Booked my first plans game hunt with Scottco safari, leaving june 15th I think. Takeing my better half, she hit me up about shopping in Joburg either before or after the hunt, I don't have a clue, not even sure how safe it is. I may have to change flight times etc to take her shopping and see the sights. I'm not real good at planing things like that. I've put a lot more thought in to loading bullets and going to the range. Somebody give me some ideas on where to go to buy safari decorating stuff for the house etc or where to take her. I promise not to let her think I thought of it on my own.

[ 04-11-2003, 09:23: Message edited by: Gringo Cazador ]

Be freaking careful! Our luggage was lost and we didn't have warm enough clothes in our carry on. There was a shopping mall within 200 yards of our hotel and they told us to get a cab. Too many ruffians between here and there. Ask the folks where you are staying. They will steer you to a good place or two and don't want anything untoward to happen to you since you likely will not have paid the bill yet! "D"

Hi Gringo my name is Chris and I run Njiri Lodge Exclusive Bowhunting Safaris.I have a hunt booked 9/6 till 17/6 but after that I am free and would gladly meet you guys and arrange to take you shopping for curios There are a No. of very safe places to go and some big shopping malls.Contact me if you like
Chris Brand
chris@njirilodge.com

Whatever you do, DO NOT! go galavanting around Jo'burg on your own! It is a very dangerous city. Only go with a knowledgable guide, and by that, I don't mean hire a taxi driver.

Hi Gringo,
Johannesburg is a big city! Where are you staying and how much time do you have?
Springbok

Gringo,

Think about taking up Chris (Njirilodge) on his offer. I know him personally, he will take very good care of you.

Anything to do if you're only there for a 4 hour layover?

4 hours, just stay in the airport. It's safe and lots of shops!

Was in Joburg this past summer for last 2 days of safari and touring...North of Joburg maybe 50K is an open air flea curio market with all native bush art I bought some great stuff hand carved outline of Africa with the Big five on it bought a super looking elephant bull in Pier 1 he would have cost maybe $300 got it for $13American...my PH Ian Dodds of huntersafrica took my wife and I there for nick nacks to buy and bring home...You need some one to speak the language of the native people...deal down the prices...To visit it is an experience...I also stayed at the Mercur Hotel motel right next to there Mall Walked across the street and had great steak dinner for two at Smith & Wolinsky's $27.00 for two steak dinners...

Have a great time shoping

Mike

I have my PH lined up to take us shopping, have about 6-8hrs shopping lined up before flight. Based on the fact Kathryn looks at the menue in utter amazement everytime we walk in Whataburger, trying to make her mind up on which hamburger and fries to order like she's never ordered a Hamburger before . Shopping with her in SA should be a real experence.

Hi Gringo, it really upsets me to see guys writing stuff about how DANGEROUS Jo'burg is. I have been to a number of countries all over the world and in each of those countries you would not go into the downtown areas at night or looking like an obvious tourist. Jo'burg is exactly the same, stay away from the city center after dark and if you dont have someone with you who knows where you are going. But around Jo'berg to the North, are great suburbs/towns like Sandton,Fourways and Bryannston etc where you will find Shopping Malls that are superb and rival anything that I have seen anywhere in the world, there are also places along some of the main roads that have Curio dealers where you are able to haggle about prices and get some real bargains. As with any trip to anyplace in the world just make sure that with everything you do add a dollop of common sense and you will be fine. South Africa is a great country with some brilliant hunting available as well as some of the most spectacular sites to see and anybody comming here with an unrealistic level of fear about how dangerous it is will only lose out on the full experience.

Have a great trip and I think you will be back again once you have seen what its about

Look for the city limit sign in the rearview mirror of the bakkie. This isnt because Jburg is a "dangerous" place but because it is a big city. That is exactly what I want to stay away from. I get enough of that here. I want small rural towns at best. The more remote the better.

Gringo,

I would recommend that you hook up with 'The Afton House'.

You can stay with them, get handled with extreme safety at the airport and shopping, and Louie will take you everywhere. They are wonderful folks and you will enjoy them and their B&B.

Regards,

SAM

I don't see Joberg as too much different than some cities in the US, such as New York or LA...but I have to say it has the worlds largest crime or murder rate unless one of the major cities in Japan has passed it up. I know the burglary rate is really terrible..No doubt crime is very high indeed, to deny this is ridiculas...I know every house has bars and wire around the walls.

Stay out of the wrong part of town, and shop during the day, I have never felt threatened there but I would suggest you be with some local or PH who understands the ups and downs of the area. Simply use your head and don't do stupid things.....

Ray,

Thanks for the info, I was under the impression it had a low murder rate and high theft rate. I have my PH Jaco Scott taking us shopping the day we fly out. I live in the the Houston area, and didnt think it could be that much worse. Just trying to get the lay of the land.