Is self-driving safe in South Africa? The short answer is yes. There are few things that can beat the thrill of the open road, exploring at your own pace the space and beauty of this remarkable country where no one but your favorite travel companion intrudes on your thoughts. But there are warnings, as shown by the latest update from the Foreign Office advising tourist drivers to be particularly wary of “smash and grab” attacks, so it’s important to be prepared (but the advice also reiterates there is a risk of violent crime to visitors) South Africa In ‘s main tourist cities, the rate is “generally low” and “most violent crime occurs in towns on the outskirts of major cities or in remote areas”).
Here are some things to consider before booking a holiday on your own, and things to keep in mind if you do.
Arrange your trip with a tour operator
While it is entirely possible to arrange your own travel in South Africa, the best way to ensure you have good safety guidance and support is to travel with a reliable tour company. As Cedarberg Travel co-founder Kate Bergh says, “We’ve been planning adventurous self-driving tours in South Africa since we started over 25 years ago, so we’re keen but we also know who it’s for, what kind of trip it is.” .” car to book and when to use a mix, combining self-driving with transfers and flights.
Avoid driving yourself to and from the airport
Treat yourself to a pre-arranged airport transfer (shuttlecapetown.co.za or Airportshuttlecapetown.co.za are both good bets) and collect your car at a later stage. After a long-haul flight, finding someone waiting for your name on the board is not only great, but it also alleviates concerns about navigation maps directing you into dangerous areas. If you are returning your car to the airport, check your route with your host or concierge before leaving and do not deviate from this.
Upload to mobile data
Pick up a local SIM card loaded with data at the airport on arrival (Vodacom has the best coverage). This sorts you out with online maps, e-hailing services, and instant WhatsApp sending and receiving. For peace of mind, visitors to Cape Town can also download the Namola app, which allows users to quickly request emergency assistance using their GPS location. Most car rental companies also offer an optional mobile Wi-Fi router with the car (1 GB per day). It’s worth putting it in a mounted smartphone holder (usually not available as an optional extra) so you can browse hands-free.
Be a passenger while exploring the city
So the decision to explore South Africa’s cities as a traveler should be driven by enjoyment rather than crime statistics: this way you’ll avoid parking hassles and traffic jams, plus you’ll be able to drink carefree. Generally speaking, Uber is the most efficient way to get around (choose Uber X, never Uber Go; the latter is very unreliable). For a full day of exploration in Cape Town, consider renting a car and driver for a day or two. Andiamo Tours is a great option with reliable drivers and competitive prices (contact 074 263 4266 or info@andiamotours.co.za to book in advance).
Don’t leave your valuables in plain sight
The “smash and grab attacks” referred to in the State Department’s advice generally occur at intersections in high-crime areas and not in tourist areas. No matter what, it pays to take simple precautions while driving: never leave anything of value in sight (for example, on the passenger seat or on the dashboard). Store your handbags in the footwell and small valuables in the small compartment. Another option is to put valuables in the trunk, but if you do this in a public place, be sure to physically check the handle to make sure the car is locked before driving off.
Be aware of your surroundings
Extreme income inequality is clearly evident in South Africa. Don’t explore unsafe areas without a good guide. Whether in the car or on foot, pay attention and read the physical street view as carefully as you read your online map. If you feel uncomfortable, go back and retrace your steps. Keep moving even if you break traffic laws carefully. Try not to drive at night. Don’t stop on city highways to take calls or look at the map; Instead, stop in a safe place like a fuel station. Never accept “help” when using an ATM.
Do not rely entirely on GPS-type navigation aids
City officials have met with Google SA to discuss clearly marking dangerous hotspots on their mapping platform after a tourist who was directed to one of Cape Town’s crime-ridden areas via a navigation app was tragically shot due to congestion on the N2. or avoid routing through them altogether.
Regardless, relying solely on online navigation can easily get you lost in some of South Africa’s more remote areas, as mapping platforms cannot distinguish between a gravel road and a paved road. Essentially: The shortest route is not always the fastest, easiest or safest route. Plan routes in advance and have written instructions as a backup guide in remote areas.
Keep emergency numbers handy
These numbers were generated as part of the Tourism Safety Program in the Western Cape and can be found at Safetravels.capetown. These include, for example, Cape Town’s 24/7 “Wound Assistance” number (021 487 6552); You can call if you need to replace lost documents, need advice, urgent help finding accommodation, paying expenses or contacting your bank. .