How safe is it to travel in South Africa?

I have traveled to many countries alone backpacking and always wanted to visit South Africa. I know the history and also about the crime rate however have not heard much news lately concerning travel. I am a white male, American and would like to know if I would be treated with respect or would most people think I was some rich American and try to take advantage of me. I dont wnt to do the tourist group tours but hike on my own. Can anyone give me some info?

I am former Military so I know how not to get into situations that might be dangerous.

Trust me, I have visited for the 14th time this February. The crime rate is appalling. I ride a pedal cycle around a circuit of about 8 miles from my relatives. I do not carry any money with me when I do so. If I were to get into trouble, they can have the bike ! I do not wear my watch etc. You are talking about a whole different ball game. You will have your belongings on your back and regardless of any past experience, you cannot argue with a hand gun or rifle, if one is pointed at you, there is every chance it will be used. There are other countries in the South of Africa which are a whole lot safer, in fact all of them except Zimbabwe.

I've been living in South Africa for 6 years. The crime rate is high indeed and I've heard of tourists being robbed and women being raped, but it's not that bad unless you go to areas where the crime rate is exceptionally high (like the centre of Johannesburg). I have many friends that have never been robbed and I myself have only been robbed once in 6 years. They usually target Asians and people who are very rich. Just make sure you don't make yourself seem that you have a lot of money and don't flash your valuables in public. Don't go anywhere alone. Enjoy your stay in South Africa!

Its not safe as it is in your country to travel alone , you can backpacking but you had to know where not to stand alone some city's is relative safe on the highway's then there is places in daylight that is safe and not at night time .
All black city's ain't safe ,if you are white , mid city's the mockers and pickpockets
So if you come be wise and ask at the travel bureau's

Your military experience will be worth zero in SA . You have no idea who you dealing with . The violent crime in SA is uncontrolable. In a group tour you more or less safe on your own good luck.

I do not see how any military experience can keep a backpacker safe from crime in SA unless one has an AK47 and a few hand grenades. What you will be carrying on your back is of utmost interest to any criminal. And if you do not know which areas are safe or what to avoid, I think you would be safer in Afghanistan. These criminals are unpredictable, have always been.

I recall, about 25 years ago, a Norwegian seaman wanted to go out in Cape Town (alone) at night. The hotel porter warned him to be careful. He maintained that he was world-wise and had travelled the shores of the world. He came back to the hotel a few hours later, naked, his possessions and all his clothes stolen!!

(South) Africa does not abide by any of the worldly moral codes. They have their own way of doing things. Always be prepared and alert, and with your yankee accent, you will stand out a mile!!

The best would be to walk about in tattered clothing, giving the impression that there is nothing to be taken from you.

Here are some useful tips:

http://www.southafrica.to/Tourists/Tourists-safety.php5
http://www.ljtours.com/safety.htm

I recommend you plan your travel using bazbus. Take a look at their info:

http://www.bazbus.co.za/

And some more info and common sense:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/South_Africa/Tourist_Traps-South_Africa-BR-3.html
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/South_Africa/Warnings_or_Dangers-South_Africa-BR-4.html

I would strongly agree with the above posts. Go with a tour group or with friends.

Before you can visit SA you first have to get through the airport without getting mugged or having your luggage stolen, then you have to arrive at your hotel/ bed and breakfast without having guys waiting to rob you.

No amount of military training can help you. Remember SA is worse then Iraq! If you do go you will have to be on your guard 24/7 and is that how you want to spend a vacation?? Rather go to Namibia or Botswana or even Mozambique, there at least you will be able to relax. They will kill you for a cell phone.

If you do come over DON'T put the address where you are staying on your customs form. Make one up. I personally know of 4 couples who went to visit SA, all at different times and stayed at different places only to arrive at the b&b or hotel with a gang of men waiting to rob them. You don't want that on your vacation.

By the way, they will know that you are a tourist. Anybody who is white is rich to them. They don't know the meaning of respect and trust me they will take advantage of you.