Is South Africa safe for solo female travelers?

South Africa can be a challenging destination for solo female travelers due to concerns around crime. However, it's important to note that many visitors have safe trips. It is advisable to be vigilant, avoid isolated areas, particularly at night, and use secure transportation options. Moreover, staying in reputable accommodations and following the advice of local contacts and fellow travelers can seriously enhance your security. Take all the normal precautions you would in any other country.

Safety rating

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How safe is South Africa for solo female travelers?

Travel safety index

3.9 /5

based on 59 experiences from female travelers

South Africa, Solo travel

One of my favorite countries to visit! Capetown is stunning and Johannesburg gives you a full cultural experience. The food was okay overall but the seafood was very fresh. I highly recommend visiting both CT & Jozi

Posted: December 4, 2025
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Lihle

Lihle

South Africa

East London, Family travel

I didn't really feel safe because some coloured guy tried mugging us, but luckily nobody was hurt and the guy was caught as we acted fast. As I'm from gauteng the food is no different from ours, we stayed at my brother's place during our stay. And used Indrive to get from place to place.

Posted: July 29, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
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Cape Town, Solo travel

The most memorable for me was actually the food in Cape Town, every cuisine here is just so good and literally every food I ever had was just delicious. The people are all very open and friendly, but of course you got to stay a bit conscious about your surroundings since there are a lot of people in the street trying hard to sell anything to you. I still felt safe even walking around alone sometimes and you can take an Uber everywhere because it’s really cheap and safe. Most of the activities are outside so I would recommend coming in spring or summer but there are also a lot of very nice museums, shops and cafes in Cape Town!

Posted: July 7, 2025
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How safe is South Africa for women?

Local safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

Local crime index

3.4 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

Nadia

Nadia

Pretoria

Please don't walk around anywhere after dark. Even if there's a lot of people around you. Ask a restaurant personal to walk you to your car. Make sure the Uber driver is who he says he is and that you are in the correct car.

Posted: October 29, 2025
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Misokuhle

Misokuhle

Newcastle

Newcastle, like most of South Africa is not really safe but it’s still way better than all of the big cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Walking alone at night is a bad habit idea and cat calling is normalised

Posted: August 12, 2025
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Lihle

Lihle

Lynnwood Glen

Lynnwood glen is a safe place, but there used to be crime mostly because I'm a student that is walking distance to campus, so they would target the school kids, but now it has stopped and there are securities patrolling the whole area on a daily.

Posted: July 29, 2025
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Safety in South Africa

Hospitality Exchange in South Africa

Babedi

Babedi

Ga-Rankuwa

Can host for:

7 days

About me

I'm a shy person until I'm comfortable, I have 2 kids. Love to travel and eat. I am budget savvy. Love to dance and enjoy basking in the sun

Speaking

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Nadia

Nadia

Pretoria

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Im an open easy going woman, I'm only weird in a creative way. I enjoy laughing and dancing, hiking and creativity. I have a dog and a bird. A couch and a tiny tattoo studio at my house. I'm a part-time lecturer at TUT teaching theatre arts.

Speaking

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Expats in South Africa

Chevon

Chevon

South Africa

About me

I can't believe that I've been a nomad for more than a year now. I'm enjoying traveling and going where the wind blows me. I love the unknown and can't wait to see what the next year holds.

Speaking

Ilse

Ilse

Vanderbijlpark

About me

World's worst photographer, approaching tavel with the psychology of a financially unforgiving mood ring. Down for bucket list items, to everyday slice-of-life adventures. Trying to live life, not just survive it.

Speaking