Hello List,


I am still working to plan our trip to Joburg. We have one day at the end of the trip, and I would ilke to get something nice out of it.

I was thinking that in addition to the apartheid museum we could do Soweto. It sounds like a really neat place.

I was wondering though - is that where there was the unrest recently?

Is Soweto still safe for tourists?

Thanks,
Malene

I knew a lady who lived near Jo'burg. She avoided it as much as possible, since every time she drove there it was an adventure.

I hope its gotten better since then.

Thanks Tortuga,


Yes, we have actually cut out the day in Jo'burg. We are staying one day longer in Kruger instead.

Malene

shame - you missing out the "heart" of Southern Africa. Jozi is not only bad and negative - it is a really interesting city full of history. Soweto, Alexandra, Apartheid Musem the mines, Sterkfontein and and and.

seb

Tc-

Has Jo'burg gotten any safer lately? The reason my friend seldom went there was that carjackings were getting popular, not to mention other interesting things.

Hi

It is sad to see that people try to avoid Johannesburg. It is is city that has a bit to offer...but you need a car to get around. Here is a Joburg trip report that I made after a visit there in the end of 2004 http://gardkarlsen.com/johannesburg_south_africa_2004.htm

I did go to Soweto in March this year but as I went to visit family it was not a tour. But Soweto is big and has lots of different areas so I guess it depends on where you go but if you are on a tour you should be fine.

I would have liked that one day extra in Joburg. My mom was a little worried about safety, but I felt fairly certain that with some solid safety precautions we should be ok.

Fact is - we only have the two weeks......... There isnt near enough time to do everything we want to do. Thats just the way it is.

Malene

I did a day tour combing a drive through Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, but it felt like I just glossed over the surface of the place and culture. I regret not making/having the time to spend a few nights in the Soweto hostel. It is safe....from what I heard....and would give you better insight into the city. On the other hand, homestays in other townships throughout the country are possible as well. I did one in the Rastafarian community of Knysna!