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 2.7 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in South Africa consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.2 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 35 experiences
Safety rating: | 2.7/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 1.5/5 | Very Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 2.1/5 | Unsafe |
Crime rate: | 3.2/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 2.7/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 2.9/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 2.7/5 | Moderate |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 2.8/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 3.2/5 | Moderate |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 2.5/5 | A Bit Worried |
Is South Africa safe for women?
Durban
Durban is safe within the tourist zones only and would be much better if you had a tour guide. Nevertheless it is a beautiful place with many surrounding nature and safari parks. It’s situated on a coastline
Posted: December 26, 2024
Thato
Krugersdorp
Krugersdorp is fairly safe. Just don't walk around at night, there's lots of natural landscapes, hiking spots , waterfalls and malls. All these places are safe. I've lived here since 2018 and have never been assaulted or harassed or robbed.
Posted: December 25, 2024Kosmos
Kosmos is a gated community in North West, and while I mostly feel completely safe during the day and in my home, I would never walk around at night - At least not by myself. The crime rate in this neighbourhood is low and the community is very welcoming.
Posted: December 25, 2024Krugersdorp
It’s alright, of course every area has its own problems for women. South Africa is very high unfortunately on the femicide list. Personally I have not faced problems, but I’m not deaf to other women’s stories. Krugersdorp is chill enough though.
Posted: December 24, 2024Bloemhof
Not very safe. Crime rate is high, with incidents happening all over. Because the town is small, you are never far away from dangerous areas. It's also a poor town, which increases crime even more. There are ways to stay safe, but overall guidance is needed in that regard.
Posted: December 24, 2024
Luna-Naima
Johannesburg
I feel safe in Johannesburg, the people I met where very friendly and nothing bad happend so far… but I’m a little paranoid because of the high crime rate. I like the huge weather changes during the day. I LOVE the music! The social division makes me sad, I definitely have to inform myself about the history and present in this country! I like to explore but also do nothing sometimes <3
Posted: December 24, 2024Johannesburg
Unfortunately the crime in South Africa is incredibly high but that being said most places that you go have implemented enough safety protocols to keep women safe I think living in South Africa you get to know where it’s safe and where it isn’t and you get to know what you can do and what you can’t and it’s quite easy to stay safe and stay alive as long as you stay in the safe areas and you are cautious so guess the crime is incredibly behind South Africa but I think it’s definitely possible to stay safe if you know what to do
Posted: December 23, 2024South Africa
It’s a safe country as long as you don’t venture out into the unknown part of it.It’s easy to navigate alone or in a group. You need to be street smart, keep all your valuables close to you. All in all it’s a good country
Posted: December 22, 2024Pretoria
All areas out of Town centre are fairly safe during the day. City centre is unsafe day or night. Malls and shopping centres are mostly safe. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not leave bags/hand bags or purses unattended. Do not leave children alone in malls or shopping centres. Do not use your phone in busy public areas or malls.
Posted: December 21, 2024Cape 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, 2024Is South Africa worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 52 experiences from female travelers
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, 2024Cape Town, Solo travel
Overall I felt safe, because I followed advice from Lokals. Never leave your belongings unwatched. Don't enter Townships and put your phone away while waiting for your Uber. I can really recommend doing a sunrise hike on lions head. But make sure other people will join you for that.
Posted: December 5, 2024Experienced: September, 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🥰
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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?
