Anyone been to South Africa?

AAlmeter · 05-13-2010, 04:03 PM

I got engaged a few months ago, and one place we're considering is South Africa....but I'm a little leery because of the crime situation.

Has anyone been there that can offer some guidance?

The Poet · 05-13-2010, 04:12 PM

Never been, but I'd suggest you avoid District 9.

pinotguy · 05-13-2010, 04:26 PM

Yes - I spent three weeks there back in 2000. Managed to see quite a bit of the country. Started in Jo-'burg and, fortunately, did not spend a lot of time there. Just went through customs at the airport and rented cars. Drove north into the Free State and stayed for a week on a game preserve. Then drove to Durban in KZN for a few days. Flew from Durban to Cape Town and spent the remaining time in the wine country, just north of the city. It is a stunning country. Certainly it pays to be aware and cautious as a tourist. RSA does have its fair share of crime but to be honest, I'd feel less safe in Mexico these days than I would in most of Southern Africa.

Another country you might consider visiting, as an alternative, is Namibia. I was fortunate enough to go there last fall on a hunting safari. A lot less people and equally as beautiful.

Not sure when you're thinking about going, but I'd try and avoid July and August of this year because of the World Cup. Airfare, accommodation, car rental, etc. are sky-high right now.

PM me if you'd like to talk more. I love Africa and spend most of my waking moments thinking about getting back.

pnoon · 05-13-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinotguy

Not sure when you're thinking about going, but I'd try and avoid July and August of this year because of the World Cup.

The World Cup runs from June 11-July 11

AAlmeter · 05-13-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinotguy

Yes - I spent three weeks there back in 2000. Managed to see quite a bit of the country. Started in Jo-'burg and, fortunately, did not spend a lot of time there. Just went through customs at the airport and rented cars. Drove north into the Free State and stayed for a week on a game preserve. Then drove to Durban in KZN for a few days. Flew from Durban to Cape Town and spent the remaining time in the wine country, just north of the city. It is a stunning country. Certainly it pays to be aware and cautious as a tourist. RSA does have its fair share of crime but to be honest, I'd feel less safe in Mexico these days than I would in most of Southern Africa.

Another country you might consider visiting, as an alternative, is Namibia. I was fortunate enough to go there last fall on a hunting safari. A lot less people and equally as beautiful.

Not sure when you're thinking about going, but I'd try and avoid July and August of this year because of the World Cup. Airfare, accommodation, car rental, etc. are sky-high right now.

PM me if you'd like to talk more. I love Africa and spend most of my waking moments thinking about getting back.

Pinotguy, much thanks...your insights have already been valuable. I'll definitely be PMing you in the future.

BTW...We're likely looking at going sometime during the summer of 2011

Genetic Defect · 05-13-2010, 04:46 PM

I had a car that was assembled there, does that help?

hotreds · 05-13-2010, 04:50 PM

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1008.html

Likely you're familiar with this, if not, hope it helps!

Eleven · 05-13-2010, 06:32 PM

Fookin Prawns!

Don Fernando · 05-14-2010, 02:08 AM

I believe Safariguy has been there, you might want to send him a pm

05-13-2010, 04:03 PM	#1
AAlmeter F.U.B.O. Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Adam Location: Buffalo Posts: 288 Trading: (0)	Anyone been to South Africa? I got engaged a few months ago, and one place we're considering is South Africa....but I'm a little leery because of the crime situation. Has anyone been there that can offer some guidance?

05-13-2010, 04:12 PM	#2
The Poet Il megglior fabbro Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Thomas Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8,420 Trading: (2)	Re: Anyone been to South Africa? Never been, but I'd suggest you avoid District 9.

05-13-2010, 04:26 PM	#3
pinotguy Still Watching My Back Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 200 Trading: (13)	Re: Anyone been to South Africa? Yes - I spent three weeks there back in 2000. Managed to see quite a bit of the country. Started in Jo-'burg and, fortunately, did not spend a lot of time there. Just went through customs at the airport and rented cars. Drove north into the Free State and stayed for a week on a game preserve. Then drove to Durban in KZN for a few days. Flew from Durban to Cape Town and spent the remaining time in the wine country, just north of the city. It is a stunning country. Certainly it pays to be aware and cautious as a tourist. RSA does have its fair share of crime but to be honest, I'd feel less safe in Mexico these days than I would in most of Southern Africa. Another country you might consider visiting, as an alternative, is Namibia. I was fortunate enough to go there last fall on a hunting safari. A lot less people and equally as beautiful. Not sure when you're thinking about going, but I'd try and avoid July and August of this year because of the World Cup. Airfare, accommodation, car rental, etc. are sky-high right now. PM me if you'd like to talk more. I love Africa and spend most of my waking moments thinking about getting back.

05-13-2010, 04:46 PM	#6
Genetic Defect difetosso Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Perry Location: An elevator Posts: 5,202 Trading: (5)	Re: Anyone been to South Africa? I had a car that was assembled there, does that help?

05-13-2010, 04:50 PM	#7
hotreds Ephesians 2:8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5 miles past "Resume Speed" Posts: 11,662 Trading: (63)	Re: Anyone been to South Africa? http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1008.html Likely you're familiar with this, if not, hope it helps! __________________ God loves you so much, that he made you read this, just to let you know.

05-13-2010, 06:32 PM	#8
Eleven Solid As The Sun Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Scott Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,859 Trading: (23)	Re: Anyone been to South Africa? Fookin Prawns! __________________ CA: putting the 'man' in bromance since 2008! --markem.

05-14-2010, 02:08 AM	#9
Don Fernando Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ferdinand Location: Singapore Posts: 10,068 Trading: (29)	Re: Anyone been to South Africa? I believe Safariguy has been there, you might want to send him a pm __________________ check out my reviews on my blog.