Safety and Precautions

One thing to keep in mind is that although most of the Central area of PE is safe, a few parts of it can be dicey. The lower section along Govan Mbeki is lively and vibrant, and the upper section is quiet and peaceful, but the parts in between have seen some crime. The area is slowly improving, but it's still best to get advice from your hotel or the tourism office before wandering around.

The Eastern Cape is malaria-free, and the climate is generally healthy. The tap water in the deep rural areas may be a bit unpredictable, but it's fine in the cities and towns. Avoid driving east of Grahamstown at night: the roads are unfenced and animals wander onto—or even sleep on—the warm tarmac, which is a serious hazard. Be sure to bring protection against sunburn, and be careful swimming in the sea. The Wild Coast beaches don't have lifeguards.

In case of an emergency, call the general emergencies number. For vehicle breakdown, call your car-rental company.