Not strictly Europe but any advice welcome, Im going to South Africa in January for 3-4 months. Traveling from Richards Bay to Johannesburg and back, has anyone got experince of life out there? Regarding crime, food, the weather at that time of year, prices over there etc.
robv8:
Not strictly Europe but any advice welcome, Im going to South Africa in January for 3-4 months. Traveling from Richards Bay to Johannesburg and back, has anyone got experince of life out there? Regarding crime, food, the weather at that time of year, prices over there etc.
Driving
DO NOT AND I MEAN IT DONT DRIVE ALONE OR STOP AT ANY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IF IT DONT LOOK BAD OR THERE IS NO-ONE ELSE THERE…and they are not of the norm WHITE colour ( Sorry but its true the Blacks really do hate whites out there not all of them but there is a gun culture there and guns are easy to get hold of)
CAR HI-JACKING USED TO BE POINT A GUN GET OUT AND THEY DROVE AWAY NOW IT’S STOP SHOOT DRAG BODIES OUT AND AWAY WITH YOUR CAR…DAY or NIGHT,
on a more lighter note buy a pay as you go sim card for your phone have all emergancy numbers i e police etc.
Always have a plan ie your going from a-b by such and such a time if your running late let someone know. some roads are now toll roads.
Some roads are pretty funny esp when you come to road works, you also find cars will just do a U turn across the medium like in the states.
I was told that I didnt need a international driving licence but took one anyway only a few quid from the PO…
southafrica.info/travel/advice/driving.htm
The Good bits
SA is a really nice country the scenary is fantastic and MOST people are really freindly and welcoming.
Food is cheap beer is cheap ■■■■ are 2 a penny
Resturants , They like their meat out there and as your on the coast you’ll get pleanty of Sea food and its all fresh
cost of eating out really good and cheap
As with any holiday plan ahead dont have anything on show in the car and i mean anything not even for a second dont be flash with the cash, tipping is as anywhere if you feel the service deserves it.
I was told that I didnt need a international driving licence but took one anyway only a few quid from the PO…
I havent be to JHB for a long time now but I have family there and hope to go back prob next year or 2.
There is tons of history there take some time to take it in it really is worth it.
Shopping is much like the USA… Tax on things are put on at the till so what you see on the shelf aint always what you pay.
Weather
Over much of South Africa, summer (mid-October to mid-February) is characterised by hot, sunny weather - often with afternoon thunderstorms (we used to get them at about 4pm) that clear quickly, leaving a warm, earthy, uniquely African smell in the air.
The Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is the exception, getting its rain in winter.
have a great time fella
South Africa is a great place, but go there with an open mind, it’s like nothing you will have experienced before. It’s a very violent and aggresive country whilst being very beautiful at the same time.
You will need an International Driving Licence (from AA).
DO NOT travel alone, DO NOT stop at traffic lights/junctions at night - treat them as give ways (police will expect this).
If you feel uncomfortable in a situation walk away, life costs nothing in Africa, better to walk away, use your common sense.
Cost of day to day living is cheap (beer, meat, ■■■■,) etc.
I know it sounds like I’m scare mongering but after living out there for 18 years and spending 8 years in the SADF I believe I’m a realist.
Feel free to ask any questions or pm me 