| If you plan to visit South Africa in 2010, either | | | | mugging rates, as well as the Rotunda bus terminal |
| because of the World Cup, or simply because of the | | | | and the Central Business District. Gauteng province |
| nature and scenery, then you might already know | | | | has had reports of attacks towards foreign tourists |
| that the country is a bit dangerous. Fortunately, | | | | from Zimbabwe and neighboring states; steer clear |
| though, you can take some measures to avoid | | | | from that area if you can. |
| problems during your trip. This article has some travel | | | | Once it gets dark, stay only in traditional tourist areas |
| safety tips for you. | | | | that are well-lit. Durban's city center and the beach |
| Before arriving | | | | front area are two dangerous places at night. Stick |
| Among the basic things you need to arrange, such as | | | | to the bigger roads and avoid places such as Zululand |
| hotels and air tickets, you should also photocopy | | | | and North KwaZulu Natal, known for having many |
| your passport (the first ID pages and the relevant | | | | hi-jackings and robberies. A technique used very |
| visa pages pas well) and carry these copies | | | | often in South Africa is to pretend that the thief has |
| separately from your documents, just in case. If you | | | | a car trouble, and once you stop to help him/her, |
| are traveling with children, take a picture of them | | | | their partners will get you. Do not help strangers, and |
| showing their faces very clearly and bring along a | | | | do not offer rides as well. |
| copy printed on paper. This is especially important if | | | | Car hijacking also occurs in places such as Kruger |
| you are planning to go where multitudes of people | | | | Park. Although there is tighter police patrol there |
| gather. | | | | nowadays, always pay attention around you. Attacks |
| Also, arrange all your transportation needs before | | | | on Table Mountain might even be violent, and the |
| arriving to South Africa. During your trip between the | | | | worst hours on this park of the day are early in the |
| airport and the hotel, pay extra attention if people or | | | | morning and right before the closing time. |
| cars are following you. Usually travelers are tired and | | | | If you want to avoid problems with pickpocketing, |
| thieves take advantage of that to rob people on the | | | | consider buying a travel money belt. They are |
| way to their hotels. | | | | comfortable and allow you to carry safely your |
| While in S. Africa | | | | important documents, credit cards and the largest |
| Some areas you should avoid in Johannesburg are | | | | part of your money. |
| Berea and Hillbrow, specifically known for having high | | | | |