South Africa Here I (we) Come!

[flyingwil]

My wife are planning a week long trip to Africa at the end of Jan '06. I realize that to most of you this seems like short vacation planning, but when you work for an airline, you plan things at the drop of a hat. Needless to say the fare is WAY too cheap, so we decided to go for a visit.

With my flight benefits, I can only go in and from Johannesburg or Cape Town airports. So I would like to go into one and leave from the other! This trip will be a multi purpose trip, as I plan to look at rooftop tents while there. Since most of So. Africa is on a break / holiday until about the 15th of Jan. I am assuming that planning is going to be a bit harder and require more internet that personal interaction.

Does anyone have advice for us? As in what to see, and what to avoid? Another pro would be tour guides, and/or recommendations for vehicle rental and guides. My dad has advised me not to go, because we'll get shot, then my grandma (from the other side of the family) tells me the same thing. Is it that bad down there? Is it hard to find a reputable guide?

Thanks,
Wil

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Flyingwil, great trip!

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, period. I spent several days walking and driving around there, from a hotel base on the waterfront (the Cape Grace--fantastic but expensive; I was on an assignment). Take the cable car up Table Mountain if you get a chance. I also enjoyed visiting the Rhodes Memorial, and driving the west cape road. All the standard rental car companies are there--you just have to remember to drive on the left.

Johannesburg seemed . . .different. Mostly I remember driving past block after block of houses surrounded by walls topped with razor wire. Waiting at one pretty remote intersection on the way to the airport and spotting a sign that said "Warning: carjackings common here!" But I saw only a tiny part of the city, and suspect (hope) it was the worst.

I would have loved to drive between the two cities and see more of the countryside.

 

[gjackson]

I agree with Jonathan about Cape Town -- it is a very beautiful city. So far as tour guides, I'm the best I know! So I'd be glad to go with you! Just kidding!

I have heard good things about Afri-Trak
Talk to Mike Ilsely
cell: 082 880 8695
www.trak.co.za

As far as rental cars goes, if you want to do some off-road/overland stuff, Britz is pretty good and have a nice selection of Land Rovers and Toyotas. May be a bit expensive for such a short stay. If you do decide to contact them:
Guy Stringer
Britz
Kempton Park 1620
Johannesburg SA
+27 11 396 1860
http://www.britz.co.za/

If you plan on shopping for overland equipment, go to
4x4 Megaworld
Talk to craig
Unit 6
Route 24
Warehousing Park
Herman Road, Meadowdale
http://www.oldmanemu.co.za/
Also:
52 Marine Drive
Paarden Island
Cape Town

Or:
Safari Centre
Bryanston Johannesburg
011-465-3817
www.safaricentre.co.za

Both Safari Centre and 4x4 Megaworld have awesome selections of stuff. 4x4 Megaworld has a larger selection, especially the main store in Jo'burg. Great shopping that could get you in serious trouble! At least it got me in serious trouble. Lots of roof-top-tents there as well.

So far as SA being dangerous -- it is in a stastical sense. But so are Angola, Chad and Congo. I've had no trouble in any of those. Just be a smart traveller. Don't flaunt your wealth, and don't run around seedy places at night. Be alert, always lock your car and don't leave anything valuable in view.

As far as places to see, the list could be endless! For game, Kruger Park can't be beat, but may be off your track. Pilanesberg just north of Pretoria has the same game but is a bit smaller. Karoo NP is cool, but has very little game. See the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. This could become a very large list, so I'll stop there.

cheers

 

[BajaTaco]

Well, it looks like you picked the right place to ask about it! Too cool.


Will, you are gonna have an awesome time! Good luck with the tent shopping.

 

[flyingwil]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions! As time narrow in on our trip, the planing start to freak me out a bit more, at least I am very confident that you advice is the best out there! Thanks so much for your input. If anyone else has some input please toss it in! Thanks, Wil.

 

[XXXpedition]

Hi Wil,
Cape Town is an absolute must. We heard lots of horror stories about Jo-burg and opted to spend our last night in Pretoria instead (the airport is in the middle between these two cities). My brother took a tour through the slums of Jo-burg on a previous trip; he knew somebody who lived there and recommended a reputable guide. He said it was an eye-opener but so unimaginably poor. I wouldn't recommend it unless you know someone trustworthy.

Here are a few great areas to consider:
Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth
Tsitsikama National Park - awesome scenery
Drakens Mountains - fabulous hiking
Kruger NP: no-brainer
Swasiland: enclave within SA. Technically independant (monarchy) with own currency and everything, but really just another part of SA
Transkei: former township, now mostly black area. We saw some of the most beautiful spots on earth in this area. We had been warned about the danger in this area (kidnappings, robbings, slayings....) but found them highly exaggerated upon further research. Recommend you stop at a local tourist office and inquire about the situation in Transkei before entering.

In general, we found people extremely friendly and outgoing. Never felt threatened. Bear in mind, though, that apartheid is deeply rooted with the older generations and there are lots of tensions. Sven and I speak German, and our dialect sounds similar to Africaans, we found out. This led twice to a rougher iffy situation. But once people found out we were innocent tourists from Austria, they were super-friendly.

Please note that it was 8-9 years ago that we visited SA. I know things have changed.

Be extra careful with your health. People are so nice, and the urge to help the desperately poor will be unbearable, but remember to be safe -- you don't want to catch anything there.

 

[Aubrey]

Hi Boet

Tell the family to calm down ..... safer than NY I believe. 7 days is one short trip man ..... driving from Jhb to CT is 18 hours non stop at least and the road is what you would call an Interstate ....passing through some of the bleakest waste of space.

My suggestion ..... fly into Jhb and staight to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. Game drives and all and home of the big five ....driving is 2.5 hours from Jhb but, you can also fly there ..... 15 minutes. Take at least 2 full days there ..... Sun City is right next door in case you get all bored and want to play some golf or gamble.

On the way to CT (I suggest fly - 2 hours) stop off at 4x4 Megaworld (011 454 2875) in Edenvale (10 minutes drive from Jhb Interntional Airport). Leave Pilansberg around 10:00 ..... arrive Megaworld around 12:00 and spend at least 3 hours there. Rooftops tents and lots of camping stuff. Fly to CT around 19:00.

In CT, I would suggest any Hotel right on the CT Waterfront. Have a look here ... http://www.proteahotels.co.za/ Consider a tour to Robin Island (ex prison colony where Mandela was kept for some 20 odd years), defintely do a wine tour, go up table mountain (hike or cable car) and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve.

None of the above requires a 4x4. A normal car will do so Budget, AVIS, Europ and such are all here. Some hotels have package specials that include a car. Try for A/C included.

Jan is still summer and Jhb could be mid 30 C but will be above 25 C (Yeah, I know you use F ..... bottom line, hot;-) CT should be dry but could be windy. No serious wooly's needed but light wind breaker would make sense (better if also waterproof)

No malaria area so no special precautions needed. Voltage is 220 V 50 Hz. Exchange rate ...... 1 US$ = SAR 6.20 today.

Happy to add ...... so just ask.

 

[flyingwil]

Hi Boet

Tell the family to calm down ..... safer than NY I believe. 7 days is one short trip man ..... driving from Jhb to CT is 18 hours non stop at least and the road is what you would call an Interstate ....passing through some of the bleakest waste of space.

My suggestion ..... fly into Jhb and staight to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. Game drives and all and home of the big five ....driving is 2.5 hours from Jhb but, you can also fly there ..... 15 minutes. Take at least 2 full days there ..... Sun City is right next door in case you get all bored and want to play some golf or gamble.

On the way to CT (I suggest fly - 2 hours) stop off at 4x4 Megaworld (011 454 2875) in Edenvale (10 minutes drive from Jhb Interntional Airport). Leave Pilansberg around 10:00 ..... arrive Megaworld around 12:00 and spend at least 3 hours there. Rooftops tents and lots of camping stuff. Fly to CT around 19:00.

In CT, I would suggest any Hotel right on the CT Waterfront. Have a look here ... http://www.proteahotels.co.za/ Consider a tour to Robin Island (ex prison colony where Mandela was kept for some 20 odd years), defintely do a wine tour, go up table mountain (hike or cable car) and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve.

None of the above requires a 4x4. A normal car will do so Budget, AVIS, Europ and such are all here. Some hotels have package specials that include a car. Try for A/C included.

Jan is still summer and Jhb could be mid 30 C but will be above 25 C (Yeah, I know you use F ..... bottom line, hot;-) CT should be dry but could be windy. No serious wooly's needed but light wind breaker would make sense (better if also waterproof)

No malaria area so no special precautions needed. Voltage is 220 V 50 Hz. Exchange rate ...... 1 US$ = SAR 6.20 today.

Happy to add ...... so just ask.

That is axactly what I was looking for! I am starting to get excited out our little trip!

Thanks for info!

Wil

 

[Desertdude]

Wil - I am envious of your ability to time travel to exotic places at the drop of a hat :clapsmile

Have a great trip! :wavey: I look forward to a few stories around the campfire...

Can you bring me back an Elephant? :elkgrin:

 

[flyingwil]

Can you bring me back an Elephant? :elkgrin:

Yeah if it'll fit in case! I was thinking a monkey, so he can live on my roof and launch Poo at my neighbors dog that barks all night and all day long. You want one too?


:hehe:

Yeah it is a perk, and is fun... but sometimes the planning aspects bite the trip. But for the price it is normally still well worth the time.

 

[Aubrey]

Hi Flyingwill

Drop me a note on moorea@mweb.co.za with arrival times. If I am in country, will make a plan to catch a soda or two (feel free, good beer is cheap here but I don't drink). For any assistance, I suggest drop me a call 24/7 whilst here on 082 654 5858.

You don't need a Yellow card with all innoculations but I would suggest get cholera and for the hell of it jaundice.

Get an international drivers license ..... speed limit in town is 60 km/h and open road is 100 km/h (secondary) or 120 km/h (main and freeway). We drive on the left ;-) and are know idiots behind the wheel. Minimum speed on freeway is around 140 km/h in slow lane.

You can drink all tap water in SA. Suggest you use bottled water if sensitive to chlorine or such chemicals.

VISA and MC best cc to bring. AMEX and Diners in main areas only. Many ATM's and better rates to withdraw money than a Forex buro. Exchange monye at bank only and keep receipt ..... you will need it to sell extra back when you return. You may not pay locally in US$. SA Police drive yellow trucks and cars ....latest ones are white. They will not stop you for traffic offences ....... and they also drive like idiots. What we call Speetcops (Speeding cops) are in fact in between your LEO's and rent a Cop crowd. Unreliable and prone to bribes ....... job is too catch you for traffic offences ....semi tame chimps in a variety of cars ...... normally overweight and sleeping next to road. There is no such thing as a spot fine in SA

Rent a GPS with the vehicle. Driving on left, jet lagged and maniac drivers ... not a smooth journey.

You cannot smoke in public places ...... will get a hefty fine and must ask for a smoking section in restaurant if you want to light up. BTW, Camel 20 is around US$ 3-00 a pack :ylsmoke:

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! This serious and they will lock you up.

International dialling code is 09, and then country code ....for USA it will be 09 1 plus number. On arrival at Jhb airport, rent a cellular phone, save my number for emergency or chat. We use GSM so unless you are with T-Mobile ....will not work here. Look for a Vodacom. MTN or Cell C sign in the arrivals hall.

Few places with wi-fi. Most on dial up ....may not have internet access. If you update me regulary, you can give my tel # as an emergency contact to friends and family before departure. I'll keep them posted if needed or asked.

Sunblock ...... at least 30+ SPF ...... the sun is harsh and very high levels of UVB.

Hat is a good idea ... sunglasses a must ... check for UVB block.

Drink water ...... lots of it ...... and if you can spare an evening ....you and all are invited for supper. Will do std. Boere Braai (Barbeque for you on that side) ...hope you are not vegetarian. Let me know pls.

Local places with good food ....... fast food ...... Steers. Breakfast ....look out for Wimpy ....... lunch/supper ...anything ending with Spur such as Golden Eagle Spur or ending with Dros.

Fruit ...... buy everywhere but be carefull of buying next to road .... must first wash in a solution of water and bleack. Good source for fresh fruit is Woolworths ... no need to wash although a good idea.

Supermarkets (you K Mart and such) is Spar, Pick and Pay, Checkers, Hyperama and Hyperama.

Fuel is available 24/7 and from 1 Jan is only unleaded or diesel. Price is around US$ 3.80 per US gallon They don't accept cc for fuel so it must be cash ...... oh yes, we don't do self service here. You sit, wait and they will fill up, wash windscreen and pump tyres ....tip of R 5-00 OK (Largest coin)

Langauge .....

gas in SA is propane in US
petrol in SA is gas in US
circle in SA is round about in US
robot in SA is traffic light in US
zebra crossing is a kill zone in SA so don't expect anybody to stop for you walking accross

Hope it helps and enjoy ...looking forward to meeting you .....

MY home page ..... http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/moorea/

 

[flyingwil]

Thanks for the amazing advice and input! I will most definately put it to good use! I'll send you an e-mail when I am not at work (currently working) and we'll go from there!

Wil

 

[flyingwil]

One more Question... Will we be fine with our driver's License from the States or are we required an internation Drivers License for SA?

 

[flywgn]

Hey Wil,

I don't know how I missed your thread. The day after you posted I placed this-- I apologize for taking up a thread with a question, but I did a Search on this Forum for any information re: South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana and came up dry on information regarding expeditions there
--on another thread, so either the "Search" didn't pick up on the separate threads soon enough or I am obtuse...more likely the latter.

In any event, thanks for pointing it out. I've sent you a PM to give you our whereabouts in Cape Town. Maybe we'll overlap at some point. We land in CT on 1/12 and depart for Namibia on the 14th mid-day, then we return via Botswana and mid-SA, so our paths just might cross.

Wil, my research indicates that stateside drivers' licenses are fine, but we obtained our International DLs at AAA ($10 and absolutely no trouble) in case for whatever reason we have to surrender a license at some point. It's less hassle to give up an IDL.

PS To those good folks who responded to both threads, in some cases with duplicate info, many thanks again. Next time, I'll do a better job of searching.

Allen R.

 

[gjackson]

In general I've found that having an international DL is better than just having your home country one. It takes some of the argument out of officials who claim that your DL isn't valid, or don't know how to read it. Even in places where the official country policy may be to recognize your DL, certain traffic cops may use it as an excuse to pump you for money. In Africa having the "correct" paperwork is a HUGE deal. If you can throw enough official looking paperwork at people, they often relent rather than demand a bribe.

Had one case in Mali where a traffic cop stopped us and demanded all our paperwork. He then demanded our MOT (or certificate of safe car) to prove that the car was fit to be driven on the road (while we were being passed by vehicles that could barely move and were held together by nothing but mud). Since ours was a US vehicle we had no MOT. He threatened a fine if we couldn't produce someting, so I showed him my Clean Air Colorado emissions test paperwork. He looked at it for a while then said he couldn't accept it because it wasn't in French! I took him to the back of the truck and pointed at the Colorado plate, and told him if it had been in French then it would be a fake! He grumbled a bunch but had lost his argument and evenually let us go.

Now having said all this, I would bet that SA and Namibia are some of the least likely places in Africa to have problems with your US DL.

On a slightly related note, if you rent a car that you plan to take out of SA (as in a Britz TLC), Britz will give you a letter stating that you are alowed to drive the car and listing which countries you are allowed to go into. Don't loose that letter! And if you go into Botswana, do not let them charge you the commercial vehicle road tax. You are not a commercial vehicle eventhough Britz owns the car. Some customs officials at Botswana border posts will try that one.

cheers