Safety Advice

Accommodation

It is recommended that you:

It is recommended that you:

Use registered, qualified tour guides
Do not leave handbags under tables, on the backs of chairs or on restroom hooks
Travel in groups, especially if you are visiting a nightclub, bar or shebeen you have not been to before
Do not make use of train services at night, if at all possible

It is recommended that you:

Travel with certified copies of your valuable documents, and keep originals in a safe place
Countersign no more than half your travellers' cheques
Separate your cash and credit cards, and do not carry all your cash/travellers' cheques with you during the day
Rather store half of them in your hotel room safe
Do not allow strangers to assist you with ATM transactions. If your card gets stuck, immediately call that ATM'S helpline number
Be alert, and never turn your back while your ATM card is in the machine
Report lost passports and visas, without delay, to the specific country's Police Services. Your country's embassy or consulate should be contacted as well.

Do not walk alone. Always ensure that you are in a group of at least 4 people
Take your mobile phone with the emergency number in your contact list. Ensure it is hidden
Always let someone know which route you will take and how long you will be
If you get lost, stay where you are
Be aware of your surroundings
Always take rain gear and a pullover.
Take water, sunblock, wear a hat and take a snack
Maps: these are available in leading book stores and Tourism offices
If you are confronted by a criminal do not resist. Handover your goods

Always swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard
Never swim alone
Do not dive into unfamiliar waters-what may seem deep could be very shallow - feet first is safer
Protect your skin from over exposure to UVA and UVB rays by wearing waterproof sunscreen with a high protection factor of 20+. Avoid the sun between the hottest times of the day:11h00-15h00
Drink plenty of water regularly to avoid dehydration even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool and to replace lost salts through sweating

It is recommended that you:

Familiarise yourself with local rules of the road
Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance
Have phone numbers of your destination on hand, in case you get lost
Keep the car doors locked at all times, the car windows wound up and any valuables locked in the boot
Never pick up strangers or ask them for directions. Rather go to the nearest business or petrol station, if you get lost
Pay special attention to speed limits, road signs and traffic markings
It is compulsory to carry a translation of your driver's licence, if it has been printed in a foreign language

It is recommended that you:

Obtain a map, and plan your route before you set out on an excursion
Consult your hotel or nearest Visitor Information Centre for a reliable taxi service, if required
Always keep your luggage or belongings where you can see it, at any transport hub
When crossing the street, use pedestrian crossings where possible and be aware of oncoming motorists at all times.
Explore in groups and stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially at night
Please do not give money to street children. If you wish to assist them in a meaningful way, contact any Visitor Information Centre to obtain a list of organisations who would be most grateful for the assistance