South Africa particularly Johannesburg is dangerous, but no more than the bad areas of New York, Paris, Belgrade etc as such, common sense can take you a long way.

Just remember to keep your head about you at all times wherever you are; don't flash large amounts of cash; ALWAYS park at your destination, regardless of the price; carry yourself as though you know where you are and where you're going; keep at least a car length between you and the car in front of you at traffic lights (robots) and ALWAYS lock your doors day-or-night.

Do not drive drunk. Do not have any illegal weapons on your person or in your vehicle. Do not have any narcotics on your person or in your vehicle. These last three can land you in *JAIL* for the weekend in a country where the jail population is 50% HIV infected.

Like every other country in the world, we do have a criminal element in South Africa, but you can avoid becoming a victim by following common sense and being aware for your own safety.

Helpful Advice:

All valuables such as passports, cameras and jewellery should be locked away when not in use.
Valuables should be carried discreetly when walking in cities. Gold and other expensive items offered for sale by street vendors are likely to be fakes or stolen property.
Keep an eye on your possessions. The most common kind of crime you're likely to come across will be opportunistic bag snatching so keep your eye on your possessions. Outdoor cafes and such are favourite places for bags to just "get up and walk away", so don't leave them on a chair next to you or on the floor behind you. A good habit to get into (anywhere) is to clip your bag onto your chair, or to loop your leg through the strap. That way it should stay put.
Do not participate in pavement games as they are operated by well organised gangs and money can be stolen while you are distracted.
Know where you're going before you set off, particularly at night. Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone when you leave your hotel.
Don't walk alone in dodgy areas.
Keep your car windows closed, or just open a crack when driving anywhere, and always lock the doors. Never leave anything desirable (e.g. sunglasses, mobile phones, handbags) visible in the car when parked. Always be aware for your own safety.
Public transport is available in South Africa so there is no need to hitch-hike. Local residents will advise you on safe transport. If driving, do not pick up hitch-hikers and ensure that your car doors are locked at all times. The South African Police are easily recognised in their blue uniforms and white & blue patrol vehicles.
Sensible advice is not to accept, or carry, items for strangers, especially at airports. Our airport security is quite strict, so to avoid delays in checking in, remove all sharp objects (even nail files and hairclips) from your hand luggage.
Lock your doors at night.
Be sure that you know all the necessary emergency numbers (if possible, program them into your telephone's speed dial).
Like many places in the world, many of our cities have embarked on anti-crime campaigns with closed circuit cameras set up in the busier parts of major cities, such as Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg. The South African Police and Judicial services have also realised that one of the major problems associated with crime against tourists is that, if things go through the normal channels, the witnesses are back home and far away by the time the crimes go to trial. In order to address this problem, and also assist in issues like contacting embassies, replacing passports, traveller's cheques and airline tickets - all of which can be extremely frustrating if you have lost your bag - the South African Police Services has set up a special Tourist Assistance Unit. So, in the unlikely event that you become a victim of crime, the authorities are geared up to minimise the associated red tape and unnecessary trauma.

On the subject of crime, do bear in mind that committing a criminal offence in any foreign country is always more problematic than doing so at home. You're probably not planning to, but there are a few actions that could land you in one of our not-too hospitable jails. These include smuggling, bilking, and trading in, or using, recreational drugs - with the exception of tobacco and alcohol. Poaching is probably far from your mind but, just in case you're tempted to "harvest" a rhino horn as a souvenir, remember our game scouts are armed.

Many Thanks ACDC and Marquis the tips were quite helpful. I will be in beautiful Cape Town over the holidays and while I did not plan to harvest any Rhino horns I do anticipate burying a bone or two. To that end, "hobby" ettiquete in SA seems to be similar to that in the States.

I am concerned about selection and variety. Body heat seems to have CPT on Lock. Any other suggestions in case BH is a bust? I read in another thread that they may not be all they seem.

petiteluvr, when in Cape Town, try and find that place in TableView / Bloubergstrand there are pretty nice girls there. with the exception of Zandalees during daytime, avoid the clubs in and around the city itself. One of the best strip clubs you will find is in Cape Town city center, its called Mavericks. check it out on http://www.mavericks.co.za

The below links are two Cape Town ladies: I cannot vouch for their services though, since I did not have the opportunity to visit them on my last visit to Cape Town, but will certainly try them on my next visit.

http://www.angie.co.za and http://www.sunkissed.co.za

I suspect the place you're thinking of is "Blouberg Babes".

Their number is (021) 554-4473.

Definitely avoid Body Heat and similar clubs. Mavericks is ok, but gets old quickly.

Angie and Lynette (the web sites you gave above) are lovely as a double; they're not that good to look at, but they are very enthusiastic.

Unfortunately, ESA has a very poor Cape Town section. You can find more Cape Town ladies at the following two sites though:

http://www.sextrader.co.za/

http://www.glamourgirls.co.za/

http://www.southafricanescorts.net/

Some girls you probably won't find at the above sites:

If you're looking for a good massage and enthusiastic sex from a great looking 24 year old Goth girl (very pale skin with lovely long black hair), try Mandy: 072 303 7460

If you're looking for something more African, you can try African Dolls; I've never had a bad experience with any of the girls there: (021) 439-2864

If you're looking for a good massage, you can try Intrigue, although I don't know if they're in business anymore: (021) 683-3025

For the most gorgeous (but expensive) blonde, you can't get better than Chelsea: 073 376 0593

If Oriental is your thing, then I can highly recomend the lovely girls here 083 496 3960 (in the CBD) and here 076 472 7258 (Cindy's, in Northern Suburbs). Two of the only places in CT where you can find Oriental girls with good teeth and pretty faces!

Want a girl who is guaranteed to have just had a Brazilian wax? Try Jordan: 072 106 8624

And the cherry on top; Sheva (http://www.sheva-aviv.com/) has just recently started working in Cape Town. Her boobs are Oh. My. Word. *HUGE*. Her CT number is: 073 920 6407

Does anyone know the webaddress for the "Blouberg Babes"?

The only one I could find was this one:

http://www.sextrader.co.za/ba/bloubergbabes/

It looks a bit out-dated though.

I wonder if this is the "Chloe" mentioned earlier:

http://www.sextrader.co.za/picbig.php?img=img_1797.jpg&id=2731

Pncr Gbja Fpurzr, that Sheva link has got me changing my holiday plans!!!! got to get my ass to Cape Town! WOW!!!

do you know if she does full house, she only lists massage??

I see on the other site are a number of Russian poppies, apparently at a spot called the Castle. some of them look pretty decent. any of you WP supporters care to comment on the Castle, whether its worth a visit???

Pncr Gbja Fpurzr, do you have some info/comment on the Castle?

und neffa spik to lokils cawled johan