Call in the wild

GPS guides travellers to safety

A new GPS system will let tourists avoid potentially dangerous areas of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho, while at the same time still getting them off the beaten track.

Whilst existing GPS devices simply advise drivers on the shortest routes possible, this pre-programmed device takes it one step further, offering a personalised service that allows interaction with a member of the Satpack Travel team.

Satpack founders Rob and Helen Maclean have a wealth of knowledge, after visiting over 50 countries – including 15 years experience travelling round Africa. “We’ve essentially combined sat-nav technology and local knowledge into one easy-to-use handset," Rob told WideWorld. "Which gives security-conscious travellers the confidence to get away from the major highways and often overpriced tourist hotspots to explore the real South Africa.”

Clients are loaned the HTC Touch Pro Smartphone upon arrival into the country. Catering for every possible need, it is pre-programmed with the guest’s personalised itinerary, the safest, fastest and most scenic routes, restaurants, weather forecasts, places of interest and emergency contact numbers. In addition, the handset enables travellers to make local telephone calls and provides internet access.

Despite the region’s high crime levels, South Africa is still a popular destination for tourists and travellers. Next year half a million visitors are predicted to descend on the country for the FIFA World Cup.

Satpack charges £17 a day to rent the device which includes insurance, itinerary booking and advice prior to and during the trip.

For more information, visit: www.satpacktravel.com