Africa - Safety in JNB/Pretoria

Hi everyone,

I am mildly worried by all the comments on street crime in South Africa. If I am visiting Pretoria (staying in Hilda Street, Hatfield, in a hotel), and I am flying into JNB, any special advice or precautions I should take?

Thanks in advance (and, to the locals - please don't be disgruntled at my questions: reports can be unjustified, and in that case I'm looking forward to your inputs)

Reports aren't unjustified but just be sensible. Don't go walking around at night, don't display jewellery/watches/phone on your person and be wary of anything that seems suspect.

How are you getting from JNB to Pretoria?

To be honest I don't know the Hatfield area very well other than that it's quite popular with students so someone else can probably give more specific advice.

How are you getting from JNB to Pretoria?

This is a very good question. I was thinking of pre-booking a car transfer through my travel agents, but if there's a better suggestion I'm open to it.

During the stay in Pretoria our host (the university) will be shuttling us around in group, so it seems there's little to worry, given your suggestions.

I think the Gautrain now goes to Hatfield although you would have to change trains at Sandton or Marlboro. Perhaps the hotel has a shuttle service from the station?

I imagine a car service would take around 90 minutes if the traffic isn't too bad. What time does your flight arrive?

I imagine a car service would take around 90 minutes if the traffic isn't too bad.

Much less than that, even with traffic. It's highway driving for 90% of the route so traffic is relatively predictable most of the time. I did the route in reverse (Hatfield to Airport) in ~45 minutes on Tuesday morning this week.

Much less than that, even with traffic. It's highway driving for 90% of the route so traffic is relatively predictable most of the time. I did the route in reverse (Hatfield to Airport) in ~45 minutes on Tuesday morning this week.

Nice, this may even allow me to come back one day earlier catching my evening flight...

Much less than that, even with traffic. It's highway driving for 90% of the route so traffic is relatively predictable most of the time. I did the route in reverse (Hatfield to Airport) in ~45 minutes on Tuesday morning this week.

That's good. I didn't think Pretoria to JNB coud be done in that sort of time nowadays - I was just adding up the time I'd allow for Pretoria to Rivonia and then Rivonia out to the airport.