Is South Africa Safe to Visit in 2024?

South Africa is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. It’s no wonder that the country attracts millions of visitors each year. However, it’s no secret that South Africa has faced its fair share of challenges, including high crime rates and political instability. This begs the question: is it safe to travel to South Africa? 

In this article, we will explore the safety concerns that travellers may have when considering a trip to South Africa and provide tips and advice on how to stay safe while exploring this beautiful country.

So, if you’re asking yourself whether South Africa is safe to visit, read on for our complete guide on the ins and outs of travelling safely in South Africa. 

Is South Africa Safe to Visit? 

We’ll just come out and say it: yes, South Africa is safe to visit. But it’s also true that South Africa has one of the world’s highest crime rates, with, unfortunately, gratuitous violence involved in many of these crimes.

What does this mean? 

Let’s break it down for you. 

South Africa’s high crime rate, and problems with security, are a legacy of the country’s troubled and terrible history of apartheid and inequality. For decades, the majority of the country was excluded from political and financial participation. This left glaring inequalities that have yet to be addressed in any meaningful way. 

In addition, South Africa is also the economic hub of Southern Africa, leading people from all over Africa to migrate to South Africa in search of a better life. Unfortunately, migrants are often prohibited from participating in the economy legally or find that it’s not as easy as they were led to believe. 

As a result of these factors, you have a deeply unequal society where wealth is concentrated in the hands of the very few and many people are struggling to get by. 

As with many other places in the world, this leads to crime. 

Read next: The Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods in Johannesburg

Security in South Africa

South Africa also has a thriving security industry. Within one day of visiting any major city, you’ll notice the private security guards stationed everywhere (not to mention the 3-metre high walls topped with electric fencing).

As the urban areas of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are being revitalised, businesses are hiring private security guards to watch over their property and customers. This means it’s a lot safer to visit inner-city areas than it once used to be. 

You do still, however, need to take precautions and not get lazy or apathetic about your security when visiting South Africa. You don’t need to be paranoid, but you do need to be aware of your surroundings and follow some simple advice. 

Related: Is Johannesburg Safe to Visit?

Is South Africa Safe to Visit: Crime in South Africa

South Africa’s crime statistics are notoriously bad. The good news for potential visitors is that most crime in South Africa is petty in nature.

Yes, violent crime still does occur, but this is largely confined to specific areas of the major cities (where you shouldn’t go). Sadly, the truly horrific stuff is targeted in specific communities and towards specific groups of people – not tourists. 

The vast majority of crime, where tourists are concerned, is rather minor and opportunistic in nature. 

Whilst none of the above is ideal in any situation, these crimes are largely opportunistic and so long as you follow a few precautions, can be avoided.

How To Stay Safe in South Africa 

It’s entirely possible to visit South Africa and not fall victim to crime. In fact, you have a far greater chance of falling in love with the country than you do of being mugged. 

You do have to be a bit more careful than you would be in say, Thailand or Kyrgyzstan, but so long as you follow a few simple precautions, it’s likely you’ll have a crime-free and totally exciting visit. 

Here’s how you can stay safe in South Africa.

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South Africa Safety Tips: Walking 

Here are a few tips to follow when walking in any city in South Africa. 

• Know where you’re going beforehand. Be sure to look at a map, know your destination in advance and how to get there. Avoid looking lost. If you do get lost, pop into a shop or cafe and use your phone to get your bearings. 
• When you’re walking around, make eye contact with people you meet, pay attention and demonstrate confidence. Avoid looking down or as if you aren’t aware of your surroundings. 
• Wear pants or tops with zippers (if possible). Avoid keeping your phone or wallet in a loose, open pocket where it can be easily grabbed. 
• Never look at or use your phone while walking. Keep that shit hidden!
• Never walk around with valuables. 
• If someone approaches you for money, a firm ‘no thank you’ will do. Don’t ignore the person, as they will most likely follow you for a bit. 
• Don’t walk around at night. Sometimes you may have to take an Uber for a very short distance, but your safety is worth it. We’ll reiterate this one: never walk around at night in South Africa. 

Read: 15 Awesome Things to Do In Johannesburg

South Africa Safety Tips: Consider the Location of Your Accommodation

The location of your accommodation can also have a big impact on your safety. Try to stay in well-lit and secure areas, close to the main attractions and amenities. Even if you normally like to get off the beaten track (we get you!), it’s best to stay in popular areas in South Africa. 

Avoid staying in remote or isolated locations, especially if you are travelling alone. It’s also a good idea to check the reviews of your accommodation before booking, to see what previous guests have said about the safety of the area.

This doesn’t mean you can’t get off the beaten track in South Africa. Oh, can you ever! Read our list of South Africa’s top hidden gems. 

South Africa Safety Tips: Avoid Flashy Displays of Wealth

In addition to being vigilant, it’s also important to avoid flashy displays of wealth when in public places. This includes wearing expensive jewellery, carrying large amounts of cash, or using expensive electronic devices in public. These attract the attention of thieves and make you a target for crime.

Remember, most crime in South Africa is opportunistic, so don’t give anyone an opportunity. 

Travel insurance, as always, is essential. If something goes wrong, you want to be covered. Our preference is SafetyWing. Trust us, we’ve used a lot of travel insurance and they really are the best.

South Africa Safety Tips: Respect the Local Culture

South Africa is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. It is important to respect the local culture and customs when visiting. This includes being mindful of your behaviour, as well as asking for permission before taking photos of people or their homes. By showing respect, you are less likely to encounter any safety issues.

South Africa Safety Tips: Learn Some Local Phrases

One way to show respect for the local culture is to learn some local phrases in the language of the area you’re visiting. This can help you communicate with locals and show them that you respect their culture. 

Additionally, throwing in some local phrases signifies that you’re a local, rather than a tourist. This may dissuade a would-be criminal.

For example: our friend, who’s born and bred in Joburg, had to drop off a hire car downtown. He told us that some guys were walking towards him and he thought they were going to rob him. So he started saying a few phrases in Zulu (commonly spoken in Joburg) to show he’s a local. They moved on. 

South Africa Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe Driving in South Africa

Due to the large distance between destinations and limited public transportation options, many visitors to South Africa opt to rent a car. This is a great option to get around and see the many sites.

Pro tip: use Discover Cars to find the best deals on rentals.

When driving in South Africa, always check your route with a local. Google Maps will often try to take you the quickest (but not necessarily the safest) way. Ask a local friend, someone who works at your hotel, or your guesthouse owner which areas are okay to drive through and which aren’t. Local knowledge is key!

Other important tips for driving include:

• Don’t keep your phone on the seat next to you while driving. If you are using it as a GPS, be discreet about it. 
• Always lock your doors while driving. 
• When you get out of your car, double-check to see if it’s locked. Lock-blockers are sadly common. 
• Only park in secure locations. You’ll notice the informal parking attendants offering to watch your car for a tip. 5-10 ZAR is usually sufficient. 
• Never leave valuables in your car and avoid having them on the seat beside you whilst driving (to avoid a smash-and-grab). 
• Never drive on the highway at night. Unfortunately, this is when most hijackings occur, so make sure you get to your destination by dusk. 

Other South Africa Safety Tips 

• If you’re dining al-fresco, don’t put your phone on the table and don’t hang your bag on the back of the chair. Leave your bag under your feet or under the table. 
• Don’t hold your phone if you’re waiting for an Uber outside. Either wait inside or memorise the car details and if you have to wait outside, keep your phone in your pocket. 
• Use your credit card for everything. Actually, this is a bit of a necessity as most businesses won’t accept cash. 
• Speak to locals. They’re the experts. They’ll tell you where you can and cannot go. 
• Use ATMs in malls rather than on the street. 

Really, a lot of these South Africa safety tips simply drill down to vigilance. In South Africa, your best bet to staying safe is to be aware of your surroundings. If you enter a neighbourhood and it looks dodgy, backtrack. Keep an eye on your belongings and keep them close. Be aware and have a great time! 

Is South Africa Safe for Solo Travellers?

Yes, South Africa is safe for solo travellers. During our many months spent in South Africa, we have met many solo travellers. All have reported having a great time!

If you are feeling nervous about visiting South Africa as a solo traveller, there are lots of fun hostels you can stay at to meet fellow travellers. South Africa also excels in fun and exciting tours (and we are not tour people!) that you can participate in, to help alleviate any concerns.

To be honest, one of your biggest concerns as a solo traveller in South Africa will be cost. On your own, renting a car, getting Ubers and heading out on day trips are more expensive. But really, that’s a minor worry! 

Is South Africa Safe for Female Travellers?

Absolutely! We personally know many women who have travelled to South Africa and have loved every minute of it. 

If you’re worried about those terrible rape statistics, do know that most sexual violence in South Africa happens between people who know each other and in very specific places. Female travellers are not targeted, nor do you need to be paranoid or avoid visiting. 

Remember, be vigilant, but not paranoid.

Is South Africa Worth Visiting? 

Definitely! We love South Africa and have found South Africans to be some of the friendliest people in the world. The country also has so much to offer: beautiful beaches, world-class cities, enchanting deserts, awesome animals and rugged mountains. No matter what you’re looking for in a destination, South Africa has it. 

So, we’ll say it again, you have a far greater chance of falling in love with South Africa than falling victim to a crime. We don’t know about you, but that’s a risk we’re willing to take!

Now that we’ve convinced you to visit South Africa, start looking for flights on Skyscanner.

Where to Stay in South Africa

Wherever you go, South Africa has a wealth of great accommodation options. Here are a few of our favourite places to stay in South Africa.

Johannesburg

Lucky Bean Guesthouse 

La Couronne

Little Forest Guest House

Cape Town

Never at Home Kloof Street

Bluebottle Guesthouse

iKhaya Lodge

Urban Elephant 16 On Bree

Stellenbosch

7 Ackermann Place Guest House

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