South Africa Safety: How Dangerous Is a Vacation in South Africa?

Is a vacation in South Africa safe?

There are all kinds of myths surrounding a vacation in South Africa — some justified, but many completely unfounded. We want to set the record straight, because a road trip through South Africa is fundamentally not dangerous!

What matters is that you do your research before your trip — which you’re already doing — and simply avoid the areas with a higher security risk.

Cape Town, for example, is much safer than Johannesburg or Durban. You should avoid the townships — low-income neighborhoods that developed during apartheid — in every city, as crime rates are much higher there.

To put it in perspective: in our opinion, Cape Town is no more dangerous than New York. After all, you wouldn’t wander through the Bronx alone at night in New York either.

For up-to-date information on the security situation, check the official travel advisory from the German Federal Foreign Office — it’s regularly updated and packed with practical safety advice. We’ve summarized the most important points for you below.

General rules of conduct in South Africa

Before we get into the details, here are a few ground rules that’ll keep you pretty safe throughout your trip.

Our most important rule: Trust your gut! If something feels off, it probably is.
Tips for handling your valuables

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you.
• Be especially careful when withdrawing money at an ATM.
• Don’t display your smartphone, camera, jewelry, or wallet openly.

Tips for when it gets late

• Don’t walk at night — take an Uber or taxi instead.
• Be especially alert to pedestrians in the dark, since they’re much harder to spot.

Tips when you’re driving

• Don’t leave valuables visible inside your car.
• Keep your windows closed while driving in cities.
• Don’t let yourself be lured out of your car at intersections — find a safe spot later and check for any damage yourself.
• Park in large, guarded parking lots.
• Avoid using public transportation whenever possible.

Traveling solo as a woman in South Africa: safety tips

Even if you’re traveling alone as a woman, there’s nothing stopping you from having a fantastic vacation in South Africa. In general, there’s not much more to keep in mind than when traveling with a companion. A foreign language, driving on the left side of the road, and higher crime rates in certain areas are challenges for any traveler, whether alone or not.

Here are a few tips for solo female travelers in South Africa:

• Follow the standard safety precautions (e.g., don’t walk at night, keep an eye on your bag and valuables, etc.).
• Avoid deserted places.
• Research thoroughly which neighborhoods are considered safe, especially for overnight stays.
• Regularly let friends and family know where you are and what you’re planning for the next day.
• Project confidence! Be politely but firmly assertive if you feel pressured.
• Join a group, for example when hiking up Table Mountain.
• Use a condom during sexual intercourse. The HIV/AIDS rate in South Africa is very high.

Our tip: If going completely solo feels like too much, joining a group tour is a great option — and a brilliant way to meet fellow travelers quickly. Check out BazBus and Nomad Africa as starting points.

Is a road trip along the Garden Route safe?

The Garden Route is a truly stunning scenic drive. It runs from Port Elizabeth through Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, and Wilderness all the way to Mossel Bay — simply a must on any South Africa itinerary.
Compared to major cities like Johannesburg or Durban, it is very safe. The locals in the rural regions are genuinely helpful. Since the people along the Garden Route depend on tourism, they place great importance on safety.

Occasionally you’ll drive past a township. In that case, just don’t stop and don’t pick up any hitchhikers — and yes, that includes women with babies or young children.

Watch out for corrupt traffic police

During a traffic stop, it can happen that an officer offers you a reduced fine for speeding if you pay in cash. That money, of course, goes straight into the officer’s pocket.

Normally, during a stop you first show your documents. If you were speeding, you sign a ticket that gets sent to your rental car company, which will then follow up with you.

If you ever encounter a corrupt officer, you can refer to the Anti-Corruption Initiative and call their hotline (0800 701701). Make sure to note the location and time of the incident, and if possible the officer’s name and badge number.

Watch out for potholes and speed cameras

In South Africa and along the Garden Route, there are just as many speed cameras as there are potholes. So only drive as fast as permitted and pay close attention to the road. A deep pothole can easily give you a blown tire. It’s worth checking beforehand whether your rental car comes with a spare tire.

Safety in Cape Town

In Cape Town, you’ll probably immediately notice the houses surrounded by barbed wire, cameras, private security guards, and bars on windows and doors. It’s a bit intimidating at first. But it’s precisely these security measures that have made Cape Town one of the safest cities in South Africa.

Today, you can feel very safe in most of Cape Town’s neighborhoods during the day. That said, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t walk at night — take a taxi or Uber instead.
• Avoid the townships.
• With persistent beggars, a confident “Sorry, I don’t have cash” is enough.

Which neighborhoods in Cape Town should you avoid?

In Cape Town, you should especially avoid the Cape Flats. This area contains numerous townships where crime rates are significantly higher than in the rest of the city. The following townships are located in the Cape Flats:

• Khayelitsha
• Gugulethu
• Langa
• Mitchell´s Plain
• Philippi and Nyanga
• Athlone
• Crossroads
• Grassy Park
• Maneberg

Heads up: Always stay alert on the famous Long Street in the City Bowl too. Petty theft is especially common there at night.

Our tip: If you really want to eat and dance with locals in a township, Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu is a popular choice — lots of tourists go there. Take an Uber and don’t leave the bar, though. That said, our overall advice remains: it’s best to avoid townships!

Getting around safely in Cape Town

During the day, you can easily get around on foot in the touristy parts of Cape Town. Public transportation is also safe. At night, however, you should take an Uber or taxi — even for very short distances!

If you go hiking in Cape Town, for example at Lion’s Head, always stick to the marked trails and travel in a group whenever possible.

When driving in Cape Town, keep your windows closed and your doors locked. Never leave valuables in plain sight.

What are smash-and-grab robberies?

In less touristy neighborhoods, so-called smash-and-grab robberies occur regularly. When a car stops at a red light, windows are smashed in a split second and valuables are stolen.

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t argue or try to defend your belongings under any circumstances. In the worst case, the perpetrator is armed.

The safest neighborhoods in Cape Town for overnight stays

There are several neighborhoods in Cape Town where you can stay overnight very safely. Here are our top three.

• City Bowl: The City Bowl is the city center with lots of restaurants and nightlife options. It’s a great choice for your first Cape Town trip. The neighborhoods of Bo-Kaap, Gardens, Oranjezicht, Tamberskloof, and the V&A Waterfront are especially recommended.
• Atlantic Seaboard: Perfect if you’re planning a beach vacation. Sea Point, Green Point, Clifton, and Camps Bay are particularly well-suited.
• Cape Peninsula: Our pick for those seeking peace and quiet. Places like Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Simons Town, Kalk Bay, and Muizenberg are far from the hustle and bustle.

You can find our tips on where to stay in Cape Town here:

Safety in Johannesburg

Unfortunately, Johannesburg is far less safe than Cape Town. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit, though. We recommend exploring Johannesburg with a local guide. Locals know where it’s safest and have great insider knowledge — a double win!

Be especially careful when driving. Carjacking and smash-and-grab robberies are common in Johannesburg.

Which neighborhoods in Johannesburg should you avoid?

With a guide or on your own: in our opinion, these are the neighborhoods in Johannesburg to avoid as much as possible.

• Airport area (best to book a flight that arrives during the day)
• Soweto
• CBD
• Sunnyside
• Berea
• Hillbrow
• Yeoville
• Honeydew
• Ivory Park

The safest neighborhoods in Johannesburg for overnight stays

If you’re spending time in Johannesburg, these neighborhoods are our top picks for accommodation. Some are so-called gated communities — enclosed residential areas with electric fences and security personnel.

• Sandton
• Roodepoort
• Melrose
• Bryanston
• Rosebank
• Midrand
• Rivonia
• Morning
• Parkhurst
• Parktown
• Norwood

Are there dangerous animals in South Africa?

Yes, South Africa does have some dangerous animals. However, the likelihood of actually encountering one is very low. As a rule, they tend to be shy and will flee if they feel threatened.

• Snakes: found throughout South Africa, but only a few are venomous or even deadly. The most common are the Black Mamba, Cape Cobra, and Puff Adder. You probably won’t see any of them — not even on a safari along the Garden Route.
• Spiders: The black and brown widow and the six-eyed sand spider in particular can be found across the country. A bite is painful, but rarely fatal for a healthy person. Rain spiders are large but completely harmless.
• Mosquitoes: In some areas of South Africa, mosquitoes transmit malaria. Risk areas include parts of the provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. Good insect repellent is absolutely essential. Talk to your doctor before your trip about malaria prophylaxis.

Is swimming in South Africa dangerous?

South Africa offers miles and miles of sandy beaches — absolutely dreamy! Do your research beforehand to find out where it’s safe to swim, as there are a few hazards to know about. Also check the best time to visit South Africa in advance, so your beach vacation doesn’t get washed out.

Sharks in South Africa

The great white shark feels right at home in the waters around Cape Town — especially at the beaches of False Bay, Hout Bay, and Gansbaai. You can still swim here, but always head to beaches where shark spotters are stationed.

The Shark Spotters keep watch and sound the alarm. When the white flag is raised, all swimmers and surfers must leave the water immediately. Green, red, or black flags indicate visibility conditions. In bad weather, it’s nearly impossible to spot sharks. You can get daily updates on the Shark Spotters website.

In addition, selected beaches have shark nets that protect swimmers from sharks.

Dangerous currents

Currents are also not to be underestimated. Even for experienced swimmers, they can sometimes be fatal. So: never swim too far out to sea.

Always read the beach safety sign at the entrance and watch for warning flags. These are often posted near a lifeguard station. A green flag means swimming is safe.

Our tip: The safest option is tidal pools. These are man-made pools right at the ocean’s edge that fill with water at high tide. Luckily, sharks can’t get in. Many tidal pools are shallow on one side, making them especially great for families with kids.

Heads up: Nude bathing is actually illegal in South Africa. Don’t forget your swimsuit.

Safety in South Africa with children

First things first: South Africa, and especially Cape Town and the Garden Route, is an excellent destination for a family vacation. And there really isn’t much more to keep in mind beyond the general rules of conduct.

There are plenty of great reasons to bring the kids to South Africa:

• There’s minimal time difference from Europe, so no annoying jet lag: board the plane in the evening, step off in South Africa in the morning, and the vacation starts right away.
• South Africans are very family-friendly!
• English is an official language, which makes communication — for example with doctors — much easier.
• The tourism infrastructure, especially in the Western Cape region (Cape Town and the Garden Route), is very well developed.
• There are many safari parks and wildlife-watching tours such as whale watching or swimming with penguins. Beach walks and hikes keep things from getting boring too.
• There are also some wineries near Stellenbosch that are well set up for families. These include Spier, Tokara, and Babylonstoren.
• Except in the north of the country, you don’t need to worry about malaria.

Safety while driving in South Africa

Renting a car in South Africa is a great idea. You’re flexible, you get to see a lot of the country, and honestly: music up, windows down, cruising along the coast — it doesn’t get much better than that!

You can pick up a rental car right at the airport. There are a few things to keep in mind, though, which is why we’ve written a detailed guide to driving in South Africa. Definitely worth a read!

Here’s the most important safety information for driving in South Africa in a nutshell.

• In South Africa, traffic drives on the left side of the road!
• Familiarize yourself with the speed limits: 60 km/h in towns, 120 km/h on highways, and 80 km/h on gravel roads.
• At intersections without traffic lights, the four-way stop rule applies: all four cars stop and the one that arrived first proceeds.
• Watch out for people and animals on the roadside. You might actually see a hippo or penguin on the highway — no joke!
• Always keep your distance from minibus taxis (white Toyota vans with a flag) — they drive like maniacs!
• Reckless overtaking is common, sometimes involving three cars at once. Drivers say thank you with their hazard lights; a flash of the high beams means “you’re welcome.”
• When filling up with gas, you don’t need to get out — an attendant will come to your window. If they clean your windshield or check your oil or water level, a small tip is appreciated.
• Watch out for potholes — some of them are seriously deep. Slow down and pay extra attention to the road!
• Don’t pick up hitchhikers. The risk of being robbed is simply too high.
• Avoid driving at night! The risk of wildlife crossing increases, and unfortunately many South Africans drive drunk after dark.
• Watch out for staged accidents that are actually setups for robbery. It’s better to drive on and then call the police.
• Find out in advance about toll fees. Depending on the road section, these are paid either electronically or in cash.

Useful gear to protect against theft

To protect yourself from petty theft and pickpockets, a few handy gadgets are worth packing:

• PacSafe: a portable safe for your valuables, for example when staying in a hostel without a safe.
• Day backpack with a zipper: this makes it harder for a thief to quickly reach into your bag.
• Combination lock: always handy — for the locker at your accommodation or on your backpack.
• Money belt: practical when you’re carrying some cash. Keeps it close to your body.

Medical care in South Africa

There are all kinds of horror stories surrounding medical care in Africa. Here’s what it’s actually like.

Do you need travel health insurance?

First things first: travel health insurance is an absolute must for a trip to South Africa! Some credit card providers automatically include international health coverage. Hospital or doctor bills must be paid immediately after treatment. You can then submit the receipts to your travel health insurance provider after you return home.
Also read our travel health insurance comparison

How good is medical care?

The quality of medical care in South Africa is very good. Especially in major cities like Cape Town and along the Garden Route, private hospitals are on par with European standards.
Although treatment at a public hospital is free of charge, we recommend going to a private hospital instead. Public hospitals often lack funding and are severely overcrowded, which frequently results in inadequate care.
On the websites of the two private hospital chains Mediclinic and Netcare, you can find detailed information about their services and locations.
There are also private doctor’s offices everywhere. Since these are mostly private practices, you can get an appointment very quickly and wait times are short. Ask your host or search online for local medical practices.

Pharmacies in South Africa

Pharmacies in South Africa are called Chemist or Apteek. The two best-known chains are Clicks and Dischem. They’re comparable to a large drugstore, with the key difference being that they also have a dispensary inside.
Medications are available at pharmacies just like back home. Supermarkets even carry all the basic over-the-counter medications you’d need for headaches, colds, and similar ailments. If you need an antibiotic, you’ll need to see a doctor and get a prescription, just as you would at home.

Useful emergency numbers for South Africa

Before you set off, save a few important phone numbers so you have them on hand in case of an emergency:

• German Embassy in Pretoria: +27 12 427 89 00
• Consulate General in Cape Town: +27(0)214053000
• Police: 10111 or emergency from a cell phone: 112
• Emergency rescue: 10177 or emergency from a cell phone: 112
• Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701701
• Card blocking number for credit or debit cards: +49 116 116 or +49 30 4050 4050