Cape Town/Garden Route - safety query

clare1976

339

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 16:10

The last time we went over 2? years ago (not sure exactly but felt like yesterday), it was very safe. We drove over 2000km in our entire trip from Port Elizabeth through the Garden Route to Cape Town, and then through the vineyard/northern route ie Franschhoek to Oudtshoorn etc to get back to P.E. Besides practicing and observing the usual common sense and safety precaution, we never felt unsafe. We drove everywhere, even through some unknown/unpaved roads and into tiny township. In fact we fell in love with S.A, the scenery, food and the people, we are making our second trip there again in September. Will let you know if we feel differently :-) I am sure the other posters here will give you a more updated outlook regarding your concern. I am from Cape Town and just went back to SA for the first time in over 2 years in December. My DH and made a full road trip out of it, drove from PE to Cape Town along the coast on the back of motorbike, it was an absolutely amazing experience. We stopped over in Mossel Bay for a night at the Protea Hotel. Stayed in and around Cape Town for a few days and drove back to Port Elizabeth using the above mentioned inland route. I can assure you as the previous poster says, if you use your common sense and plan your trip in advance you will be fine. I have lived abroad for close to 10 years now and SA is fine as long as you use your common sense!

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Saharagypsyrose

484

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EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 15 June 2014 - 13:44

Hi! We did the Garden route in Nov/Dec 2012 (inland up to PE then back down the coast route) with our 4 year old daughter. It was the time of some strikes and we were re-routed by the police from one road as the workers were burning tyres. We also passed by some burn marks on the road and a load of workers walking in the road to get to a strike gathering in another place, but even though we were tourists in a hire car driving slowly through them, we had no problems and were in no danger. We also often took the rough roads over the mountains, again with no problems. We absolutely LOVED it, an amazing trip that I would highly recommend. Obviously it makes sense to take precautions and be aware of you surroundings but don't let anything stop you, after all there is danger in every corner of the world!

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