One of Wow Cape Town Tours priorities, is safety.

As with any Country or destination around the World, anything can happen.

While on holiday in South Africa and as a guest of Wow Cape Town Tours, your well-being and enjoyment is of primary importance.
The Department of Economic Development & Tourism (DEDAT) and ourselves strive to make your visit special. so that you leave with memories to last a lifetime. We need you to spread the word about South Africa/Cape Town and Wow Cape Town tours' services.

This is why our tours are Personalised, Breathtaking & Unforgettable!!

As in other countries, there are a few basic precautions any tourist should take to ensure their stay is a pleasant one and without incident.

1. Enjoying S.A and Cape Town

South Africa and The Western Cape boast a diversity of cultures, communities, amazing sites and attractions. you can visit most areas safely, provided you take the necessary precautions. You are therefore advised to utilise registered.licensed tour guides and reputable tour operators, who are registered with SATSA.

2. Money and Travel Documents

• Travel with certified copies of your documents and keep originals in a safe place
• Seperate your cash and your credit cards. Do not carry all your cash or travellers cheques with you during the day
• Keep a note of your credit card numbers and bank contact details
• Do not allow strangers to assist you at ATM's (automatic teller machines) if your card gets stuck, immediately call the ATM helpline
• Be alert and never turn your back while your ATM card is in the machine
• Report lost passports, visas, credit cards immediately, to the S.A Police services (SAPS) Also to your country's embassy or consulate.

3. Banking Facilities

• South Africa has a "World Class" banking system. Banks are situated all over with 1000's of ATM's and Bureau de Change at tourist attractions/malls.
• Banks are open from 09h00 to 15h30 Mondays to Fridays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (closed on Sundays) Those at airports adjust times to accommodate international flights. An exchange rate facility exists in our "Toolbox" section on this website

4. Medical

• Always take out medical insurance with your travel agent when you purchase your air ticket
• If you take prescription medication, carry your doctors' certificate, so that your entry through customs is smooth
• If you carry prescription spectacles, carry a copy of the prescription for easy replacement if lost or damaged
• Medical facilities throughout the large cities/towns are of World Class standard
• In the Rural areas, there are mostly clinics & smaller hospitals dealing mostly with primary & secondary health needs

5. In case of an unfortunate incident

Incidents of petty crime happen all over the world and is no exception in South Africa. You need to be aware of the basic procedures if such happens.

• Go to the nearest safe & public place
• Call the emergency police number 10111 which is free from a public phone or any landline & briefly explain what happened.
• If you are using a mobile phone, call 112 (Free) and your call will be transferred to the appropriate emergency service
• If you have been injured, an ambulance will be despatched to take you to the nearest hospital, or call the National Ambulance Service on 10177

6. At your accommodation

It is recommended that you

• Never leave your luggage unattended even when you leave or arrive back in your own country
• Store your valuables in your hotel's safety deposit box
• Keep your room locked at all times and do not invite strangers to your room
• Hand in your room cards or keys whenever you leave the hotel
• Tipping is normally at a rate of 10% at restaurants. This is not compulsory and is entirely at your descretion.

7. In the street

• Obtain a map and plan your route before you set out.
• When crossing the street, use pedestrian crossings where possible and be aware of oncoming traffic. In S.A. we drive on the left hand side,
• so it is appropriate to look right first, then left and right again before crossing.
• Please do not give money to street children or beggars. If you wish to assist in a meaningful way, Wow Cape Town Tours would assist with advice.
• There are many organizations/charities that would be most grateful.

8. On the road - on a self-drive

• Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road. Remember S.A is a left hand drive country and it is not easy if you have been driving on the right all your life
• Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance. Fuel can only be paid with cash and not credit cards
• Keep you destination phone numbers handy and call them when you leave your destination, in case you get lost.
• Keep your car doors locked at all times, windows wound up and valuables locked in the boot.
• Never pick up strangers or ask them for directions. Rather go to the nearest business or petrol station, if you are lost.
• Pay special attention to speed limits, road signs and traffic markings

9. At the beach

• Always swim in areas supervised by life-guards
• Never swim alone
• Do not dive into unfamiliar waters. What appears deep could be very shallow. Feet first is the safest option
• Protect your skin from over exposure to UVA & UVB rays by wearing waterproof sunscreen with high protection factor of +20.
• Avoid the sun at it's hottest times of the day, between 11h00 and 15h00
• drink lots of water regularly to avoid dehydration even if you do not feel thirsty. The body needs water to keep cool & to replace lost salts.

10. Hiking & Mountain tips

South Africa & Cape Town has many, many hiking trails amongst the most magnificent mountain ranges in the world

• Never walk alone. Always ensure that you are in a group of at least 4 people
• Take a mobile phone with you, with the emergency number punched in. Ensure that your phone is hidden in a safe place
• Always inform your hotel or someone which route you will take and how long you will be. If you divert, call the person you informed.
• If you get lost, stay where you are and be aware of your surroundings
• Always take rain gear and something warm. Also take sun block, wear a hat and take a snack along.
• Also take a map which is available at book stores
• If you are confronted by a stranger, do not resist. Handover whatever he wants and remain calm. Call the police or security immediately afterwards.

11. Emergency numbers

S.A. Police (SAPS) 10111 from a landline or public phone

S.A Police (SAPS) 112 from a mobile phone

Ambulance 10177

Wilderness search & Rescue +27 (0) 21- 9489900

SATSA Tourism safety initiative 0861 874 911 (24/7)

Office of the consumer protector 0800 007 081 (DEDAT)

We hope that we have equipped you with all that you need to make your journey as safe and comfortable as possible, and that you make full use of this valuable information