I think this is an interesting situation: you have a variety of different travellers going to a destination that they normally wouldn’t consider based on a one-off “pull” factor. A lot of people out of their comfort zone!

I think rio will have the same issue with the olympics ( with a few more social issues mixed in) but I would see this as the safest time to see SA? If south Africa pull it off, it could be huge fir their tourism. Fail and it will be devistating! Hope it pays off for them.

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Totally agree with your comments about taking precautions. As long as you are sensible and use common sense it’s as safe as anywhere. Too much I believe is made of the issue and that of course feeds the fear. I grew up in Southern Africa and I’m proud of the area and what it offers. That is what should be celebrated, the culture and diversity. There is crime of course, like anywhere, but just be sensible and all you will remember is what an amazing country it is. Thanks for raising it Darren!

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The perception of crime in SA is much higher than the reality, the question to ask is how many people visit South Africa and go back to their countries safe/alive. 99.9%. Crime is problem but is confined to certain areas.

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I was just in South Africa, specifically in Cape Town, and while I’d love to say that it’s no more dangerous than any other big city, that’s not really true. The city does have a very high crime rate, an unfortunate byproduct of the huge disparity between rich and poor. Tourists who wander into the wrong areas at night have a high risk of running into trouble.

My husband and I were mugged on our first night in the city (the thieves didn’t get anything, and we also realized after the fact that we were certainly not in the right area to be in at night – another couple staying at the same guesthouse was also mugged in the area we were). But I don’t think that’s a reason not to visit.

The same common sense precautions that we really should take anywhere (but often don’t, with no consequences) should be taken in Cape Town:
when in doubt, take a cab (always a metered one) as in any place, don’t carry more cash then you need at night know where you should and should not go at night – ask at your hotel or guesthouse – and travel in groups when possible on busy streets in Cape Town like Long Street and Kloof Street, you’ll have no problems, just avoid dark, quiet side streets at night

I also think that the city is working really hard on making sure that it presents its best face to the world. The influx of people may mean that more criminals will be looking for their chance to make some money, but I also think it will mean a greatly increased security presence. I don’t think the safety issues should keep anyone from visiting (lots of people go and have no troubles at all), but visitors do need to be a bit more vigilant than they might need to be in other cities.

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Let me be frank – we have our fare share of crime and I’m not going to try and sugar-coat a trip to South Africa. I’ve lived in Cape Town practically my entire life and I work for the biggest local online news media company – just a stone’s throw away from the newly built Cape Town Stadium.

Having travelled to quite a few places across the globe, by no means all the places on my wish list, time and time again I come home and marvel at the beauty of the country and city I live in. It’s really sad that we have this negative deterrent that makes global citizens think twice about visiting here.

As a local I suppose I take it for granted that I know where and when to be careful. Yes, I know a friend, or a friend of a friend who has had their car or house broken into or been mugged but sadly I, like you, am susceptible to thinking “Oh it only happens to other people.” Especially, if I don’t exercise caution.

Understand, bad things happen to good people wherever you go in the world. So it’s important for you to be mindful of not acting like a giddy holidaymaker with maps and camera in tow. There are places where you can relax and have a unique holiday experience without any worries but you must be mindful of your surroundings. If you’re instinct tells you it looks and feels unsafe – you’re probably right.

There are a lot of us over here that are ready to welcome you and make it a safe experience so I hope you do come on over – and hopefully 2010 can go down as one of the best World Cups held

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Anyone visiting South Africa for the World Cup needs to be extremely careful and realise that the risk from violent crime is considerable.

I lived in South Africa up to the age of 22 and have lived in the UK & Europe for the past 12 years and still regularly holiday in South Africa in order to visit family. By European levels crime in South Africa is off the scale and will be beyond the experience of most world cup fans.

Fans should have their eyes and ears wide open at all times and here are a few top tips so you don’t become a victim of crime at the World Cup:

- Don’t walk through any city centre (or non tourist area) at night/outside business hours.
- Don’t use your mobile or display other valuables in public.
- Don’t carry/display large amounts of cash.
- Don’t even think of using a commuter train.
- Don’t consider entering a township area unless as part of an organised and accredited tour.
- Don’t leave any valuables on display in your car, even when driving.
- Drive with your windows up and door locked at all times.
- Be very careful when driving after dark.
- If your apartment has an alarm/security system make sure it is always set.
- Have your wits about you at all times.

I don’t mean to be a scare mongerer but I would rather people took all the proper precautions and didn’t become a victim of crime. By being careful fans can have a great time supporting their team in South Africa and only get legally fleeced by inflated prices.

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I’m travelling to South Africa tomorrow and will be visiting Cape Town, Durban and Jo’burg. I’ve never been to this part of the world before so it will be interesting to see how it measures up in this area.

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Hey Darren

It is an interesting talking point and one close to my heart – as I’m lucky enough to have spent a fair while in Cape Town. I’d totally agree with Katie that South Africa is working phenomenally hard to make sure World Cup visitors have both a fantastic and safe trip here.

My best, and simple, advice is that you do the sometimes unthinkable (if you’re a Londoner on a budget), and TAKE A TAXI. Resist the strong temptation to stroll along the street in the sunshine, soaking up the amazing sights. TAKE A TAXI. Avoid the temptation to rationalise along the lines of “ach, it’ll only take me 15 minutes to walk there. No sense in me hassling to get a cab, I could have walked there by the time it arrives.” Just, TAKE A TAXI. If you’ve already paid for the flight to South Africa just budget an extra 100 quid for taxis throughout your stay and you’ll probably come home with change and without a single holiday hiuccup.

I am by no means suggesting that you stay locked up indoors your entire stay, simply that unfortunate things tend to happen when people are en route from A to B. Most restaurants and bars are safe. Most hotels and apartments are very secure. Muggings often take place between A and B – in that space and time we tend not to think about or plan very well.

Finally, I would add that most South Africans I know in Cape Town do not advocate walking around at all at night time. Whilst driving and getting taxis everywhere may not come naturally to the British, we should follow the lead of the people who live here.

South Africa is beautiful and South Africans are some of the friendliest, most helpful people you will ever meet. I see no reason that the World Cup can’t be a great success.

Is South Africa too dangerous for World Cup 2010? No. Countries like South Africa deserve the massive opportunity that hosting the World Cup presents.

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I was born in South Africa before Apartheid ended. I went to all white schools and drove past the townships as a child. I was brought up in a small town where as a young teen I could go out and wander at night without being afraid.

I left South Africa in 1999. My family is still there, I rarely hear about anything happening to them but I am clever enough to realize that may just be luck.

Johannesburg has a reputation of being the city with the highest crime rate but honestly it depends where you are. It is paradise, and if you keep your wits about you (which means don’t wander around after dark) and are smart at how you look when you are being a “tourist” then you should be fine.

Talk to the locals if you want to, perhaps someone where you are staying. They will tell you where to stay away from and I guarantee the best seafood place, a great beach and at least one outstanding place to watch whales (as long as you are on the coast)

If you are looking got Paradise, go to Hermanus. Small fishing village that has the most amazing restaurants and hospitality.

It is world famous for its whale watching and has the beaches to boot! You will not be disappointed! South Africa is home to me, and to be honest crime rate or not it is the most beautiful and wonderful place in the world.

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Good day Darren, a while back, we put together a video with some real tips from locals in Cape Town to tourist. It can be viewed on youTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8W8QHiS818

Our contact details are at the end of the video, which probably violates you comment policies, but take a look, it has some great tips for tourists and a taxi ride through Cape Town.

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I am from London and have lived in South Africa for the last four years and happily call Cape Town home now. Indeed the level of crime in South Africa is high but by far the majority of visits to South Africa are completely trouble free.

Have I been the victim of crime here – Yes, why? Because I didnt listen to local advice, thought it would be fine to walk somewhere at the wrong time through the wrong places. Have I been a victim of crime in London – yes on a good few occasions.

I manage a tour operator based in South Africa and 99% of the 4000+ visitors we bring into South Africa each year have completely trouble free holidays. My family regularly visit me here and in the 15+ times various people have visited no one has had any problems. T

he one reason for this – they are listening to local advice. Come to South Africa, you will have an amazing time. The hospitality of the South Africans is second to none, just remember one thing – ASK ADVICE!

If you are staying in a hotel or guest house they will gladly give you the information you need or call you a licenced taxi to get you safely from A to B but do remember, if you’re coming for World Cup, its slap bang in the middle of our winter so be prepared to get wet.

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Cape Town has high crime rates confined to a few townships. On several occasions I’ve walked around the CBD, Waterfront and to the stadium, and surrounds with a camera around my neck. If you do decide to visit a township, well then accept that there is a greater risk but the Central City and surrounds is not very different neither is it much more dangerous than a Sydney, NY or London CBD. 1.7 million annual international tourists keep coming back each year.

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Having been to South Africa, I agree that it can be shady in parts, but for the most part it is safe. It’s like traveling to most places, it is not hard to find the places you should stick to and those you should avoid. Huge crowds may mean more terrorism or pick-pockets, but it also means more police, witnesses, and crowds. I look forward to attending the cup!!!

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Useful summary of some practical tips here http://ow.ly/SPXg See the “safety precautions” section after clicking “find out more”. Mainly confirms what everyone has been saying about common sense.

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My personal view is that visiting during the World Cup may potentially be one of the safest times to go to South Africa. During June the eyes of the world will be focussed on South Africa and I’m sure that security will be stepped up during the tournament. The South African government will surely be keen to capitalise on this massive opportunity to impress and they must see the World Cup as a shop window for South African tourism. Of course, the country has some crime issues and tourists should use plenty of common sense and be very mindful of how they present themselves and very careful when travelling around.

We (travelsupermarket) published a guide to travelling to the World Cup in December of last year.

For me personally, I’d love to be able to visit SA for the World Cup but I think I’d be more inclined to focus my visit on the southern areas such as Cape Town (which a friend of mine believes is the greatest city on Earth) and Port Elizabeth, perhaps avoiding areas such as Johannesburg and Durban initially.

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I’ve been to South Africa a few times, and travelled independently round most the country including the various cities hosting World Cup matches. It is an absolutely amazing country, simply stunning, quite possibly my favourite country on earth. Yes, there is a high crime in certain areas, but like most other comments above, I think if you are sensible, streetwise and sensitive to the local culture, you could have the most fantastic time.

But it’s not just about theft or muggings for valuables. More my concern for South Africa is how the visitors behave and the respect, or ignorance, shown towards the host country’s citizens,and the subsequent consequences the irresponsible few may bear.

The disrespectful few who may provoke and display unruly and destructive behaviour could have a shock to the system. Whilst there may be an increased security presence, drunk ignorant louts may not go down too well with the increased security presence, who may not have to show patience and tolerance of (most) police in this country. Or if they do run into local trouble, with no security presence around, it could be an altogether different level of reaction they see – there’s a much, much higher circulation of weapons and firearms than in the UK. And of course then there’s the HIV rates – and that’s a much bigger concern where ignorance is concerned.

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I was there three years ago and every day on TV it was discussions about security measures before World Cup. Interesting what was done. Personally I didn’t have any problems there even then. Although I stayed mostly near PE (Port Elisabeth), Capetown and tried to avoid J’burg centre at night.

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I have no advice, as i am travelling to South Africa myself for the first time this summer and looking to stay on after the World Cup. But I’s just like to say how helpful this post and comments have been to me. Thanks!

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I agree with what has been said about listening to locals, Since I am one, here is my 2 cents worth. I hate to say it, but if you are in the city, you do need to do things like put everything out of sight when you park your car, the trunk is the best bet. Use the alarm system, even if nothing happens, better safe.

Use common sense, be aware that HIV is an issue – don’t go drunkenly hooking up with someone without protection! Small towns tend to be safer than big cities, and since its small, there’s that whole thing going, so you have less to worry about. The advice about listening to locals is also important – I have lived here my whole life and can help you please listen to them. Remember locals know more and in the moment of trying to show off their country they will be more inclined to help you!

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I am a South African, born in Durban but now living in Joburg. SA has been hard at work gearing up for the World Cup, and quite honestly it has really pulled us together as a nation. There will be massive police presence all over, as safety for the tourists will be the focus.

BUT you NEED to read up on safety tips. You NEED to know which areas to avoid. Only go on tours with registered and reputable companies. Dont venture out on your own. Do a little research and choose a cab company and stick to them.

I recommend Mozzie Taxis in Durban and Roses in JHB. Otherwise you will be scammed out of your hard earned holiday money. Dont walk down the beachfront/street with your camera around your neck or your Ipod out in full view. Use SA Rand, avoid using Dollars as much as possible as you will be ripped off. Be aware of people trying to sell you items or beg for money, at robots (traffic lights), as this is a hijack and smash and grab tactic.

Familiarise yourself with the closest police station, and if you get bumped by another car, hit by a stone or waved to pull over, drive to the nearest police station, dont pull over. Make sure you know which route you are taking and avoid taking turnoffs off the highway that you do not know as these could lead you into dangerous areas.

When purchasing any items from markets or street vendors, be sure to check your purchase before you walk away as I have known foreign friends to buy what they thought was a cellphone but turned out to be a bar of soap in a box.

Also remember you CANNOT walk around some cities, anytime. Ask a local, we are a very friendly nation, and your visiting our country is a priviledge, so Im sure they would be happy to answer any qyuestions you have.

We have a community organisation in SA, called Mommies on a Mission, and we are happy to answer any questions or give advise where we can, on anything related to where to go in SA, from local South Africans. We are very aware that any incidents would negatively affect our tourism, which would create more issues fr the communities, so any little way we can help, we dont mind. Drop us a line if you want to know anything, and we’ll let you know . Give us a day or so to answer as we do work on African time

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All great tips and advice….as a resident of Cape Town for the last 25 years, I have had one ‘incident’ with criminals, but thats not because I am lucky, its because locals know better than to walk around with large sums of cash, and expensive cameras.

That rule generally applies for anywhere in the world where there are those less-fortunate people struggling day to day to make ends meet.

My best piece of advice is to try not LOOK like a bloody tourist! I have seen a taxi driver instantly quadruple a price without even blinking when asked for a price by someone who looked like a typical tourist.

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I was in South Africa last month, just outside Pretoria in a very nice suburb but everyone lives behind electronic gates and electrified fences. You do not walk anywhere, you do not drive with your car doors unlocked or windows open. It is a beautiful country but do not expect to walk the streets freely as you do in the UK because you just cannot safely do it.

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I’m a South African born and bred. In 30 odd years of living here (in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Johannesburg) I’ve never experienced any worse crime than 3 muggings. All 3 incidents happened in the exact same street and I was never hurt. Obviously this isn’t the case for everyone. Many people have been victims of terrible crimes. But the area you are in and the chances you take are what will make you a target as a tourist.

The best advice I can give is this
1. Listen to the advice locals give you and take it seriously.
2. Don’t carry anything unnecessary with you – cash, cards, passport etc.
3. Don’t leave any bag unattended or open, even when it’s on your person or you’re in a restaurant. Rather carry your cash in a pocket.
4. Don’t talk on a cellphone on the street. There have been incidents of them simply being grabbed out of hands mid call.
5. Use car taxi’s that post their rates on the door or hire a car. (Riki’s Taxi’s in Cape Town and Hurter’s in Port Elizabeth are good). Avoid mini-bus taxis that carry 15 (or usually far more) passengers. They are generally not road worthy and sometimes the drivers don’t even have licenses.
6. Always take a taxi / car at night. Don’t think you can walk because it’s only a few blocks and you’ll be fine.
7. If you do hire a car, park in a paid parking structure rather than on the street if you’re not sure of the area. Locals will be able to tell you if it’s ok to park on the street. There are “car guards” everywhere that you can pay a nominal fee to. They’re just there to make a few bucks, they won’t actually do anything to take care of your car. But you might get your car scratched if you tell them up front that you don’t need their services. Just be friendly.
8. Whether it’s in your hire car or hotel room, don’t leave anything of even the slightest value out in plain sight for anyone to see.
9. When flying into or around SA, always padlock your bags and, if the airport has the facilities for it, plastic wrap your case. CT and Joburg airports both have plastic wrapping available for a small fee.
10. Don’t walk around looking like a tourist and asking random beggars and drug dealers for advice or directions. You’ll be amazed how many tourists I see hiring guys on street corners. Take trips through reputable businesses, get your info from your hotel or guest house or a local in a restaurant, not someone who just wants money off you.
11. There are A LOT of beggars everywhere in SA. You can’t give money to everyone or you’ll be broke before you head home and you can’t believe most of the schemes and stories they have. Crystal Meth use and alcohol abuse is a particularly big problem and you’re sometimes just feeding a habit. If you want to help rather donate to a good charity or go to a shelter and pay for a bed for someone or buy something from someone who is making the effort to try to work. Also don’t be alarmed by the guys who carry black bags around at traffic lights. They will take rubbish from your car for a small donation. But you may also get street vendors who will simply throw things into your car and then demand the money. So it’s best to keep windows up.
12. If you are in a scary looking neighbourhood and you’re the only car at a red light and you see some dodgy looking characters around, just treat it as a stop sign if it’s safe to do so. This may not be legal but it’s better than being hi-jacked.
13. Wear a condom. Always! HIV / AIDS is rife here.
14. Avoid city centres after dark and be very vigilant at train or bus stations.
15. People do not know how to drive in SA. Everyone has their particular brand of idiocy on the roads but you will find that nobody adheres totally to the rules of the road. People speed, they drive when drunk, they ignore lines on the road and red lights, they go whatever speed they want. So drive carefully, and if you’re a pedestrian walk carefully.

On the plus side:
If where you’re staying looks and feels safe you can generally relax, nothing is going to happen to you. During the day, most tourist areas are totally safe to walk around. Just hang onto handbags, cameras etc.

In Cape Town – go for a trip up Table Mountain (walk or cable car). Make sure it’s on a clear day (dress warm), you can also climb Lion’s Head if Table Mountain is too scary. (It can be a dangerous trip unless you have someone with you who knows the path) Lion’s Head is an easy(ish) walk of about 2 to 3 hours with a magnificent view of the city, harbour and beaches. The Waterfront offers great shopping (local and international stores and craft markets) and harbour trips. You can also catch a ferry to Robben Island from here. There are a variety of restaurants, pubs and entertainment here too. There are several theatres in CT – Artscape, The Baxter, Kalk Bay and the 3 University theatres will all have shows on. And of course the city is surrounded by Vineyards for you to do some tasting. If you’re looking for late night pubs and clubs go to Long Street. And the Vaudeville theatre is also a great night out. CT has winter rainfall so come prepared.

Port Elizabeth is usually quite mild in winter and with little rain. Although it is a much smaller town, it is situated an hours drive from Grahamstown where the National Arts Festival will be running for most of the World Cup. This is the 2nd largest Arts Festival in the world. The entire town becomes a space for theatre, music and art. Port Elizabeth (or PE as it is known) is also home to Seaview Lion Park, Kragga Kamma Game Park and just a 40 minute drive away, The Addo Elephant National Park. PE has beautiful blue flag beaches running for miles with a far more pleasant temperature than CT, and there are several restaurants and pubs in the Boardwalk shopping complex and casino right across from Hobie beach. PE also has several theatres – the Opera House, Little Theatre and Savoy which is staging productions during the World Cup.

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I am a UK Citizen and lived in Durban for 4 years and travelled all around your country.
I’ve had Klippies & Coke with the weathiest Whites, Mutton Bunnies with the Indians, Cane with poorer Coloureds and shared a bottle or two of Castle with the poorest blacks in the townships.
You have a country that’s filled with extremes – Rich & Poor, Deluxe penthouses & Shanty towns, Greedy & Generous, Black & White but its those contrasts that make it so unique.

To my fellow citizens visiting, all I will say is to
Constantly be vigilant and keep your wits about you.
Never make yourself a target, there are hundreds watching for any weaknesses and ready to pounce.
Don’t wear jewelry, not even a watch and walk around with confidence – but not like you own the place !
You will be sheltered from the “Real Africa” by officials for good reason.

Race is a big issue there and although you know it’s wrong, don’t try to change their views by preaching tolerance – it will fall on deaf ears.
Use your own judgement about who you can trust, there are many wonderful people in South Africa but they are all hardened to a much tougher lifestyle that you are used to (even if you are from Liverpool or Brixton ) and have their own agendas.

Above all enjoy yourselves
(despite the disappointment that you never saw any Elephants or Giraffes in Durban, only a few blue-bummed monkeys )

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It’s a beautiful country, but you must also be vigilant. South Africa was just added to Genocide Watch List as a country at risk, and there is a fair amount of racist and anti-foreign rhetoric (read any SA news site to see what I’m referring to). That said, most people just want to have a good time and enjoy the World Cup. Just don’t argue race or politics.

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Hi, I lived in Joburg until I was 18 and now live in NZ. Just returned from a 6 week visit to family in Joburg. To be blunt…AVOID AVOID AVOID Johannesburg – walking around downtown is asking for trouble, don’t go showing your camera, phone, ipod, and money. Sandton (boring) is the area tourists should stay but it’s still not 100% free of crime.

A friend’s mum was recently killed by four men who entered her apartment in Sandton and shot her when she return home to find them making off with the tv. The police won’t do anything without a decent bribe especially if it’s a white complainant because they know that white South Africans/tourists are generally wealthier than black people.

You get used to being cooped up inside all the time – don’t bother trying to walk anywhere, too dangerous. Make sure the place you stay has a proper security system installed. Take out travel and medical insurance! can’t emphasise that enough

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I am proudly South African! I am soo happy that world has seen what a beautiful country we live in! There is no other place like South Africa!!

I have travelled the world and every time I return home I love our country that much more! PS: Jamie if you have such a negative attitude we are glad ppl like you have left!

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