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

3.8 /5

Based on 33 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.3 /5

Based on 17 experiences from local women

Cape Town is currently ranked #7 safest place in South Africa for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.8 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Cape Town?

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: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: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: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 33 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.8/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Family travel

I felt sooo safe as in even after it got dark and well past my normal "get into the house now or else your in danger" time We budgeted around 10k+ including travel n lodging expenses plus food n activites and for transport we used Uber everywhere(extremely expensive) id reccomend renting a car instead since it'll be cheaper in the long run else the traffic is controlled and neat We stayed at ocean vibes inn it was an amazing place and the owners were extremely nice but i wouldn't recommend as its far from most of the activies which are literally in the centre or near VA waterfront which was far from us

Posted: April 26, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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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

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

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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Is Cape Town safe for women?

Safety index

2.3 /5

Based on 17 local experiences

Crime index

3.5 /5

Based on 17 local experiences

There are certain areas which are not safe (like everywhere in the world) but overall the busy streets are safe. Just don’t walk around with your phone in your hand. Always ask a local to check if there is anywhere you should avoid!

Posted: June 6, 2025

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Saskia

Cape Town has its safety issues but if you know the do’s and don’t it’s really fine. - don’t walk by night especially in CBD - don’t hike alone (go with a group) - If someone wants to mugg you - just give them your phone - don’t be on your phone on the streets so obvious - be aware of your surroundings - always lock your car - better be safe than sorry

Posted: June 4, 2025

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