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 2.5 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in South Africa consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.1 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 26 experiences
Safety rating: | 2.5/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 1.4/5 | Very Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 2/5 | Unsafe |
Crime rate: | 3.1/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 2.7/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 3/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 2.8/5 | Moderate |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 3/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 3.4/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 2.6/5 | Moderate |
Is South Africa safe for women?
Cape Town
Cape Town has pockets of safe spots. Going out after dark by yourself as a solo traveler let alone a female is NOT advisable. Also choose very carefully which hostel or hotel you decide to stay in if you’re unable to find a suitable host. Because not all reviews online are necessarily accurate. And when it comes to your safety. That’s of paramount importance. Take care and extra precautions!
Posted: October 20, 2024Tzaneen
It's a small little town but would rate the crime similar to big cities. No worries about anyone stealing your things or being mugged but would not walk in town alone at night. Daytime is perfectly fine to do whatever. I have never experienced crime here before...
Posted: September 3, 2024
Marlien
Upington
It is fairly safe but you still need to be caucious of your surroundings and avoid certain areas especially after dark. There is no real public transport available and hiring a car would probably be your best option for getting around.
Posted: September 1, 2024Cape Town
Cape Town can be unsafe in specific areas and safer in other areas. I have lived in Cape Town my whole life this I’m aware and will tell you which areas to avoid. I can also travel around with you to make it more safe. It is known as a very dangerous city but as I mentioned earlier there are safe areas and dangerous areas.
Posted: August 18, 2024South Africa
It’s such an incredible country. And I don’t want to deter people because it definitely is safe enough to travel to and explore. But generally you need to be really careful. I would say, especially as a girl, I always have fear in the back of my mind.
Posted: July 14, 2024Durban
Durban is a warm & sunny city that has so many incredible wits about it. Many people are friendly and are so happy to help! Be mindful of pickpocketing. Be mindful of not taking public transport, rather take an Uber and share you trip with someone. Nights out are best done alongside people, know your surroundings well and you’ll have the best time!
Posted: July 8, 2024Jeffreys Bay
Jeffreys Bay is relatively safe during the day. Avoid walking alone at night. Keep your personal belongings on your body because there is petty crime. Do not leave your belongings on the beach when you go for a swim in the ocean.
Posted: June 30, 2024South Africa
South Africa has its unsafe areas. There are some areas where you can find peace. But everywhere you go it's best to watch your vicinity. Well, overall you choose the places to visit carefully too. If you want to visit South Africa please feel free to ask me for advise. I'm willing to help but it's not guaranteed to be 100% safe! Sometimes you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time which can happen anywhere in the world.
Posted: June 30, 2024
Neo
Cape Town
Cape Town is mostly fine during the day, especially in the more bougie, gentrified areas. People will catcall you as you’re walking down the street, but apart from that there is very little likelihood of anyone actually confronting you. Once it gets dark it’s a different story… Don’t travel alone, don’t do silly things like leave your door open to the street and don’t leave your belongings unattended. I do know a fair number of people who have been mugged at night, my boyfriend got attacked by someone wielding a panga walking home from a club, and I’ve had things stolen out of my house because I left my window open and they just reached in and grabbed it. Our criminals are not smart, and most crimes are crimes of opportunity. As long as you are sensible, you should be fine :)
Posted: June 8, 2024Cape Town
It’s dependent on the area, people who havent travelled to Cape Town before should ensure that they are aware of the town they are staying in to ensure it’s considered a moderately safe environment. Some areas are more dangerous than others, however caution should be taken regardless.
Posted: June 6, 2024Is South Africa worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 50 experiences from female travelers
Cape Town, Solo travel
I had very good experiences and felt very safe there. You obviously have to be careful where you go, take Ubers (super cheap), book some tours, and enjoy the views, delicious food, and wine. Those were my best holidays, and I will definitely go back there.
Posted: November 14, 2024
MarttinelliM
South Africa
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Family travel
I spent hours on a self drive tour, meandering on narrow dirt roads while spotting wildlife. It was amazing. I drove narrow roads and saw a herd of elephants. Surely, Who created these majestic animals must have known what He was doing. I felt like I was in the presence of greatness. I saw the most beautiful Zebras just hanging out on each other. Gorgeous with their stripes, and I absolutely fell in love with them and KZN. The adventure was driving on sand.
Posted: November 4, 2024Meet locals in South Africa
khanyisa
About Me
My name is Khanyisa ☺️ I am 31 years old from Cape Town, South Africa. I love to meet people, travel and making connections. My passion is spirituality and healing ❤️🩹 exploring the psychedelic healing space at the moment. Looking forward to making new friends 🤍
Speaking
Samara
About Me
Explorer by nature, love people, learning and experiencing new things.
Speaking
Safety in South Africa
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?
