South Africa Parks
By Philip Briggs
Philip lives in South Africa and is the author many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt and Insight guide to South Africa.
Safety
Travel within most parks and reserves in South Africa can be done safely in our opinion, as is the case with Sabi Sand. Most of the people you will come across are people who are there to ensure your safari is a good one: staff of the reserves and tour operators. The rest will likely be fellow tourists.
Johannesburg
When arriving from abroad, travel to Sabi Sand is done through Johannesburg in most cases. Crime and carjacking have both been problems here. Although the chance of an incident is very small, you should practice caution and make sensible choices (see links below). The airport itself is actually located well outside of Johannesburg so a stay in, or drive through, the city can be easily avoided when traveling to Sabi Sand.
Malaria & Vaccinations
The wet summer months pose a very slight chance of malaria, as Sabi Sands lies in a malaria zone. Measures should be taken to protect yourself, in the form of using mosquito repellent (containing at least 30% DEET) and taking antimalarials, if you will be visiting at this time. Travel to South Africa, including Sabi Sand, requires several vaccinations.
Wildlife Viewing
There are certain risks involved when viewing wildlife, but these can be easily avoided by listening to the instruction of your guide. Following the 'wildlife viewing safety precautions' below, will also help.
Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling:
- Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions
- General Travel Safety Precautions
- Cities & Other Urban Areas: Safety Precautions
- Safety & Security – South Africa
- Malaria & Vaccinations – South Africa
