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Where World cup in South Africa provides an excellent opportunity for nature lovers to visit some of the world’s oldest forests, jungles, caves, castles, exquisite beaches and challenging safaris; it is also considered “a security risk” due to the high crime rate in South Africa.

A recent stampede in South Africa only a week before world cup in a low key match proved to be high alerting for World Cup organizers as they reassured and removed any possibility of doubt in their plans for keeping soccer crazy fans in control. According to FIFA president Sepp Blatter “This is like an alarm clock. This will not happen in any match of the World Cup, you can be assured.”

Although there were no serious damages, no one was killed and most of the injuries were minor yet the incident caused half of the world to wonder if South Africa is a safe destination? .

In the recent past, Indian Premier League matches (IPL) were relocated to South Africa in 2009 due to security issues in India. Also, South Africa is neither new to tourists since it’s the “Travel Capital” of the world nor a first time host to a world event as it holds record of hosting a series of extravagant International sports events including a rugby world cup, a cricket world cup, a lion’s series and countless other international sporting events without any major unpleasant incident.

The point of the matter is, nearly every country in the world has its bad bits. There are always places that should be avoided in night or acts like walking alone in deserted areas is “unsafe” in most parts of the world. Other than using man’s best weapon “Common Sense” one should try and abide by the following rules:-

1. Strictly follow the instructions at crowded areas and do not break queues.
2. Keep you cars locked while driving and do not park at lonely or unauthorized parking.
3. Not every blue torch means Police. Don’t stop for strangers or people who have broken down
4. If carjacked or robed do not offer resistance, heroic moves can end in bigger disasters.
5. Avoid show off, or advertising. Keep your valuables intact and do not show you have valuables on your person.
6. South Africans do not walk. Avoid long walks as much as possible. Also, try to take precautions and travel in groups of five, six, seven or more people.
7. Areas less frequented by tourists are usually dangerous. Avoid any “no go” areas.

Also only buy flight and match tickets from authorized dealers and ATOLL / ABTA or IATA registered agencies. Return cheap flights to South Africa for the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 and accommodations during the matches can be easily organized from registered online dealers Cheap flights. The South African Police Service has prepared effective plans that include extra officers, high visibility policing, CCTV monitoring and deployment of specialist teams to keep the security control in their grip.