Back in the 1975 at Kruger National Park we watched the animals at a watering hole scatter when a lion came to drink. They ran away ar right angles to the approaching lion which causes the distance to be greater than jut running away straight. Smart… Not sure about the safety of doing that today so check in with the Department of State and be careful.

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From the U.S. Department of State: South Africa – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and civil unrest.

Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and “smash-and-grab” attacks on vehicles, is common.  There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently.  These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.

Crime: South Africa has a very high level of crime Violent crimes occur where people live, work, while in transit or out and about.  Violent residential crimes include armed home invasions by organized criminal groups resulting in assaults, rapes, and murder.  Popular tourist destinations and major hotel chains employ their own security that largely minimize such incidents on their properties.  Armed robbery, rape, kidnapping for ransom, carjacking, mugging, and “smash-and-grab” attacks on vehicles affect visitors and residents alike. Extra vigilance at traffic lights and on/off ramps where cars slow or stop is warranted.  To avoid robbery outside higher end stores when buying jewelry or electronics, many vendors will deliver your purchase to your home or hotel for a fee.  Crime can occur anywhere and anytime, including in and around Kruger National Park, and U.S. government staff and visitors have been robbed in the immediate vicinity of our diplomatic facilities. You should exercise particular caution in the central business districts (CBDs) of major cities, especially after dark. Crime victims have also been followed from the arrival hall of OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg and then robbed once they reach their home or hotel.

Theft can be bold and in broad daylight.  Travelers and U.S. diplomats report having cell phones stolen from their hands, as well as purses or wallets taken off counters while paying for goods at stores.  Car theft and hijacking continues to plague the country, particularly in large cities.  Travelers should choose secure parking options and double check locked doors before leaving a parked car.

Throughout South Africa, U.S. citizens should:

  • Avoid walking alone especially after dark.

  • Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area. Please note that U.S. mission staff are required to use fully armored vehicles when visiting many townships in and around the Cape Town area and visiting hours are restricted to between 0700-1500 hours.

  • Do not display cash and valuables.

  • Avoid cash-in-transit vehicles both on the road, as well as ATMs when being refilled.  Armed criminal gangs frequently target cash-in-transit vehicles while stopped at customer sites, but also ambush cash-in-transit vehicles while on the road.  Such violent armed attacks involve automatic weapons, explosives, and gangs of criminals.  Criminals frequently use remote jamming and signal interceptors with success.

  • Drive with doors locked and windows closed.

  • Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.

  • Avoid driving during periods of load shedding (rolling blackouts) as the roads can become extremely congested due to a lack of traffic signals. These traffic jams and slow-moving traffic can provide opportunities for smash and grab robberies.

Student Groups: There have been instances of student groups being robbed while conducting outreach and service visits in townships. On these occasions, student groups coordinated with officials to conduct service visits and upon arrival were held and then robbed by armed perpetrators.

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