Solo Female Travel in Johannesburg

Solo travel experience

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

Solo travel experience

I stayed at a hostel where local staff clearly explained where it is safe, where you can go shopping, and where you absolutely should not go. From my own experience, I can recommend the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. In Soweto, there is the Mandela Museum and the street where he lived. Overall, I had a good time, but it's best when there is someone onsite who can tell you what is safe and what is not.

Solo travel experience

I was in Johannesburg as a lone traveler for 3 days. I joined two tours with AirBnB Experience (Maboneng and Soweto) and I really enjoyed both of them. I recommend taking an Uber directly from the hotel and not bringing any valuables with you. I stayed in Rosebank and felt safe.

Solo travel experience

I traveled alone in Johannesburg, but I stayed in hostels behind gates and hired a local guide to see the city center, and then I took part in a bike tour in Soweto, where the driver picked me up from the hostel and also took me to the Apartheid Museum. I highly recommend a visit to the Kruger Park. I quite liked Johannesburg, but I was very cautious and chose a hostel with a bar and cafe, so I did not have to go out in the evening.

Solo travel experience

I spent 6 weeks in South Africa traveling solo and it was fantastic. Lots of history and great neighborhoods to discover. Also, the craft markets are great. I recommend using the Hop On and Off bus to get oriented. In some areas it's better to walk, and in others I used Uber or Gautrain. Transportation is easy and most places are accessible on foot. As for safety, ask locals for advice on where it's safe to walk alone (sometimes only during the day).

Group travel experience

I was there in May. I stayed very close to O. R. Tambo International Airport and it was safe. However, we did very few trips outside of Johannesburg, even the locals told us that it is not very safe there. We went to Durban for one day by taxi.

I would not recommend solo travel in jhb. Very dangerous to walk and the taxis are also not the safest. If you stay in Sandton, you could get away with walking shirt distances. But anywhere else, is probably not safe. Use a car. Hide all valuables, don't walk around, especially at night. Be vigilant in ubers, too. I'd recommend avoiding Gauteng and opting for the Western Cape instead if you're travelling to South Africa.

A huge city, without public transport, where you need a car to get around everywhere, is not like Europe, where you can walk everywhere. Uber saves the situation there - it is safe, the cars are very clean, and the service is polite and inexpensive. I recommend visiting the Apartheid Museum - it's a place that everyone must see. This city has a very dynamic pulse, great clubs, fantastic restaurants, and excellent services.

Sandton is the safest neighborhood, however, it is still not 100% safe, so when you are outside, make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Please do not approach the Central Business District in Johannesburg, as it is very dangerous there. Sandton has many good places, restaurants, and clubs. Definitely do not stay in a hostel, staying in a hotel is much safer.