Is South Africa Safe for Women? Crime Rate in South Africa
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 57 experiences
Safety rating: | 2.9/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 1.5/5 | Very Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 2.3/5 | Unsafe |
Crime rate: | 3.4/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 2.8/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 3/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 2.7/5 | 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 | Moderate |
How safe is South Africa?
Cape 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, 2025Johannesburg
It is important to find out about safer neighborhoods. Not all areas are safe in Johannesburg. Don't walk alone at night. If you use Uber and go to populated safer areas, your trip can still be very nice and safe.
Posted: May 10, 2025
Maia
Cape Town
Listen is all realness Cape town is so beautiful here but the crime here is like 50/50 in some places its not so bad but please be aware of your surroundings and what your around and who your around, i stay in plattekloof and most people consider it safe but then again ive gotten mugged at the duck pond before, just stay aware ladies always carry something to protect yourselfs💗🤞🏻
Posted: May 7, 2025Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a complex city. You have to know where and where not to go and hot to behave in this city in order not to be a victim of crime. I have lived here my whole life so I know how to navigate the city and ensure that my friends visiting from overseas are safe.
Posted: May 5, 2025Cape Town
Capetown is safe in all tourist destinations, although there are some locations you shouldn't go by yourself but in all my stay ofnore than 8 year living in the southern suburbs of Capetown and exploring the city I've never encountered any robbery of some sort or felt not safe
Posted: May 1, 2025Is South Africa worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 55 experiences from female travelers
Maia
South Africa
Plettenberg Bay, Couple travel
Honestly it really depends what area your in but the majority of pletternburg bay is GORGEOUS, i really recommend going to the Tsala Lodge resort in the peninsula it is absolutely gorgeous they take such good care of you and the food is amazing🤞🏻
Posted: May 7, 2025Experienced: March, 2025Cape Town, Family travel
I felt sooo safe as in even after it got dark and well past my normal "get into the house now or else your in danger" time We budgeted around 10k+ including travel n lodging expenses plus food n activites and for transport we used Uber everywhere(extremely expensive) id reccomend renting a car instead since it'll be cheaper in the long run else the traffic is controlled and neat We stayed at ocean vibes inn it was an amazing place and the owners were extremely nice but i wouldn't recommend as its far from most of the activies which are literally in the centre or near VA waterfront which was far from us
Posted: April 26, 2025Experienced: December, 2024Safety in South Africa
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Tzaneen
Pretoria
Durban
Jeffreys Bay
Knysna
Upington
Paarl
Stellenbosch
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?
