South Africa comes in at 70, stellar in all that is diversity and exploration.
Vibe/Ambiance: 3
The scenery is spectacular, wildlife amazing, as people kind as can be, but I find the sense of fear so dominant, it colors much of what I see and do.
Personal Safety: 2
Although it definitely depends on where you go and why, I was reminded by my Bergville pals that personal safety is still a big issue here. You are not free to move about the cabin at your own discretion without seriously looking over your shoulder.
Transportation: 3
The BazBus is a hit for backpackers, going to all the major stops, and the greyhound and other buses link major cities, as well as a train from Capetown to Joburg.
But, a personal vehicle is the way to go if you aim to explore the untamed.
Cost of Traveling: 2
Africa’s expensive. Safaris cost close to a grand for a week, and a day trip into Kruger, guided, is in the neighborhood of $200. Prices are similar to budget restaurants and hotels in Europe.
Weather: 5
Summers are hot and winters are cool, and in-between, there’s enough to tickle your seasonal fancy.
Diversity: 5
South Africa has something like 27 national languages and infinitely more tribes and native people. It is an anthropologist’s wet dream and a nature lover’s fantasy.
Language: 5
English all the way.
Living Conditions: 4
Housing for the white folks is just like we know it in the West … with a massive security system of protection.
Career Potential: 4
I don’t really know, but I think it’s alright since South Africa remains less rocked by the global recession thanks to its more internalist policies.
Nature/Environment: 4
There is so much wilderness to explore and so many animals to see, but it’s tough to do it. A total tease, of you will, but with enough foresight, it’s manageable.
Cuisine: 3
ZA definitely has awesome gourmet food, but all in all, I found that the type of food accessible to me at my budget wasn’t particularly healthy.
Sports/Play: 1
Yes, there is loads to do, but being able to do it is the major battle. Freedom of movement is severely limited.
Animals/Dog Friendly: 3
Poaching is a big problem, but there’s also a strong level of awareness and doing-something-about-it.
Family Focus: 3
Not too sure, but it seems there’s a mix if individualism and family.
Women: 4
For educated and white women, I think it’s a completely different ball game than for the local black women, relegated to occupying a standing barely above that of property. Here, it felt alright to be a SWF on her own; it didn’t seem to clash with local values.
Art/Culture: 5
See diversity.
Communication Technology: 2
For a country as “westernized” as South Africa, I found the access to wifi and the cost of Internet limiting and unpredictable. Contrary to Asian countries, the network is poorly developed and costs an arm and a leg.
Exploration: 5
Check. Check. Check.
People: 5
Generally-speaking, people are uber accessible, welcoming, curious and patient with us foreigners
Overall: 2
Seeing as how I’ve now been to South Africa twice and plan to come back a third time–in five years, as I told the airline representative–I find it an incredibly cool place to visit.
However, I don’t think I’d want to set up shop here. Between the apparent lack of personal safety and restriction of mobility, I think I would find it a very difficult place to live in.
Where In The World Is Gwendo? 