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

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How safe is Cape Town?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Is Cape Town safe to travel?

3.8 /5

Based on 30 experiences

Annie

Annie

United Kingdom

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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Jessi

Jessi

Germany

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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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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Solo travel

This was a really cool training experience in Cape Town SA. We did some firearms and hand to hand combat for the purpose of self defense. There are many open markets . The USD goes a long way! ABNB cost about $20 per day. Staying with locals made the down time very satisfying. We visited a co-op food court, took a red bus tour around the coast,ate at restaurants often but also cooked at home. My hosts provided transportation but Uber is available. Do not recommend female to Uber or wander alone. I felt safe amongst my hosts but was very cautious otherwise.

Posted: January 25, 2024
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Juliet

Juliet

France

Solo travel

First of all, I can highly recommend Cape Town! 🫶🏾♥️🇿🇦 There is a variety of activities that this city offers like hiking up to the Table Mountain, going to Boulders Beach to see some penguins or just some cool concerts (Cape Town has a great music scene for my music lovers)!!! It’s good to check the safety situation in your neighborhood beforehand but overall it’s safe if you take some precautions (like taking an Uber in the evening) and use your street smartness! People are overly kind and open-mind, so it was even possible to meet and hang out with some lovely and interesting people as well! :)

Posted: January 3, 2024
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Wangu

Wangu

Kenya

Group travel

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
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Group travel

I was not alone, but I met with friends who were there earlier. We stayed at Sea Point, which is one of the safest places, with many cafes and restaurants nearby. We rented a car to get around the city. We also used the hop-on hop-off bus to the wine region, which I highly recommend.

Posted: October 18, 2023
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Solo travel

Last year I traveled alone to Cape Town and the Garden Route. In Cape Town, I was cautious, for example by staying in a safe neighborhood, not walking alone at night, and participating in several group day trips. I had no safety issues.

Posted: July 31, 2023
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Solo travel

I went alone to Cape Town and I really liked it there. Cape Town is quite safe during the day, as long as certain precautions are taken. I was by myself in some places, but there were others where I wouldn't go. I did some things alone, on foot, using Uber or a tourist bus. I also did a free walking tour with a guide. In the evenings, I used Uber. I spent 7 days there and made two one-day trips (one to a vineyard by tram and the other to the Cape peninsula).

Posted: July 19, 2023
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Solo travel

I went alone to Cape Town and made trips every day. I booked them through a really nice hostel where I stayed. I went on a wine tour, artisan breweries, shark diving, and a bike trip to the Cape of Good Hope. Everything was really nice, and at the hostel and on the tours I met many nice people. Other things, like Table Mountain, the waterfront and other beaches, I did alone or with friends from the hostel, using public transport or Uber/taxis. I didn't feel unsafe at all there, all the locals were very nice and helpful.

Posted: July 17, 2023
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Is Cape Town safe for women?

Safety rating

2 /5

Based on 9 experiences

Crime rates rating

3.1 /5

Based on 9 experiences

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.

Posted: August 18, 2024
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Neo

Neo

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 :)

Posted: June 8, 2024
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Is Cape Town safe right now?

Before your visit to Cape Town, it's essential to check travel advisories for South Africa, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: February 5, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the significant level of serious crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 7, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises to **exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa** due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 30, 2024

Is Cape Town worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 30 experiences

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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Anna

Anna

Germany

Group travel

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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Meet locals in Cape Town

Meet local women in Cape Town who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Laura

Laura

About Me

I live by exploring, observing, reading, learning and laughing :)

Speaking

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Samara

Samara

About Me

Explorer by nature, love people, learning and experiencing new things.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Cape Town

Stay with local women in Cape Town who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
khanyisa

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

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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 Cape Town

Connect with upcoming visitors to Cape Town who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Sandra

Sandra

About Me

Hi, I’m Sandra from Hamburg, Germany. I love to travel the world, try new foods and lean about other cultures. I also love camping trips, hiking and yoga! :) I’ve been on a solo backpacking trip for 3.5 months 2015 in Asia and I’m planing another backpacking trip for 6 months (September 2024 to February 2025) probably in South America. I’d be happy to find someone who wants to join. :)

Speaking

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Safety in South Africa