General information on South Africa

Being aware of the local situation we take full precautions to minimize any risks of crime during our tours. We are also aware that collectively we create our own reality and we hold our Tour Groups in a reality of safety. Experience has taught us to be aware and we share the following advice:

Political Stability

South Africa is a politically stable country with a constitution that guarantees human rights and freedom of expression so the chances of your having any contact with any kind of political action are extremely slim
Unfortunately, Crime is a reality all over the world and South Africa is no exception. However, one can avoid becoming a victim by following some commonsense rules and we offer the following advise to our clients:
Know where you're going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, don't walk alone in dodgy areas, and lock your doors at night. The usual stuff you probably do at home.

The most common kind of crime you’re likely to come across will be opportunistic bag snatching so keep your eye on your possessions. Outdoor cafes and such are favourite places for bags to just “get up and walk away”, so don’t leave them on a chair next to you or on the floor behind you. A good habit to get into (anywhere) is to clip your bag onto your chair, or to loop your leg through the strap. That way it should stay put.
When using an Autmatic Bank Teller, we recommend that you go with a friend and if people offer to assist, refuse their help. If your card becomes jammed for any reason, do not leave the telling machine.

Other sensible advice is not to hitchhike or accept, or carry, items for strangers. Our airport security is quite strict so, to avoid delays in checking in, remove all sharp objects (even nail files and hairclips) from your hand luggage.
Like many places in the world, many of our cities have embarked on an anti-crime drive with closed circuit cameras set up in the busier parts of major cities, such as Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. We have also realised that one of the major problems associated with crime against tourists is that, if things go through the normal channels, the witnesses are back home and far away by the time the trial gets to court. So, in order to address this problem, and also assist in issues like contacting embassies, replacing passports, traveller’s cheques and airline tickets – all of which can be extremely frustrating if you have lost your bag – the South African Police Services has set up a special Tourist Assistance Unit. So, in the unlikely event that you become a victim of crime, we are geared up to minimise the associated red tape and trauma.

South African authorities are trying very hard to stamp out the use of illegal DRUGS and penalties imposed for transgression are very severe. Our position is that we do not accept the usage and the carrying of illegal drugs on our tours and we will demand that persons who transgress this rule leave the tour.

Road Safety

Our transport infrastructure is excellent and our roads are in good condition. However, should you be self driving in Southern Africa you may find the distances between towns greater than you are used to, so it is a good idea to plan your trip to ensure you don’t drive long distances, as fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. Always try to travel in daylight, as it is inherently so much safer. Also, in some of the more remote rural areas the roads are not fenced so you may find stray animals on the road – which could be very dangerous at night. (Cows don’t have headlights.)
We have very strict drinking and driving laws – with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.5%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man.

Our speed limits are 120kph on the open road, 100kph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kph in towns. Be aware that even major national roads cut through residential areas so you may find a speed limit of 80 kph on a road that looks like an autobahn. This is to protect pedestrians, especially children, so please comply.

FOR TOUR PRICES, QUERIES AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT US AT
tours@in-spirit.co.za

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