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Can anyone tell me about South Africa?
TumtumTree · 17/10/2021 10:07
We have always wanted to go to South Africa and are thinking about a trip next year (Covid restrictions permitting).
I remember a few months ago there were terrible reports of looting and violence relating to the trial of the ex president Zuma. Is this likely to recur? The foreign office website doesn't mention it being a problem. Is it safe to travel there?
LaBellina · 19/10/2021 14:48
I have been there about 10 years ago so my experience is a bit dated I’m afraid. The most important stuff I remember from back then :
During day time it’s generally safe to walk on the street but keep an eye out for pickpockets. Do not wear jewelry or any visibly expensive bags, sunglasses, equipment etc. I even replaced my designer sunglasses for a cheap pair just for that holiday after talking to an acquaintance who grew up there.
Do not walk on the street at night and preferably travel by taxi. The driver would pick us up inside the restaurant and escort us from there to the car.
I never felt unsafe but it was clear you had to follow some rules to stay safe and keep an eye on your surroundings. The South African passenger sitting next to me on the plane warned me that if I would get robbed, to simply hand over my stuff or the risk of paying with my life would be very real.
DampSquidGames · 19/10/2021 15:12
I went 11 and 5 years ago and I felt safe. I did stick to doing touristy things. I stayed in Cape Town (at the V&A waterfront) and drove somewhere different each day. Places like Winelands, stellanbosch, Cape of Good Hope, the fabulous Chapmans peak drive, a boat trip to Robben island, Simon’s Town and Boulders beach, Table Bay, Botanical gardens.
The scenery was out of this world and I imagine I can still feel the warm breeze on my face. The food and wine was really good and prices cheap.
Triffid1 · 19/10/2021 17:12
@JayAlfredPrufrock
It’s in the Kruger. Which as I always used to joke “Wales, the size of the Kruger Park”, but of course it’s an awful lot bigger now since the boundary with Mozambique was opened.
"Game farm" is, you're right, a pretty ridiculous word for Kruger. But most South Africans will use it, or possibly "game park".
I'm south african and I still remember being surprised at the size of the "smaller" versions. eg the Pilanesburg was very much seen as Kruger's poor cousin but it's amazing!
Palavah · 19/10/2021 17:30
@Andante57
So the experiences of close friends are invalid? Only those who’ve visited a country are allowed an opinion?
Sure - quote the experiences of people close to you but don't pass it off as first hand.
I was robbed at knife point in Cape Town in broad daylight. The other 4 weeks I spent there were fine, i know hundreds of people who had no issues, I would still go back on holiday.
HeartsAndClubs · 19/10/2021 17:54
@ Andante57 do you tell people to be very careful about going to London because there are lots of stabbing s? Because there are you know….
South Africa does have a high crime rate, but most of that is indigenous, and much of it is tribal.
it absolutely is true that you shouldn’t walk around on your own at night and that you should proceed with caution depending on where you go. From my POV Johannesburg was a shithole 30 years ago, it’s just progressed downhill since then.
But the cape is beautiful, and is the biggest tourist part of the country, and as such much care is taken to protect those tourists.
OP I grew up in South Africa, and while security would put me off going back there to live, I am desperate to go back there for a holiday.
BlowDryRat · 19/10/2021 18:07
I visited SA by myself for work back in 2020 and would love to go back on holiday. Before I went, I was absolutely terrified because I'd heard so many horror stories but it was actually fine. I stayed in two different hotels, both with beautiful grounds and enough security for a small army. I took Ubers most places and when one driver got completely lost we had a laugh and worked it out together. Driving past the townships was sobering. The food was awful, even at the fancy hotels. Stunningly beautiful country though and all the people I interacted with were kind, helpful and friendly.
Andante57 · 19/10/2021 18:07
Andante57 do you tell people to be very careful about going to London because there are lots of stabbing s? Because there are you know
I would do if someone was planning a trip there and asked me. There are distraction robberies at ATMs which people don’t always expect so fall victim.
AnnieSnap · 19/10/2021 18:40
[quote JayAlfredPrufrock]@BlowDryRat
What a shame you had awful food. I’ve had fabulous food in S A[/quote]
I found it a challenge to get varied vegetarian food. Wherever we went, I was offered mushroom risotto. I didn’t dislike it. It was very tasty, but there is only so much of it you can eat without wanting to throw it at a wall 😂🤣 Admittedly, there will probably be good vegetarian restaurants in the big cities, but I wasn’t near them 🤷♀️
isthismylifenow · 19/10/2021 19:01
@HeartsAndClubs
South Africa does have a high crime rate, but most of that is indigenous, and much of it is tribal.
it absolutely is true that you shouldn’t walk around on your own at night and that you should proceed with caution depending on where you go. From my POV Johannesburg was a shithole 30 years ago, it’s just progressed downhill since then.
But the cape is beautiful, and is the biggest tourist part of the country, and as such much care is taken to protect those tourists.
OP I grew up in South Africa, and while security would put me off going back there to live, I am desperate to go back there for a holiday.
Ahem.
Jhb isn't a shithole. Some parts are run down yes, but that is the case everywhere.
It's probably the most diverse city in the whole country. Its the business capital, well Pretoria is, but same same. It's fast paced which CT is not. But it doesn't make it a shit hole. It has a vibe which I can't explain. It just had to be experienced imo.
Palavah · 19/10/2021 19:11
@Andante57
Another poster pointed out that it’s different living there to visiting as a tourist which I said was fair enough.
Your first post:
*Please be careful. It’s a very dangerous place.
I know there are few places with no risk of burglaries, mugging etc but SA has very high crime and it’s not exactly a relaxing holiday if you’re constantly looking over your shoulder.
If you are robbed and most likely hurt in the robbery, the police won’t do anything.*
isthismylifenow · 19/10/2021 19:12
There are more vegetarian/vegan options now than there was.
I even battle sometimes as I'm gluten intolerant and my dd is dairy intolerant. I know there has always been more choice of alternatives available overseas, and we were very much behind the times.
There are still way more meat eaters than non, so I suppose the restaurants menus reflected this. It's definitely changed now though. Only recently BK brought out a plant based burger. Everyone was ooohhh. 
There are most definitely vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Just not sure if smaller towns and cities have caught up yet.
isthismylifenow · 19/10/2021 19:21
@JayAlfredPrufrock
I think all the animals just loved lockdown. Our level 5 was mid winter and they just owned the sunny spots in the roads. They do claim them good spot anyway at times, but this was very heartwarming to see.
scully29 · 19/10/2021 20:55
Id have to say on the veggie/vegan front ( 3 years ago) we did fine - yes defo the only veggies at braai nights but the shops, restaurants etc all fab for veggies and super delicous, the food is fab. Even living rurally we were able to get plenty of vegan sausages etc, although we were an hour away from humous. And I never had risotto there!
AnnieSnap · 19/10/2021 22:48
@scully29
I was there in May ‘19. Either, I was unlucky or you were lucky in what we found. Totally worth the trip though.
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