Going to South Africa in 6 weeks... advice please!

mrs dan77 · 23rd June 2012, 2:31 PM

There was a plan for a South African trip within the next 12 months, but as of yesterday, that has been pushed forward to... August, 2012. This may not be my final trip to SA, depending on how things develop on this first trip.

I'll only be on the ground in SA for a week, with most of my time spent in Dundee. Flying in and out of Joburg, direct flights from Sydney.
Does anyone have advice or suggestions on weather and road travel for this time of year, things I simply must do/see/eat and things I should avoid?

chunksoul · 23rd June 2012, 11:54 PM

so when your in S.A. are you working / holidaying ?

Some suggestions . Be careful It's not a war zone but you want to be smart about what your doing.

Avoid walking by yourself at night in areas there aren't lots of people.

Same with driving in the remote country areas.

Anyway as for dundee it looks like it's a countryish town no where near anywhere you really want to go .

http://www.sa-venues.com/

this was quite useful for us when we planned our holiday.

You do really want to get up towards the kenyan border but it's miles from where you are.

chainbolt · 24th June 2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs dan77

There was a plan for a South African trip within the next 12 months, but as of yesterday, that has been pushed forward to... August, 2012. This may not be my final trip to SA, depending on how things develop on this first trip.

I'll only be on the ground in SA for a week, with most of my time spent in Dundee. Flying in and out of Joburg, direct flights from Sydney.
Does anyone have advice or suggestions on weather and road travel for this time of year, things I simply must do/see/eat and things I should avoid?

I was there last December. The contrast between poor townships and the lovely countryside is quite shocking. I like Capetown. Although somehow a tourist stereotype, table mountain is a must to see. Breathtaking view. They have a lot of interesting wineries in the region as well. Security after dark is a concern.

mrs dan77 · 24th June 2012, 3:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunksoul

so when your in S.A. are you working / holidaying ?
http://www.sa-venues.com/
this was quite useful for us when we planned our holiday.
You do really want to get up towards the kenyan border but it's miles from where you are.

Cheers for the link.
I'll be mostly working this time around, hence the out of the way location. From what I understand, I'll be spending most of my time in a community just outside of Dundee. Did you mean the Botswanan border? From what I can tell, Kenya is a little bit further afield!

Quote:

Originally Posted by chainbolt

I was there last December. The contrast between poor townships and the lovely countryside is quite shocking. Security after dark is a concern.

Thanks for the tips. Yes, I think I will be visiting some really poor communities to have a look at aid/development opportunities. It always brings things into perspective.
I doubt I'll make it anywhere near Cape Town this time around, but at least it gives me things to think about!

HumbleBum · 24th June 2012, 3:27 PM

If your traveling through J'berg. DO NOT PACK ANYTHING VALUABLE IN CHECKED-IN LUGGAGE.

It will get stolen. Including aftershaves.

HUMMER · 24th June 2012, 3:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleBum

If your traveling through J'berg. DO NOT PACK ANYTHING VALUABLE IN CHECKED-IN LUGGAGE.

It will get stolen. Including aftershaves.

thought padlocking my baggage and hand carry was a bit much traveling through SE asia. guess this should be everywhere from now on.

HumbleBum · 24th June 2012, 4:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUMMER

thought padlocking my baggage and hand carry was a bit much traveling through SE asia. guess this should be everywhere from now on.

Padlock is futile..

Alchemist · 24th June 2012, 4:32 PM

Pay the extra money and glad-wrap your bag at the airport before leaving, there are heaps of them in SA for the trip home as well

This is the only country I ever plastic wrap my stuff for, including transit through there, haven't had anything nicked yet, touch wood

HUMMER · 24th June 2012, 4:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleBum

Padlock is futile..

my auntie thought better than just padlocks. she padlocked the bag but not before she put the keys inside the baggage so she does not lose the keys.

great idea. *face palm*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alchemist

Pay the extra money and glad-wrap your bag at the airport before leaving, there are heaps of them in SA for the trip home as well

This is the only country I ever plastic wrap my stuff for, including transit through there, haven't had anything nicked yet, touch wood

didn't sydney airport supply huge plastic bags to put your baggage in.

remembered while in SE asia. they can cling wrap your baggage at the airport. never really felt the need then when i was on my way back.

mrs dan77 · 24th June 2012, 9:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleBum

If your traveling through J'berg. DO NOT PACK ANYTHING VALUABLE IN CHECKED-IN LUGGAGE.

It will get stolen. Including aftershaves.

I try not to wear too much aftershave myself!

(Perfume all the way

).

But thanks for the sentiment. I had heard that Joberg has some crazy crime levels and whatnot. Guess this puts a firm idea on what that means in a practical sense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alchemist

Pay the extra money and glad-wrap your bag at the airport before leaving, there are heaps of them in SA for the trip home as well

Will have a look into it. (By that, I mean convince husband to read this thread). I know it's a pretty cheap service - I considered it for a trip to Bali last year but decided that decent padlocks would suffice there.

Outside of the major cities, are the roads mostly sealed or dirt? I know that there will be some dirt road travel, as we had been trying to delay the trip as much as possible for the sake of accessibility, just not sure if that was localised to the specific community we are visiting or everywhere.

leonmac · 28th June 2012, 3:56 PM

Been winter, Jo'burg will be quite cold as it's elevated. In Jo'burg you should check out the Apartheid Museum, it's pretty eye opening. Also there's a pretty awesome push bike tour (pretty easy going) in Soweto (a massive african township pretty much apart of jo'burg) . It's run out of the Soweto Backpackers.

Capetown and it's surroundings are beautiful. Once again it will be quite cold. Nevertheless there's table mountain, Cape of Good Hope (where the Indian and Pacific oceans meet).

Around Capetown there's a bunch of terrific wineries in the Stellenbosch Region and you can travel along the coast line known as the garden route stopping at heaps of cool little sea side towns along the way.

It's a large country with great roads so if your going to do any travel, depending on time, i'd suggest flying to locations using on of the low cost airlines and/or hiring a car rather than other methods such as public transport.

mrbean_phillip · 28th June 2012, 7:32 PM

If you're up in Jozie and surrounds, why not take a quick local flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International at Nelspruit (KMIA), and visit the Kruger Game Park over one weekend - beautiful international airport, quite breathtaking how nice it belnds in with the surrounds.

The closest gate from KMIA is at Whiteriver, and only about 10km away, and you can overnight at Skukuza inside the Park - it is one of the larger camps, with a nice restaurant serving things like crocodile, elephant, and buffalo pie.....

Or, take the drive from Jozie, head onto the M4, towards Middelburg, past Waterval Boven/Onder, and then onto Nelspruit - this is about 210km from Johannesburg...

Drive through Nelspruit, keeping on the M4, and then head another 160km towards Komatipoort , driving through Malelane, and a few smaller towns - quite a nice drive once you go past Nelspruit....the eastern side gate of the Kruger Park, and very close to Mozambique border.

Quite good concentration of game in that area, and most likely place to spot a Lion, and Cheetahs.

Please drive safely if you do, different set of road-rules there as what you'll find here - way more agressive driving behaviour in the Republic - do not flick the budgie or anything such, this will invoke road-rage more often than not. Also, as mentioned, do not stop for anyone to assist/give a ride or whatever, and definitely not after dark.

Avoid quiet backstreets, and be alert at intersections/traffic-lights. As a tourist, be extra careful - the locals know how to survive there, it's part of the daily routines.

Most of all, apart from security-related matters, the scenery is quite spectacular, food is good, and mostly friendly and helpful people.

ps: August should be a good time to visit the Park, as rainy season starts in September - anyway, take your anti-malaria/quinine tablets....if you visit this region.

n000b · 28th June 2012, 8:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbean_phillip

If you're up in Jozie and surrounds, why not take a quick local flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International at Nelspruit (KMIA), and visit the Kruger Game Park over one weekend - beautiful international airport, quite breathtaking how nice it belnds in with the surrounds.

My uncle used to live on the border of the Kruger National Park and my family have all visited there, they all said it's amazing. My uncle now lives in St Lucia and is a tour guide doing tours out of the Imfolozi Game Reserve which, while not as nice as Kruger, is still spectacular apparently. It looks pretty close to Dundee, so you should check it out

Nikoy · 28th June 2012, 8:42 PM

I have never been to SA but I have been to a lot of Africa and I would have to say in general the security concerns are over-rated.

Kind Regards

Aaron

mrbean_phillip · 28th June 2012, 9:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikoy

I have never been to SA but I have been to a lot of Africa and I would have to say in general the security concerns are over-rated.

Kind Regards

Aaron

Hello Aaron,
I was born in South Africa, and spent the 1st 38 years of my life there - relocated to Oz just over 6 years ago - and no, you're wrong, there are serious security concerns in South Africa.

Please don't put any travelers at ease, Mate, it's one of the very few countries where a car-highjacker will walk up to your window and shoot you dead, and take the car - they don't ask politely.

Maybe do a bit of reading on the issues inherent to the Republic - and please bear in mind, Africa is a rather large place, with many, many different countries....

Let's not turn this into a debate and go OT in the OP's thread, PM me for further discussion.

Quote:

My uncle used to live on the border of the Kruger National Park and my family have all visited there, they all said it's amazing. My uncle now lives in St Lucia and is a tour guide doing tours out of the Imfolozi Game Reserve which, while not as nice as Kruger, is still spectacular apparently. It looks pretty close to Dundee, so you should check it out

Yep, Kruger Park is beautiful, I lived in Ngodwana, 70km away from the closest Gate to the Park, for about 8 years.

And also, you're right, Imfolozi is a very decent Park too - St Lucia pretty spectacular in its own right...

23rd June 2012, 2:31 PM	#1
mrs dan77 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Under a large rock! Posts: 1,545	Going to South Africa in 6 weeks... advice please! There was a plan for a South African trip within the next 12 months, but as of yesterday, that has been pushed forward to... August, 2012. This may not be my final trip to SA, depending on how things develop on this first trip. I'll only be on the ground in SA for a week, with most of my time spent in Dundee. Flying in and out of Joburg, direct flights from Sydney. Does anyone have advice or suggestions on weather and road travel for this time of year, things I simply must do/see/eat and things I should avoid?

23rd June 2012, 11:54 PM	#2
chunksoul Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: adelaide millswood Posts: 2,368	so when your in S.A. are you working / holidaying ? Some suggestions . Be careful It's not a war zone but you want to be smart about what your doing. Avoid walking by yourself at night in areas there aren't lots of people. Same with driving in the remote country areas. Anyway as for dundee it looks like it's a countryish town no where near anywhere you really want to go . http://www.sa-venues.com/ this was quite useful for us when we planned our holiday. You do really want to get up towards the kenyan border but it's miles from where you are. __________________ people i have had successful trades with kedztafe. mykal,nip007,rfsefton,autumn,a million other dudes

24th June 2012, 3:27 PM	#5
HumbleBum Iron Photographer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Melbourne... Posts: 14,577	If your traveling through J'berg. DO NOT PACK ANYTHING VALUABLE IN CHECKED-IN LUGGAGE. It will get stolen. Including aftershaves. __________________ My life is weathered down shipwreck, Splitting at the seams, held together by memories and dreams. Every face I have seen, a stitch on my mind. On a shadow of a dream And my heart is its cargo, a worn out old thing. Been dragged around this rock more times than you'd believe, To the east I call home, But the west, she is calling, From the north, to the south, Forever I'm drifting away

24th June 2012, 4:32 PM	#8
Alchemist Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Perth Posts: 1,561	Pay the extra money and glad-wrap your bag at the airport before leaving, there are heaps of them in SA for the trip home as well This is the only country I ever plastic wrap my stuff for, including transit through there, haven't had anything nicked yet, touch wood __________________ most of my money I spent on whiskey and women the rest I just wasted

28th June 2012, 7:32 PM	#12
mrbean_phillip Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Doreen (3754) Vic Posts: 2,126	If you're up in Jozie and surrounds, why not take a quick local flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International at Nelspruit (KMIA), and visit the Kruger Game Park over one weekend - beautiful international airport, quite breathtaking how nice it belnds in with the surrounds. The closest gate from KMIA is at Whiteriver, and only about 10km away, and you can overnight at Skukuza inside the Park - it is one of the larger camps, with a nice restaurant serving things like crocodile, elephant, and buffalo pie..... Or, take the drive from Jozie, head onto the M4, towards Middelburg, past Waterval Boven/Onder, and then onto Nelspruit - this is about 210km from Johannesburg... Drive through Nelspruit, keeping on the M4, and then head another 160km towards Komatipoort , driving through Malelane, and a few smaller towns - quite a nice drive once you go past Nelspruit....the eastern side gate of the Kruger Park, and very close to Mozambique border. Quite good concentration of game in that area, and most likely place to spot a Lion, and Cheetahs. Please drive safely if you do, different set of road-rules there as what you'll find here - way more agressive driving behaviour in the Republic - do not flick the budgie or anything such, this will invoke road-rage more often than not. Also, as mentioned, do not stop for anyone to assist/give a ride or whatever, and definitely not after dark. Avoid quiet backstreets, and be alert at intersections/traffic-lights. As a tourist, be extra careful - the locals know how to survive there, it's part of the daily routines. Most of all, apart from security-related matters, the scenery is quite spectacular, food is good, and mostly friendly and helpful people. ps: August should be a good time to visit the Park, as rainy season starts in September - anyway, take your anti-malaria/quinine tablets....if you visit this region. __________________ HP Blackbird -> Dual-Quad Xeon ; Macho-Mini -> mini-ITX Xeon Server ; i-Prodigy -> Watercooled mini ITX ; iDuplex -> Prodigy SLI iRacing Button Box Last edited by mrbean_phillip; 28th June 2012 at 7:55 PM.

28th June 2012, 3:56 PM	#11
leonmac Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Brisbane Posts: 14	Been winter, Jo'burg will be quite cold as it's elevated. In Jo'burg you should check out the Apartheid Museum, it's pretty eye opening. Also there's a pretty awesome push bike tour (pretty easy going) in Soweto (a massive african township pretty much apart of jo'burg) . It's run out of the Soweto Backpackers. Capetown and it's surroundings are beautiful. Once again it will be quite cold. Nevertheless there's table mountain, Cape of Good Hope (where the Indian and Pacific oceans meet). Around Capetown there's a bunch of terrific wineries in the Stellenbosch Region and you can travel along the coast line known as the garden route stopping at heaps of cool little sea side towns along the way. It's a large country with great roads so if your going to do any travel, depending on time, i'd suggest flying to locations using on of the low cost airlines and/or hiring a car rather than other methods such as public transport.