Is South Africa Safe for Women?
Safety rating
Women living in South Africa consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 2.9 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in South Africa consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.4 out of 5.
Violence rating
On average 7% percentage of women in South Africa have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 60 experiences
Safety rating: | 2.9/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 1.5/5 | Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 2.4/5 | Unsafe |
Crime rate: | 3.4/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 2.8/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 2.9/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 2.6/5 | Moderate |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 2.7/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 3.2/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 2.5/5 | A bit worried |
How safe is South Africa?
Misokuhle
Newcastle
Newcastle, like most of South Africa is not really safe but it’s still way better than all of the big cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Walking alone at night is a bad habit idea and cat calling is normalised
Posted: August 12, 2025
Lihle
Lynnwood Glen
Lynnwood glen is a safe place, but there used to be crime mostly because I'm a student that is walking distance to campus, so they would target the school kids, but now it has stopped and there are securities patrolling the whole area on a daily.
Posted: July 29, 2025
Tamsin
Cape Town
Everyone always asks about the safety of Cape Town, South Africa. It's probably one of the most asked questions when travelling there! I have grown up in CT, but have never had a bad experience there. However, I have unfortunately heard of many incidents there. As a proud South African, who loves her country and would HIGHLY recommend traveling there, I think it is relatively safe as long as you keep your wits about you. For example, do some research. Try not to walk alone in an isolated street, research which areas are better than others - and don't wander into the more 'dangerous' ones. Always be aware of your personal belongings - don't leave your phone on a table and expect it to still be there an hour later. On the whole, Cape Town and South Africa is a must visit Country in general, don't let too many negative stories deter you, but, at the same time don't be another 'silly, unaware tourist'. Cape Town is relatively safer than other parts of South Africa.
Posted: July 8, 2025Cape Town
There are certain areas which are not safe (like everywhere in the world) but overall the busy streets are safe. Just don’t walk around with your phone in your hand. Always ask a local to check if there is anywhere you should avoid!
Posted: June 6, 2025
Saskia
Cape Town
Cape Town has its safety issues but if you know the do’s and don’t it’s really fine. - don’t walk by night especially in CBD - don’t hike alone (go with a group) - If someone wants to mugg you - just give them your phone - don’t be on your phone on the streets so obvious - be aware of your surroundings - always lock your car - better be safe than sorry
Posted: June 4, 2025Is South Africa worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 58 experiences from female travelers
Ebony
United States
South Africa, Group travel
Overall I had a wonderful experience in South Africa. I booked my trip through an educational tour company I traveled with since high school called EF tours- Ultimate Break. My tour group has about 20 people in it and our tour director was a local Afrikaaner. Capetown was absolutely stunning!! Beautiful gorgeous city. Recommend visiting Robbin Island to see where Mandela was imprisoned. Also lovely taking a cable car up to Table Mountain! We stayed at the Presidential Hotel which was an incredible 4 star hotel. I felt very safe in Capetown but I stayed with my tour group the whole time. I did not use any public transportation or ride sharing. I also did not do any nightlife activities. We also flew to Johannesburg and were warned about the crime rate there. So we didn’t spend too much time doing things in the city. We did visit Soweto and Mandela’s home. Recommend going to the Apartheid Museum while in Johannesburg. Next we drove to Kruger National Park and did a 10 hour game drive there. Was able to see the Big 5- Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Lion and Rhino. Must have experience if you go to South Africa. We were told we cannot go out in that area as there isn’t much to do and no transportation for us. Overall my stay in South Africa was great. I only took about $200 cash with me for tipping. I mostly just made food and activity purchases with my credit cards. It’s very inexpensive due to the exchange rate being 19 Rand to 1 usd. Before heading home from Johannesburg, I did have the opportunity to visit a wonderful amusement park that was formerly a gold mine- Gold Reed City Theme Park. Lots of fun riding the rollercoasters and you’re able to take a tour of the mines far below underground!
Posted: September 10, 2025Safety in South Africa
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Tzaneen
Pretoria
Durban
Jeffreys Bay
Knysna
Upington
Stellenbosch
Newcastle
Pietermaritzburg
Stilbaai
Frequently asked questions
Is South Africa safe?
Is South Africa safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in South Africa?
What is the crime rate in South Africa?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in South Africa?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in South Africa?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in South Africa?
What is the risk of burglary in South Africa?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in South Africa?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in South Africa?
