Thinking about travelling to South Africa and not sure how safe it really is in 2025? This guide will break down the facts, discuss current safety issues, and give you honest, first-hand experience to help you plan your trip with confidence. You’ll find up-to-date South Africa travel safety tips, personal advice, and everything you need to know to stay safe in South Africa as a tourist.
Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Recent History of South Africa
1.2 The Facts
1.3 What are the risks in South Africa?
1.4 Our experience of feeling safe in South Africa
1.5 Why do people visit South Africa?
1.6 Safety tips for South Africa
1.7 Which areas to avoid in South Africa?
1.8 Our experience of feeling safe in South Africa
1.9 Is Cape Town safe for tourists to visit in 2025?
2.0 Is South Africa safe to visit?
When we told family and friends about our plans to visit South Africa, the response was often, “Is it safe to travel to South Africa?” Hannah had never been before, while Jonny had spent two years living in Cape Town and East London.
As we came to understand, the answer to that question isn’t simple. While South Africa is often perceived as unsafe, it’s important to consider the broader context. When answering “is South Africa safe?”, you have to take into account the country’s complex socio-economic landscape, recent history and the areas you plan to visit.
Our experiences living and travelling throughout South Africa have given us valuable insights. We’ve picked up helpful safety tips, gained an understanding of what solo travel in South Africa is like, learned how to travel responsibly.
Recent History of South Africa
It has only been 30 years since the abolishment of apartheid, a system of racial segregation that left people in South Africa with a lasting inequality in the country. People living in South Africa were separated according to the colour of their skin; if you weren't white, you were moved outside of towns and cities.
During apartheid, people were grouped into either white, Indian, Black or Coloured and non-white groups were segregated in education, work, housing and public areas. They were forcibly removed from their homes to new designated areas.
While apartheid is no longer in place, the divides between rich and poor are still visible, especially when driving around South Africa. You’ll pass townships on the outskirts of cities, where many still live in poverty, far away from most employment hubs.
You may notice that many cannot afford their own car and have to walk or get minibuses to and from work. Many of these townships are a considerable distance from working opportunities, meaning long commutes.
While there are initiatives in place to try and improve education and working opportunities for these disadvantaged people, the damage that has done to these communities is evident when driving across the country.
The Facts
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. In 2022-2023, the homicide rate was 45 per 100,000 people. However, most violent crime in South Africa, around 80%, happens in specific neighbourhoods and is not targeted at tourists. It is also highly concentrated in a small number of urban areas among people who know each other.
Much of this is the result of organised gangs, poverty and overstretched prisons. With years of oppression and poverty, desperation has taken over in some parts of the country. The majority of violent crime is not targeted towards tourists, with only very rare incidents of tourists murdered in South Africa.
While violent crime is extremely rare towards tourists, petty crime such as phone theft is more likely when caught off guard or given the opportunity. This can be avoided by being street-smart and vigilant as you would in any other country.
At first, the facts can be pretty shocking and plant fear and doubt that visiting South Africa is a good idea. The media headlines also add to the fear, focusing on stories that grab attention and scare those who don’t understand the current issues.
What are the risks in South Africa?
When visiting any country, it’s always best to check the latest travel advice for current health risks and crimes and have comprehensive travel insurance. While we can’t cover all the risks to consider in this article, we’ve listed the most common things to be aware of and prepared for when visiting South Africa.
Protests
It’s best to avoid areas of protests and demonstrations where violence can be prevalent. It’s worth keeping up to date with the latest travel news for the area you plan to visit and not visit during election times when most protests take place.
Crime
Carjacking, common tactics include throwing spikes, stones or glass in front of vehicles
Smash and grab in cars at traffic lights
Pickpocketing and phone theft
Violent muggings
Murder
Rape and sexual assault
Kidnappings
common scams and crimes
Cape Town Airport | When driving to and from Cape Town airport, avoid the R300 and stay on the M3 and N2. Avoid following GPS directions that are not on the main roads and avoid Borcherd’s Quarry Road leading to Nyanga.
Hiking Table Mountain, Lions Head and Signal Hill | Recent violent attacks towards hikers on Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. Do not hike alone, stay on the trail, go on popular days and avoid bringing your valuables with you.
Most of the crimes are phones being stolen at sunrise or sunset. If you plan to do the hike at this time of day, we’d recommend going in a large group. Record emergency numbers for SANParks and South African police when out hiking.
Card skimming | Card skimming can happen at ATMs. A way to avoid card skimming is getting money out at the bank which is located in shopping malls. Another added protection is getting a travel debit card which limits the amount you can spend, such as Revolut.
Tourist police | Criminals disguised as tourist police, which don’t exist in South Africa. They use flashing blue lights and ask to check your bags. If they appear to be armed, it is always best to cooperate and report to the police.
Crime at border crossings | When driving to border crossings, it’s recommended not to stop nearby, as there can be opportunists, and make sure to make stops a good distance beforehand.
Health risks
Malaria | Highest risk of Malaria is during the summer months from September to May. The risk is found in specific areas of South Africa, including Kruger National Park. It’s best to wear mosquito repellent, and if you are bitten and start feeling symptoms, treat it seriously. You can get rapid malaria tests (these aren’t the most accurate) from Chequers, similar to COVID tests, but we would recommend to book a blood test at a private clinic such as Ampath for quick results.
Animal bites | Recent reports of seals biting people when diving or swimming in the ocean. Rabies has been found in seals along the Cape Peninsula, and we would not recommend doing this activity. If bitten by any animal, as a precaution we’d recommend going to the doctors and requesting rabies immunoglobulin. Great white sharks are also commonly found along the coastline.
Power cuts or load load shedding
In recent years, South Africa has had scheduled power cuts due to their reliance on coal power plants which don't supply enough energy during peak usage times. These are usually blocked into different areas to reduce the demand on the system. This can be a particular safety risk, especially at night when street lights on the road, traffic lights and water can be affected by these power cuts.
It’s worth checking beforehand how your accommodation manages with power cuts. When we stayed in an Airbnb in Jeffreys Bay, the owners had solar power lights to light up the property and had battery-powered torches. It’s possible to check online for planned outages on the Eskom website.
Extreme weather
Before travelling, make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast. The main extreme weather risks include flooding after heavy rainfall, which can happen throughout the year. Wildfires are also common, especially in Cape Town around the Table Mountain National Park.
Why do people visit South Africa?
Over 8 million people visit South Africa annually, drawn by it's natural beauty, wildlife and culture. The number of visitors could be much higher without the fear of violent crime. Cape Town is one of the best cities in the world, as the winner of the World Travel Awards in 2024 and as the best city in the world by Time Out awards in 2025.
South Africa offers a rich variety of adventure experiences, well-being, relaxation and world-class wildlife safaris, which make it a must-visit destination for every traveller. It’s one of the most rewarding places to road trip, either along the Garden Route or on an epic adventure across the country from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
What you will also find when you visit South Africa, despite the headlines, is that most of the people you will meet are very friendly. People will say hello, ask how you’re doing and genuinely want you to have a good time in South Africa.
READ MORE | 3 weeks Overlanding from Johannesburg to Cape Town
Safety tips for South Africa
Some of these safety tips may be obvious; however, it’s worth being familiar with them before driving and travelling in South Africa.
Driving Safety tips
Avoid driving at night in remote and unfamiliar areas. Most crimes occur at night; however, if you can’t avoid driving at night, for example, when driving to the airport, stay alert.
Always lock your car when driving or parked at traffic lights (known as robots in South Africa). Most cars in South Africa will automatically lock when you start driving.
Keep distance between you and the vehicle in front at parked lights in case of attempted carjacking, to allow you to manoeuvre quickly and have a clear exit route.
Keep your valuables out of sight; even when at traffic lights, don’t flash your phone or have it on display.
When driving near country borders and gates to national parks, avoid making any stops. These roads can often be long and isolated, giving opportune moments for thefts when stopping.
Do not ‘wild camp’; we’d recommend staying at official campsites.
Don’t pick up hitchhikers or any strangers.
General safety tips
Stay vigilant and be street-smart, especially in urban areas.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash; use your card when possible. If you need cash, go to a bank to get money out and avoid ATMs to avoid card skimming.
Have a small amount of cash on you at all times, just in case you are mugged you have something to hand over to comply with their demands and de-escalate the situation.
Do not walk or drive through townships alone. There are safe ways to explore a township, such as taking a guided tour to places such as Langa.
If you are involved in a carjacking or robbery, stay calm and surrender your valuables and your vehicle if asked. Do not resist, as this could lead to a violent reaction.
Check current safety advice before travelling.
Solo travel tips
Cape Town has been voted as one of the best destinations for solo travel, with welcoming locals, plenty of activities and breathtaking landscapes. South Africa offers incredible experience for solo travellers if you are aware of the risks as you would in any country or city.
avoid walking alone at night
share your itinerary with someone back home
join group tours for hikes, city tours and safaris
STAY CONNECTED | Download Google maps for the area you will be driving in sections, the internet can be patchy in more remote areas. We used a Holafly eSIM, we had reliable internet for most of our trip in all the towns and cities. Get a 5% discount code for your South Africa eSIM or enter ‘FINDINGOURADVENTURE' at checkout.
Which areas to avoid in South Africa?
We’ve put together a quick guide of areas that are best to avoid when visiting South Africa. These are mostly areas within and around South Africa’s main cities and towns.
Don’t go anywhere at night that is rural or isolated, as the risk for carjacking increases and also applies to the areas listed below.
Johannesburg – best to avoid Johannesburg CBD, Alexandria, Berea, Yeoville and Hillbrow
Durban – CBD, the beachfront and Victoria Wharf
Cape Town – avoid the area known collectively as the Cape Flats, which includes Mitchell’s Plain, Nyanga and Khayelitsha. There have been recent attacks on walkers in Table Mountain National Park, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, and we’d recommend avoiding or only going in big groups or on busy days.
Pretoria – avoid Sunnyside
Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) – Newton Park and Uitenhage, iBhayi, Bethelsdorp, New Brighton and Motherwell
Pietermaritzburg – avoid Umlazi, Nanda, and Folweni
Kruger National Park – avoid the R538, which leads to the Numbi Road and the Numbi Gate entrance. In 2022, a horrific event involving German tourists occurred close to the Numbi gate. Alternatively, go through the Phabeni gate to enter Kruger National Park.
Our experience of feeling safe in South Africa
Jonny lived in South Africa for two years, and spent the majority of his time working in many townships in the Cape Flats and Eastern Cape during the day and night. These areas are known to have the highest concentration of crime, with the highest homicide rates in the country.
When in these areas, he saw several crimes, including petty theft, xenophobic attacks and many drunk drivers leaving to road traffic casualties. When visiting South Africa, we do not recommend visiting these areas without an official guide.
While there are targeted crimes towards tourists, such as carjacking, petty theft, and scams. Being streetwise and well-informed will ensure you can be safe during your visit to South Africa.
Of course, everyone’s experience is different, and as is the case with visiting any country or city, you may be unlucky when it comes to crime. We have not experienced any crime or had our safety threatened when travelling in South Africa. We put this down to making sure we are in safe areas by planning ahead, being street-smart and being aware of our surroundings all of the time.
Is Cape Town safe for tourists to visit in 2025?
Cape Town remains one of the top destinations in the world, with over 2 million visiting each year. It has been recognised as one of the best cities to visit, receiving many awards, and it has become very popular with digital nomads.
However, make sure to read the safety tips above and be aware of the current scams in Cape Town. There have been reported crimes against tourists while hiking Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Signal Hill. To avoid these situations, go during the day, in large groups and without valuables.
Is South Africa safe to visit?
While the statistics and headlines may put some people off, South Africa can be safe to visit if you take the right precautions and measures to avoid getting into sticky situations. While some situations may be unavoidable, it is always worth taking the time to understand the current situation and the threat to tourists when travelling to any new country you visit.
South Africa has very rare occasions of violent crime against tourists, and again, it depends on where you are, what you’re doing and how you travel. If you’re still feeling unsure, a good option is to visit South Africa with a trusted tour operator or or book guided experiences through platforms like Get Your Guide.
