Is Johannesburg Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo travel experience

I advise against going to Johannesburg solo - it's best to get around with locals. Ubers are safe, but avoid walking alone in the city.

Solo travel experience

I stayed in a hostel where the local staff clearly explained where it's safe, where you can go to the store, and where you absolutely shouldn't go. From my own experience, I can recommend the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. In Soweto, there's Mandela's museum and the street where he lived. Overall, I head good time but it's best if you have someone on the spot who can tell you what's safe and what's not.

Solo travel experience

I've been to Johannesburg as a solo traveler for 3 days. I joined two tours from AirBnB Experiences (Maboneng and Soweto) and loved them both. I recommend taking Uber directly from the hotel and not bringing valuables out of the hotel. I stayed in Rosebank and felt safe.

Solo travel experience

I traveled solo in Johannesburg but stayed in gated hostels and took a local guide to see the city center and then a bike tour of Soweto where the driver picked me up from my hostel and also took me to the Museum of Apartheid. Highly recommend visiting Kruger Park. I quite liked Johannesburg but I was ultra careful and picked a hostel with a bar and cafe so I had no need to go out at night.

Solo travel experience

I spent 6 weeks in South Africa traveling solo and loved it. Lots of history and great neighborhoods to explore. The craft markets are great too. I recommend taking the Hop On and Off bus to orient yourself. Some areas are better to walk around in, and in some, I used Uber or the Gautrain. Transport is easy, plus most places are walkable. Safety-wise, ask the locals to guide you on where it’s safe to walk alone (sometimes daytime only).

Group travel experience

I was there in May. Stayed very close to O. R. Tambo International Airport and it was safe. However, we did very few trips out of Johannesburg, even the locals told us it is not very safe. We went to Durban with a Taxi for the day.

The vast city, without public transportation, and where you need a car to get around everywhere, is not like Europe, where you can walk everywhere. Uber saves the day there - it's safe, the cars are super clean, and the service is courteous and affordable. I recommend visiting the Apartheid Museum - it's a must-see for every person. This city has a very dynamic pulse, great clubs, fantastic restaurants, and excellent services.

Sandton is the safest area to be, still not 100% safe so when you are out make sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Please do not go anywhere near Johannesburg Central Business District as it is very dangerous there. There are plenty of good places, restaurants, and clubs around Sandton. Definitely do not stay in a hostel, staying in a hotel it’s much safer.