FAQ
Cape Town Safety
      In general Cape Town is a relatively safe city to visit. However, in common with many major cities, there is crime and there are certain precautions that need to be taken to ensure a trouble-free visit.
 
     One of the most common areas for petty crime are to be found at bank ATM's. Criminals have devised fantastic schemes to uplift your money at ATM's and you should be very careful when withdrawing money from them. If anyone attempts to assist you at an ATM cancel the transaction immediately and walk away. Always ensure that the card you feed into the machine is the one you get back. Do not draw huge sums at a time and make certain that what you draw is well concealed before you leave the machine.
 

     In many areas you will find children begging, particularly at robots(traffic lights) and stop-streets. Do not feel inclined to give them money - it will probably be used for drugs and will expose you to the risk of your wallet or purse being snatched. Keep your car doors locked at all times, including whilst driving in it. Do not leave valuables or clothing on display in the car even if you are in it. Do not walk around town with expensive cameras or jewellery on display. Whilst policing in the city is very good it is not fool-proof.

 
     Areas to avoid in the city are the train station, particularly the informal shopping area above it, and any dark streets at night. Outside the city you should not venture into any of the townships unless you are on a guided tour. Do not stop your vehicle anywhere near one of these townships
 
     You will find that most parking areas, including shopping malls, have guards in attendance. They are there to help prevent your vehicle from being broken into or stolen. It is customary and advisable to tip these guards a few rands
 

Malaria Information

The information provided has been provided by certified authorities and will make your visit to Africa a safe and rewarding one.
      It is a well-known fact that malaria is one of the most serious and common tropical diseases in the world. However, there is no reason why this disease should deter you from coming to Africa if the necessary precautions are taken. Please note that if precautions are not taken and / or if the disease is not diagnosed and treated early, it could be potentially fatal.
 

      Malaria is a word many people associate with game parks in Africa . However only the greater Kruger Park area is in a malaria risk zone, although even here the risk is usually low. Historically there have been incidences of malaria in other parks, but then there are recorded incidences of malaria from urban Europe and other non-risk areas.

Malaria prophylactics are thus recommended for visitors for Kruger.

      The highest risk period is between December and April (end of the rainy season). A 24-hour malaria hotline is available on +27 (0)82 234 1800 to give detailed explanation on risk and advice on precautionary measures.  Visitors wishing to take prophylactics should consult a knowledgeable medical practitioner or recognized travel clinic about recommended medication, as certain products cause nausea, hallucinations or other negative side effects with certain people.
 
      Very often (particularly after periods of low rainfall) the malaria risk in Kruger is very low. Many people decide not to take prophylactics and rather try to avoid getting bitten. The most vulnerable times are between dusk and dawn. People are advised to stay indoors during these periods, or cover exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents. The ankles are the most critical area. Burning anti-mosquito coils and ensuring netted screens are kept closed are other preventative measures.
 

      While malaria prophylactics are recommended, no prophylactic is foolproof and any person developing flu-like symptoms 7 to 20 days (or even longer) after being in malaria areas should be tested immediately for malaria, until the symptoms clear or an alternative diagnosis is made. It is important to advise medical practitioners that you have been in a malaria area to avoid incorrect diagnosis.

 
      The threat of malaria should not affect your decision to enjoy and experience the Kruger Park , but is just something one should be aware of and take precautions to be exposed to.
 

Prophylactic Measures To Prevent Malaria

      Before traveling to remote areas, it may be wise to obtain a supply of emergency medication to take with you. This should only be used if it is not possible to consult a doctor. It is most important to note that no preventative measures are 100% safe. Should flu-like symptoms and signs like body pain, headache and fever develop 7 to 20 days or longer after visiting an endemic area, daily testing should be performed until you are better or another definite diagnosis is made.
 

Malaria Can Be Prevented In The Following Ways

      The most important and most effective way of preventing malaria is firstly to prevent mosquito bites. The following preventative measures can be taken:

  • Remain indoors from dusk to dawn if possible as mosquitoes usually feed in the early evenings and mornings.
  • Cover your arms and legs towards evenings with light coloured clothing to cover exposed skin areas and especially the ankles. Wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and closed shoes.
  • Apply insect repellents to exposed skin areas every 4-6 hours.
  • Burn insecticide oils or electrically heated insecticide tablets in the bedroom at night.
  • Spray knock-down insecticide for flying insects inside the bedroom in the early evening with windows / doors closed if there are no window screens.
  • Screened mosquito proof windows and doors and mosquito nets guard against mosquito bites.
  • Clothes and nets impregnated with Pyrethroid could be used.
 

      Another way of preventing malaria is to take additional preventative drugs when visiting an endemic area, especially in the warm and rainy months from October to May.