mirageaida

I would like to go to South Africa sometime in the next few months and I would like to go with an organized tour. I am also open to travelling solo, but I think it would be safer and cheaper to go with a group of others. Do any of you recommend any tour groups? Also, what has been your experience travelling solo to South Africa if you didn't go with a tour group? Is it safe for a solo female traveler?

idi_felamonte

I would check with Global Exchange. They do socially responsible, educational tours around the world. They are actually organizing a tour to South Africa in October 2006. Check it out at http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/262.html. I have travelled with them before and I highly recommend them.

I have travelled to South Africa by myself before. It is relatively safe for a solo female traveller if you use some basic common sense, like not travelling at night and avoiding hitchhiking especially in rural areas. Also, let family and friends back home know your itinerary while in South Africa. I also recommend blending in as much as possible and avoid looking like a tourist by having cameras and maps out for everyone to see. It is good to do more research into the areas you want to visit before you go. Other than that I think you will have a fulfilling and rewarding time either as part of a group of travelling solo!

Roccco

Just a coincidence, I suppose, that two first time posters are posting within 6 minutes of each other with the second poster recommending a tour company.

The second poster must have, coincidentally, come across this thread the very minute it appeared to have typed out his/her response within 6 minutes.

Shayna_Ann

Also be careful about money if you go solo. I had a near mugging experience in Joberg because I didn't have a money belt on. Just use common sense. Please keep in mind that SA also has the highest rate of rape in the world, so be cautious of this. Be aware of your surroundings and stick to advice from locals. But don't let this scare you. I am not saying this to scare you; you just got to know. SA is a great country for solo travellers! Cities in SA are no more dangerous than New York City or any other major world city.

richardfh

Lol.. Good point Rocco.

mirageaida

Thanks for the advice. I had heard about the rape situation there before. I don't know if I can afford the globalexchange trip and its going a little too soon for me, but it sounds interesting. Also, I forgot to ask in my initial post if Robbens Island is hard to get into because of long lines. Should I book ahead if I want to go there.

thit_cho

Rocco, Peter Falk will play you in the Fodors movie -- good detective work!

Shayna_Ann

I would book ahead to get into Robbens Island. the last time I went there I had to wait two hours to get in. Plan accordingly. You should also check out Umtata which is Nelsonn Mandela's childhood home. I have never heard of Global Exchange before but the trip seems great!

lily_girl

I travelled through Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa by myself last year. It was a great experience. People were very helpful with me throughout my travels. I got to spend a week in a AIDS ophanage outside Gaborone and I will always remember the experience. But sometimes I wished that I went with other people so I could share the experience with some one else. Also sometimes its better to go with a group because its cheaper but also to have a tour guide who can show you things you wouldn't normally see if you went by yourself. Going solo or going with other people have their pros and cons. In my experience no matter where you go in the world it comes down to respecting different cultures and they will respect you back. If you are really worried about safety as a female, than I would go with a group. However if you are brave enough, try going alone!

mirageaida

I would love to do volunteer work at a AIDS orphanage. Do you lily girl or anyone else here on the board know how I can get in touch with some humanitarian groups in SA? I want to do something that is worthwhile while I am there.