Anyone been to South Africa?

[AAlmeter]

I got engaged a few months ago, and one place we're considering is South Africa....but I'm a little leery because of the crime situation.

Has anyone been there that can offer some guidance?

[The Poet]

Never been, but I'd suggest you avoid District 9. :D

[pinotguy]

Yes - I spent three weeks there back in 2000. Managed to see quite a bit of the country. Started in Jo-'burg and, fortunately, did not spend a lot of time there. Just went through customs at the airport and rented cars. Drove north into the Free State and stayed for a week on a game preserve. Then drove to Durban in KZN for a few days. Flew from Durban to Cape Town and spent the remaining time in the wine country, just north of the city. It is a stunning country. Certainly it pays to be aware and cautious as a tourist. RSA does have its fair share of crime but to be honest, I'd feel less safe in Mexico these days than I would in most of Southern Africa.

Another country you might consider visiting, as an alternative, is Namibia. I was fortunate enough to go there last fall on a hunting safari. A lot less people and equally as beautiful.

Not sure when you're thinking about going, but I'd try and avoid July and August of this year because of the World Cup. Airfare, accommodation, car rental, etc. are sky-high right now.

PM me if you'd like to talk more. I love Africa and spend most of my waking moments thinking about getting back.

[pnoon]

Not sure when you're thinking about going, but I'd try and avoid July and August of this year because of the World Cup.

The World Cup runs from June 11-July 11

[AAlmeter]

Yes - I spent three weeks there back in 2000. Managed to see quite a bit of the country. Started in Jo-'burg and, fortunately, did not spend a lot of time there. Just went through customs at the airport and rented cars. Drove north into the Free State and stayed for a week on a game preserve. Then drove to Durban in KZN for a few days. Flew from Durban to Cape Town and spent the remaining time in the wine country, just north of the city. It is a stunning country. Certainly it pays to be aware and cautious as a tourist. RSA does have its fair share of crime but to be honest, I'd feel less safe in Mexico these days than I would in most of Southern Africa.

Another country you might consider visiting, as an alternative, is Namibia. I was fortunate enough to go there last fall on a hunting safari. A lot less people and equally as beautiful.

Not sure when you're thinking about going, but I'd try and avoid July and August of this year because of the World Cup. Airfare, accommodation, car rental, etc. are sky-high right now.

PM me if you'd like to talk more. I love Africa and spend most of my waking moments thinking about getting back.

Pinotguy, much thanks...your insights have already been valuable. I'll definitely be PMing you in the future.

BTW...We're likely looking at going sometime during the summer of 2011

[Genetic Defect]

I had a car that was assembled there, does that help? :tf

[hotreds]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1008.html

Likely you're familiar with this, if not, hope it helps!

[Eleven]

Fookin Prawns!

[Don Fernando]

I believe Safariguy has been there, you might want to send him a pm