I'm traveling somewhat last minute to southwestern SA. I have about two weeks to spend in the country and so I've thrown together an itinerary that includes a pelagic out of Cape Town, visits to Addo, Karoo, De Hoop, Agulhas, Garden Route, Mountain Zebra, Table Mountain and the Cape Gannet colony north of CT. Birding will be the primary goal of the trip, but I'll take in other sights as opportunities arise. My party is renting a car in CT and driving quite a bit - any advice on driving in SA for foreigners?
Any advice on the dos-and-don'ts of any of the above sites or general areas? This is my first visit to anywhere in Africa.
I also have some logistical questions:
1. I have heard that most gas stations in SA take cash only - is this accurate? If so, is it possible to find ATMs in most areas relatively easily?
2. Is it possible to buy SIM cards for my US smartphone pretty easily? Are these found in gas stations? Convenience stores?
3. I have traveled in areas where crime was supposedly rampant, but I've been lucky and avoided problems. I understand that SA has terrible crime problems - is this something that I am likely to encounter in the parts of the country I have outlined above? Is there crime within parks and reserves, for example?
Thank you to all for any advice you care to give! I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to explore this part of the world, and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing some of the photos and information that others have posted on this forum!
Any advice on the dos-and-don'ts of any of the above sites or general areas? This is my first visit to anywhere in Africa.
I also have some logistical questions:
1. I have heard that most gas stations in SA take cash only - is this accurate? If so, is it possible to find ATMs in most areas relatively easily?
2. Is it possible to buy SIM cards for my US smartphone pretty easily? Are these found in gas stations? Convenience stores?
3. I have traveled in areas where crime was supposedly rampant, but I've been lucky and avoided problems. I understand that SA has terrible crime problems - is this something that I am likely to encounter in the parts of the country I have outlined above? Is there crime within parks and reserves, for example?
Thank you to all for any advice you care to give! I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to explore this part of the world, and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing some of the photos and information that others have posted on this forum!