I’ve been lucky enough to spend the past few weeks in South Africa. And while I love Johannesburg, South Africa's biggest city, and readily recommend it as a destination, you'll never see as many fences as you will driving through its northern suburbs.
Barbed wire, coils of razor, metal spikes poking into the air — all atop sturdy brick walls, obscuring the homes behind them — suggest the reality that Joburg, 15 years after the rebirth of the South African nation and the end of its tragic apartheid era, is a fantastically dangerous place. It’s a city where hotels will advise against walking around many areas during daylight, and essentially anywhere at night.
But don’t let that stop you from visiting a city that will host some of the World Cup soccer games in 2010. All of the normal safe-travel advice applies — and ignoring it (like many of us do) could have serious consequences here.
I don't have many pictures of the city, since I’ve been advised not to walk around it flashing a camera. I was also told not to leave my handbag on the open seat of a car, as "smash and grab" thieves often wait at traffic lights (called "robots" in South Africa) for a stuck car and an easy poach.
Even if a distance seems manageable, and a walk enjoyable, call a taxi — because you can forget about renting a car. South Africans have an international reputation, one not entirely undeserved, for driving like maniacs, especially around Joburg. And they also seem to have an openness to drunk driving that I found staggering and sick. Add to that to the normal dislocations of an unfamiliar city and driving on the opposite side of the road than you’re used to, and you could be in for a real hassle.
I always find that the best prescription for undertaking travel to a “dangerous” destination is perspective, as well as anecdotal evidence from trusted sources. South Africa is one of the friendliest countries on the planet, across the board — young and old, black and white, rich and poor. I can’t understand how its people live with violence every day. But in the past few weeks, I’ve been asked more than once how I could live in New York with the fear that it would once again face another terror attack. Everything is local, I guess.
Where was the last place you visited that might be considered a dangerous destination? Did you regret going? And do you have any advice for other travelers headed there? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.
— Diane Vadino
Diane Vadino is a frequent contributor to Bing Travel who writes about travel, art and design from her base in Brooklyn, N.Y.
I will certaily take in my mind,when i visit the place.
Yes, South Africa is a very dangerous place to visit. I wanted to go there before, but decided against it, just because of lack of rule of law - criminals overrunning the cities.
South Africa of today reminds me of New York of the eighties, when people could get easily killed by stray bullets. I hope the country will get over the situation.
With the World Cup coming up next year, everyone is expecting the South African Government to step up and clean their cities and suburbs. They just can fail us and let the hoodlums win!
Hey there, I want to visit some of these places. Do you have any pics of such places. Please send me a link. I would like to visit them.
I want to make a firend...
I have visited many dangerous cities and countries. The latest being Tijuana Mexico. There is a well publicized drug war going on there. Here are a few tips on security. First know the dangers and the potential threats. Educate yourself first. Don't act stupid, be loud or bring attention to yourself. Don't dress like a tourist. Use good common sense and act on you intuition. Carry yourself with confidence and last but maybe most important, treat everyone with kindness and respect. I guarantee if you follow these guidelines, your chances of having a problem will be greatly decreased.
The last "dangerous place" I visited was Jamaica. We loved it and never had a bit of trouble. Of course, I wore my Police Dept hat. Nobody offered me drugs or anything!
i don't suggest to visit south Africa,Iraq Afghanistan, Pakistan,
i suggest to visit Nepal(A paradise on earth),India,China( Tibet)
Recently went to Cabo San Lucas during political unrest. Was told that this was primarily to the north, near Tijuana and Mexico City, but things travel. The area is beautiful, but full of people asking for money or trying to sell you things, very pushy to the point of you needing to be almost rude to say "not interested", however most hotels and resorts have, believe it or not, a physical roped off area at the beach where vendors are not allowed to cross over, but if you try to get your feet wet, fair game. On one day, I ventured to Magdalena Bay to the north, and we passed through a military checkpoint. The driver had to bribe the officer to let us go through...makes you wonder if where we were going was safe or not? Worth it, saw many whales, once in a life opportunity. When around Cabo, use the hotel or resort safe and put your personal money that you are going to carry in a money belt or around your neck in a security wallet. If I didn't do this, I would have been pick pocketed at least half a dozen times, the old 'bump and run' routine. Oh, and set up rides with reputable taxis ahead of time, otherwise you may end up with one that either kidnaps you or where they try to overcharge you...get the pricing up front...my taxi driver tried to charge me a lot more to the airport because of a little bit of traffic. He quoted me a total at the start, and then almost doubled it! I told him that I would pay what he said at first, and he started to argue, saying he would just keep my bags or something. I saw the police nearby and said "policia?" He dropped me off at the agreed price with my bags only at that point. Oh, and go in groups if you can. :-))
I will keep that in mind, thanks, because it’s a city where hotels will advise against walking around many areas during daylight, and essentially anywhere at night.
I suggest to visit Antarctica, Kamtchatka ( Russia ) - a very interesting place
I suggest to visit Antarctica, Kamtchatka ( Russia ) - a very interesting place.
Visit Barmuda Triangle and send experience to traveler from heaven/hell.
I am going to Ghana Africa on 9-1-09 and some say you can't take you medicine with you and the doctor who I got my yellow fever shot from said you can take the medicines they give and any other required from a doctor. Can anyone help me on this. My E-mail is JoeDooly@msn.com
great your articlle
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