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South Africa - any info on unrest South Africa - any info on unrest
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Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
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  #1  
Old 19 Mar 2018
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South Africa - any info on unrest
Just wonder peoples thoughts on South Africa with the current unrest relating to land seizures. I am aiming at solo ride around there later in year but my family are not happy about my plans. I think maybe overreacting a little to the media in recent days that paints a bad picture on local news.
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Old 19 Mar 2018
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The only reference to problems in South Africa that I can find are related to protests in Pretoria over foreign migrant workers, usually other Africans. It would appear the rest of the country is no more or less safe than it ever was, caution about where you stop or walk at night is needed there and it always has been but that should not stop you going.
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Old 20 Mar 2018
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If you Google "Farm attacks South Africa" you'll see what he's talking about.

We spent over three months riding all over South Africa.

If you're not a farmer you won't have anything to worry about.

Stay out of the big cities and the crime rate plummets dramatically.
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  #4  
Old 20 Mar 2018
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I am flying there in 2 months.


My friends in Cape Town have not mentioned anything to me about this, so I think it is as safe as ever. I will see when I get there I suppose.


We will ride around the west coast before making our way to Namibia (and beyond).
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Old 20 Mar 2018
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Please come and enjoy our country. It’s safe, cheap and beautiful.


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Old 20 Mar 2018
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Identifying yourself as being a foreigner usually gets you a lot of understanding that you don't know the local customs, and that you are not part of any local group.
I'd be more worried about the lack of water in Cape Town.
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Old 21 Mar 2018
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Many thanks to everyone for the replies, I shall proceed as planned.
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Old 23 Mar 2018
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South Africa
If you want to, you can share your route with me directly (via email).
I am living in South Africa and do many solo rides here. As one of the previous persons replied, there are places that you need to shy away from.
I can help you with 1st hand information on the areas that you should stay away from (not that there are a lot).
Unrests are normally monitored by our Police force and you will be blocked from driving through the areas.

We have a beautiful country. Please enjoy it. If you want you can stay over at my place when coming in my area for free.

Contact me at jsteyn@unisa.ac.za.
Jan
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Old 23 Mar 2018
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We returned one month ago and can only say it was such a nice trip with soooo many people and amazing pictures: Individual journey with the car through South Africa to Kruger Park
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Old 24 Mar 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightwind View Post
If you want to, you can share your route with me directly (via email).
I am living in South Africa and do many solo rides here. As one of the previous persons replied, there are places that you need to shy away from.
I can help you with 1st hand information on the areas that you should stay away from (not that there are a lot).
Unrests are normally monitored by our Police force and you will be blocked from driving through the areas.

We have a beautiful country. Please enjoy it. If you want you can stay over at my place when coming in my area for free.

Contact me at jsteyn@unisa.ac.za.
Jan
Thanks Jan I will contact you shortly
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Old 19 Apr 2018
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Hi

We're thinking on travelling to South Africa in October 16. We'd like to drive the Garden Route from George to Cape Town, spend a few days looking around Cape Town, a few days on Safari in a private reserve in the Kruger followed by a few days at Victoria Falls. We plan to book the whole thing with a specialist travel agent.

We have heard a fair bit about political unrest and general safety issues in South Africa and would appreciate your comments on this prior to booking.

Thank you.
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Old 20 Apr 2018
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Again?

Clearly identify your self as a foreign tourist - flag, badge etc.

The 'unrest' (anywhere) is usually from one resident group to another resident group .. if your not part of either group you are not a usual target.

The unrest in SA is towards the white resident farmers .. if your not staying on a white farm you should not be part of any action.

I'd be more worried about the lack of water in Cape Town.
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Old 21 Apr 2018
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Yes I am booked now for October solo ride and don't foresee any problems. I posted this originally because the media in Australia were sensationalising things (as they love to do) and my family voiced objection to me going based on that reporting.
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Old 30 Oct 2018
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Hi Guys

It's probably too late for you guys as you are probably there or have been. For anyone else that picks up this thread. There is no unrest in SA and hasn't been since the 19990s. I live in Cape Town and can say from experience. The press love to sensationalise anything bad that happens in SA. There are places to avoid but that's the same in any country. There is a massive biking community in there and some of the best riding in the world. If you are thinking of going I suggest you contact the Wild Dogs forum where you will get all the help you need. Sometimes the places that you think are the most dangerous have the most helpful fantastic people. Try it you wont regret it!
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Old 30 Oct 2018
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I ma just back from 4 months around Southern Africa ( SA, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho).

We started and ended in Cape Town where we shipped our motorbike sto and from. Never felt in danger. Rode the garden route. Very nice.

Don’t forget to ride the Sani Pass, Swatberg Pass and around and Swaziland is also very much worth the detour. Lovely country and people are friendly.

As said by previous poster, the press likes to sensionalise ... it sells papers!
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