SAFETY ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS

ACOMMODATION

It is recommended that you:

Never Leave your luggage unattended.

Store Valuables in your hotel's safety deposit box.

Keep your room locked at all times.

Hand in your room keys or cards whenever you leave your hotel.

SIGHTSEEING AND ENTERTAINMENT

It is reccommended that you:

Use registered, qualified tour guides.

Don't leave handbags under tables, on the backs of chairs or on restroom hooks.

Travel in groups, especially if you are visiting a nightclub, bar or shebeen you haven't been to before.

Don't make use of train services at night, if at all possible.

MONEY AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

It is reccommended that you:

Travel with certified copies of your valuable documents, and keep originals in a safe place.

Countersign no more than half your traveler's cheques.

Seperate your cash and credit cards, and don't carry all your cash/ traveler's cheques with you during the day.

Rather store half of them in your hotel room safe.

Don't allow strangers to assist you wit ATM transactions. If your card gets stuck, immediately call that ATM'S helpline number.

Be alert, and never turn your back while your ATM card is in the machine.

Report lost passports and visas, without delay, to the South African Police Services (SAPS).Your country's embassy or consulate can be contacted through the Tourist Victim Support Programme.

MOUNTAIN TIPS

Do not walk alone. Always ensure that you are in a group of at least 4 people.

Take your mobile phone with the emergency number punched in. Ensure it is Hidden.

Always let someone know which route you will take and how long you will be.

If you get lost, stay where you are.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Always take rain gear and a jersey.

Take water, sunblock, wear a hat and take a snack.

Maps; these are available in leading book stores and from TMNP offices.

If you are confronted by a criminal don't resist. Handover your goods.

AT THE BEACH

Always swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.

Never Swim Alone

Don't dive into unfamilliar waters-what may seem deep could be very shallow. Feet first is safer.

Protect your skin from over exposure to UVA and UVB rays by wearing waterproof sunscreen with a high protection factor of 20+. Avoid the sun between the hottest times of the day:11h00-15h00.

Drink plenty of water regularly to avoid dehydration even if you don't feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool and to replace lost salts through sweating.

ON THE ROAD

It is recommended that you:

Familiarise yourself with local rules of the road. Remember, South Africa is a left-hand Drive country.

Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance. Fuel can only be paid for with cash. Credit cards are not accepted.

Have phone numbers of your destination on hand, in case you get lost.

Keep the car doors locked at all times, the car windows wound up and any valuables locked in the boot.

 Never pick up strangers or ask them for directions. Rather go to the nearest business or petrol station, if you get lost.

Pay special attention to speed limits, road signs and traffic markings.

It is compulsory to carry a translation of your driver's license, if it has been printed in a foreign language.

IN THE STREET

It is recommended that you:

Obtain a map, and plan your route befor you set out on an excursion.

Consult your hotel or nearest Visitor Information Centre for a reliable taxi service, if required.

Always keep your luggage of belongings where you can see it, at any transport hub.

When crossing the street, use pedestrian crossings where possible and be aware of oncoming motorists at all times. Look right, look left and look right again before crossing.

Explore in groups and stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially at night.

Please don't give money to street children. If you wish to assist them in a meaningful way, contact any Visitor Information Centre to obtain a list of organisations who would be most grateful for the assistance.

IN THE CASE OF AN UNFORTUNE INCIDENT

Although incidents of crime against tourists happen rarely in South Africa, tourists should still be aware of the basic emergency procedures to follow should anything happen. It is recommended that you:

Go to your nearest safe and public place.

Call the Police Emergency Number (10111), which is free from a phone box or landline, and briefly explain what happened.

If you are using a mobile phone, call 112 and your call will be transferred to the appropriate emergency service.

If you have been injured, the call centre will dispatch an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital. Alternatively you can call the National Ambulance Service (10177)