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Is South Africa safe? Especially for women traveling alone?
That was a question that I had often wondered, that I continued to ponder while traveling, and that I mused long after returning home.
South Africa does not have a good reputation when it comes to safety. Much of this is overblown, or based on false pretenses. Then again, its reputation didn’t come entirely out of nowhere. South Africa still has problems with crime, including violent crime.
The truth? South Africa can absolutely be safe. But you need to take precautions that you wouldn’t take elsewhere.
Know the Context
When many people think of South Africa, they think of the final years of apartheid — riots in the streets, violence on every corner, white flight, and how South Africa was on the news every night.
But you have to remember that this was 20 years ago. Quite a lot has happened in the past 20 years, and the country has made incredible strides since then.
In fact, I don’t think that any country has improved so much in such a short time as South Africa has. South Africa is now one of the emerging economic powers of the world, and race relations, though far from perfect, have improved significantly. Same-sex marriage is legal. Before apartheid ended, South Africa guidebooks were blacklisted in the United States — whereas in 2011, 300,000 Americans visited South Africa.
Still, turmoil casts a long shadow. Some of my friends and family were worried about me traveling to the Balkans and Cambodia, associating them with their conflicts during the 90s. In reality, these have been very safe destinations for quite some time.
While that may be, South Africa isn’t as safe as the Balkans or Cambodia. Traveling in South Africa requires you to take some steps you wouldn’t take elsewhere.
Traveling Solo in South Africa
As much as I enjoyed every minute of the first part of my trip, I know that we were in a bit of a bubble, staying at luxury properties and having escorts every step of the way. For that reason, I decided to extend my time in South Africa and get an idea of how it was to travel there alone.
Soon after touching down in Johannesburg, I was delighted to learn that a friend of mine from college, Mark, recently moved to Cape Town to be with his South African fiancée, Charmain. We made plans to grab dinner the first night I had free.
It was a wonderful night on the waterfront — warm breezes carried over the notes from a live band performing Toto’s “Africa,” and we gabbed about our post-college twenty-something lives. Then I asked Charmain about safety for women in South Africa. Was it as bad as people said?
Charmain grew up in Johannesburg and had quite a few stories to tell. Carjacking, she informed me, is still a serious problem in Johannesburg. It’s mostly confined to certain neighborhoods, and carjacking hotspots have signs alerting drivers.
That said, Charmain never stops at red lights when driving at night in Johannesburg. She’s not alone — many South Africans do this in Cape Town and Durban as well.
That night, I was a guest of the excellent Lawhill Luxury Apartments, about an eight-minute well-traversed walk from the waterfront. If I were in Vienna or New York, I’d happily walk a distance like that on my own at night. But this was Cape Town, and Mark and Charmain said it would be a good idea for them to walk me back.
I was glad they did. On the walk back, we passed a few panhandlers asking for change. Nothing unusual there. But then they started following us, getting up in our faces and yelling, asking us why we didn’t give them money. This happened multiple times and I’m so glad I didn’t have to face that on my own.
A few days later, I spent a few hours chatting with my South African seatmate on a long bus ride. He was a teacher in a colored township outside Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. (FYI — “colored” means mixed race in South Africa, and it’s not a derogatory term.)
Traveling the length of South Africa on your own can be very safe, he told me. It’s not like there are people with knives around every corner. The buses are safe. (We were on the very comfortable InterCape bus line, which was interesting in that it was a Christian bus line with onboard prayer.) Day driving is very safe, he added.
Above all, he told me, don’t put yourself in isolating situations. If you’re traveling solo, stick to places where there are lots of people. He knew a girl who went to a beach alone and was raped.
From that point on, I made an effort to stick to crowded places when I was traveling solo in South Africa.
Don’t Visit South Africa Unless You Have Travel Insurance
A lot of people think travel insurance is an unnecessary expense — I couldn’t disagree more.
If you get pickpocketed in Cape Town, travel insurance will refund you what you lost.
If you slip on a dock in Knysna and break your ankle, travel insurance will refund your medical costs and will get you home for free.
If you get appendicitis while in Johannesburg, travel insurance will cover your medical costs.
If an immediate family member dies while you’re on safari, travel insurance will help you get home immediately.
These are unpleasant things to think about, but it’s so important to be prepared for the worst.
I use and recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance. They’re a great fit for almost every traveler.
Safety Tips for Travel in South Africa
1) Stay at places with security. This could mean doormen, keycard entry, and walls, gates, and/or fences.
2) Learn about the local dangers in every destination you visit. Take the time to talk to your hotel or guesthouse staff when you arrive and find out about what actions and places to avoid.
3) Pack a portable safe and use it to store your valuables while you’re out. I use the Pacsafe Travelsafe 12L. Put your valuables inside (think passport, jewelry, and electronics), close the top, and lock it to something sturdy like a pipe or immobile furniture. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
4) Don’t put yourself in isolating situations. In Croatia or Vietnam, I wouldn’t hesitate to hang out on a mostly deserted beach where there were three or four other people around, some distance away. But I wouldn’t do that in South Africa.
5) Don’t drive in cities at night. Take taxis. Taxi drivers know how to avoid carjacking hotspots and are rarely carjacked.
6) If you visit a township (and you should), go with a guide. Some townships can be dangerous, but your guide will know which parts are safe. You’ll get much more out of the visit, too.
7) If you go on safari, listen to your guide. Don’t ever get out of your vehicle unless you have explicit permission to do so. Don’t stand up, either. (“Kate, sit down,” was something I heard again and again on our game drives.)
8) If you’re connecting flights in Johannesburg, wrap your bag. I’ve never used the airport bag wrapping machine, but I did for the first time in South Africa upon recommendation from friends who visit often. And as always, you shouldn’t put anything valuable in your checked bags.
Most importantly: don’t let safety concerns keep you away from South Africa.
South Africa is an absolutely wonderful, stunningly beautiful, incredibly fascinating country. If I had let fear get the best of me, I would have missed out on such a wonderful destination. I had a great time because I did research and made myself aware of the dangers in advance, and did my best to avoid them.
I felt perfectly safe watching a cheetah feast on an impala in Kruger National Park. I felt safe hanging out in Johannesburg’s roughest township. I felt safe on top of Table Mountain, crossing the country on the Blue Train, hanging out with penguins at Boulders Beach.
When traveling solo, I felt safe on the buses, safe in the taxis, and safe in all the places I stayed on my own.
Safe Accommodation in South Africa
I have stayed in every place on this list and can personally vouch for their excellent security:
- Johannesburg: 54 on Bath (one of my all-time favorite hotels)
- Cape Town: Grand Daddy Hotel (my top pick for Cape Town), Queen Victoria Hotel, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice, Lawhill Luxury Apartments, Atlantic Point Backpackers
- Kruger National Park: &Beyond Ngala Lodge & Tented Camp
- Swellendam: Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge
- Sedgefield: Afrovibe Adventure Lodge
- Knysna: Phantom Forest Eco Reserve
- Plettenberg Bay: Nothando Backpackers Lodge
- Jeffreys Bay: Island Vibe Backpackers
- Cintsa: Buccaneers Lodge & Backpackers
- Durban: Southern Sun Elageni & Maharani
So is South Africa safe? If you take precautions, it’s unlikely that you’ll have any safety issues. Take time to research your destinations in South Africa, get some travel insurance before you depart, and you’ll have an amazing time.
Thanks for this post. We want to go to South Africa for our honeymoon.
No South Africa is not safe for a woman travelling alone. Even if white western women are use to feeling entitled to go where they like and feel invulnerable because they can afford to stay in the wealthy places and travel on expensive trains etc it is irresponsible to put up posts telling women it is safe to travel alone in SA .
From Wiki “According to the report by the United Nations Office on Crimes and Drugs for the period 1998–2000, South Africa was ranked first for rapes per capita.[2] In 1998, one in three of the 4,000 women questioned in Johannesburg was raped, according to Community Information, Empowerment and Transparency (CIET) Africa.[3] While women’s groups in South Africa estimate that a woman is raped every 26 seconds, the South African police estimates that a woman is raped every 36 seconds.[4]
More than 25% of a sample of 1,738 South African men from the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces admitted to raping someone when anonymously questioned; of these, nearly half said they had raped more than one person, according to a non-peer reviewed policy brief issued by the Medical Research Council (MRC).[5] Several news publications wrongly extrapolated these results to the rest of the South African population, given reported rape prevalence several times higher in the two provinces in question than i.e. in Mpumalanga or Northern Province.[6][7] Nearly three out of four men who admitted rape stated they had first forced a woman or girl into sex before the age of 20, and nearly one in ten admitted doing so before the age of 10.[5] A survey from the comprehensive study “Rape in South Africa” from 2000 indicated that 2,1% of women aged 16 years or more across population groups reported that they had been sexually abused at least once between the beginning of 1993 and March 1998, results which seem to stark conflict the MRC survey results. Similarly “The South African demographic and health survey of 1998″ gave results of rape prevalence at 4,0% all women aged between 15 and 49 years in the sampled households (a survey also performed by the Medical Research Council and Department of Health).[8] So far no attempts have been made to address these large statistical disparities.”
Well, if it’s on Wikipedia, it MUST be true.
Here’s another factoid for you, Mark: one in four American college women are raped. Should women just avoid college altogether?
Source: http://www.oneinfourusa.org/statistics.php
Kate
nother liberal speaking lies. Your source reads 15% admitted to rape and 12% attempted rape. Attempted rape is not rape. What about murders and poverty, aids, disease and all the other wonderful things about south africa.
I have to Barcelona and walked the streets at night with no one approaching me or ever feeling unsafe. Even though I am married to a South African I have decided not to travel there so far. I will probably in the future but his entire family moved to the US because of crime. One brother and his family were robbed at gunpoint point in their home for over 10 hrs. It was a miracle they were not murdered because this is standard protocol when you are robbed. Another relative head a downtown shoot out in Johannesburg. Your chances of a tourist being murdered or rape are minimal due to the short time you are there, but South Africa is a dangerous place and not all places are equal. Tourist are eaten by will animals in safaris because they feel invincible and do stupid things. AIDS is highest on the Continent and Johannesburg is the rape capital of the world. Unemployment is closer to 30% and white farmers have been tortured and murdered over the decades. That being said, being a white American tourist with money and good guides you will be more than likely fine. Most of these misfortunes happen to the local poor.
Dear Mark.
You have to understand that it’s all relative.
If you’re gonna hang out in bad areas then yes, bad things will happen.
You especially have to understand the demographics of SA before taking the statistics to heart.
S.A is MOSTLY a great place, but South Africans have learnt to grow eyes in the back of their heads in areas they are not comfortable with.
I’t not living in fear, it’s just being vigilant and being smart and logical when it comes to the time and place you are visiting/travelling to/from.
Hope you enjoy S.A 🙂
Hi there!
I am a 30 year old female born and bred in South Africa. I have travelled within South Africa, Africa and Europe.
Mark, like any place on Earth, you must be alert and aware of your surroundings. Going to townships can seem fun to many tourists but there are many hidden dangers that lurk there similarly to any bad neighbourhood in your area.
I get that you are concerned for the ladies out there and I applaud you but I must too caution your rather blind knowledge.
South Africa has its dangers (Metrorail, townships, gangs, taxi violence, hijacking, etc) but it offers an array of cultures, languages, cuisine and so forth – travelling within South Africa will offer any seeker the gratification they are looking for in a uniquely African landscape.
Oh – and yes rape is an issue like it is in India, Cambodia, Thailand and other developing countries but if you are alert to your surroundings you can avoid many horrible incidents (DUH!)
Dear Mark,
Thankyou for you sharing for sharing your experiences of travelling as a WOMEN alone. You obviously really understand what kind of dangers we face as women and how much we LOVE being told we shouldn’t get to see the world because we have vaginas and men can’t behave themselves.
I mean imagine being SO ENTITLED that you think you understand women and their struggles and can keep them away from incredible places by manslpaining Wikipedia to them. Can’t relate.
Btw thanks Kate amazing article great advice xxx
Mark , it is no different here in the western world, Canada, USA, we can include the UK as well from personal experiences… I have done much research, Statistics here are more than 1 out of 3 women have been sexually assaulted before the age of 10. 1 out of 2 have experienced sexual assault more than once in their life time.
This has been going on for centuries, we are now just starting to see numbers as children, boys girls men and women are coming forward to share their experiences.
Its hard to protect a child from their own family, their neighbors family, its all over the world, in every walk of life, even those with fame and fortune…..
No its not safe for anyone ,I’ve beven there 4 times in 2016 and there are road blockages everywhere it took us six hours to find a way out last time ,white people are killed there almost daily ,I would not recommend anyone going there ,it’s very dangerous, they can block a road in minutes !!
hi dan – i see your post is recent (feb 2017), & u mentioned u had road blockages often. would u mind sharing what happened on your trip? im considering going there this summer so im trying to find out as much as poss, & also the areas/towns to avoid?? many tks! liz
Hello Liz
South africa is a beautiful place! Take caution when you are there but please dont miss this absolute gem! I am 21 years old and have lived in Johannesburg most of my life, and as long as you do your research before you rock up uou will ne fine. Johannesburg doesnt have much to offer and is a dangerous city so i definitely recommend going to Capetown and sticking along the coast. If you are unsure there are many tours, such as contiki.
I definitely recommend everyone to visit southern africa because you will not regret it ?
I hope you love it as much as i do
Steph
Appreciate this post, Kate.
I was skeptical about Johannesburg even after reading your review, because I knew I couldn’t afford to stay in the luxurious parts. (At least, not in the foreseeable future!)
Thank you!
Thanks! Keep in mind that “budget” doesn’t necessarily mean “unsafe.” I stayed in a hostel in Cape Town that had a few levels of security, and it cost around $11 a night.
I’m guessing they’re well aware of the theft risques for tourists, so that even low budget places take precautions. Can’t imagine it wouldn’t harm them if several travelers would spread the word that they got robbed in a certain hostel.
Haha… I had to giggle at “i felt safe… crossing the country on the Blue Train” — I surely would hope so, it’s only one of the most expensive train rides in the world, and kings and presidents have been known to take it! That being said, I do understand what you mean. South Africa is a truly amazing place and definitely worth a look around. I only made it to Cape Town and up the Western Cape into Namibia, but it intrigued me enough that I’m hoping to get back later this year 🙂
Great tips for those who haven’t been… and even for those of us who have any may need a bit of a reminder 🙂
I like that you ended with “It’s as safe as you make it.” This is true of ALL destinations – even ones that are traditionally considered “safe.”
It’s good that you stuck around a bit after your press trip to experience the country solo. That’s definitely the downside of sponsored travel – you tend to be in that looked-after bubble a lot of the time! It was really good to read your honest impressions of South Africa as a solo destination – thanks for writing this!
Glad you enjoyed it! And I’d love to go back and see more. Especially on the Garden Route.
Great post. I think the last part is the most important, safety concerns shouldn’t keep people away from such countries unless the news or the department of foreign affairs explicitly tell you to not travel there!
Still, though, keep in mind that a country will land on the US State Department’s travel advisory list even if a tiny portion is the only part affected. The Philippines are on the list, when the affected area is only the Sulu Archipelago, where NOBODY would ordinarily go!
I don’t see how you cAn call yourself a solo traveller, you never seem to go anywhere alone
I’d read a bit more of the site, Ash. 🙂 A lot of people think that if you travel alone, you need to be 100% alone. Not true. I meet up with people I know, I make friends in new places, I join groups of people for periods of time — and that doesn’t make me any less of a solo traveler. Many of my sponsored trips are group trips, but I still travel primarily alone.
Hi Kate Can We Chat I Have A Few Questions regarding SA.
My husband got mugged, pretty close to the apartments you stayed at. Our car got broken into and somebody tried to steal my debit card while I was in a “secure” bank. All of that in a month in Cape Town. No wonder why everybody lives behind gates and bars. Not worse than Pretoria or Durban. Ever since then, we avoid cities in South Africa, we just land and get the hell of there.
Pity! You were very unlucky. Some people just seem to “attract” criminals. I don’t know what it is. In 6 years in CT I haven’t had a single personal experience with crime. I even walk my dog after dark in my area (alone) and feel very safe. But there are if course places I would never go and things I would never do here. But that goes for most other places in the world, too.
Hello there, I am from the UK. I have been offered a project at South Africa and yet to agree on the details. Is it safe to work there? what do i need to take into consideration? what should I ask for to ensure that it is worth it and not making the money and put it on security and safe expensive hotels? Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Joey,
I am a born and bred South African who has recently entered the workforce after varsity. I am living in Jhb (crime central apparently) and work in Pretoria (in the CBD). I don’t know if I am one of those lucky people crime seems to avoid but I haven’t had any problems in the four months I have been living here. You just need to be sensible, which isn’t very hard. Basically, don’t drive through ‘dodgy areas’ after dark (it depends on where you are going to know where those places are), when walking make sure your bag isn’t wide open, be aware of your surroundings. That’s all it really takes, in my 25 years of experience…and I have travelled to overseas places, I love to travel, especially as it always makes me appreciate home that much more 🙂
Hi Marie – I’ve been living in Souh Africa for over six years (in Johannesburg). Like you, never had problems.
You need precautions – just like Kate wrote, but South Africa can be a livable place.
Hi Joey,
I was born in Cape Town, also lived and worked in Johannesburg and saw my first ever mugging in Munich, Germany. I see you posted this in April already, and really hope you grabbed the opportunity to come and work here in South Africa – you’ll love it! 🙂
Cheryl
we have been travelling and staying in south africa for months at a time in cape town
for many years and biggest problem is officials
never been mugged yet but then im big guy
jimmy
Great Post, I think you are right, cities are as safe as you make then. Noone ever questions “Is London safe?” or “Is Paris safe?” and I would say that these are the 2 cities I’ve felt the most threatened in. I guess it’s a matter of perspective
Two cities where I feel like I have to be constantly on my guard are Barcelona and Paris (as much as I love the latter). I did have my guard fairly up when I was in South Africa as well.
Hi Kate, how can you compare Barcelona with South Africa? It is extremely rare and unthinkable to experience a violent crime in Barcelona, while it is possible in South Africa. The only thing that could happen in Barcelona is pickpocketing but you can easily avoid it by using common sense. I often go to Barcelona to watch Barca matches and do other things, and Barcelona is safer than London, where I live. Paris is also worse than Barcelona, as Paris has several bad areas as London does. It is certainly nothing like you have to be constantly on your guard in Barcelona and Paris. You can do what you want but that is ridiculous and even laughable for locals (and other tourists). You had better use a better example to compare with South Africa, such as Central American countries, which have also extremely bad areas. If you say something like Barcelona is as bad as South Africa, many people would not take what you say seriously.
I stand by my words, Hiro. I practice a similar vigilance in Paris and Barcelona that I do in South Africa. That’s the truth. You happen to disagree with my opinion. That’s okay, too.
I’ve had the good fortune to make six trips to South Africa – all while on business. It is safe. From Cape Town to Kruger, Pretoria to Upington and points in between. I’m looking forward to taking my parents and brother there this December and watching them experience the country for the first time!
It’s safe. Last time I solo traveled for a month in a rental car from Joburg to Kruger and Durban to CT camping and B&Bs. I follow my instincts and know better than to wander alone after dark in most places. I’d be more “afraid” in LA. This gorgeous and diverse country called me back. I leave Friday for another 6-week solo journey there.
Hi Gaelyn,
May be you did also the route I have in mind to do and therefore you might have a reply to my question.
I planned a visit to S.A. next January and my schedule foresee also the trip from JOHENNESBURG to PORT ELISABETH by car. I never been in S.A. before and therefore the informations I gathered might be wrong or incomplete. I will travel with my wife and I would like to know if the route is safe like most of S.A. routes as it appears also from your post. If a car accident/breakage occur is it easy to get professional assistance ? gasoline is availabble all the route along at good intervals ? and finally is it a road where criminality actvities have been registered ? ( I mean not the one you might find almost everywhere in the world but a real danger).
in the website of http://www.southafricalogue.com/travel-tips/getting-between-johannesburg-and-bloemfontein.html I found this not encouraging paragraph :
>>South Africa is a high crime region, and the main N1 highways can be very dangerous if you are stalled or broken down. Carry a cell phone and ensure that you have rescue cover in the car hire policy
I thank you beforehand for your kind advise.
Giuseppe – sorry for budging in, but I thought I can answer your question…
I have been living in SA more more than 6 years and had no bad experience so far.
I traveled quite extensively around SA. Alone, with a female friend and also with family.
What you read about N1 can relate to desolated place any other route.
South Africa is a big country. There are plenty desolated areas in between towns and cities – you cannot avoid them all.
Yes – in CAN be dangerous, especially, if you travel by night.
But N1 is no more dangerous than any other highway.
There are enough filling stations in SA to keep you going on highways, although some of them can be far from each other.
Don’t wait till tank is almost empty – when on the road, fill up when you get to less than half tank. Do not allow yourself to run out of petrol.
Road assistance is quite good and they will make effort to ensure they get to you fast.
Make sure you have their number handy. Same with insurance, if you happen to have accident.
If you blow tyre during the day – change it. It only takes 15 minutes and most likely nothing will happen to you. People will probably stop to help you – do not panic, if someone does, accept the help, in a group you will be less vulnerable (SA criminals are not known for oferring help prior to robbing their victims, so unlikely to get you tricked this way).
If you blow tyre at night check where is nearest petrol station. If not too far drive very slowly to get there.
Try not to drive extensively at night – plan your rip so that you get to your destination before dark.
If you do have to drive at night – minimise the distance and know where you are going.
Rent GPS with your car, but also have map.
Try to memorise your indended route and towns along the way – not completely, but have idea where you are going.
Enjoy your trip – in SA you need to be aware and alert, but not paranoid!
South Africa is on my “dream destinations list” and I am in agreement that the trip is worth the risk. Thank you for such an honest look at this country.
You made good points! Good advice. At least here in Cape Town you’ll never muss the “edge” that you missed in Chiang Mai. 😛
Thanks for the tips, Kate! Obviously I’m not a solo female traveller, although some of my more sassily mean friends would beg to differ. I’ll be in Johannesburg for a few days later this year (I’ll save $$$ on airfare if I fly out of there, rather than Mozambique) and safety did cross my mind. I’ve heard of carjackings being a major problem so I shall stick to taxis for sure and educate myself on the dodgy areas.
And Johannesburg really is a cool city! Take time to get to know it. I loved the Rosebank neighborhood.
It breaks my heart to read this but unfortunately its true. You have to be a lot more cautious than a lot of other places in the world. But you are also right in saying that people would be missing out if they didn’t make the trip. South Africa will pleasantly surprise you. Glad you had a good time..
I would like to add that I advise people to act firm, but polite and with respect toward beggars, sellers, etc.
It is insulting and degrading when people completely ignore them, pretending they are not there, viewing them as a mere disturbance of their comfortable life or holiday. In SA is it easy to forget that one is NOT in a first world country. But you are and it is the (now) disadvantaged that this country originally belonged to. So it is not right to enjoy the facade of the Waterfront, vineyards etc. and then see any poor person as disrupting the holiday bliss.
So be polite, but firm, say “No, thank you.” Or “Sorry, I’m not carrying any cash on me.” And try to avoid that haunted look that especially some travelers tend to get. Some people may even feel provoked by it and react by harassing a person more than they would otherwise.
I like to compliment on crafts and regretfully say that I haven’t got cash on me. “Maybe next time…”
When I was in SA, I went on a couple of dates with a guy there. He would never stop at red lights at night. Freaked me out! He also had a gun in his car. But honestly, I never ever felt unsafe there once.
I’d feel more unsafe with a guy with a gun!
Hi Kate: you seem well-travelled and quite knolegable about most cities (like me :)). Anyway, wanted to go to SA in 3 weeks for kruger safari and to finally visit Capetown, then jbo but my bf is completely hung up on crime and is certain we’ll get hurt there. Growing up in nyc and being a soko travelor, i’m dying to go.if i have to go all alone would I be safe?
I can’t predict the future, Tracy — anything can happen anywhere. But this article is full of information about how to stay safe.
Also see my Cape Town guide: https://www.adventurouskate.com/offbeat-guide-to-cape-town/
What a fantastic post – thank you so much for sharing your insight and experiences of traveling in South Africa!
Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
Kate,
What’s internet connectivity like in South Africa nowadays? When we were there four years ago several of the guesthouses we stayed, particularly up around Durban claimed to have in-room wifi, but actually connection was very difficult to impossible. They also seemed to have very low (by European/US standards) monthly data allowances – we blew one guesthouse’s monthly limit just in one night of two of us surfing – this was before we realised this was an issue and the guesthouse owners got very annoyed with us.
Perhaps because data travels by cable the length of Africa, we found internet connectivity much worse in South Africa than in most other places we’ve travelled to recently.
Hi, Robert —
The internet was unlimited and excellent in most hotels where I stayed. However, I did notice that a lot of cafes and restaurants with wifi, and a few hotels, only allowed you a certain amount — 50 MB. One cafe was 20 MB — I blew through that in two minutes! So I think things will have improved since then, particularly on the luxury end.
I’m from SA, living in Thailand and it’s refreshing to feel safe in Thailand. Nothing bad ever happened to me in SA but often when I was working in Johannesburg, walking to my car or driving at night, you do feel a little scared. You need to be aware constantly. Don’t look like a ‘tourist’, don’t keep all your money on you, don’t trust anyone, and don’t show too much skin as a solo female traveler. Some people still have this idea that if you wear a mini you are asking to be raped which is completely ridiculous. Cape Town is thee most amazing place, I lived there for 6 months and it’s a lot safer but as Kate says, hang around in places with lots of people, don’t get too drunk and go walking alone and be aware of drinks being spiked. Try not to find yourself alone in dodgy areas.
I lived in Pietermaritzburg for a semester of studying abroad as an undergraduate student. During the entire time there, I walked around a few times on my own but really only traveled “on my own” through a hostel excursion one day. Some of my friends were concerned for me but since it was a company that we had just taken an excursion through, I felt comfortable – plus, I had a cell phone and really wanted to see that part of the world (penguins on a beach and the southwestern most point of the continent). South Africa can be viewed as a dangerous place however, if people are smart, don’t carry a lot of money, travel with reliable companies, etc. it can be a wonderful place to explore!
Great blogpost.. I love SA.. I always wanted to go there.. And finally last year I did.. And I look forward to going back this year 😀
I can recommend to travel as volunteer.. For people who want an awesome experience.
You get to hear about the daily day culture.. and learn loads of new stuff.. + you have days off where you can experience the places.
I travelled solo as a young female, in beginning of 20.
I went down some days before and found a B/B in Port Elisabeth. Where the service was great.. They helped me out with everything I needed to know.. And loads of places have shuttle from airport 🙂
Also if you travel as volunteer, they pick you up at airport.. You meet grat people.. and yeah as mentioned before.. Really great experience.. In out weekend we travelled the Garden Rout with a “firm” called Freewalkers 🙂 Which I can also recommend 🙂
It was a great trip.. and I never felt unsafe..
Though you have to think about where you go etc.. It`s as safe as you make it 😉
And definitly wrap your bags when flying.. I did not know.. But got told by locals to do it.. Coz they could open your bags and put drugs in them.. If you don`t do it..
Luckily nothing happend 🙂
Great blog btw… Must be so cool.. Living of travelling 😀
Will definitly start following you..
My next trip is going to New York..
And everyone is looking weird at me when I tell them I travel alone..
But it`s kind of the best way.. Then you can do whatever you want 😉 win win 😛
Great Article! I can’t wait to visit South Africa.
Valuable information and facts. Happy my family I stumbled upon your internet site unintentionally, with this particular stunned the key reason why this coincidence could not taken place earlier! I saved them.
Thanks you very much for these tips! Leaving in 2 weeks for one month of traveling in SA and me and my hubby are a bit concerned about safety. But good to know we should stick to driving during day time, taking taxis in the evening, and avoiding deserted areas. Just something important to keep in mind. Can’t wait to discover beautiful SA!
Have a great time!
Hi there Dear, are you really visiting this website on a regular basis, if sso afterward you will definitely
obtain pleasant knowledge.
Hi Kate!
I was really glad to stumble upon your site! I am headed to South Africa in January from the states on a three-week solo adventure. I fly into Cape Town and I would like to see the coastlines of both the Western and Eastern Capes. I would also love to do some hiking if possible. Do you have any specific advice on destinations and accomodations? I am a budget traveler and will be looking for cool and eclectic hostels. Also, would it be a good idea to rent a car? I have to admit I am nervous about driving on both the opposite side of the car and of the road! Thanks for any tips. I am extremely excited for this adventure!
Plenty, Jessica. Check out this post: https://www.adventurouskate.com/the-ultimate-south-africa-road-trip-itinerary/
I like the way you say …it can be safe Hahaha! Be cautios…it means its not safe not even in a group of youngstes! And let me telling you its defnitly not overblown!!! To travel there and with a guide aswell its like goinig underground in one of the mines….they would not take you to the bad and unsafe places They will show you the best and the safest. I know ive been living there all my life!
My husband and I travelled to SA end 2012. We are in our 50’s. We went on the Premier train, went on safari and hired a car…I danced with some street people in Cape Town.
We were asked for money in Jo’burg, Cape Town and Durban, but we either gave some change or replied that we had already given our change away. My husband also gave away a bottle of Cola, to someone who asked for money along the beach front in Durban.
I think a big part of the economy relies on security. Politically, it seems that security (both illegal and legal) is part of the GDP.
We took a wrong turn in Ladysmith and ended up in an area that many South Africans may say was unsafe, but people went out of their way to direct us to the correct road.
It is a beautiful country and the people are lovely. And we hope to go back.
Yes – SA is safe. Love reading all the comments about my Country – positive and negative! Yes, here is crime, and yes, it is sometimes high – but in which Country is no crime? I am going to Cambodia in two weeks time, and the same warnings given about Cambodia, is applicable to SA.( and elsewhere in the world ) Does this make a Country100% unsafe for travel? Use common sense, be alert at all times, but still enjoy your surroundings. SA is a big and beautiful Country, with friendly people. If it was that unsafe, why am I still here?
Come and visit SA, and see for yourself – you will be welcomed with open arms and will definitely return to SUNNY SA!!
I completely agree with your article Kate. South Africa is most definitely a safe country to travel in as a solo female traveller. I just got back from a month-long backpacking trip along South Africa’s coast. I used public transport, the BazBus and shuttles to get around. I stayed in backpackers that were recommended in the Coast to Coast backpackers guide. I spoke to locals about the must-do’s and don’t-do’s. I had the most epic adventure and met loads of other solo female travellers along the way.
I have been tied up and held by knife at 3 am by two men. My mom was held up by gunpoint at a friend’s house. I have been mugged and hit in the face by a mugger. My mom’s car has been stolen twice. I know numerous people who have been hijacked. My nanny was raped and murdered. Please don’t say it’s a case of being vigilant. None of these things happened because we didn’t take precautions. You are never truly safe here. Don’t mean to put a damper on your post.
Sorry to hear Lisa.
Jeeze where the hell do live?
Iv’e never heard of any one person with that much unfortune.
Its not unfortune, Its a Hell hole life for Her alone.
Thanks for the lovely article. I’m a South African woman – it’s perfectly fine to travel alone here (I have here and all over the world) but you do need to be aware of certain things… I think you’ve addressed them really well 🙂 I’ve only ever had one bad thing happen to me in South Africa and it was because I didn’t trust my gut feeling… so do if it feels wrong, it probably is. and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t walk around with your giant camera or phone on show .. no matter where you are!
Hello Kate,
I’ve come across your blog few months back when I was searching for information about South Africa and it’s safety.
You’re website is very informative and makes me so excited for the coming trip in July. Me and my boyfriend were planning to skip Johannesburg, but after reading the article here, we’ve decided to go for it.
Our planned route will Johannesburg-Pretoria-Durban-Port Elizabeth-Garden Route-Cape Town. I’ve also took note of the places you visited and will make sure to include them in the itinerary.
I am very happy to hear that, Arlene! Have a great time!
I am Interested in studying in SA.However, my cousin has told me of some incidents that restrains me from considering such an option. I would like some advice on this as well as information on the least crime occurring areas and best places for studying technical courses like an engineering degree for instance. Thank you
Sorry but this article is misleading. SA is not safe. My mother was murdered there and I have lost many family and acquaintances to crime. You obviously have not had any bad experiences yourself but that does not mean it’s safe. I lived in Durban and could not drive anywhere without the fear of being hijacked – day or night. Every person living in my street has experienced crime. I personally know at least 10 people who have been hijacked or had guns held at their head, or lost their lives.
I am so sorry that you lost your mother and family members in such horrible ways, Anon.
I never believed on luck, but you are the most unluckiest person on the universe.
Not true. I live here & everyone has a story. Every street has a house that has recently been robbed & every person who has lived here knows someone or has had a weapon held to their head. Fact.
I most definitely wouldn’t say South Africa is a safe place. I’ve lived here for most of my life and I can’t think of anyone I know that hasn’t been a victim of crime. Most of my closest friends have been mugged before even reaching their 21st birthdays. One friend has been mugged 3 times, twice at gun point, another friend has also been mugged twice. Growing up we lived in a relatively “safe” area with burglar bars on all the windows of the house. That didn’t matter, they simply cut them with bolt cutters and enter, even with us all inside. This happened twice in the same house before my parents moved when I was 17 years old to another home. One of my brothers close friends had been mugged and stabbed on his shoulder when he was about 16 years old. His other friends’ father was murdered in a store, he was shot in the head for nothing. Another friend of my brother has been hijacked three times but he carries a gun so it didn’t work out for the criminals. My brother has been part of a community watch program that works closely with the police and the amount of crime is unbelievable. I personally have been mugged inside my “safe” complex with 4 other friends by 5 armed criminals which led to me being stabbed four times (one puncturing my lung) for a watch even though I didn’t put up a fight. Oh, and one of the friends had his face beaten black and blue by the criminals that same night. So no it’s not safe but it is possible to travel here, have good experiences and not be a victim of crime but just because it isn’t or hasn’t happened to you doesn’t mean it’s not happening to someone else.
I was robbed at knifepoint by two men on a beach in Durban – when I was with another friend. I try not to think about what could have happened to us if things had gone wrong. They threatened my friend when she didn’t immediately give up her iPod.
Another friend of mine was also robbed on a beach several months later – when she was with a group of people. I also know of a large group of missionaries staying at a hostel in Johannesburg when men broke inside and held them at gunpoint while stealing their belongings.
SA has some amazing places but I wouldn’t ever call it “safe.”
Not trying to make anyone go there afraid, but if one chooses to travel there, they should be aware of the dangers and make the best decisions. It is a place where literally – there are people waiting everywhere for their next victims. Play it as safe as you possibly can, heed the advice of locals, and weigh the costs before deciding that it’s worth it to travel there.
I’m moving back to South Africa after living 4 years abroad, traveling. I’m excited to go home, but more concerned about the negativity from some South Africans there. Reading Mark Delaney’s post is typical of what you need to deal with from other “white” South Africans. Constantly moaning about everything that doesn’t go their way. It’s exhausting.
I’m used now to a more positive outlook and find it sad, that people like that still troll blogs / comments that are positive towards my beautiful country.
I thoroughly enjoyed your post and it made me even more excited to return. I just need to seer clear from the Mark Delaney’s in our society.
I think there is always going to be some negativity about SA. It comes from both sides of the racial lines and there are some people who only know how to be negative. I think Nelson Mandela’s passing is the best example of how great SA is. There was all sorts of ridiculous speculation that it would lead to increased violence and civil war, when the only thing of note to happen was the booing of Jacob Zuma at the memorial which, in my opinion, as I am not a Zuma fan, was somewhat entertaining, even if maybe the wrong place and time. I visited Mandela’s house twice during the official week of mourning as well as other areas like Mandela square and it was beautiful, peaceful, a nation in harmony. And for the paranoid, I went to Mandela’s house alone, with a handbag and a pretty expensive camera, there were so many cars I had to walk about a kilometer to get there and then back to my car – I didn’t feel unsafe once, I was not hassled or harassed and people from all across our social spectrum were in the area. SA really is as safe or unsafe as you make it. I have now been in Jhb for 19 months. And I don’t have an incident to report, I have had pick pocketing incidents in London and Paris before, but not in my own lovely SA.
And as for Anon’s comment on the 6th July, that is either a serious exaggeration or they are the unluckiest person who knows the rest of the unluckiest people in SA. Also Durban has had a gang problem for several years now, it isn’t a representation of the whole country. Aren’t there areas of New York with gangs which people avoid because of those gangs? And thats a top tourist destination and 1st world country…
VJ, there are fantastic and safe universities in SA, there are incidents of course, as at all universities, again its as safe as you make it, don’t walk alone at night, don’t flash expensive gadgets around, just be sensible and you should be fine. In terms of a good place for engineering courses, I didn’t study engineering so I don’t really know, but look at universities like Wits or UCT or technical colleges in SA, just use Google and you should be able to find plenty of information 🙂
So Mrs Muir welcome home! There are still plenty of positive people in SA, Mark Delaney excluded of course…And to all potential tourists, I think the SA tourism stats speak for themselves, they spiked as expected during 2010 for the Fifa World Cup, and they haven’t dropped significantly since 🙂
I lived in South Africa for almost 30 years and have travelled extensively around the world for work and leisure. I think Kate’s assessment is pretty balanced and accurate. I believe South Africa to be one of the most special countries in the world. Nowhere have I ever experienced such diversity in geographic or cultural terms and I would say that South Africa is a must-do on any traveller’s bucket list. As Kate says, go knowing that you need to be alert. Listen to your guides, hotel staff and locals and, if in any doubt, always ask if somewhere or something is safe. You will be richly rewarded.
I use to visit n South Africa very often for business, It’s always better to hire the service of a good security provider to organize you a safe visit (armed escort, car, driver) . two companies that i can highly recommend on is : G4S and Magen Security.
I have my first ever trip to South Africa coming up, and I will admit…I’m a little nervous for my short time as a solo-traveler in Cape Town. It’s actually very frustrating to me. I most want to hike while I’m there, and with the amount of violent crime that has occurred along hiking trails, they say to hike in groups of 4 or more! Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone in Cape Town, so I’m not sure how I’ll go about finding 3 friends to hike with! I’ve decided to stay in a hostel in one of the largest dorm rooms just so that I’ll have more opportunities to try to find some friends to explore the city with me.
Becky, that advice sounds a bit weird. I get that it’s better to hike in a group than as a single person, but what is so important about the number four?!
Kate – because they’ve likely seen people get robbed in groups smaller than four people.
Because with 4 in a group: if one gets injured, another stays with them, and 2 go for help, this is in places with no cell coverage. Nobody spends time alone.
I was living in Cape Town two times for 3 months. Now I will go there to live for a year to live with my boyfriend. During my first trip i was living in Observatory (Obz), which lies in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. I was walking to Black River/Woodstock every day (alone and in company) and never felt unsafe, even as I was one of the only white people using their own feet to get to work in that area =) and even if some people are begging for money – there are a lot of them – just ignore them, say sorry dude I can’t help you today and they won’t bother you – you will just make it worse by keeping them on the street (if you want to help someone, ask if they want food – if they don’t, you’ll have your answer).
Walk in an area where some people are on roads which look ok and not dodgy.
I don’t want to say it can’t be unsafe, but I say that if you always watch what’s going on, always focus on what you are doing and don’t ask for trouble you will be fine. Don’t carry to much money on you. (I felt much more save with nothing on me which could attract someone to steal something.) Don’t wear those short handbags on one side. Don’t wear viewable jewelry in streets if you are alone or you don’t know. Don’t look or behave like a tourist. Dress yourself appropriate to the environment. (I saw so many Americans wearing these incredibly short shorts and then complaining about people starring at them,…)
If you are just following some logical rules, you will be safe. Surely there are other rules if you are going to the Waterfront, Camps Bay, a Township, City Centre, a suburb like Obz or a costal place like Big Bay, always inform yourself and ask locals! I found friends there really fast and it is an amazing place to be. Get in touch with locals and you will find out about all the amazing opportunities you have in this city. There are so many things you can do. you can keep yourself informed on http://www.capetownmagazine.com/, there are all local events and tips. If you want to go hiking/jogging etc. and don’t know anyone – join one of the clubs like: https://www.facebook.com/ObsRunningClub?fref=ts or https://www.facebook.com/JohnnysHikingClub?fref=ts there are clubs/events for almost everything. Also go for a surf in Big Bay in summer or Muizenberg in winter, try something new! You can take the train which runs from cape town centre to Simons town, get first class, and sit somewhere where people are. To other areas you can take the mycitibusses: http://myciti.org.za/en/home/.You can also take the mini taxis, they drive a bit intense, it’s not everyones thing, have 6 rand for it and shout if you want to go out. I took them lots of times to go to town or get back and never had a problem but be aware that there will be about 20 people in a car made for 10 – so look for your bags and just get out in places you know. If you travel by car please stop at the red light. traffic is already a bit chaotic, you don’t have to make it worse. On my second stay I had my daily trip to town by car so i saw quite a lot. You can drive by night – in Cape Town stop at the redlights – watch your surroundings and if something really bothers you, you can always react (other rules in townships where i won’t recommend a tourist to go by themself but in a group of locals or guides) (In Joburg it is quite different, I heard that you shouldn’t stop at most of the robots, at some places even during the day.) There will be roadblocks from time to time – there are lot of people driving drunk, so be aware. Give the car guides ca. 5 Rand for their work – just if they really did their work. I think these were the most important rules of being in Cape Town without having any issues
Enjoy your trip a lot and be safe!
Sabrina
Am South African. Walked to my job for 15 years solo. Passed a group of work seekers every day. Never once had a bad experience with these guys. You must just not wear expensive jewelry etc. walk with confidence and no problems. Love this country and would never think of leaving. As they say, just be aware at all times.
My husband is taking a job in Cape Town from January – June. I am tagging along with our 2 very young daughters (3 & 11 months). Any tips for mothers traveling with children. Is this safe? Is there any rumors about child-napping? I’m excited & also feeling a bit nervous. Either way, I’m going. I would just like an honest heads-up if the risk is higher than any other city. My husband will be working weekdays & I will be exploring with the little ones.
Thank you.
Hi April.
You’ll be fine. Cape town is amazing. You’ll love it.
Child napping not big here at all. Our criminals are too lazy, they’ll go for the quicker win.
Muggings at night are a big thing in CPT so do all you shopping in the day.
Do not walk anywhere at night in CPT except for well lit, busy public places.
Avoid Long Street at all costs, it’s a hot spot for criminals.
Don’t know where you are from but lock EVERYTHING all the time… house and cars, being cautious and vigilant is the best defence against criminals in SA.
It’s not a scary place at all, just learn to look out for dodgy characters.
Do not engage beggars or anyone suspicious should they want to start a conversation on the street.
Do not wear expensive jewelery in public.
Do not walk around with cash in your wallet. Rather use plasic.
Keep windows rolled up when driving in town.
Watch out for crazy taxi drivers when you’re in town with the kids, people are really hosile on the roads in SA.
Find the number of the police for your area, 10111 does not work like 911 does, it’ll take you 5 minutes to get through to someone competent if you dial 10111.
I know this all sounds grimm, but it really isn’t all that bad. This place is absolutely amazingly beautiful and the food and the people are top notch.
Unfortunately like everything in life you have to take the good with the bad.
Hope you enjoy!
I endorse your comment Marno. Just go with the flow. Taxi drivers are a lot worse than kidnapping. In fact never heard of kids been napped here.
I appreciate the honest advice. Sounds like any tourist type area.
Thank you!
Thanks for the helpful advice, Marno!
I endorse your comment Marno. Just be alert at all time, just as in any strange country.
There was an article in our local paper just last week of a Dutch tour guide who was robbed walking on the beach at 6am with R76,000 in his pocket, was the tour groups money. The guide has been living in SA for quite a long time, so, he really should have known better. Hey man, does he not know of hotel safes?
Yeah that’s just plain stupid… doesn’t matter in which country you are, that’s just dumb.
That actually gives this country a bad name. Such ignorance.
Not “ignorance” robbed him, a person (or more persons) robbed him. Don’t blame the victim.
Hi All,
I am super excited to do an adventure trip in CPT during mid February. But it seems i should drop the plan for i will be traveling solo. As much as i want to go for extreme sports, i don’t know if its a risk worth taking.
Amy: I couldn’t have put it better – “and it’s refreshing to feel safe”.
I am 38. And have lived in SA (Gauteng) my whole life. I just want to find a place where I can feel safe – without the need to constantly be aware of what is happening around me.
Even at home, I can’t let my guard drop, wondering when someone will come and break down our door – and we awaken with thugs making demands with pointed guns…
At the traffic lights, I get this rubber neck from looking all around me – for smash-and-grabbers that might be stalking my car. There is at least 4 smash-and-grab hotspots in my area – if at all able, one do not stop at the traffic lights at night.
You go out for dinner and pick the place that is inside a large Mall – not the cozy lovely restaurant on the corner – less likely to be robbed at the large Mall by gunmen than the stand-alone restaurant.
Hm. I would love to travel via train – but can’t afford the Blue Train – reports of the other train options are very dodgy (so, no train ride).
Want to go camping for the weekend? Heard reports of campers being robbed / assaulted and start to think about how the tent is only about a millimeter thick…
Mrs Muir and Marie: I don’t think that Anon is exaggerating, you only have to listen to the news or read a newspaper or speak to people at work. And only focusing on positive things won’t make the bad things go away. Mrs Muir – I don’t know your circumstances, but if I had the opportunity to stay overseas – I wouldn’t be coming back.
True, SA is surely a beautiful country. And most of its people are decent and friendly. There is just a problem – criminals don’t wear pink hats to identify them.
So, I don’t know. Seems to me that you are experiencing a different SA than me. You have the experience of fun (and luxury and safety – and being able to return to somewhere safer), and I (and Lisa and Anon) have the experience of living in constant fear. Sucks to be us, I guess.
I came to this site after searching Google: South Africa where is it still safe
Wonder what wonderful words Mlindeni is going to say after this …
Hi Kate et al
I am South African. I advise anybody to visit Cape Town and rest of SA. I can tell you you welcome to contact me when any of you are in SA.
It’s just an absolutely beautiful country. I love my country and can’t see how the Super strange things can be 100% accurate. Sounds a little bit over the top. Living in Cape Town for nearly 38 Years.
Come join us for great fun in the sun.
Good article, but I think it’s a bit dangerous to say that the idea of crime is “overblown” It is a reality that South Africans live with everyday, so rather be overcautious and observant than not. I grew up and lived in SA for 31 years, crime is very much a reality. I’ve been living in China now for a year and a half, it’s such a relief to not be looking over my shoulder all the time. In saying that though, if you are a responsible traveler and do all your research first you should be fine. Just be aware at all times.
If you are looking for alternatives to CT and JHB, I highly recommend certain places in Kwazulu Natal. Durban is lovely but it’s still a city plagued by crime. If you want a real getaway, look at places like St. Lucia, where your only real worry are the hippos walking the streets at night! The campsites there are lovely and quite safe, as is the campsite at cape vidal. (but don’t leave your windows and doors open at lodges or leave valuables in your tent – tempting fate) Otherwise there’s the Hluhluwe Umfolozi game reserve, KZN’s Kruger Park. There are a number of really nice lodges out there. If you want to go a bit more off the beaten track, Sodwana and Kosi Bay are lovely, especially if you are into diving or just spending all day on the beach. Sodwana has amazing rockpools and there are also lovely beachy type lodges out there. These locations are pretty remote (3 – 4 hours from Durban) but they are amazing. Otherwise, the Drakensberg mountains are perfect for hikers, for kids and for romantic getaways. There’s nothing quite like a the Drakensberg thunder storms. Most of these places you would need to hire a car to get to, otherwise there are many tour guide operators. I do NOT recommend catching taxis anywhere in KZN. (by taxi I’m referring to the minibus taxis). It is not safe, the people who use them have no alternative.
I still jump at the opportunities to go to these places, you wouldn’t regret it <3
Hi Kate!
Recently stumbled upon your page and love it!! (Loved your blog on San Juan del Sur!)
I do have a question for you regarding car jackings. I will be visiting South Africa next month with two other girls all in our 20s. We will be staying in Simons town half the time and right in Cape Town for the other half. We were planning on renting a car to make our time more enjoyable while in Simons town to drive to the beaches and explore. From what I’ve looked into it seems fairly safe to drive during the day in that area, but my concern is getting from the airport in Cape Town to Simons town our first night, being nearly an hour away, when our flight lands at midnight. Wanted to know your personal opinion on if you would have felt safe doing that. I’ve been to a few countries that I’ve felt completely safe in, but wouldn’t feel safe driving/renting a car there. Beginning to wonder if that’s how it will be in Cape Town!
Hi Frankie.
I’m a female in my early 30’s & I’ve lived here in Cape Town since January (so 3 months in). I’m from Los Angeles & I have two small children (1 & 3yo). I drive & usually feel pretty safe. I don’t drive as often at night but when I do I’m very aware of my surroundings. Always (day or night) leave the space of a car in front of you at a stop light. Never use your phone while driving. Never leave your purse on the seat next to you. When you are driving on the freeway, be aware of what/who is on the overpass above you. On your way from the airport you will have to drive thru a “smash & grab” zone. Sometimes a large brick or even a toilet might be in the road that was thrown over. Just be aware. If someone is standing in the road, quickly drive around them. Don’t stop. Even if they look hurt or distressed…DON’T STOP. I’ve been here long enough to know that most people do have a story. Just last week a girl who is working with my husband was driving to work, talking on her phone & in heavy traffic 8 men surrounded her car & took her purse & cell phone. Just don’t look like a target. If someone looks at you…look at them back. Be tough. Be aware. Also, don’t wander or walk around anywhere drunk. EVER. There are a lot of young 20’s getting held up in the city because they are drunk & because there are a lot of people out they let their guard down. My step-son is 19 & he is here too. One of his friends got her purse taken by a man who was pretending to be drunk. She was walking with 4 guys but the drunk guy cornered her & his friend didn’t allow the guys to help her. Don’t put up a fight if someone wants to jack you either. Just hold up your hands & they will take what they want & then leave. There are desperately poor people here. Don’t make them fight for something, because they will. Also, always take your left overs “to go” & give them to someone on the street. They will always be gracious and take the food no matter how little it is. Don’t be shy about giving your leftovers. That being said…sorry if I’m freaking you out… It is beautiful here. You & your friends are going to have an amazing time. Really. There are more good people then bad people. Obviously. Just be aware of your surroundings, like in any city, and remember that the class divide here is large. So try not to judge & be empathetic that some of these people are trying to provide for their family. Also, don’t do a township tour. I just spoke to someone last night who got robbed on their tour. They were a Swedish couple. I think being a tourist makes you a target, just like in any other tourist city.
Have fun! You will have a great time. I promise! 🙂
Frankie, I personally don’t think that I would do that, but I would reach out to local resources, including your hotel.
Dear Frankie
It is definitely safe. The route there is simple with two drive directions you can take. Either through Cape Town or Muizenberg.
If you really feel you need to back up. You welcome to contact me. My friend from Canada is also landing this month and she has no reservation although it is her first time.
Please don’t let fears stress you. It is always a case of general vigilance in any country.
Feel free to email or contact me.
Regards
Deon
Wow, I googled South Africa solo travel and yours was one of the first results I found. I travel solo often and am planning to visit SA and am happy to hear from another solo traveler because they truly understand some of the realities of traveling alone. As much as I am excited by visiting SA, I am also a little dismayed at the extra precautions and keeping my guard up vs. trips to Southeast Asia, Europe where it really isn’t a consideration. I hate when people tell me “take the same precautions as any other city in the world.” It blows my mind, because I would never take the same precautions in Tokyo or Copenhagen as I would in Guatemala City or Rio. I appreciate your taking the time to give the real deal on safety as a solo traveler.
I am looking into Africa as a vacation destination. I prefer adventure over actual R&R but I will be traveling alone and would like to keep safety in mind. I have traveled alone numerous times before and am vigilant about my traveling. I have read that Cape Town can be cheap and if you stay with guides and in more touristy areas I will be fine. If there are any other suggestions on where I can go in Africa, any would be much appreciated.
Happy Travels !!
Hi Katie Beth,
I would say that if you want to see SA, plan to stay at a game lodge. They have a great one in Hluhluwe that is called Zula Natal Game Lodge. This is a neat way to experience the best of SA. I have been to SA 3 times over the last 2 years and there are certain areas where I feel more unsafe than others. My husband, who lived there for over 30 years, was robbed once and witnessed violence but he says if you keep your wits about you and use common sense, it is ok. The South African Airways airline was the best I have every been on! There are many positive factors about SA but the safety issue is something to take seriously and you have to use caution. Hope this helps!