Anybody been to South Africa?

[Mustang]

As per the title anybody been there, any thoughts, tips or advice. specifically the Johannesburg area.

[Dragonheart]

Know a few people who've been, my aunt and uncle go there every winter for a couple of months, and they absolutely love it. Not sure what part but I think its J'burg. Anyone I've spoken to about it has loved and and would definately go back.

[colm_mcm]

My brother was there (the lad with the focus) think he went twice.
Can pass you on his number or email. He loved it anyway.

[Mitsubishi-Mental]

Haven't been there, but i've spoken to a few South Africans i was friendly with and its got its good and bad area's, with the bad ares's being very bad!

I'd say its a beautiful country though

[Mustang]

Just looking for a few do's and don'ts, how to avoid being car jacked -that sort of thing.

[Mitsubishi-Mental]

Just looking for a few do's and don'ts, how to avoid being car jacked -that sort of thing.

Not a member myself, but Boards.ie would answer a few of those questions i'd say. There's a travel section i'd say

[optical illusion]

I was there for a month. My favourite place in the world. What do you need to know? And why Joberg of all places?

[Mustang]

What do you need to know?

Nothing specific, just general impressions, what to do and not to do, food, cost of living, etc? And as per above how to avoid being car jacked

And why Joberg of all places?

Why indeed. Work trip -so won't be visiting the tourist attractions..

[optical illusion]

Jo'berg (the city) is the scariest place I've ever been to, and I've been to a lot of places. Only place I've ever feared for my life and was glad to see the back of it. In Jo'berg airport there are armed guards around the ATMs, and even at that my card got skimmed (got the money back thankfully). I think it's the only place in the world where you can run red lights for fear of your car being jacked. Being white you will stick out like a sore thumb.

I am hoping for your sake that you are nowhere near the city as I think the country part of it is fine. Cost of living is cheap, food is cheap, be careful of what taxis you get into etc. Don't walk around like a tourist with your camera around your neck or your wallet hanging out, the usual stuff. Engage with nobody on the streets and keep to yourself (although I would suggest large groups). I would never go back to the city.

More here: http://www.octane.ie/forum/showthread.p ... ght=africa

[Mustang]

Jo'berg (the city) is the scariest place I've ever been to,

That sounds about right, my only comparable bench mark would be Port Harcourt, Nigeria not exactly a walk in the park either...

More here: http://www.octane.ie/forum/showthread.p ... ght=africa

That thread pretty much sums up my expectation of the place. SA has always struck me as a place of sharp contrast, play golf in exclusive resorts and drink fine local wine by day, get mugged, raped, car jacked and maybe even shot (dead) on the drive home in the evening. As a holiday package it has it all really.
Looks like credit card skimming is a national pass time - good to know. I'll feel much safer carrying around a wod of cash instead
Herself is keen to go there on holidays but I was always less enthusiastic, I don't think the representations in the holiday brochures present a realistic picture also I'm not sure that the travel time (and expense) combined with the risk reward ratio stack up to a desirable proposition.