ActionBob]

totally safe

Ok that's not true. Safe enough, absolutely. But where is really totally safe anymore?

Should people be paranoid or worry about going to RSA? No. Should they stay aware of surroundings, keep their head on a swivel, be as prepared as they can, ask about concerns and seek local information? Absolutely yes.

Should hunters in particular go and Travel through Johannesburg without above average travel concern. Yes!