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.

 

[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.

 

[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

 

[Nyati]

I didn´t feel threatened walking around Sandton, just too many Police and armed guards,

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

@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.

It’s really not that different All countries and States/provinces have areas you shouldn’t go to. You’re right though, one is not going to hunt in Baltimore or NYC, just like they’re not going to hunt downtown Johannesburg or the Townships. A traveling hunter still might fly into those 2 US airports if you’re hunting certain parts of Maryland or New York just like they’re might fly into Jburg or Cape Town. Heck I fly into NYC on occasion when hunting Connecticut, or Rhode Island. I’ll take the subway to visit a few friends, then take the train out of the city all while dragging a bow/rifle case. Talk about drawing attention and being out of place.

I’d wager far more white tourists (by percentage) get murdered each year traveling to one of the big US cities than to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Your professional hunters aren’t making money if you get kidnapped, hurt, or injured before your hunt or before you pay them the post hunt balance. It’s in their best interest to give you good advice and handle your transport. While not a guarantee of safety, it will greatly reduce potential issues.

What doesn’t get talked about on hunting forums is there are some parts of the US and Canada (specifically on certain tribal lands and reservations you do not want to go on or through). That the areas surrounding many large airports are oftentimes some of the more unsafe neighborhoods to visit or stop for fuel when traveling in the states.

We can however agree that if someone has the financial means they should definitely experience hunting in Africa. Is my opinion over simplifying it? Maybe to you, but if one is relying on what you’re seeing in/on the news then they’re likely catching one of the extreme ends of the security situation. The media is either ignoring certain aspects of it, or they’re over sensationalizing how bad it is.

My risk tolerance is likely a lot higher than most. I learned a long time ago the only things in life that are guaranteed are death and taxes. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for anyone and statistically speaking each of us has a higher chance of dying in a car crash or having a heart attack here in the states vs being murdered or kidnapped on a hunting trip. Can it happen, sure but I’m not going to live my life in a bubble and wouldn’t advocate anyone else do it.

 

[HankBuck]

Sometimes it helps to make oneself less visible. My outfitter gave magnetic door decals to his freelance PHs for advertising. My first and third PHs simply removed them when in transit to hunting properties. I also dressed like a farmer and also put the lodge's ball cap on the back seat when we were on the road. No fancy safari duds or American camo head-to-toe! All but my last PH traveled wearing handguns. But that's not unlike Montana where I hunt every fall. Not uncommon to see people wearing guns in Walmart ... or church. When I was growing up there the only people who had guns in stores were either nuts or robbing the place or both. Times are a changing. Sadly.

When I am driving through "rough" places, I switch my Ontario plates to the old Montana plates from when I last worked and lived there. Especially a problem in Florida where thousands of Canadians do the snowbird thing. Stoplight carjackers know Ontarians are unlikely to be armed because handguns are all but illegal up here and virtually impossible to acquire one or a carry permit across the border. Canadian license plate is a bullseye for robbers! I put on my Montana plates and cowboy hat and instantly become Superman. "That guy's gonna have a gun!"

@Ontario Hunter - You don’t need a Handgun, your Sunny Disposition should scare off most…any CarJackers would run away Crying !!

 

[EPIC SAFARIS]

What’s the basic itinerary for your family? Hunting? Capetown? Photo safari? Multiple destinations?

I’m not sure your PH will pick you up at airport as it might be a meet and greet person who gets you to your hotel in Joberg and then onto next destination in the morning. Either way, you will be good.

I’ve been to SA multiple times with my wife and kids and sometimes parents are along as well. I just use common sense and make sure we avoid walking around empty streets at night or flashing cash publicly when we are in the major cities or for that matter, walking around in safari camps at night unaccompanied by night watchman in wild areas.

people ask me all the time is it safe to travel in Africa, not just to SA. As a general comment, I feel extremely safe all over the main countries one would most likely visit - SA, Zim, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, and a few others. All of them have crime in their major cities but you just stick with locals that know how to move around at night and where to go - ie restaurants - and use common sense. Outside of the cities where you are there to hunt or do other tourism things, I feel as safe as I feel walking a dog in my own neighborhood. The locals are very appreciative of tourism generally and how it helps their communities and this is one of the things that is so endearing about africa as you will find waving and smiles when you and your family pass thru small villages as you traverse the rural areas.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I live thirteen miles south of the Blue Rocks minor league baseball team stadium in Wilmington, Delaware USA. The city's crime rating is 1 with 100 being the safest. There are multiple restaurants and shops in that area. I and my spouse dined there a week ago. Go six blocks due north and you better be armed. That doesn't make the country unsafe.

 

[Philip Glass]

In the immortal words of Chris Rock "Turn that shit off"! It's all useless noise. Enjoy the scenery along the ride and have fun.

Agree