single white female in S. Afrca

[chacmool16]

Hey- All. Haven't been around in a while. I backpacked Europe about a year ago and loved it. I'm getting the travel itch again and I was thinking South Africa for something different. I know nothing about it. Are there hostels there? is it safe to backpack alone like it is in Europe (I'm a blond 24 yr old girl.)? Is it worth going? Any advice would be wonderful- Cheers! -Lauren

[agriadam]

ohh... I thought this was a singles ad....you disapointed me.

I don't know anything about anything especially not south Africa. sorry

[TimmyJames1976]

Hmmmm....that is a tough one. My sisters friend did some volunteer work there and had a rough go of it. You could always pair up with other travelers you meet there.

[xanthuos]

From friends I have who are actually FROM South Africa...I'm not 100% sure I'd even travel alone there. There's considerably higher risk there than many other countries, especially European. Perhaps someone on the boards currently living in South Africa can offer some advice? But please be honest in your asssesment.

[agriadam]

Americans planning travel to South Africa should read International Adoption South Africa available on the Department of State web site at http://travel.state.gov



I know that I post it alot but I don't think that people appreciate the amount of information available at this site. www.travel.state.gov



I swiped this from that site:

SAFETY AND SECURITY
Travelers are encouraged to be vigilant and avoid any large gathering, particularly protests and demonstrations. The possibility of violence, including threats against American interests, should not be discounted, particularly in times of heightened world tension.

While visiting game parks and reserves, it is dangerous to leave one's vehicle or otherwise be on foot, even in the presence of a guide. Several incidents of wild animal attacks on tourists in the region have resulted in deaths or serious injury. There have also been shark attacks in the False Bay area of the Cape. In December 2004, a woman was attacked and killed by a shark while swimming at Fish Hoek beach. Should a shark be spotted close to the shore, local authorities will sound a warning siren to notify the public.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety...afety_1747.html.

CRIME: Although the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without incident, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, sometimes violent, occurs routinely. Notwithstanding government anti-crime efforts, violent crimes such as carjackings, muggings, "smash and grab" attacks on vehicles and other incidents are regularly reported by visitors and resident Americans.

Crimes against property, such as carjacking, have often been accompanied by violent acts, including murder. South Africa also has the highest incidence of reported rape in the world. Foreigners are not specifically targeted, but several have been the victims of rape. Victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical attention, including antiretroviral therapy against HIV/AIDS. Questions about how to receive such treatment should be directed to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Criminal activity, such as assault, armed robbery and theft, is particularly high in areas surrounding many hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities. Theft of passports and other valuables is most likely to occur at airports. A number of Americans have been mugged or violently attacked on commuter and metro trains, especially between Johannesburg and Pretoria. There have been several instances in which American travelers have been drugged to sleep by strangers they met and invited to their hotel rooms. The victims' beverage is surreptitiously "spiked" by the stranger. The victims awaken to find their valuables have disappeared. In at least one instance, an American traveler died after being robbed/drugged in this fashion.

In areas of Mpumalanga Province west of Kruger National Park, there have been violent attacks on foreign tourists. In the Western Cape, police resources have been strained by continuing gang conflicts and vigilante violence in the Cape Flats area of Cape Town. Some portions of the provinces of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, such as the "Wild Coast," have significant levels of crime and inadequate medical services. Travelers may wish to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before embarking on trips to these particular areas.

Armed robberies of cash-in-transit vehicles and personnel occur throughout South Africa and peak during December and January due to the increase in cash flow from commercial stores to banks. Individuals should raise their level of situational awareness while in the vicinity of cash-in-transit vehicles and personnel and avoid areas where they are located to the maximum extent possible. The violence associated with these attacks makes prudence the best policy.

Credit card fraud, counterfeit U.S. currency, and various check-cashing scams are frequently reported. Do not accept "assistance" from anyone, or agree to assist others with ATM transactions. Travelers should try to avoid using ATMs after bank business hours. There have been reports of ATMs retaining the card, the cardholder leaving the scene since they cannot remove the card, and criminals later returning to retrieve the card from the machine. When giving your credit card to a store or restaurant employee for processing, do not let them take the card out of your sight. Also beware of fraudulent schemes in which a caller from South Africa (who usually is not South African) attempts to win the confidence of an unsuspecting American, who is then persuaded either to provide privileged financial information or travel to South Africa to assist in a supposedly lucrative business venture. Anyone receiving such a solicitation is urged to see the U.S. Secret Service website at http://www.secretservice.gov/alert419.shtml before providing personal financial information or making any financial commitments.



I hope that this is useful and goodluck lket us know what you decide.

[agriadam]

so meant to get rid of that first part. it only matters if you plan on adopting a child while in south africa

[TimmyJames1976]

Hmmmm, that is not so promising. Also, if you do go, bring your own syringe. My sister had to do this in China as well. It is common practice in Many parts of Africa to re-use syringes, and well, we all know that is bad.

[agriadam]

not this part

South Africa also has the highest incidence of reported rape in the world.* Foreigners are not specifically targeted, but several have been the victims of rape.

[butterj]

I would watch your back, and personaly would only travel there alone if i could find at least one person to go with me. One of my female friends wen't to do aid work and although she had a great time said they had an electric fence around where they were staying and she had some close calls with some local men, i think they may have been further north but still, be carefull.

[chacmool16]

thanks guys- that was very informative- I appriciate it. yeah, I think I'll pass. I really wanted to try a completely different place to travel other than Europe/Australia (I've been to both) Oh well, I'll keep looking. thanks again!

[laje]

im also looking into going ot s africa in november for 3 motns, so far this hasnt convinced me not to go. all those things could just as easily happen here i think (canada). africa would be so awesome, im a 19 year old female, planning to go by myself.... this is all very tenative tho.

[Esterina]

A friend of mine just returned from a 3-week-stay in S.A. and although she loves her experience there, she complained about the fact that security was always an issue. It wasn't advise to travel alone, nor walk alone in a city, even Johanesburg. In their car, they always made sure the locks were on.

[voyd]

Yo, EAT YOUR HEART OUT COMPTON! Let some REAL G's show y'all how it's done!!!

[Esterina]

David...

[Diorama]

wow intense pics voyd.

Yeah i echo what atchoum said. My dentist is from south africa . he said basically the same thing that it's such a gorgeous country but there is definately a sense of heightened security. Walking in groups in always advisible. Apparently all the houses have bars and security gates, some even have security guards. There is a real sense of separation there. (as the doc has told me when he froze my mouth.. )

[omisan]

Damn, those guys must have crazy wrist/forearm strength to fire guns like that.

[worldwidemike]

Or just crazy period. They put sights on those guns for a reason...firing them sideways defeats the purpose. Oh well, guess I couldn't complain, if someone shooting at me, I hope they fire like that...with their eyes closed...!

worldwidemike

[voyd]

^ Psshhh...sights, shmights...heck this guy can't even see from under his hat!

[tumblezweedz]

I love that this site aims to break down stereotypes.

:greenguy:

[Somnambulation]

I like this guy. Mow em down with one hand, sweep em up with the other.