Ask Susan Marling

By the Daily Mail's travel expert

Last updated at 12:30 24 March 2003


Q.

Our boys are travelling to various parts of South Africa, including Cape Town and Johannesburg, as part of a choir. We intend to travel with them, but are worried about the high crime rate. What is the best way of sightseeing on our own? J. Price, Oxford.

A. Despite South Africa's relative wealth, its poorer, predominantly black, population still suffers from high unemployment, slum dwelling and rising levels of crime, especially in Johannesburg.

But, as a tourist keeping to the beaten track, you are unlikely to have a bad experience. Of course, it would be unwise to venture alone into the townships and silly to make a flashy show of your jewellery and cameras.

Look at hotels and excursions through the Winelands, the Garden Route, on whale and game watching expeditions by companies such as Virgin (www.virginholidays.com tel: 0870 990 8340).

You could pre-book a few escorted tours until your confidence builds. Visit www.southafrica.net for a list of local travel agents and tour guides, or contact the SA tourism office in Wimbledon (tel: 08701 550044).

Do you have a holiday dilemma? Consult This is Travel's resident expert, Frank Barrett and receive an email alert when your question has been answered online, or write to Susan Marling at: Ask The Expert, Travel Mail, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT or send an e-mail.

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