# Help needed! I'm going to Lion Country **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 29, 2010, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230 "2010-05-29T21:44:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Darryl\_Lict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7cd45c/32.png) [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2010, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/21 "2010-06-04T19:20:21Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > Darryl Lict: > > See lots of devils? Heh. I actually have seen a Tasmanian Devil though. ---
**Author:** ![boilercake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@boilercake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boilercake)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2010, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/22 "2010-06-06T19:40:32Z")
Well, they are [stampeding](http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ik1hjYn9txBv0wqC2l0KTfmnT1lAD9G5U5KG0)in RSA over tickets to an exhibition game. Just wait until the World Cup begins. My advice: stay home and watch it on TV. ---
**Author:** ![boilercake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@boilercake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boilercake)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2010, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/23 "2010-06-06T21:18:20Z")
FWIW traveling to RSA for World Cup is akin to hiking the Iraq/Iran border, crossing from China to NK for a “story,” etc. You have been warned! P.S. you have kids? then is doubly stupid. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2010, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/24 "2010-06-06T22:01:46Z")
> [@boilercake](#): > > FWIW traveling to RSA for World Cup is akin to hiking the Iraq/Iran border, crossing from China to NK for a “story,” etc. You have been warned! > > P.S. you have kids? then is doubly stupid. I’m sorry, but that is utterly ridiculous. _Millions_ of tourists visit South Africa every year ([9 million in 2007](http://www.southafrica.info/business/economy/sectors/tourism-overview.htm)) and the vast majority return having experienced nothing worse than a bit of sunburn. As to the stampede at the exhibition game, it should be noted that that was not at a World Cup venue and did not have the security arrangments that are in place for the World Cup matches. [QUOTE=AP] Police spokesman Col. Hangwani Mulaudzi added that because this was an exhibition game, the Nigerian team — the designated host — was responsible for security, not World Cup organizers. Once trouble broke out, he said, police stepped in. … The Tembisa Stadium is nothing like those built or renovated for the World Cup. It has concrete terraces and is surrounded by a fence with gates and no turnstiles. [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![boilercake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@boilercake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boilercake)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2010, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/25 "2010-06-06T22:59:34Z")
Just about every other country in the world is safer. It is dumb to travel to RSA, particularly if you have kids/dependants. ---
**Author:** ![Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malleus_incus_stapes/32/3293_2.png) [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/26 "2010-06-07T00:24:16Z")
“Just about every other country”? Am I misunderstanding what you wrote, or are you suggesting that South Africa is worse than Somalia, Congo, and Sudan? South Africa as a whole may have horrendously high crime rates, but Cape Town is the exception. Now Jo-burg, _that’s_ taking your life into your hands. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/27 "2010-06-07T01:13:57Z")
[An article about crime as it affects tourists in SA.](http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=nw20100508195715826C570183) Anything else I might have to say would probably stray out of GQ territory. ---
**Author:** ![QuanSu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/c37758/32.png) [@QuanSu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuanSu)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/28 "2010-06-07T06:46:30Z")
> [@](#): > > In Joburg, you should stick with licensed taxis at designated points, such as malls. Duly noted. Is this implied that there are unlicensed taxis in Jo-burg as well? Would it be easy to tell the differences? > [@](#): > > An important item, the adapter. Thanks for the advice; I got it covered. The only problem I expect is at Port Elizabeth; the city uses 250V instead of 220V like the rest of the country so I might have to take my travel transformer with me (which adds weight). > [@](#): > > You need to check that the phone is unlocked and you can put a sim card in. > [@](#): > > From everything I can see, that should work fine - certainly that model of phone has been sold here in the past. I purchased that unlocked Motorola phone to use exclusively when I travel since most countries use the GSM standard rather than CDMA. I’m not a cell phone person but I’m learning. I usually have someone else takes care of it for me. (As a matter of fact, SA is the first country that we visit where we know no one; we have friends or relatives in lots of other countries.) **Malleus** That is one remarkable story. Man, judging from the photo of your pants it looks like you were horribly mauled by the lion cub and not just simply bitten (Did you see those canine teeth on that one?) 😛 One more reason to stay away from those beastly lions, I say, but I have to admit that Chip is one fine cheetah. I always have a soft spot for cheetahs, especially after reading about [Lucky](http://www.naankuse.com/get_involved/support-cheetah-lucky.html) the cheetah and watching this [commercial](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8QgXdoLCMM) even though I can only vaguely tell what one has to do with the other. > [@](#): > > My advice: stay home and watch it on TV. Thanks for the advice, but it’s kinda late to change our minds now, yes? Then again, it’s not what I am asking for in the thread, is it? > [@](#): > > FWIW traveling to RSA for World Cup is akin to hiking the Iraq/Iran border, crossing from China to NK for a “story,” etc. You have been warned! > > P.S. you have kids? then is doubly stupid. While I realize that, for some reasons, you don’t seem to have anything positive to say about RSA, I fail to follow your analogy here. You do understand that we’re going to RSA as tourists i.e. legally, to attend one of the world’s biggest sports event? We’re not crossing borders illegally, and last time I checked, RAS is still a _democratic_ country with diplomatic ties with the US? Seriously though, can you explain to me the reasons behind your low opinions of RSA other than some statistics on the web? Do you have any direct experience you care to share? And for my peace of mind, **ctnguy** , do you have any advice for me on Blikkiesdorp? While I’m sure we’re not going to go anywhere near it, I think I should know a thing or two about it from a local. That’s one way to avoid it, no? ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/29 "2010-06-07T08:30:39Z")
> [@boilercake](#): > > Just about every other country in the world is safer. It is dumb to travel to RSA, particularly if you have kids/dependants. That’s absolutely absurd. As **ctnguy** ’s article states, a British person has a greater chance of ending up in trouble in such well-known hellholes as Greece and Thailand. Better keep out of Greece if you have kids! Anyone who has stepped out of their front door now and then can tell you that you can do a lot worse than South Africa, which is a troubled but largely functional country. I, for one, would gladly move there and raise a family. You remind me of my friends in Cameroonian bandit country who used to tell me that they would _never_ visit the United States. From what they saw on TV and movies they had gotten the impression that the whole place was one big murderous gang war. They were convinced that Americans see murders on a daily basis. I’m not sure why anyone would want to spread this kind of ignorance. Yes, there is crime. But yes, it is manageable with simple common-sense precautions. Why would you want to undermine a whole country like that? ---
**Author:** ![wmfellows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c2a13f/32.png) [@wmfellows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wmfellows)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/30 "2010-06-07T09:24:31Z")
> [@boilercake](#): > > Just about every other country in the world is safer. It is dumb to travel to RSA, particularly if you have kids/dependants. What is dumb is to post utter shite in GQ again and again, as there is no factual basis for such an idiotic assertion. No idea what kind of racist tripe you read, but RSA is quite fine and I would take the family there any day. [quote=“QuanSu, post:28, topic:541230”] Duly noted. Is this implied that there are unlicensed taxis in Jo-burg as well? Would it be easy to tell the differences? [quote] There are both, and no, not always. That is why I said from designated areas. That is abundance of caution of course, but in any case you’re driving so doubtless not needed. In the Joburg area you should be quite cautious about parking and especially at night, only in secure areas. There is a lot of night crime or has been. Security will doubtless massively help, but it is a genuine issue. ---
**Author:** ![Petrobey\_Mavromihalis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bcef8e/32.png) [@Petrobey\_Mavromihalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Petrobey_Mavromihalis)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/31 "2010-06-07T09:27:56Z")
> [@boilercake](#): > > Just about every other country in the world is safer. It is dumb to travel to RSA, particularly if you have kids/dependants. Not really necessary, but just wanted to add to the general consensus that this is complete nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/32 "2010-06-07T14:17:05Z")
> [@QuanSu](#): > > 1. Should I prepare for “District 9” type of environment here, or something else? Has anyone been there? Is there any South African resident in the house? Only if you actually want to. Shanty townships are easily avoided. > [@](#): > > 1. Can I get any pointer on what to expect, where to go, what to see etc…? How much time do you have between matches? In Johannesburg, I recommend you visit Gold Reef City and the Cradle of Mankind park. Cape Town, definitely try and go up Table Mountain, go to Cape Point, definitely **don’t** go to Robben Island, it’s not worth it. > [@](#): > > 1. Despite the fact that they drive on the left over there, I also am planning to drive ourselves around there, so is my US driver’s license enough or I should get special permit? Is there any places, street corners I should avoid, à la [“Jerusalema”](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783532) ? (with “carjacking point” sign post. And BTW, is that for real?) The sign is real. You need an International Driver’s Licence or similar to drive here. > [@](#): > > 1. Any emergency numbers that I should know about? Like police, ambulance (with number 3 above in mind)? 😃 10111 covers emergency, but I recommend getting mobile service (either roaming with your existing, or renting) and using their emergency response number > [@](#): > > 1. What about the economy (as far as everyday price is concern), what should I expect? Should I carry a few big bills, or a stack of small bills? I’d carry a mix. As an example - parking on the street in Cape Town costs R8.40 an hour - that’s around $0.70, but we have coins for R1, R2 and R5, so get used to carrying some Rand coins, some twenties, some R50s, a few R100s if you’re specifically going shopping. There shouldn’t be a need to carry a fistful of R200s for dinner, most places, is what I’m saying. And tipping is usually 10%, BTW. Don’t overtip too much. > [@](#): > > 1. The person in Cape Town, with whom I booked the cottage via E-mail (in November last year), seemed to be very generous and polite. They did not even need my credit cards to secure the booking when I asked. Out of 3 establishments that I booked rooms with, only one asks for a credit card for deposit. Is this normal, or should it raise red flags? It’s not too unusual. It wouldn’t raise a red flag if a B&B did that, they rarely ask for a deposit. > [@](#): > > It is too late for me to start looking for hotels, so let says it’s a scam, is there any motel-type that do walk-ins like Hotel-6 here in the US? There are \*hotels \*that do this, especially around the airports (we don’t have many US-style motels). BUT you are not very likely to find space easily over the World Cup. Having said that, if you get stuck in Cape Town, get in touch with me (PM me for details), I’m pretty sure I can find crash space for you. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/33 "2010-06-07T14:40:27Z")
> [@QuanSu](#): > > And for my peace of mind, **ctnguy** , do you have any advice for me on Blikkiesdorp? While I’m sure we’re not going to go anywhere near it, I think I should know a thing or two about it from a local. That’s one way to avoid it, no? Errm, don’t go there? Seriously, though, it really isn’t anywhere near where you’d be travelling in Cape Town, it’s far from any tourism spots, you’re not likely to get there by accident. ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2010, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/34 "2010-06-07T15:12:05Z")
> [@QuanSu](#): > > Thanks for the advice; I got it covered. The only problem I expect is at Port Elizabeth; the city uses 250V instead of 220V like the rest of the country so I might have to take my travel transformer with me (which adds weight). I am not an electrical engineer, but AIUI if your device is rated for 220V then it should be OK on Port Elizabeth’s 250V. > [@](#): > > And for my peace of mind, **ctnguy** , do you have any advice for me on Blikkiesdorp? While I’m sure we’re not going to go anywhere near it, I think I should know a thing or two about it from a local. That’s one way to avoid it, no? There’s not much to know about it - it’s not a place that you’ll stray into accidentally. One of the most lasting effects of apartheid is the geographical segregation that is still very evident in South African cities; Blikkiesdorp is about 30km south-east of the city centre ([here](http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&q=-33.981,18.631&ie=UTF8&ll=-33.980948,18.630753&spn=0.053095,0.132093&z=14)) and not near any touristy sites. As a broad (perhaps overly broad?) rule of thumb, if you’re driving on the N2 freeway don’t leave it anywhere between the airport exit and Somerset West. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2010, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/35 "2010-06-08T02:39:41Z")
> [@boilercake](#): > > FWIW traveling to RSA for World Cup is akin to hiking the Iraq/Iran border, crossing from China to NK for a “story,” etc. You have been warned! > > P.S. you have kids? then is doubly stupid. > [@boilercake](#): > > Just about every other country in the world is safer. It is dumb to travel to RSA, particularly if you have kids/dependants. [Moderating] **boilercake** , GQ is for factual information. This is complete nonsense. (I’m speaking as someone who has visited South Africa, and who has family there.) Let’s refrain from making such absurd statements in GQ. Colibri General Questions Moderator ---
**Author:** ![QuanSu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/c37758/32.png) [@QuanSu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuanSu)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2010, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/36 "2010-06-08T04:00:20Z")
> [@](#): > > Well, they are stampeding in RSA over tickets to an exhibition game. I guess you’ve never been to a Raiders home game. 😛 “Stampede”? I’ve been in a few myself since I was 9 going to soccer games (with and _without_ tickets!) with my uncle and his friends so this is nothing new. Anyway, this happened because they offered free tickets to that exhibition game. > [@](#): > > How much time do you have between matches? Since we are going during the second half of the World cup event, we only have “xxx final” matches to watch: let’s see, there are 2 in Cape Town (July 3rd and 6th), Port Elizabeth on July 10th and Jo-burg on July 11th. We’ll have a week at each city (we’ll flight in to Jo-burg the morning of the 11th for the Final game, stay the night then flight back to PE the next day), and we’ll flight between cities so that would probably give us about 3-4 days free in each. (We’ll arrive in RSA at Cape town and leave from Johannesburg.) > [@](#): > > definitely don’t go to Robben Island, it’s not worth it. Man, this is going to put me in a bind: Some co-workers and friends ask me to visit the place and take photos for them. My GF does not seem to be interested in going there either. Hmm, do they have post cards I can purchase in Cape Town instead? I don’t suppose I can borrow some photos of the place from you guys and “claim” as mine? Maybe Photoshop myself in? 😃 I mean, it can’t be that bad to visit? > [@](#): > > Having said that, if you get stuck in Cape Town, get in touch with me (PM me for details), I’m pretty sure I can find crash space for you. You, sir, are a hero in my book. I hope it will not come to that, but I will definitely keep you in mind when we’re there. I’ll PM shortly. So, besides major/famous attractions, are there any lesser-known places you guys would recommend? ---
**Author:** ![ctnguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@ctnguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctnguy)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2010, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/37 "2010-06-08T17:16:18Z")
Incidentally, Google Street View for South Africa went live today. Particularly nice is that they’ve used the Google Trike to ride around some of the touristy pedestrian areas. You can see, for example [the Houses of Parliament](http://maps.google.co.za/?ie=UTF8&ll=-33.925793,18.418847&spn=0,0.004823&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=-33.9258,18.41895&panoid=hBVs1ZpSC471zTZw_1VlYA&cbp=12,103.41,,0,-5.91) and the [Kirstenbosch Gardens](http://maps.google.co.za/?ie=UTF8&ll=-33.987709,18.432462&spn=0,0.01929&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=-33.988031,18.432637&panoid=e85Z0o3yPBRsmO9JOvdaCQ&cbp=12,319.05,,0,-1.46). ---
**Author:** ![Random\_Design](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/58f4c7/32.png) [@Random\_Design](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random_Design)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2010, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/38 "2010-06-09T12:27:55Z")
> [@QuanSu](#): > > and if it won’t feel comfortable I’ll stick with public transportation in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. I doubt you’ll find Jhb’s public transport useful or desirable. A new train service started this week, but that only runs to the airport. It does have its own bus service serving the stations that are now open, but the radius is currently limited. Using the regular public buses… well good luck finding bus-stops, timetables, routes, or anything like that. An entirely new bus transit system was supposed to have been phased in months ago, but that’s pretty much fizzed out. I would recommend the service of a company like this: [http://www.trbtransportandtours.co.za/mainpage.html](http://www.trbtransportandtours.co.za/mainpage.html) (actually I would recommend _them_ - me and my gf don’t have a car and have used them on occasion, very friendly and efficient service, reasonable pricing) If you let me know where you’re staying in Joburg I might be able to advise on how bad an idea depending on Jhb public transport is. ---
**Author:** ![QuanSu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/c37758/32.png) [@QuanSu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuanSu)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2010, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/39 "2010-06-09T19:08:50Z")
> [@](#): > > I doubt you’ll find Jhb’s public transport useful or desirable. That was the impression I got from the hotel managers although none of them would actually come out and say so (totally understandable). I ran across the company you mentioned while researching on the Net, but did not think much of it. Since you recommended it, I will check it out. Thanks!!! I will be at [Le Chateau Guest House](http://www.lechateau.co.za/) at 62 Abel Street, Terenure, Kempton Park. It looks nice, the managers are warm and generous (at least in E-mail) but their descriptions about their “facility security” are really interesting to say the least. ---
**Author:** ![boilercake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@boilercake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boilercake)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2010, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230/40 "2010-06-10T01:55:35Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > [Moderating] > > **boilercake** , GQ is for factual information. This is complete nonsense. Actually [no](http://www.nationmaster.com/country/sf-south-africa/cri-crime), it is not. Please take off your PC hat when moderating. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-im-going-to-lion-country/541230.md?page=3)