Visitors inspecting interpretive plaque

on Crater Trail (courtesy National Cultural History Museum)

Tips For Visitors
Home
Vision
What Is Tswaing?
Geology & Minerals
The Crater Lake
The Controversy
Drilling The Crater
Palaeoclimatic Record
Solving the Riddle
The Meteorite
Witnesses Of The Impact
Bibliography
Messengers From Space
People At Tswaing
Salt And Soda Mining
Heritage Site
Agricultural
Hours & Tariffs
Rules & Regulations
Contact Information
Catastrophe
Map & Directions
Links
Crater Chat
Language

In South Africa, English and Afrikaans are the two languages spoken by most educated people, but there are nine official languages as well, plus numerous other European and Asian languages spoken by minority groups.

 Gender roles

South Africans have a different view of gender roles from Americans and other Westerners. Be aware that you are in a different country and try to be culturally sensitive.

 Time management
Americans and other Westerners are more time conscious than people in South Africa are. This can be a source of great frustration for visitors. Things are likely to go wrong, take more time than expected, and programmes or schedules are likely to change.

 Communication
South Africa has the largest and best cell phone network in Africa. Cellular (mobile) phones work at Tswaing.

 Safety

Safety and health conditions are very different in South Africa and you need to act responsibly in providing for your own safety and security.
  • Always be alert of potential danger.
  • In urban areas, stay clear of trees and bushes and spaces between parked cars.
  • Muggers are not put off by the age of tourists, they attack anybody.
  • Leave valuables in the hotel or camp and spread your credit and other cards in different pockets on yourself. The pouch around your neck is not a safe place.
  • If something happens, be sure to give a statement to the police and make sure that you get a case number and a copy of the statement - as you will be needing it for insurance.
  • Never let on to any stranger that you are a tourist.
  • Try and walk around in groups (safety in numbers).
  • When visiting Tswaing, wear a hat, sunglasses, sun block cream and comfortable shoes and bring water for use on the trail

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