Changes

Generally most people who '''hitchhikes''' in South Africa pays a little bit for the ride so most of the time you ought to make it clear that you're not intending to pay for the ride. Peculiar enough [[Theo]] found that white South Africans rarely stop for hitchhikers but if they do they never seem to expect money for the ride. However most other people do so you may have to let 1,2,3,4 or even 5 cars go before someone is willing to take a '''mahala''' along (see Communication for the word '''Mahala'''). Hitchhiking is a common practice among the poorer communities, and you may sometimes find yourself hitchhiking together with several other people. Hitchhiker Kiko found that being the only one insisting on refusing to contribute for gas was making use the privilege of being foreigner and white, and that to accept making small contributions for gas at times was culturally more interesting and enriching.

=== Getting in =Border crossing ==

==== From [[Namibia]]====

The main bordercrossing at Vioolsdrif sees a of traffic going directly to * [[Cape TownVioolsdrif border crossing]], the main crossing. It's a fairly quite border without too much traffic. Hitchhiker * [[TheoAriamsvlei border crossing]] made the mistake of arriving after midnight and found himself being searched thoroughly and asked ridiculously inquisitive questions. Most people who arrive in a inconspicuous manner (i.e. don't cross the border in the middle of the night on foot) ought not to have any trouble though.

The most common route from [[Namibia]] to [[Johannesburg]] and [[Durban]] is through [[Botswana]] , but the [[Ariamsvlei border crossing]] close to [[Upington]] is also fairly hitchable. Most people tend to head south-east from there. Sometimes , sometimes as far as [[Port Elizabeth]].

==== From [[Zimbabwe]] ====

There are 2 border crossings. If you take the tourist crossing into Kruger National Park it might be pleasant. However the hitchability of that crossing remains unknown. If you do take the main border crossing at Beitbridge one good advice is '''prepare for Chaos with a big C and do not get to the border hungry'''. It's the the busiest border crossing in [[Africa]]. People cut in line shamelessly, it's quite a confused confusing system of different queues for people with non-Southern African passports and a lot overly helpful people abound (beware). Even if you cross it in the middle of the night you're not guaranteed to leave the border without a severe headache. Generally things are a little bit more manageable after darkness though and many people going long distance tend to plan their trip to they cross the border either early in the morning or after midnight. It should be mentioned that this is for the Zimbabwean side, the South African crossing is pretty well organized.

==== From [[Mozambique]] ====

==== From [[Swaziland]] ====

==== From [[Botswana]] ====

Another useful thing to know is that in South Africa there is a special sign language used by hitchhikers in South Africa to communicate '''what kind of hitchhiker''' they are to drivers. For example in many areas it's common to see people stand with cash in one hand while thumbing with the other hand to indicate that they wouldn't mind paying for the ride. Hitchhiking with your indexfinger instead of your thumb signalizes that you're going long distance along the main road. Hitchhiker [[Theo]] found the index finger-technique to be especially useful when hitchhiking out of major cities. Another thing is that if people know you're from abroad (normally referred to as Overseas) they'll generally feel more comfortable with picking you up.

While South Africa is by no means the safest place to hitchhike in it isn't that bad either. Sure armed robbery and rape is rampant in some parts but by using the simple preventative safety measure of '''common sense''' you'll almost certainly encounter no more than the occasional pickpocket attempt. For example hitchhiking after darkness is generally not a good idea. Some areas (e.g. Gauteng) can be considered fairly dangerous are inhabited by people highly reluctant or perhaps to hitchhike in but in these areas people don't tend afraid to stop anyways for hitchhikers if you just thumb it by the side of the road. In those areas you can just ask Asking people at gas stationstends to do the trick slightly better but a nice sign might get you somewhere as well.

You might also want to bear in mind that many richer South African live in fortresses with electrical fencing and all sorts of extremely high security. These people, no offense meant, tend to be overly paranoid about the dangers of life outside their safe oasis. Do take their advice but take it with a pinch of salt.