Is Cape Town Safe for Female Travelers?

Cape Town is generally considered safe for female travelers, however, it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other city. Women should avoid walking alone at night, be aware of their surroundings, and keep their valuables secure. It is also recommended to use licensed taxis and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. With these precautions in mind, Cape Town can be a safe and enjoyable destination for female travelers.

Experiences from Cape Town

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 18 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

5/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.9/5

Budget-friendly

4.6/5

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Local experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I have been solo in Cape Town many times. It is a wonderful city and as long as you use common sense you will feel safe. I recommend using Uber at night and getting the train (it is a lovely journey) to see the penguins in Simonstown.

Posted: June 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I've been solo to Cape Town and felt safe. I didn't have any problems, and I really enjoyed myself in Cape Town. Stayed in a hostel, and they offered tours. Tours to Table Mountain, Lions Head, Boulders Beach plus a lot more. Also, I was told it wasn't safe to walk Lions Head and Table Mountain alone. Recommend going to Robben Island, you get a guided tour of the island and prison.

Posted: June 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I've been to Cape Town multiple times. I'm not going to say that it is entirely safe (what large city is?), but it is perfectly fine to walk around during the day if you stick to the main streets and walk with purpose. Carry your bag at the front, and don't put it down anywhere. At night, get an Uber, even if only for a short distance.

Posted: May 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I spent a very quick 2 days in Cape Town in May and loved it. Hiked around on Table Mountain and would do that again. Drove down the cape, the landscape is beautiful and the penguins were fun to watch.

Posted: May 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Get the Travel Ladies App

Meet locals, find travel buddies, share experiences, discuss travel plans and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

Meet locals in Cape Town

Mieke

Mieke

Speaking

About Me

Hi!, I'm Mieke and I'm interested in backpacking, camping, culture, cycling, dancing, diving, education, food & cuisine, hiking, health, history, languages, live music, nature, sightseeing, sunbathing, solo travel, swimming and writing

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇱🇸 Lesotho, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

mode_comment 0
Jesse

Jesse

Speaking

About Me

Hi I'm Jesse, I love exploring and seeing new places and learning new cultures, but now I mostly go out hiking and now I try to discover the gems hidden in my own backyard, South-Africa.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇳 China, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇿🇦 South Africa

mode_comment 0
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

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Cape Town

khanyisa

khanyisa

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

I can host:

1 guest

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

mode_comment 0
Maz

Maz

Speaking

You can stay for:

7 days

I can host:

1 guest

About me

I am Maz, an introvert who knows how to socialize. I love opening myself up to new experiences.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso, 🇬🇭 Ghana, 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇱🇷 Liberia, 🇱🇸 Lesotho, 🇱🇧 Lebanon, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇫🇷 France

mode_comment 0
Karoline

Karoline

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

I can host:

1 guest

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

mode_comment 0

Travel Safety in South Africa

Destination rankings

Articles

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Town Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cape Town is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and vibrant culture, and the crime rate is relatively low compared to other cities in South Africa. However, it is important to take the usual safety precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of your surroundings. Additionally, it is recommended to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and to research the areas you plan to visit before you go.

Is Cape Town Safe at Night?

Cape Town is generally safe at night for female travelers, however it is important to take the necessary precautions. It is best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and to stay in well-lit and populated areas. It is also recommended to take a taxi or Uber to and from destinations, and to keep valuables out of sight.

Is Cape Town Safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Cape Town is generally considered safe for LGBTQ+ travellers, however female travellers should take extra precautions. The city is known for its high levels of crime, and LGBTQ+ people may be targeted due to their sexual orientation. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking alone at night. It is also recommended to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and to dress conservatively.