Is South Africa safe for solo female travelers?
Safety rating
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How safe is South Africa for solo female travelers?
Travel safety index
based on 59 experiences from female travelers
South Africa, Solo travel
One of my favorite countries to visit! Capetown is stunning and Johannesburg gives you a full cultural experience. The food was okay overall but the seafood was very fresh. I highly recommend visiting both CT & Jozi
Posted: December 4, 2025
Lihle
South Africa
East London, Family travel
I didn't really feel safe because some coloured guy tried mugging us, but luckily nobody was hurt and the guy was caught as we acted fast. As I'm from gauteng the food is no different from ours, we stayed at my brother's place during our stay. And used Indrive to get from place to place.
Posted: July 29, 2025Experienced: May, 2024Cape Town, Solo travel
The most memorable for me was actually the food in Cape Town, every cuisine here is just so good and literally every food I ever had was just delicious. The people are all very open and friendly, but of course you got to stay a bit conscious about your surroundings since there are a lot of people in the street trying hard to sell anything to you. I still felt safe even walking around alone sometimes and you can take an Uber everywhere because it’s really cheap and safe. Most of the activities are outside so I would recommend coming in spring or summer but there are also a lot of very nice museums, shops and cafes in Cape Town!
Posted: July 7, 2025
Maia
South Africa
Plettenberg Bay, Couple travel
Honestly it really depends what area your in but the majority of pletternburg bay is GORGEOUS, i really recommend going to the Tsala Lodge resort in the peninsula it is absolutely gorgeous they take such good care of you and the food is amazing🤞🏻
Posted: May 7, 2025Experienced: March, 2025Cape Town, Family travel
I felt sooo safe as in even after it got dark and well past my normal "get into the house now or else your in danger" time We budgeted around 10k+ including travel n lodging expenses plus food n activites and for transport we used Uber everywhere(extremely expensive) id reccomend renting a car instead since it'll be cheaper in the long run else the traffic is controlled and neat We stayed at ocean vibes inn it was an amazing place and the owners were extremely nice but i wouldn't recommend as its far from most of the activies which are literally in the centre or near VA waterfront which was far from us
Posted: April 26, 2025Experienced: December, 2024How safe is South Africa for women?
Local safety index
Based on 62 local experiences
Local crime index
Based on 62 local experiences
Teggs
Cape Town
Cape town is generally pretty safe. Its best to stay in places like Camps Bay, the Waterfront, Blouberg, Stellenbosch. Its best to stay away from the city center, Mitchell's Plain and Dunoon. NEVER drive past those two places please. Also just some basic tips. Dont walk around alone, keep your phone close and out of site. And be vigilant
Posted: December 20, 2025
Nadia
Pretoria
Please don't walk around anywhere after dark. Even if there's a lot of people around you. Ask a restaurant personal to walk you to your car. Make sure the Uber driver is who he says he is and that you are in the correct car.
Posted: October 29, 2025
Misokuhle
Newcastle
Newcastle, like most of South Africa is not really safe but it’s still way better than all of the big cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Walking alone at night is a bad habit idea and cat calling is normalised
Posted: August 12, 2025Lihle
Lynnwood Glen
Lynnwood glen is a safe place, but there used to be crime mostly because I'm a student that is walking distance to campus, so they would target the school kids, but now it has stopped and there are securities patrolling the whole area on a daily.
Posted: July 29, 2025
Tamsin
Cape Town
Everyone always asks about the safety of Cape Town, South Africa. It's probably one of the most asked questions when travelling there! I have grown up in CT, but have never had a bad experience there. However, I have unfortunately heard of many incidents there. As a proud South African, who loves her country and would HIGHLY recommend traveling there, I think it is relatively safe as long as you keep your wits about you. For example, do some research. Try not to walk alone in an isolated street, research which areas are better than others - and don't wander into the more 'dangerous' ones. Always be aware of your personal belongings - don't leave your phone on a table and expect it to still be there an hour later. On the whole, Cape Town and South Africa is a must visit Country in general, don't let too many negative stories deter you, but, at the same time don't be another 'silly, unaware tourist'. Cape Town is relatively safer than other parts of South Africa.
Posted: July 8, 2025Safety in South Africa
Hospitality Exchange in South Africa
Babedi
Ga-Rankuwa
Can host for:
7 days
About me
I'm a shy person until I'm comfortable, I have 2 kids. Love to travel and eat. I am budget savvy. Love to dance and enjoy basking in the sun
Speaking
Tayla
Cape Town
Can host for:
3 days
About me
Hey! I’m Tayla. I’m currently living in my dream spot back in my home country after living and travelling abroad for 4 years. I live by the sea with my 2 cats and Turkish partner. I absolutely know the struggle of finding safe places to chill while travelling and hope I can be a safe space for some ladies who need it.
Speaking
Daleen
Cape Town
Can host for:
3 days
About me
Hi! Im 42 year old South African living in Cape Town. I have travelled extensively and lived abroad for over 20 years! I enjoy hiking, running , mountain biking and delishes food! I am a legal secreatry working remotely so the world is your oyster. I have 2 children (age 21 and 19) and been married for over 22 years, yes a very long time 😂
Speaking
khanyisa
Cape Town
Can host for:
2 days
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
Nadia
Pretoria
Can host for:
3 days
About me
Im an open easy going woman, I'm only weird in a creative way. I enjoy laughing and dancing, hiking and creativity. I have a dog and a bird. A couch and a tiny tattoo studio at my house. I'm a part-time lecturer at TUT teaching theatre arts.
Speaking
Camille
Johannesburg
Can host for:
3 days
About me
Hey i’m Camille, im here for 3 months for an internship. Im a frenchie who love to discover the world, si if you want to do this with me just send a text :)
Speaking
Mari
Kleinsee
Can host for:
3 days
About me
I'm 31 years old and from Hermanus, South Africa. I travel solo. I enjoy meeting up with friends, meeting new people, having new experiences, and exploring.
Speaking
Saskia
Cape Town
Can host for:
2 days
About me
Hi, I’m Saskia (32 years old), living (most of the year) in Cape Town (South Africa) and travel around the world during the rest of the year. I love outdoor activities & all kind of sports, I LOVE kitchen dance parties and I am always open to learn more about other cultures, countries, way of livings and new books. I am up for any kind of adventure and would love to connect with women around the world with similar mindsets! ❤️
Speaking
Mpho
Johannesburg
Can host for:
3 days
About me
I am an avid traveler and aim to one day say I have travelled to every country in the world. I work full time and travel when I get a chance to. I have been to 50+ countries so far
Speaking
Marilyn
Sterkfontein
Can host for:
3 days
About me
Hi there. I'm 56 years old. I live on a Small-holding in The Cradle of Humankind. I have 10 rescue dogs, 4 rescue donkeys and 2 colonies of ferel cats I look after as well as a number of chickens that roam freely on our plot. I built a Children's party venue on our property 9 years ago which is my source of income. My children are grown up & have moved out of home so I am slowly renovating our home and hope to one day turn it into a B&B
Speaking
