Safety is often a prominent topic of discussion when talking about South Africa, and understandably so. The country has a relatively high crime rate, ranging from theft to more extreme criminal activities. My nail technician in the UK, who is South African, shared captivating stories about the country’s stunning landscapes, delicious food, and popular spots to visit, but also emphasised the importance of being mindful of safety when visiting her homeland.
Generally, Cape Town and the Western Cape, including the Winelands, are considered safe for tourists, provided you follow the guidance from your local authorities.
Johannesburg is more widely known for petty crime and other local issues, and this was the source of many of her anecdotes. However, we personally felt safe throughout our time in South Africa, even when we hired a car and drove for miles outside Cape Town, heading into the outskirts of the Western Cape and the Winelands, with no issues at all.
While South Africa does have a higher crime rate in certain cities and towns, it’s best to avoid these areas where possible. The UK Government’s website is regularly updated with safety guidance, including advice on which roads or towns to avoid when driving.
We have shared some of the safety rules we followed during our 2-week trip in our itinerary here. We absolutely don’t want to discourage you from visiting this beautiful country. However, given the higher crime rate and the fact that many government travel sites provide their own safety advice, we strongly recommend doing thorough research before travelling to South Africa.
