Is South Africa Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

South Africa can be a challenging destination for solo female travelers due to concerns around crime. However, it's important to note that many visitors have safe trips. It is advisable to be vigilant, avoid isolated areas, particularly at night, and use secure transportation options. Moreover, staying in reputable accommodations and following the advice of local contacts and fellow travelers can seriously enhance your security. Take all the normal precautions you would in any other country.

Safety rating

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How safe is South Africa?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

South Africa, like any other country, does have areas which can be unsafe, especially during the night. It is advised not to walk alone after dark, particularly in secluded or less populated areas. It's a good idea to arrange for reliable transportation if you're out late. Always remain aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Unsafe

Public transportation in South Africa varies wildly. The Gautrain and buses in major cities tend to be reliable and safe. However, minibus taxis, which serve as the main form of transport for many locals, can often be quite hazardous due to reckless driving and overcrowding. It is recommended to use Uber or a well-known cab company where possible. Safety can also be influenced by time of day, it's generally safer to travel during daylight hours. Always maintain alertness, keep your belongings secure, and try not to travel alone late at night.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

Street harassment can be an issue in South Africa. It's not uncommon for women, particularly solo travelers, to receive unwanted attention or comments in public places. Although these incidents are often non-violent, they can still be upsetting and intimidating. It's important to remain vigilant, avoid walking alone at night if possible, and to always be mindful of your surroundings. If you ever feel threatened, seek help from local authorities or a trustworthy local person.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:High

South Africa, particularly in its major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria, sees a rather high occurrence of petty crime. Muggings, pickpocketing, and purse snatching are common in busy and populated areas. While the authorities are certainly working towards decreasing the crime rate, it is advised that tourists stay vigilant, avoid displaying wealth openly, and be conscious of their belongings at all times.

Is South Africa worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 49 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.3/5
MarttinelliM

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, 2024
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Johannesburg, Couple travel

Johannesburg is beautiful and quite safe if you choose the right areas to stay and hang around. A lot of travellers are afraid of traveling to South Africa because of the high crime rate in the city but from my experience it all depends on the areas. I would highly recommend staying Sandton or areas close for safety and general aesthetic. Sandton is relatively more expensive than other areas but it's worth it!

Posted: September 21, 2024Experienced: July, 2022
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Jessica

Jessica

United States

South Africa, Solo travel

I traveled spontaneously to Africa, after a major life event and wishing to go all of my life. It turned out to be the most epic 2 month adventure of my life, in a time of great uncertainty, growth, and independence. I dared to stay for a month with a group on conservationists in a remote wilderness reserve, spending long days in the bed of a truck monitoring endangered species, lions, and elephants. Later, I spent a couple weeks in Cape Town and made even more traveling friends, as we did everything imaginable. Most daring, I knew I wanted to go on a road trip on the scenic Garden Route, knowing I could not do it alone as a female, and managed to find a wonderful travel buddy. We took off, days later, and I witnessed the most beautiful sites I’ve ever seen, for two weeks along the South African coast and inland Mountains. We needed in Johannesburg, where I would fly to stay with Friends in London. Dreaming of Africa all of my life, it was devastating to leave, and I can not wait to go back!!

Posted: September 6, 2024
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South Africa, Solo travel

South Africa is very underrated. I would say it is as safe as many big cities. The food is amazing and has so much culture. So much to do and it is very cheap to stay and travel here. Definitely recommend.

Posted: September 3, 2024
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Cape Town, Couple travel

It’s a beautiful experience, the people are friendly the food taste amazing and full of flavor. Service is fairly good. Lots of activities and extremely affordable. You will love the sunsets and exquisite views of nature

Posted: August 24, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Annie

Annie

United Kingdom

Cape Town, Solo travel

- boulders beach - cutest penguins - incredible restaurants * Fynn * chefs warehouse - wine tours - get the wine tram! - tidal pools - Saunders beach - beautiful hikes * lions head Safety - highly recommend Ubers and only walking where you know is safe/ been recommended by a local

Posted: June 12, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
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makayla

makayla

Canada

Muizenberg, Solo travel

I travelled to South Africa to volunteer at a school. It was an incredible experience that I would do again! I felt relatively safe however I chose to be cautious and never travel alone, especially at night. There are many fun things to do such as visit the penguin beach, go on a safari, and go hiking.

Posted: April 24, 2024Experienced: June, 2023
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Jessi

Jessi

Germany

Cape Town, Solo travel

Cape Town is amazing, or more specifically the Southern Peninsula, about 30 to 45 min away from the main city. Fantastic nature, active communities with many sports groups to join, any international cuisine and healthy food, amazing underwater life. I recommend: - surfing at muizenberg - hiking up chapmans peak - sunset walk at Noordhoek longbeach - (free)diving the kelp forest close to Simon’s town - eating lunch at whole earth in Scarborough and go explore the shore pools Safety is an issue in SA but southern peninsula feels much safer. As long as you are never alone (best in groups or if other people are around) in nature, everything will be fine. I highly recommend, it’s actually my favorite place after traveling around the world

Posted: April 8, 2024
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Cape Town, Group travel

Cape Town is a beautiful city in between the mountains Lions head and Tafelberg for beautiful walks, nice beaches and good food. I didn't feel safe walking in the streets because I was mugged in a touristy street in the middle of the day when I was with one friend (in Bo Kaap). Luckily Uber is very easy to use here. Still had a good time but I would not visit the city again because of safety.

Posted: March 9, 2024
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Haley

Haley

United States

South Africa, Family travel

4 nights in Cape Town and 4 nights in Sabi Sands at Umkumbe Lodge We had a wonderful time overall! I would recommend flying directly to the skukuza airport near Kruger National Park and having your lodge pick you up. We opted to rent a car in Johannesburg and self-drive - this was a mistake. We did not feel safe and ended up getting lost. We pulled into a gas station and actually spoke with a private investigator who told us to turn around immediately and not stop for anything until we got to our destination. This was incredibly unnerving. There were a few other parts of the trip where we felt unsafe (as there were protests going on at the time we were there). We were warned by locals many times to never stop the car, always keep the windows and doors locked, only take premium Ubers, get back to the hotel before dark, etc. All things considered, I would not recommend a trip to Africa as a solo female traveler. But, if you have a travel buddy, I would definitely recommend it provided you are vigilant.

Posted: February 1, 2024
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Is South Africa safe for women?

Safety index

2.5 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Crime index

3.1 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

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, 2024
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Tzaneen

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
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Meet locals in South Africa

Lisa

Lisa

About Me

I enjoy traveling and meeting people from all over the world. I love the outdoors and nature. I enjoy doing parkrun in as many cities as available on my travels.

Speaking

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Marlien

Marlien

About Me

Love to travel, reading, trying new cuisines, making memories. Love life.....

Speaking

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Stay with locals in South Africa

Marlien

Marlien

Upington

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Love to travel, reading, trying new cuisines, making memories. Love life.....

Speaking

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Lisa

Lisa

Cape Town

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I enjoy traveling and meeting people from all over the world. I love the outdoors and nature. I enjoy doing parkrun in as many cities as available on my travels.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to South Africa

Pam

Pam

About Me

Hi! My name is Pam. I live in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. I am 56 years. I love cooking, traveling, sightseeing and sewing. I'd love to travel to other countries and learn about different cultures. I am a foodiez person.

Speaking

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Safety in South Africa