Is Cape Town Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cape Town is a city of contrasts with areas that are safe, especially popular tourist areas like the City Bowl, the Atlantic Seaboard, and the Southern Suburbs. It is common for solo female travelers to visit these areas without issue. However, it is important to be cautious as crime, including muggings and theft, can occur. Always be alert, avoid unlit areas or unfamiliar neighborhoods at night, and use common sense when it comes to personal safety. Utilize transportation options that are known to be secure. Public perception of safety can vary, so always do your research and stay alerted to the conditions around you.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 23 experiences

2.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Unsafe

Cape Town has a mixed safety record. While it is an enthralling travel destination with great culture and history, caution is advised especially at night. Walking alone isn't recommended due to the risk of petty crimes, like bag-snatching and pick-pocketing. It's best to use trusted cab services or reputable travel companies for night-time traveling. Be sure to stay in well-populated, well-lit areas and always be aware of your surroundings to ensure safety.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transportation in Cape Town, has a moderate score in terms of safety. While the MyCiti bus service is typically regarded as safe and reliable, it is advisable to be cautious, particularly at night and in certain areas. Minibus taxis and trains have received mixed reviews on safety, with some incidents of crime, so it's always important to remain alert. It is recommended for solo female travelers to take precautions, stay vigilant and avoid public transportation alone especially at late hours.

Street harassment: Moderate

While Cape Town is a relatively safe city to visit, street harassment does occur, although not to high extents. It is prevalent in specific areas and particularly during certain times, such as late at night in deserted spots. Be mindful of your surroundings, look confident and walk purposefully. Stick to populated and well-lit areas when possible, especially at night.

Petty crimes:High

Cape Town, like many major cities, does experience a notable level of petty crime. These can include pickpocketing, purse snatching, or theft from unguarded belongings especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Always keep an eye on your belongings, avoid displaying expensive items, and stay aware of your surroundings to mitigate this risk.

Tap water:Safe

While it's always important to exercise caution, the tap water in Cape Town is generally considered to be safe for drinking. It meets the World Health Organization's standards for drinking water. However, some travelers choose to drink bottled water for taste preferences and to avoid any possible contaminants or organisms that can cause minor illnesses.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 23 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.4/5
Anna

Anna

Germany

Group travel experience

Cape Town is a beautifully City…. There are a lot of nice activities to do and the nature is overwhelming:) The different options of food locations are amazing. The people are friendly and kind It is a nice city to travel

Posted: November 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Wangu

Wangu

Kenya

Group travel experience

In another life I’d be SouthAfrican. My first trip to CPT was back in 2016 and that is when my obsession started. Ever since I make a point of visiting the city simply because it’s too beautiful! I love the vibrancy! The landscape! The people and nightlife! Braai with locals is absolutely amazing and the list of activities are endless! I’d you’re thinking of visiting CPT this is the sign you needed! The place is safe just be sure to choose an accommodation that doesn’t limit your mobility and you’ll be good 😁

Posted: November 2, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
Author:Instagram
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Family travel experience

My family came to Cape Town and absolutely loved it. There was something for everyone, wether it be lounging on the beach in Camps Bay or hiking up Table Mountain! We ate amazing food everywhere we went and had such lovely weather every day. Would highly recommend the city of Cape Town as a destination spot :)

Posted: October 24, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Group travel experience

I wasn’t solo but met with friends who had been there before. We stayed in Sea Point which is one of the safest areas, with many cafes and restaurants nearby. We did rent a car to get around the city. We also did a hop-on hop-off bus to the wine country which I highly recommend.

Posted: October 18, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Family travel experience

I was with family when I went to Cape Town those were my favorite places: 1. Boulders Beach - Beach full of adorable penguins 2. Cape of Good Hope - Beautiful views of the ocean 3. Bo Kaap - Colorful Malay quarter 4. Hout Bay - Nice area to people watch (mostly boating/fishermen here) and there's also a food market that serves fresh seafood 5. Groot constantia - Lovely winery that serves the sweetest wines 6. V&A waterfront - A cool mall near the harbor

Posted: October 2, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I did a solo trip to Cape Town and the Garden Route last year. In Cape Town I took precautions such as staying in a safe neighborhood, not walking alone at night, and taking some group day tours. I had no safety issues.

Posted: July 31, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I absolutely loved it there and stayed for 3 weeks. Got a SIM card and took Uber at night for sure. I stayed in an Airbnb with a lovely family which helped knowing I had local people to go home to and could call at any time.

Posted: July 20, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Cape Town solo and I loved it. Cape Town is pretty safe in the day with precautions. I walked alone in some areas but in others, I would have not. I did things by myself on foot and using Uber or the city seeing bus. I did a free walking tour also. At night I took Uber. I stayed 7 days and did 2-day tours (one for the wine tram and one for the Cape peninsula).

Posted: July 19, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Cape Town by myself and did daily tours. I booked through a really nice hostel I’ve stayed. I did the wine tour, craft breweries, shark dive, and bike tour to the Cape of Good Hope. All was really nice, and I met a lot of nice people in the hostel and on the tours. Other things like table mountain, waterfront, and other beaches I just did by myself or with friends from the hostel through public transportation or Uber/taxis. I didn’t feel unsafe there at all there, all the locals were super nice and helpful.

Posted: July 17, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went solo for a week and had an incredible time. Ubers are cheap and available, and the people working there want to share their culture and learn yours. Lots of food options, lots of nature and activities. Most people speak a little of English. I had an incredible time and would love to go back sometime. I don't recommend walking around alone late at night.

Posted: July 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Local experiences

I am a South African living in Cape Town. I recommend always being aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk alone at night, don’t hike alone. Other than that Cape Town is fine. Great people, stunning views and sites, and of course delicious food.

Posted: October 18, 2023
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Cape Town is pretty safe if you’re sensible and keep your wits about you, walking alone at night is not recommended, and make sure you stay closer to the center/nicer suburbs. But it’s incredibly fun and there are so many wonderful experiences + places to stay and people to meet.

Posted: July 26, 2023
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Meet locals in Cape Town

Angelicque

Angelicque

Speaking

About Me

I'm a 35 year old, gym enthusiast who loves travel and a good red wine, beer or cocktail. My breakaway has always been travel, experiencing new cultures, food, people, night life. I consider myself an explorer but also enjoy the wind down. One of my favourite things about travel is meeting people from all walks of life, trying something new, living in the moment with a good photo to hold as memory.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇿 Tanzania

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khanyisa

khanyisa

Speaking

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 🤍

Countries I’ve Visited

🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇩🇪 Germany

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Stay with locals in Cape Town

khanyisa

khanyisa

Speaking

You can stay 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 🤍

Countries I’ve Visited

🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇩🇪 Germany

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Karoline

Karoline

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hello hello! I am Karo, almost 30 and currently in Europe to visits family and friends. I am a PhD student and based in Cape Town where I spend most of my time on the mountain, walking my dog or trying to write my thesis ;). I am in Nice for a couple of days and would love to stay with a cool woman! I am happy to cook a nice meal for you and have a chat over wine :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇮 Gibraltar, 🇬🇭 Ghana, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇲🇼 Malawi, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇿🇲 Zambia, 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

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Laurin

Laurin

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

My name is Laurin and I love to be comfortable in my uncomfortability. I am earth bound and an aerialist at heart and in person, lol

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇼 Botswana, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇸 Lesotho, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇿🇲 Zambia, 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇸🇬 Singapore

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Safety in South Africa