“You Are So Brave”: US Solo Traveller Reviews SA After Ignoring Warnings, SA Stunned
- US-based travel creator Jacky ignored every safety warning about South Africa and embarked on a solo trip through Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Cape Town
- Her journey included shared taxi rides, late-night Ubers, hostelling in Plettenberg Bay and bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge
- Despite the country's real safety concerns, Jackie said locals repeatedly looked out for her throughout the trip
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Source: Instagram
A US-based travel creator threw caution to the wind and did everything she was warned not to do in South Africa. Jacky, who posts under the Instagram account @jackykarwathova, shared her experience on 6 August 2026, and South Africans had a lot to say about it.
Jackie travelled solo through several of the country's most talked-about destinations, navigating Pietermaritzburg in shared taxis, exploring Durban's city centre on her own, and catching a 3 AM Uber in Cape Town. She also did a scenic Garden Route bus ride, stayed at a hostel in Plettenberg Bay, and launched herself off Bloukrans Bridge in a bungee jump.
What Jackie found on the road
At every stop, Jacky said locals stepped in to guide her, warn her, and keep her safe. While she was clear that South Africa's safety challenges are real, she said the people she met along the way consistently defied the fear-heavy stories she had heard before arriving.
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Her honest review landed with South Africans who were both proud and cautious in equal measure.
Watch Jackie's travel Instagram video below:
Mzansi reacts to Jacky's solo adventure
South Africans in the comments section on [@jackykarwathova](https://www.instagram.com/jackykarwathova/)'s post were divided between joy and worry:
User @tashdefig89 wrote:
"Girl, you're purely lucky you encountered good strangers only. It only takes one heartless one to hurt you. I love my country. I love our people. But let's not advertise or romanticise that others can do this without getting hurt."
User @m.i.k.h.a.l.a said:
"Girl, your angels are working overtime 😂."
User @tell_your_dogs_i_say_hi_x added:
"You are one very lucky lady. You should play the Lotto while you're here."
User @mimo_mokgosi shared:
"You are so brave 😍 and this is the definition of living."
User @coletteharubella said:
"South Africans are the best people, literally 🤍!"
User @waynelivinda.dream wrote:
"I loved South Africa too. Great message everyone needs to hear."
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Source: Briefly News
