Should You Travel to South Africa?

By Don Nadeau, on June 16, 2009, in Travel

Many Americans know very little about South Africa and let places like Darfur cloud their vision of it and the entire continent. There are concerns about traveling to South Africa, which we will discuss, but your decision should be based on facts, not myths.

Two university professors who escorted a group to South Africa earlier this year told me how difficult it was to convince some students and their parents that conditions would not be too harsh in such a “primitive” land.

That is a real shame, because in so many ways South Africa, one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world, is as “modern” as any country.

For example, South Africa’s national health care system benefits travelers.

The people you interact with do not tend to have untreated illnesses, unlike in many countries. The persons who farm, prepare, and serve your food do not tend to have health conditions that impact you.

Wholesome food and water

You can dine in any regular restaurant or fast food place in South Africa with no more concern than doing so in the United States—even salads. You can also drink from any city or town water system in the country with no more worry than doing so in North America.

South Africans enjoy more freshly sourced food than is common in the Canada and the United States. Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant in the diet and delicious. Real whole grain breads are available nearly everywhere. Eggs are from free-range chickens.

In South Africa, unlike in so many countries, you never encounter persons suffering from noticeable malnutrition.

Modern transportation

The transportation infrastructure is modern and convenient.

Four-lane and frequently limited-access divided highways connect all major cities. At times, you may forget that you are not in the U.S.

Overall, South Africans enjoy a national highway system as good as those in Australia and Canada and better than in New Zealand. Of course, you may encounter considerable road construction in preparation for World Cup 2010.

You can drive or use one of the extensive national or regional bus services. However, other than deluxe options like the Blue Train, be cautious about taking trains in South Africa.

You can also use very well run budget airlines like Mango that take you cheaply and usually reliably between large cities.

And, don’t forget to walk in this remarkable country. Hikes include everything from scenic ones to waterfalls in the Drakensberg mountain range to stalking rhinos on foot, with an armed ranger.

There is an extraordinarily emotional walk on Robbins Island, where Nelson Mandela spent much of his 27 years in prison.

A former prisoner at the time of Mandela guides you into the prison and to the cell that held Mandela, as well as to the prison yard, where he crushed rock in the harsh sun. On the way to the prison, you’ll stop at the quarry where the first president of a free South Africa performed hard labor for many years.

Clean washrooms

I mention this topic because the condition of restrooms concerns so many Americans while traveling.

On my most recent four-week trip, with one exception, public toilets were spotless during the entire time there.

How unfavorably the U.S. compares to this. In the U.S., how little employee time seems devoted to this.

Accommodation

Hotels and guesthouses are as modern as found anywhere. The extremely favorable exchange rate makes these remarkably affordable. Hostels abound in tourist areas.

Perhaps as a legacy of the boycotts during apartheid, you won’t find as many international chain hotels as in North America.

Shopping

You’ll find shopping malls throughout the country, including some very upscale ones. You’ll also come across many supermarkets in cities and a few “big box” stores.

On the other hand, you may prefer the traditional “African markets” to the malls.

Precautions

What I am saying here is that South Africa for the tourist is not a third world country.

You do have to be concerned about crime, especially if you are not traveling on an escorted tour. South Africa has the dubious distinction of having higher rates for some types of crime than the United States (although lower in others).

You’ll want to avoid streets in cities that have few people especially at night. In cities, try to walk in groups at night. Do not display valuables or carry items easy to grab. You’ll want a small pocket camera, instead of a large one that you cannot hide. You may also wish to carry food and other inexpensive items in a transparent plastic bag that clearly displays what you have.

You must take precautions against malaria if you visit the subtropical eastern region of the country, which doesn’t include Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Pretoria, but does include Kruger National Park. I’ll talk more about malaria in a later post.

Although it may be declining, South Africa has a high HIV rate among both men and women. The Medical Research Council of South Africa believes the number of deaths caused at least in part by HIV virus may be massively underreported because of misclassifications. Behave accordingly.

As with being in public anywhere, you’ll want to avoid rubbing your eyes and putting your hand or fingers in or on your nostrils or month. Sadly, South Africa has such things as ticks, so avoid walking in tall grass or brushing against vegetation, especially if your arms and legs are not covered.

Go for It

Other than these types of cautions and the ones you use for common sense travel anywhere, you do not have to be concerned.

Not traveling to South Africa because you believe that it will be uncomfortable and primitive would be a sad mistake.