When you’re planning a trip to South Africa, it’s smart to think about safety, especially as a woman traveling alone.
Lots of women have amazing trips there, but you’ll want to be extra careful compared to some other places you might visit.
Here’s what you should know and what you can do to stay safe:
General Safety Tips
South Africa has a lot of crime, like theft, carjackings, and muggings. These can happen in places tourists go, especially in bigger cities and at night.
You might hear about “smash-and-grab” attacks where people break car windows to steal things quickly.
Sometimes, though very rarely, people try to kidnap travelers for money.
Protests can pop up suddenly and get a bit wild, which can mess up traffic.
The power goes out often, which can make traffic lights stop working and make you feel less safe.
Tips Just for Women Travelers
Don’t walk alone, especially when it’s dark. This is a big one. If you need to go out at night, use trusted taxi apps like Uber or Bolt, or have your hotel arrange a ride. Even for short distances, it’s better to take a ride at night.
Look around you. Pay attention to what’s happening. Don’t be glued to your phone.
Keep your valuable things hidden. Don’t show off fancy jewelry, electronics, or a lot of cash. It’s best to leave expensive items in your hotel safe.
Keep your stuff safe. Hold your bag close to you in busy places. When you’re in a car, lock the doors, keep the windows up, and put anything valuable in the trunk.
You might even want special film on your car windows to help stop “smash-and-grabs.”
Learn about the areas you’re visiting. Before you go to a new place, like a township, ask locals or your hotel if it’s safe and when to go. Many people will tell you to avoid informal settlements unless you’re with a trusted tour guide.
Pick safe places to stay. Choose hotels with good reviews and 24/7 security. Staying in popular tourist spots like the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is generally a good idea.
Getting around
- Don’t use regular public buses or trains (except for certain safe ones like the Gautrain in Johannesburg or MyCiTi in Cape Town).
- Use taxi apps like Uber or Bolt. They’re usually safer than taxis you just hail on the street.
- Arrange private rides from the airport or for trips between cities, especially if your tour company sets it up.
- If you drive yourself, be careful. Don’t drive outside big cities at night because of bad roads and crime. Your GPS might sometimes take you through less safe areas, so try to stick to main roads.
- Hiking: Never hike by yourself. Stick to busy paths, especially when lots of people are around. Watch out for both crime and wild animals.
- Watch out for tricks. Be aware of different scams, like people pretending to be in love with you online, fake job offers, or people trying to steal your card info at ATMs.
- Don’t leave your food or drinks alone. And be careful about taking drinks from new people, as they might be drugged.
- Keep copies of your important papers. Leave your real passport in a safe place and carry copies with you.
- Get a local phone card. It’s a good idea for calling and using the internet.
- Get travel insurance. Make sure it covers medical emergencies, just in case.
Where is Generally Safer?
Places like Cape Town and the Garden Route are usually thought of as safer for tourists than Johannesburg, but you still need to be careful everywhere.
Safari parks and nature reserves are usually very safe inside their borders with good security.
In a Nutshell
South Africa can be an amazing place for women travelers. But it’s not a place to relax too much about safety. By knowing what to look out for, paying attention, and taking these simple steps, you can lower your risks a lot and have an unforgettable trip.
Understanding the Safety Landscape in South Africa
South Africa has a high crime rate, which is a key point for any traveler to understand.
You’ll hear about both petty crimes like pickpocketing or snatching phones, and more serious violent crimes such as robbery, carjacking, and sexual assault.
A particular worry for drivers is “smash and grab” incidents, where criminals quickly break car windows to steal items inside.
For female travelers, there’s an added layer of concern. You might experience unwanted attention or street harassment. It’s really important to always be aware of your surroundings, especially when it gets dark.
South Africa also faces a significant challenge with gender-based violence. While this doesn’t mean every tourist will be impacted, being informed helps you make careful travel choices and take extra precautions.
When thinking about where to go, some areas are generally safer for tourists. These include popular spots like Cape Town, the beautiful Garden Route, and well-known national parks like Kruger National Park, where security is usually tight within the park boundaries.
On the other hand, you should be very careful or even avoid certain places, especially after dark. This includes the downtown areas of big cities, informal settlements or townships (unless you’re with a reputable guided tour), and secluded, quiet spots.
It’s good to know that while South Africa has amazing experiences, some travel communities and safety reports (like the Women’s Danger Index) have ranked it as a high-risk country for solo female travelers, particularly regarding sexual violence and intentional homicide against women.
Remember that personal experiences can vary greatly, but it’s always best to be prepared and cautious.
Essential Safety Tips for Female Tourists in South Africa
Traveling to South Africa as a female tourist can be amazing, but it’s important to be prepared. Here are some key safety tips to help you have a great trip:
Before You Go
Do Your Homework: Before you even leave, spend time looking into the specific places you plan to visit. Check out your hotels and any tours you want to take. Read reviews from other travelers, especially women.
Get Travel Insurance: This is super important. Make sure you have good travel insurance that covers things like medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations. You never know what might happen, and it’s better to be safe.
Share Your Plans: Tell a few trusted friends or family members your travel itinerary – where you’re going, where you’re staying, and when. Check in with them regularly so someone always knows where you are.
Keep Your Papers Safe: Make copies of your passport, visa, and other important documents. Keep the originals in a very secure spot, like a hotel safe, and carry the copies with you, separate from your main wallet.
During Your Trip (General)
Stay Alert: Always be aware of what’s happening around you. Don’t get too distracted by your phone or music. Pay attention to people and your surroundings.
Hide Your Valuables: Try not to show off expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash. Keep these things out of sight in your bag or in a secure pocket.
Blend In: Try to dress like the locals. Avoid wearing overly flashy tourist clothes that might make you stand out.
Trust Your Gut: If a situation or a person feels “off” to you, listen to that feeling. It’s better to be overly cautious than to regret it.
Get a Local SIM Card: This makes it much easier to call for help, use maps, and stay in touch. Major providers like Vodacom and MTN are widely available.
Transportation Safety
Use Safe Rides: Stick to well-known ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt. You can also use official hotel shuttles or book transport through trusted tour companies.
Be Careful with Public Transport: It’s generally advised to avoid some public transport, especially minibus taxis and the Metrorail train system, due to safety concerns. Safer options, where available, include the MyCiTi bus in Cape Town or the Gautrain in Gauteng (Johannesburg/Pretoria).
If You Rent a Car: Always keep your doors locked and windows closed, even when driving. Don’t leave gaps between your car and the one in front at traffic lights. Avoid driving alone at night, especially in rural areas, and never stop for strangers.
Know Your Way: Use a good, updated GPS. However, it’s a good idea to double-check routes with locals or your accommodation to avoid accidentally driving into less safe areas.
Accommodation Safety
Choose Wisely: Pick hotels or guesthouses with good reviews that mention strong security measures.
Check Reviews: Look for reviews from other female travelers about the accommodation’s safety.
Lock Up: Always make sure your doors and windows are locked, even when you’re in your room.
Social & Nightlife Safety
Don’t Walk Alone at Night: This is very important. If you’re going out after dark, make sure you’re with a group or have reliable transport arranged directly to and from your destination.
Be Smart About Drinks: Be cautious when meeting new people. Never leave your drinks unattended, and don’t accept drinks from strangers.
Dating Apps: If you use dating apps, be extra careful. Always meet in a busy, public place and let someone know where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
Money & Scams
ATM Safety: When using an ATM, cover the keypad when you type your PIN. Be wary of anyone offering to “help” you.
Exchange Money Safely: Only exchange money at banks or inside secure shopping malls, not in public areas on the street.
Watch for Scams: Be alert to various scams, including online romance scams, fake business deals, and card skimming devices at ATMs.
Emergency Contacts
Save Numbers: Have local emergency numbers saved on your phone. For police, dial 10111. For an ambulance, dial 10177 (or 112 from any cell phone, which can connect you to various emergency services).
Contact Your Embassy: Know how to reach your country’s embassy or consulate in South Africa in case of a serious emergency. They can offer assistance with lost passports or other crises.
Best Places in South Africa for Female Tourists
South Africa offers incredible experiences, and some places are particularly good for female tourists who want to feel safer and enjoy their trip fully.
Cape Town
This city is often highlighted for its stunning beauty and good setup for tourists. It’s generally considered safer in popular tourist areas like the V&A Waterfront.
You can enjoy iconic sights like taking the cable car up Table Mountain, exploring the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, relaxing on beautiful beaches, and taking day trips to the nearby Winelands for wine tasting.
The Garden Route
This scenic stretch along the coast is perfect for road trips. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, forests, and charming towns. It’s relatively safe for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the coastline.
Kruger National Park & Safari Lodges
For an unforgettable wildlife experience, Kruger is a top choice. Within the boundaries of the national park and private safari reserves, security is usually excellent, and you’ll feel very safe.
Safari lodges often have their own security and guides, making for a worry-free adventure.
Other Recommended Areas
You might also enjoy Hermanus for incredible whale watching (seasonal), the historic Stellenbosch for more wine tasting, and the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay for its beaches and nature.
If you’re less confident about traveling solo, joining organized group tours is a fantastic idea.
These tours handle all the logistics, including transport and accommodation, and provide a sense of security and camaraderie with other travelers.
South Africa’s Commitment to Tourist Safety
South Africa is actively working to make sure tourists feel safe and welcome. The government has put programs in place, like Tourism Monitors who are visible in popular areas to help visitors, and a Tourism Safety Support Unit to quickly handle any issues.
The hospitality industry, through groups like FEDHASA and SATSA, also plays a big part. They work hard to keep their guests safe and promote responsible tourism.
There’s also a Tourism Ambassador Program where locals are trained to assist tourists, and a Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to help you choose reliable companies.
These efforts show that South African authorities and tourism businesses are dedicated to addressing safety concerns and improving the visitor experience.
Conclusion
South Africa truly offers unique beauty and unforgettable experiences for female tourists. By doing some careful planning and staying aware of your surroundings, you can absolutely have a safe and amazing trip.
Don’t let concerns hold you back from exploring this incredible country; instead, empower yourself with knowledge and precautions. If you’ve traveled to South Africa, feel free to share your experiences, or ask any questions you might have.
