Is Cape Town Safe for Women? Crime Rate in 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!

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.

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 :)

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.

Cape Town is a beautiful country but there is little safety for women. You cannot drive at night, you cannot walk alone through the city centre, it’s very unsafe to go clubbing or to be excessively drunk in public. It’s a destination I’d only recommend to travellers who know a local and will be staying with them.

Most places are safe. As anywhere in the world, you just have to be vigilant. Don't walk around with exposed valuables, keep your phone in your bag when you're not using it. If you're using Uber, always sit in the front seat next to the driver.

Cape Town is all about the area you’re in and being street smart. It is obvious which areas are unsafe and if you avoid them you’ll be fine. Never carry big equipment with you and don’t be distracted when you walk down a busy street. South Africa has a bad reputation for violence but in reality the worry is more poverty, not irrational constant crime. Your local hosts will also provide you with all you need to know about where to go, etc.

Cape Town is generally fine during the day time in the City Center and vicinity in general. Despite so, daytime mugging can still occur to the best of us locals even. It's best to keep your wits about you and not appear as a tourist. Most nightlife is situated in Long Street or Harrington's. Due to it being a popular spot for club-goers, bar hoppers, and live music-attendees, aggressive and incessant pickpocketers and muggers are rife. South Africa has one of the world's highest sexual assault rates, so it is definitely not recommended to solo or walk about at night in the streets.

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.

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.