Hi Nathan

I completely understand the frustration that you - and many of us have - with people posting on here :

Is it safe? I am told (never says by whom) that Joburg is the most dangerous place in the world? A guy I met in the pub who lived in South Africa 25 years ago says that I am crazy to even think of going there in holiday! - Why does he know more than the thousands of toursits who come here every year and have "the best holiday we have ever had - and will be back as soon as we can". Well 6 million tourists a year actually!

But we have to bite these frustrations and point people where they can find the real information. We need the visitors, tourism and jobs for all! Next time, maybe, bite before you post!

Nathan N,

unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!

What kind of a advise is that???????? I am flabbergasted.

Never has my flabber been that gasted!

Maybe you should remove the comment you made yourself.

Klaus

-Owner Abangane-

Hazyview

Hi

Just a quick comment on the post that has been removed from someone looking forward to their first trip next month. I completely understand the frustration of those of you who give your time to help us out with such excellent and helpful advice, especially as I posted a similar question last year! For all the reasons that Van has given you only have to mention SA holidays to someone who has never been there, to receive a stream of bigoted and perhaps stereotypical views. My mother is one example! It would be interesting to see an analysis of what countries people are from who post about safety, but I wonder if the UK is reasonably high on the list - somewhat ironic given the high profile violence happening here. Interestingly I've made the best part of 15 self drive tours covering 30 of the United States without a single person telling me it's unsafe, despite the high profile violence reported here.

So, just wanted to reassure you experts that your advice is appreciated and frustration understood. Would it be possible for links to the SA forum to be prefaced with direction to existing posts? A risk of highlighting the perceived problem but certainly when I asked about safety I didn't know how Trip worked so just came out with the question without researching the site. Stupid but there we go. Thanks again for your time, advice and excellent suggestions.

everden,

I am sure that even if you had the time to read the 29,000 on this forum, you will be able to count on 2 or even 1 hand a posting where a tourist has been a victim of crime.

You should definitely not cancel your trip. Whilst we do have incidents of crime in this country, in areas where tourists find them it is limited. I am willing to bet that in the touristy areas it is safer than even places in Europe or perhaps the USA. Like in any country there are safe and less safe areas - the same applies in South Africa. Just do your homework and do not venture into downtown Johannesburg with big cameras and wallets being displayed. The answer (as for most places in the world) use your common sense and trust your gut feel.

It actually angers me that South Africa has gained this reputation and although it could be justified in some instances, the situation is great exaggerated. Happy to answer any queries that you might have.

Fully support your sentiment. Crime does happen in South Africa, like in any major world city but the situation is greatly exaggerated.

Thank you so much for your post. I do feel much better.

Hi, just to add my view, we went to Cape Town/Kruger 6 years ago, much against the wishes of our family, especially my dad who was really concerned about our 'safety'. We promised we would make contact every day, phone or Skype just to reassure them all was well which we did. Going back again in September for our 4th visit and ...... My 80 year old dad is coming with us, he says he has never heard me enthuse about anything else in my 60 years as I do about Kruger, so he is going to give it a go!

Thanks Merlin for your words, always a pleasure from return visitors to Kruger!

I hope your father has a wonderful time.

No don't cancel!! You will have a local with you which is great but I just think be sensible and exercise your normal safety precautions. I was concerned before my first trip to SA in 2012 but reassured myself that my husband lived there for almost 30 years in johannesburg and cape town and nothing bad ever happened to him! Have a wonderful time.