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 worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 32 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

3.7/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Solo travel

Overall I felt safe, because I followed advice from Lokals. Never leave your belongings unwatched. Don't enter Townships and put your phone away while waiting for your Uber. I can really recommend doing a sunrise hike on lions head. But make sure other people will join you for that.

Posted: December 5, 2024Experienced: September, 2024
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Solo travel

I had very good experiences and felt very safe there. You obviously have to be careful where you go, take Ubers (super cheap), book some tours, and enjoy the views, delicious food, and wine. Those were my best holidays, and I will definitely go back there.

Posted: November 14, 2024
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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

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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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
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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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Is Cape Town safe for women?

Safety index

1.9 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

Crime index

3.2 /5

Based on 10 local experiences

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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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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Meet locals in Cape Town

khanyisa

khanyisa

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 🤍

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Samara

Samara

About Me

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

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Stay with locals in Cape Town

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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Safety in South Africa