based on 9 experiences from female travelers
Johannesburg is beautiful and quite safe if you choose the right areas to stay and hang around. A lot of travellers are afraid of traveling to South Africa because of the high crime rate in the city but from my experience it all depends on the areas. I would highly recommend staying Sandton or areas close for safety and general aesthetic. Sandton is relatively more expensive than other areas but it's worth it!
Posted: September 21, 2024Experienced: July, 2022Jessica
United States
I traveled spontaneously to Africa, after a major life event and wishing to go all of my life. It turned out to be the most epic 2 month adventure of my life, in a time of great uncertainty, growth, and independence. I dared to stay for a month with a group on conservationists in a remote wilderness reserve, spending long days in the bed of a truck monitoring endangered species, lions, and elephants. Later, I spent a couple weeks in Cape Town and made even more traveling friends, as we did everything imaginable. Most daring, I knew I wanted to go on a road trip on the scenic Garden Route, knowing I could not do it alone as a female, and managed to find a wonderful travel buddy. We took off, days later, and I witnessed the most beautiful sites I’ve ever seen, for two weeks along the South African coast and inland Mountains. We needed in Johannesburg, where I would fly to stay with Friends in London. Dreaming of Africa all of my life, it was devastating to leave, and I can not wait to go back!!
Posted: September 6, 2024South Africa is very underrated. I would say it is as safe as many big cities. The food is amazing and has so much culture. So much to do and it is very cheap to stay and travel here. Definitely recommend.
Posted: September 3, 2024It’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, 2024Annie
United Kingdom
- 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, 2024makayla
Canada
I travelled to South Africa to volunteer at a school. It was an incredible experience that I would do again! I felt relatively safe however I chose to be cautious and never travel alone, especially at night. There are many fun things to do such as visit the penguin beach, go on a safari, and go hiking.
Posted: April 24, 2024Experienced: June, 2023Jessi
Germany
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, 2024Cape 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, 2024Haley
United States
4 nights in Cape Town and 4 nights in Sabi Sands at Umkumbe Lodge We had a wonderful time overall! I would recommend flying directly to the skukuza airport near Kruger National Park and having your lodge pick you up. We opted to rent a car in Johannesburg and self-drive - this was a mistake. We did not feel safe and ended up getting lost. We pulled into a gas station and actually spoke with a private investigator who told us to turn around immediately and not stop for anything until we got to our destination. This was incredibly unnerving. There were a few other parts of the trip where we felt unsafe (as there were protests going on at the time we were there). We were warned by locals many times to never stop the car, always keep the windows and doors locked, only take premium Ubers, get back to the hotel before dark, etc. All things considered, I would not recommend a trip to Africa as a solo female traveler. But, if you have a travel buddy, I would definitely recommend it provided you are vigilant.
Posted: February 1, 2024This 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, 2024Based on 26 local experiences
Based on 26 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, 2024It's a small little town but would rate the crime similar to big cities. No worries about anyone stealing your things or being mugged but would not walk in town alone at night. Daytime is perfectly fine to do whatever. I have never experienced crime here before...
Posted: September 3, 2024Samara
Explorer by nature, love people, learning and experiencing new things.
Gemma
I love animals I was fostering puppies and kittens for three years and just recently stopped so I can focus on my studies. Next year I am planning on travelling and doing more volunteer work in different countries based on conservation of wildlife. I want to become a vet so I'm taking a gap year to make sure my passion is as great as my will to study.
Lisa
Cape Town
3 days
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.
Rachel
Hello! My name is Rachel and I am a teacher/hiking guide from the Sunshine Coast in QLD, Australia. I'm a very happy, fun, relaxed, friendly and down-to-earth gal who is kind and considerate! I love to travel, surf, hike, meet new people and experience new cultures... I love to live life to its fullest. Would love to connect x
Teri
I'm from South Africa. This is a photo of me having a great day in Belize taken about 2 years ago. I work to travel, but now I have recently been forced into semi-retirement. And I'm looking forward to many more travelling adventures. I enjoy leisurely road trips - and have been blessed to travel this wonderful country of mine extensively - and still have so much more to see.