## Is it Safe to Travel to South Africa in 2020?
South Africa is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. However, like any other country, it has its share of crime. In recent years, there has been an increase in violent crime, particularly in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. This has led some travelers to wonder if it is safe to travel to South Africa.
The answer to this question is not simple. There are many factors to consider, including the specific areas you plan to visit, the time of year you travel, and the precautions you take. With that said, there are some general safety tips that can help you reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime:
– **Be aware of your surroundings.** This means paying attention to who is around you and what is going on around you. Be especially cautious in crowded areas or at night.
– **Avoid walking alone.** If you are walking, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking by yourself at night. If you must walk alone, be sure to carry a whistle or other personal safety device.
– **Keep your valuables safe.** This means keeping your money, credit cards, and other valuables out of sight. Try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and consider using a money belt or other security device.
– **Be careful about who you trust.** Don’t accept offers of help from strangers, and be cautious about giving out personal information.
### Specific Safety Concerns
In addition to the general safety tips above, there are some specific safety concerns to be aware of when traveling to South Africa:
– **Violent crime:** As mentioned above, there has been an increase in violent crime in South Africa in recent years. This includes incidents of carjacking, robbery, and assault.
– **Carjacking:** Carjacking is a common crime in South Africa. To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, be sure to lock your doors and windows when driving, and avoid stopping your car in isolated areas.
– **Robbery:** Robbery is another common crime in South Africa. To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, be aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
– **Assault:** Assault is a serious crime that can happen anywhere. To reduce your risk of becoming a victim, be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
### Safety Tips for Specific Areas
In addition to the general safety tips above, there are some specific safety tips for specific areas of South Africa:
– **Johannesburg:** Johannesburg is a large city with a high crime rate. To stay safe, be sure to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables safe.
– **Cape Town:** Cape Town is a popular tourist destination with a lower crime rate than Johannesburg. However, it is still important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime.
– **The Garden Route:** The Garden Route is a beautiful stretch of coastline that is popular with tourists. While it is generally safe, there have been some incidents of crime in recent years. To stay safe, be sure to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables safe.
– **The Kruger National Park:** The Kruger National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. It is generally safe, but there have been some incidents of crime in recent years. To stay safe, be sure to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables safe.
### Overall, is it safe to travel to South Africa in 2020?
The answer to this question is not simple. There are many factors to consider, including the specific areas you plan to visit, the time of year you travel, and the precautions you take. However, with that said, South Africa is a beautiful country with a lot to offer travelers. If you take the necessary precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
### Here are some additional tips for staying safe in South Africa:
– **Book your accommodation in advance.** This will help you avoid staying in unsafe areas.
– **Travel with a tour group.** This can help you stay safe and avoid getting lost.
– **Don’t be afraid to ask for help.** If you are lost or confused, don’t hesitate to ask a local for help.
– **Be respectful of the local culture.** This will help you avoid misunderstandings and potential conflict.
– **Have fun!** South Africa is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. By taking the necessary precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
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