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 2.8 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 48 experiences
Safety rating: | 2.8/5 | 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: | 2.7/5 | 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: | 2.8/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 3.3/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 2.6/5 | Moderate |
How safe is South Africa?
Johannesburg
Not safe , you have to be extra careful especially travelling to places you’re not familiar with and after dark. Better to do your research before going anywhere and keep your belongings safe at all times.
Posted: February 4, 2025Cape Town
It's safe if you're not stupid. You can't be completely carefree but it will be fine if you keep your belongings attached to you eg don't just have your phone/wallet hanging out of your pocket. Also definitely wouldn't recommend going out alone at night unless it's in a very safe area and even then be careful.
Posted: February 2, 2025
Anja
Stilbaai
Stilbaai is a small village with only 2 exits. There is virtually no crime and is very dafe for solo travelers. It's by the coast and vert safe for anyone wanting to travel here. Very welcoming locals a dnd great weather.
Posted: January 25, 2025Cape Town
Cape Town, like any country has its fair share of problems. It can be seen as a very unsafe place and statistics describe a high amount of crime. However I think that staying out of trouble is fairly easy when taking the right precautions. I think that it is very important to listen to locals and the advice we offer.
Posted: January 19, 2025Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a lively city with a lot to do, however it does have a high crime rate. I would highly suggest staying cautious of your surroundings and keeping your personal belongings safe. Certain areas are obviously much safer than others but always be vigilant and try to stay in public areas.
Posted: January 17, 2025
Maddy
South Africa
Beautiful country and have lived there for many years with amazing cultures and people. The wildlife and lifestyle is so vibrant. Even Being a third world country, it’s still the most beautiful place.
Posted: January 7, 2025Cape Town
Wherever you go as a women you’ll encounter problems. Cape Town itself isn’t the safest but it’s also not the most dangerous. There are certain conventions to follow such as, uber in a group, walk around in a group, don’t keep the same routine, avoid strangers, be careful when you’re out and about. For me, I don’t feel all that unsafe but it’s always good to keep your awareness up. I’ve lived in Cape Town for about a year now and haven’t encountered many issues because I follow certain living conventions but other than that, I really enjoy it here.
Posted: January 6, 2025Stellenbosch
Beautiful walkable main town in Stellenbosch and wonderful winery’s in the surrounding wine lands. Though always stay vigilant and cautious when exploring on foot as foreigners and females are often targeted and harassed for money and groceries from people around town.
Posted: January 4, 2025
Bianca
Pretoria
Pretoria generally offers a moderate level of safety for tourists, but caution is advised. Petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, especially in crowded areas. Violent crime rates are higher in certain areas, so it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and use reputable transportation. As a resident here, I haven't experienced any issues over the past year.
Posted: January 4, 2025Pretoria
As long as you avoid travelling alone, you will have a lovely experience. Stay vigilant and guard your belongings, but there are no major threats to groups. It’s good to carry pepper spray just in case of an emergency
Posted: January 3, 2025Is South Africa worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 53 experiences from female travelers
Western Cape, Group travel
We did the Garden Route, the place is clean and safe for travellers. The weather changes often but it’s still manageable, we went in summer and stayed in George very beautiful area with lots of scenic views. Highly recommended.
Posted: February 4, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
Thato
South Africa
St. Lucia, Couple travel
St. Lucia was so beautiful. The weather was still warm enough to go to the beach even though it was winter in South Africa. The place we booked, The Sandpiper, was just perfect. The food, the location, the staff and everything was great. It was like 3 minutes away from the beach.
Posted: December 25, 2024Experienced: March, 2024Meet locals in South Africa
Thato
About Me
Just a girl's girl looking to meet new people and show them around. I spend all my time at work, home or the gym. So I'm looking for new friends.
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Claudia
About Me
My name is Claudia Hupertz a stay on a beautiful farm in the Johannesburg countryside and I am so open to meeting any lovely ladies and becoming friends with the girlies from all over the world my family is known for hospitality and I absolutely love hosting people I live in the cradle of humankind Which is full of touristy things and I go cycling through my area often so I make a pretty good tour guide🥰
Speaking
Safety in South Africa
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Tzaneen
Pretoria
Durban
Jeffreys Bay
Knysna
Upington
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?
