Safety in Africa

Safety is an issue that is paramount in the minds of volunteers visiting this South Africa. Safety is important and by following just a few guidelines your safety in South Africa is easy. Although South Africa is in many aspects a developed country, much of its population, particularly in rural areas, lives in poverty. There are adequate facilities in all South African urban centers, game parks and areas most commonly visited by tourists.

Medical facilities are good in all urban areas of South Africa and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but may be limited elsewhere. Food and water are generally safe and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available. There is continuing and significant street crime such as muggings, pick pocketing, and random street violence, which affects foreigners as well as local residents, especially in the center of major cities such as Johannesburg. Road conditions are generally good but there is a very high incidence of highway casualties, especially over holiday weekends.

When you travel or enjoy a gap year to South Africa the odds are in your favor that you will have a safe and incident-free volunteering period. However, crime and violence, as well as unexpected difficulties, do happen. In the hope of helping you avoid serious difficulties during your visit to South Africa, we have prepared a couple of precautions.

Precautions

Safety on the Street: Use the same common sense traveling in South Africa that you would at home. Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where you are likely to be victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities. Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets.

• Try not to travel alone at night. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
• Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide.
• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
• Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.
• If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.

Safety in South Africa when you drive: When you rent a car, don't go for the exotic; choose a type commonly available locally. Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat belts. As much as possible, avoid driving at night. Don't leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you, keep them out of sight locked in the trunk. Don't park your car on the street overnight. If your accommodation does not have a parking garage or other secure area, select a well-lit area. Never pick up hitchhikers.