To make your trip both safe and enjoyable, please take note of the following simple precautions, as you would in any other country.
At the Hotel
- Use only the main entrance of your hotel
- Plan your journey before you leave your hotel
- If you intend travelling off the beaten track, ask hotel staff at the reception desk to check your intended trip
- Place and keep all your valuables in your hotel's safety deposit box
- Ensure that your hotel room door is securely locked when you are in the room and whenever you leave it
- Should someone knock on your door, do not open the door before you have identified the person on the other side
- Be sure to leave your hotel room keys with hotel staff at the reception desk whenever you leave your room
On the Street
- It is preferable to carry certified copies of your passport and travel documents rather than the original documents
- Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery or cameras
- Never leave your property unattended to in any public place - even if you are on a guided tour
- Avoid dark, unlit or isolated places - rather travel in groups or, if alone, on well - lit busy streets
Travelling By car
- Make sure that your vehicle is in good running condition
- Plan your route in advance and make sure you have enough money and petrol to get to your destination and back
- Drive, when possible, with your vehicle's doors locked and the windows closed
- If approached by a stranger, do not open your window completely
- When stopping, leave sufficient space between your vehicle and the one in front of you
- Do not provide lifts to strangers and hitch-hikers
- Place all packages and personal items in the trunk of your vehicle
- Park in well-lit areas at night
If you see any suspicious activity, or experience an emergency, please call the South African Police Services (SAPS) at 10111 (Tollfree).
