Is south africa reasonably safe?

[mark-hunter]

Hunting camp with a dozen guns and people knowing how to use them is not what they are looking for.

Very sound perspective.

 

[DieJager]

Lot of good advice but it always will be subjective and dependent on which areas you visit . Go for a walk in Johannesburg alone with the family, strolling around and you can put yourself and your family in big trouble. My PH checked the toilets with his gun before letting me go in. I have somewhat family living in Johannesburg, they are armed all the time and the stories they have...

Almost all tourist go guided and we as hunters have PH's around that mostly are armed. Safe is going to Iceland, Poland or Japan with the family. South Africa is not without risks. That said it is no Burkina Faso. But safe is not the word I would use to describe SA.

Are there safe areas and can you be somewhat safe by following certain rules yes. But we as hunters are by definition risk takers.
Know the risks and be aware of what can happen. Prepare accordingly.

 

[mark-hunter]

FYI.

Top African Countries by Tourist Arrivals (2024):

1. Morocco: 17.4 million
2. Egypt: 15.7 million
3. Tunisia: 9.37 million
4. South Africa: 8.54 million
5. Tanzania: 1.81 million
6. Kenya: 1.75 million
7. Mauritius: 1.30 million
8. Ethiopia: 1.08 million
9. Eswatini: 390,000
10. Seychelles: 350,000

North Africa is close to Europe and takes biggest number of tourists.
But for more remote African countries South Africa comes as a first tourist choice.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

South Africa is no different than the states or any other country. There are good parts and bad parts. Ive personally felt more unsafe in parts of Houston( Atlanta, NYC and Baltimore than parts of South Africa. I’ve taken an uber a couple times in Jburg to local restaurants and shopping areas without issues. When driving, the PH’s know the roads to take and if they go through a township or rougher area, they do it during the day.

 

[SRvet]

We went in 2022 and I am heading back shortly. We all felt very safe almost all of the time as my PH was armed and accompanied us everywhere. One interesting moment was when we had to stop for a comfort break at a run down gas station for the PHs wife. He accompanied his wife to the bathroom but left her bag with us that had her Glock in it. Nothing happened in the five minutes but it was one of those head on a swivel moments.
As others have said the chances are your PH will be with you at all times and will probably be armed. Don’t worry too much but make good choices and all will be well.

 

[BlueFlyer]

Much safer for a westener to visit South Africa that the South African President visiting the White House!

 

[mark-hunter]

I am member of the forum since 2016, but I was following this forum maybe two years prior joining.
(O man, is it already 10 years gone by now?! And 4 safaris in between, with safari no 5 in planning. The time really flies by!!!)
So, I've been ten years following reports on this forum!

The security summary of this forum of last 10- years, to the best of my memory:
There was only one report about armed group shooting at client. (will provide link below)
There was few scams reported from corrupt African operators. (take the money and run type)
Very few reports about problems with import or export hunting rifles. (issues with local authorities, in non frequently visited countries)
There were some negative reports when hunt was not organized as "expected", whether such a negative report is being realistic or not. (those turn out to be in 50-50 ratio)
There is also few reports of various PH's or trackers being wounded or killed by animals.

So, all in all, 98-99% of hunts as reported here have been conducted safe, secure and to the satisfaction of the client. from security stand point we are quite boring community.

Thread 'Holy Crap, I Like Adventure As Much As The Next Guy, But This Is A Little Much.....'

Jun 28, 2016

A Father's Day Brush with Death in CAR

Editor's Note: On Father's Day, June 19, 2016, Lord's Resistance Army militants ambushed a Hunting Report subscriber and his hunting party in eastern Central African Republic while hunting yellow-backed duiker. The subscriber, who has asked we refer to him only as "Scott," was evacuated by Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance TM under their security extraction services. Here is Scott's harrowing account of his close brush with death in the bush.

I arrived in Bangui on May 31st and stayed at the Ledger Hotel campus and felt safe at the Ledger as it...

• sandman0921
• Replies: 129
• Forum: Articles

• 
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[bowjijohn]

My thoughts

1. Media have exaggerated risk since the beginning of time

2. All countries have areas where risk is high

3. Piss about in Africa and you are a candidate for harm

4. Jo burg is a city with a high crime rate

5. Crime and violence are usually restricted to those who indulge in high crime activities

6. Take note of the issues associated with the areas through which you (plan to) travel - modify your route, behaviour and plans accordingly

7. Seek and take note of local knowledge

8. High risk area plus night time are unfortunate bedfellows- inject naivety and an obvious display of relative wealth and you attract the sharks

9. My favourite - watch the behaviour of children towards your presence- they reflect the attitudes of their elders but lack the ability to disguise

——-

Your average hunter, picked up by their hosts and accommodated in the bush, are pretty safe from harm

 

[HankBuck]

We will be going to South Africa for the very first time. We are flying into Johannesburg and ph is driving us to Limpopo province. Since booking the trip it seems like a lot in the news. I have been doing research and lots of reading. I dont know if things are getting worse or I just never really paid attention. We will have grandchildren with us is our main concern. It is so hard to tell bs from legit information anymore. Trump is either bringing something to the world's attention or stirring the pot? Any info good or bad from people who have hunted and spent time in SA or live in SA would be appreciated. Airline tickets are bought and deposit paid. Going in November. Thank you all!

@ar15teacher - When I hunted in TZ 2006 the consensus of opinion (and statistics supported) was that SA was the most stable and safe Country in Africa. Now, for the past several Years, it appears things in SA have deteriorated….how much ? No idea? News reports mostly highlight negative events and can distort the level of danger…as do personal accounts like “well, when I hunted there and my trip went fine, no problems etc..”. Outfitters will always report their area is “safe” and I believe Most are. Mexico is the same way - some of the worst crime and murder rates in the World but it all depends on exactly “where” in Mexico you are. I do Not believe you will be able to get a clear, concise, fact based answer —- it will be your judgement and decision.

 

[HankBuck]

South Africa is very safe for hunting, but Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania don’t have the animosity that still lingers in South Africa. I’d consider them safer because of that.

@375Fox - interesting about Zimbabwe and my information is very old (from 2006) but when I hunted in TZ my PH and his asst were both from Zimbabwe and were extremely concerned with the turmoil. Inflation, Government & local Police corruption that was an ongoing problem there. The Asst PH told us his Father was currently charged with bogus crimes leveled by “Poachers” he had caught on his property. The older PH had lived in Zimbabwe since it was “Rhodesia” and said he missed his opportunity to get out, if he were to leave Now he would lose everything he owned. Now, this info was relayed to me nearly 20 years ago and only by two people. I had one friend go on Safari there in 2005 and his comment was “I’d hunt Zimbabwe again but would Never bring my Son - too unstable to risk it”. Just from what I’ve read recently, it appears Zimbabwe has gotten a little better and SA a bit more unstable.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

When transporting clients between airports, lodges, and tourist destinations, relying solely on armed individuals is not an effective security strategy. Simply having firearms does not equate to specialized security training in road safety, crisis management, or legal compliance.

Professional hunters are experts in tracking and executing safaris but are not trained for secure transport operations. Expecting them to handle both hunting and security during travel creates unnecessary risks, including legal complications and divided attention.

Trained security drivers and transport personnel ensure safety by focusing on secure navigation, emergency preparedness, and adherence to legal requirements. Their expertise guarantees a seamless, risk-mitigated travel experience without compromising the safari's quality.

By separating roles—hunters focusing on the safari while trained security specialists manage transport—you create a safer, more efficient experience for all involved.

Note that Duncan is a new member. I suspect he is looking for clients for his or an associate's security business. My PH on first two safaris worked security during the off season. I trusted him with my life unquestionably on the road and in the field. Same with the other three.

An interesting story comes to mind. When I was hunting up north on my third safari we had a long drive with a local subcontracted PH/landowner to get to Barbary sheep hunt. As we drove through this nice little whitewashed colonial town (I forget the name), he points to a burned out building. That was the govt clinic. Two years before he was driving back from a bigger burg where he'd acquired a load of building material. The local headman was on a rampage and had his rioters burn the only govt building in town. They set up a blockade on the highway with burning tires, etc. Local police were no place to be found. Hiding somewhere as usual ... or working at another job to pay the bills because their paycheck didn't arrive ... as usual. This PH/landowner asks to speak to headman. "Okay, look this is how it is. You get that shit out of the way or I will call my wife and she will fire every one of our staff ... and she will tell them why. That's thirty families who will be after your sorry arse. Makes for a nice little civil war, don't you think?" Blockade was removed. Rioters just figured the govt would build them another clinic with better staff of headman's cronies/family. Wrong! It still hadn't fixed the burned holes in the road. After a few months of no healthcare, the headman headache was suddenly miraculously cured one night. Some jackal probably got a free lunch.

Earlier the very same year I had to travel to Minneapolis VA hospital for hernia surgery (elective surgery was canceled here due to COVID). When released I wanted to grab something to eat and gas up for the seven hour drive home. Got on the freeway going the wrong direction and went by half a dozen exits with no signs of eateries. Finally, I turned off one (Cedar Valley?) and figured I'd drive till I found something. Eventually I spot a couple of stoplights in the distance. Ah, I'm coming to a town center! Then I see a dumpy two-story house on my right with a spray-painted sheet nailed to the porch "Black Lives Matter". Uh oh! Better get outa here. Figured to go around the block at the first stop light and head back. Well, it used to be a town center! All the stores were burned and/or boarded up. I flipped a u-turn right there in the intersection and made haste for the freeway!

Shit can happen no matter where you are.

 

[Duncan102]

Hello Ontario Hunter,

I’d like to clear the air on a few points. Yes, I did initially look for clients, but I was informed that this wasn’t allowed, and I adhered to those guidelines. Later on, when I was asked for more information on the matter, I provided it accordingly.

Regarding your comment about the security provided on those safaris—your PH’s strong security background gave you that unquestionable sense of safety. That very expertise is precisely why my previous posts and experiences in the field hold true. It’s all about having professionals who are equipped for the challenges on the road and in the field.

Also, for the record, I’m not new to this community. I’ve been a member since 2014.

I appreciate the dialogue, and I’m here to ensure that all concerns are addressed with transparency and respect.

 

[skydiver386]

If we are going to be intellectually honest, we need to differentiate between what a Safari Hunter/tourist will experience and what a white farmer is experiencing.

 

[mark-hunter]

Actually. Global Rescue (security) is sponsor here, and they are advertising.
It is allowed for sponsors.

 

[HankBuck]

South Africa is no different than the states or any other country. There are good parts and bad parts. Ive personally felt more unsafe in parts of Houston( Atlanta, NYC and Baltimore than parts of South Africa. I’ve taken an uber a couple times in Jburg to local restaurants and shopping areas without issues. When driving, the PH’s know the roads to take and if they go through a township or rougher area, they do it during the day.

@Mtn_Infantry - South Africa is VERY different then the States, Not to imply you can’t have a Safe Hunt in SA and the vast majority will have a Safe & uneventful hunt in SA (and Most other Countries) but it IS DIFFERENT and the risk is higher — same as the Risk in Mexico is higher - even though the majority of Hunters that travel to Mexico will be fine ——-it’s still “Not the same”.
Damn few posts on AH where this type of discussion or debate takes place before a Member planned to hunt in Maine? Ontario? Wyoming? United Kingdom? (Not many Guided Hunts in Baltimore & NYC). That doesn’t mean we all should never go Africa, I would advocate for any Hunter that can afford the trip to try and make-it-happen… and I agree there is nowhere on Earth “completely Safe”. But, to say Africa is “no different then the States or any other Country” is exaggerating your point beyond reason.

 

[HankBuck]

Hello Ontario Hunter,

I’d like to clear the air on a few points. Yes, I did initially look for clients, but I was informed that this wasn’t allowed, and I adhered to those guidelines. Later on, when I was asked for more information on the matter, I provided it accordingly.

Regarding your comment about the security provided on those safaris—your PH’s strong security background gave you that unquestionable sense of safety. That very expertise is precisely why my previous posts and experiences in the field hold true. It’s all about having professionals who are equipped for the challenges on the road and in the field.

Also, for the record, I’m not new to this community. I’ve been a member since 2014.

I appreciate the dialogue, and I’m here to ensure that all concerns are addressed with transparency and respect.

@Duncan102 - this discussion/debate has been a good exchange of information and opinions. It is rarely discussed regarding hunts to other destinations even though problems can arise anywhere. I’m not sure the topic of hiring “Armed Security” to transport someone to their Hunting Camp or destination is a comforting one, it seems to highlight the Danger Factor even more. I do respect your business and when I’ve needed to arrange for Security Protection for Executives at my prior job - local resources combined with our own Team or Contractors were usually the best way to go. I have always felt very safe in Camp but getting to it or back to the Airport is where the “adventure” can occur.

 

[Duncan102]

Hey @HankBuck , I’ve really enjoyed this discussion—it’s one of those topics that doesn’t get much attention, but as you said, issues can pop up anywhere.

I get what you’re saying about how hiring "armed security" for transport might make the whole thing feel more intense than necessary. That’s not really the point, though this isn’t about rolling in with a full tactical team. It’s just about having a security driver someone trained in awareness, defensive driving, and handling unpredictable situations to make sure the trip to and from camp goes smoothly.

Once you're in camp, everything feels safe and settled, but the journey itself can sometimes throw unexpected surprises. The idea isn’t to raise alarms it’s just about keeping things seamless and stress-free, so the focus stays on the experience rather than logistics.

I’ve always believed that security should be low-profile and practical, not something that draws attention or makes people uncomfortable.

Anyway, appreciate the exchange—really good points brought up here!

 

[HankBuck]

Hey @HankBuck , I’ve really enjoyed this discussion—it’s one of those topics that doesn’t get much attention, but as you said, issues can pop up anywhere.

I get what you’re saying about how hiring "armed security" for transport might make the whole thing feel more intense than necessary. That’s not really the point, though this isn’t about rolling in with a full tactical team. It’s just about having a security driver someone trained in awareness, defensive driving, and handling unpredictable situations to make sure the trip to and from camp goes smoothly.

Once you're in camp, everything feels safe and settled, but the journey itself can sometimes throw unexpected surprises. The idea isn’t to raise alarms it’s just about keeping things seamless and stress-free, so the focus stays on the experience rather than logistics.

I’ve always believed that security should be low-profile and practical, not something that draws attention or makes people uncomfortable.

Anyway, appreciate the exchange—really good points brought up here!

@Duncan102 - we had Trained drivers for Executive's in NYC, some were retired NY Police. The most important component for them was “judgement” and mostly how to “avoid” a confrontation or dangerous encounter. Drivers that failed to meet the standard were usually because they engaged in a confrontation that could have easily been avoided——by walking or driving away, also the rule “Never leave the vehicle” and especially NEVER leave the Executive alone in the Vehicle. Local knowledge combined with common sense were the essential factors in a Good Driver.

 

[wesheltonj]

As long as you don’t go into downtown Johannesburg and get away from the airport as fast as possible you should be safe

 

[Mauser78]

Hey @HankBuck , I’ve really enjoyed this discussion—it’s one of those topics that doesn’t get much attention, but as you said, issues can pop up anywhere.

I get what you’re saying about how hiring "armed security" for transport might make the whole thing feel more intense than necessary. That’s not really the point, though this isn’t about rolling in with a full tactical team. It’s just about having a security driver someone trained in awareness, defensive driving, and handling unpredictable situations to make sure the trip to and from camp goes smoothly.

Once you're in camp, everything feels safe and settled, but the journey itself can sometimes throw unexpected surprises. The idea isn’t to raise alarms it’s just about keeping things seamless and stress-free, so the focus stays on the experience rather than logistics.

I’ve always believed that security should be low-profile and practical, not something that draws attention or makes people uncomfortable.

Anyway, appreciate the exchange—really good points brought up here!

Duncan, really. Does any of your friends from SA drive with a convoy, or your family, with armed guards everywhere? From the the airport take the R 21 from the airport to pretoria, get on the N1 and go to whatever offramp you want, no stops no trafic lights. You make it sound if you need guards to any where.|if there is a local with that make sure the Hillbrow tower or Ponty City is not in view you are 99.99%l safe. Almost 100% with daylight some general safety measures.