POLOKWANE – It is everyone’s wish to visit as many provinces and or countries as possible but we sometimes wonder if our chosen destinations are safe.

We want our visits to be special and memorable.

South Africa boasts a diverse array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions and most parts of the country can be visited by tourists, provided that they take basic common-sense precautions.

However, as would be the case anywhere in the world, Limpopo province recommend that some areas be visited in groups or, alternatively, with local guides and that visitors make use of recommended tours and tour operators to visit the sites.

Below are safety tips and emergency numbers recommended by the Limpopo tourism sector.

In the Hotel:

• Never leave your luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box.
• Keep your room locked at all times.
• If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
• Hand the key in at the desk when you leave the accommodation establishment.

 In the street:

• Try to obtain a route map before you set out and plan your tour.
• Keep valuables tucked away where no one can see them. Avoid ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras and valuables.
• Carry traveller’s cheque rather than large sums of money and avoid counting money in open.
• Try to explore in groups and stick to well-lit streets especially at night.
• Consult your hotel or nearest tourism information office about a reliable taxi service.

In the car:

• Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance.
• Have phone numbers of your hotel and destination on hand in case you get lost.
• Keep the doors locked at all times and the windows closed.
• Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk).
• Never pick-up strangers.
• If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.

Money and Travel Documents:

• Travel with certified photocopies of your valuable documents when possible and keep the originals in a safe place.
• Do not countersign all your traveller’s cheques.
• Write down your traveller’s cheque and credit card numbers as well as the customer service number for the issuing bank(s) and keep it in a safe place.
• Separate your cash and credit cards and don’t carry all your cash / traveller’s cheques with you. Store them in the room or hotel safe.

Sightseeing and Entertainment:

• Use registered, qualified tourist guides.
• Do not leave valuables on chairs, under tables or restroom hooks.
• Try to travel in groups, especially if you are visiting nightclubs, bars or shebeens that you haven’t visited before.

Emergency Numbers

• Police Emergencies Tel: 10111 or 112.
• Provincial Ambulance Service – 10177.
• Fire Department – 015 293 1111.
• Water Department – 015 290 2000.

endy@nmgroup.co.za