TIPS FOR KEEPING SAFE

ON THE STREET:

• Do not make yourself an easy target by displaying cellphones, expensive jewellery, cameras and money.
• Avoid areas that are not well lit, stick to busy streets.  If you are unsure of your location, drive to the nearest police station for directions.
• Never leave your baggage unattended and make use of official porters where possible.
• Always keep your bag on your person.

 ON THE ROAD:

• South Africa has an extensive road network which is generally of a very high standard. All     roads are well marked.
• Most national roads in the country(N) are also toll roads so keep cash handy.  Toll roads have SOS call boxes for emergencies.
• Always make sure that you have sufficient petrol.
• Self-drive clients - petrol available at ± (ZAR) R7.10 per litre.
• Speed limits are as follows unless otherwise demarcated.
1. The speed limit on National and major roads is 120 km
2. When approaching towns, villages and crossings is 80 km
3. The speed limit when driving in towns and villages is 60 km
 

• Don't forget that in South Africa we drive on the left hand side of the road!
• Ask for a list of taxis or buses from your hotel when using public transport.
• When travelling in the larger centres, keep windows up and doors locked at all times.
• Make sure valuables are locked in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Only use designated picnic spots or service stations when stopping for a rest.
• Stop in well lit areas when travelling at night.
• Do not under any circumstances pick up strangers.  If you encounter an accident, drive to the nearest service or police station or use your cell phone to call for help.  Do not stop!
• If for some reason you do need to stop, pull well off the road and use your emergency lights to warn other motorists.
• If you find yourself lost, drive to the nearest police station, service station or business for directions.
• Make sure you are familiar with the rules of the road.  Look out for SOS phones on most major roads.
• Cell phone reception in South Africa is good, make sure you have a hands free kit for your vehicle to avoid traffic fines.
• Be sure to carry translations for licenses in foreign languages as this is compulsory.
• If you are pulled over for a traffic offense you need not hand over any money to the traffic officer.

 The following are some typically South African driving habits:

1. The motorist who stops first at a stop street has the right of way.
2. A motorist may use the emergency lane demarcated with a yellow line in the day only, to allow other vehicles to pass.
3. A flash of emergency lights or a parp of the hooter serves as a thank you when passing in this way.

 ON THE BEACH / AT SWIMMING POOLS:

• Never leave possessions unattended.
• Topless bathing is generally offensive to South Africans except on beaches set aside for this purpose.
• Make use of well frequented beaches
• Stay in designated swimming areas
• Never swim alone
• Check surf conditions before swimming
• Be aware of rip currents, if you end up in one swim parallel to the beach until you are free of the current.  DON'T PANIC!
• Do not dive into unknown water.
• Main beaches in Kwazulu-Natal have shark nets to protect bathers.
• Cape beaches have shark spotters.
• The flags used by them are:
• GREEN – visibility is good and no sharks have been spotted.
• BLACK  -  visibility is poor but no sharks have been spotted.
• RED      -  a shark has been seen but is no longer visible.  No bathing allowed.
• WHITE -   a white flag with a black shark on it means a shark has been spotted and bathers should leave the water quickly and clamly.
• Other beach flags are:
• RED AND YELLOW – a lifeguard is on duty.
• BLUE – blue bottles are present.
• YELLOW WITH BLACK DOT – bathing is permitted 200m from the shore.

NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES:

• Make sure you have a copy of the rules and regulations of the park and abide by them.
• Know the opening and closing times of the park you are visiting.
• Familiarize yourself with the facilities available in the park.
• Most parks in South Africa have specially marked walking trails.  Do not leave your vehicle in any other areas.
• Make sure you take anti-malaria medication when parks in high risk areas.

Wild Card

The Wild Card is a loyalty programme that provides access for one year (*subject to accommodation availability) to South African National Parks and Cape Nature Conservation Reserves.
The card can be purchased at the Parks and is valid for 1 year from date of purchase.

South Africans and SADC Nationals

International Visitors
International visitors have to purchase a card (All Clusters) that gives them access to all parks. The cost for 1 year is:
Individual     R795
Couple         R1395  (any 2 persons)
Family         R1795  (2 adults plus children up to 18 years)

List of National Parks:

Addo Elephant National Park |  Augrabies Falls National Park | Bontebok National Park  | Cape Peninsula | Golden Gate Highlands National Park | Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Kalahari) | Karoo National Park | Knysna National Lake Area | Kruger National Park | Marakele National Park | Mountain Zebra National Park | Namaqua National Park | Richtersveld National Park  | Tankwa Karoo National Park | Tsitsikamma National Park | Vaalbos National Park | Mapungubwe National Park | West Coast National Park | Wilderness National Park

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS:

National Tourism Information and Safety Line - 083 123 2345

• Emergency Number from a cell phone - 112
• Police Emergency Number - 10111
• Ambulance / Fire - 10177  

COMMUNICATION:

• Guests will have access to telephones at their accommodation facilities.  There are pay phones available all over the country and telephone cards can be purchased at service stations, supermarkets, cafes and post offices.
• There are plenty of public phones available. Telephone cards (World Call) can be bought at service stations, supermarkets, cafés and post offices.
• Mobile phone coverage is good so it is wise to apply for international roaming before your departure.