Is South Africa safe?    

When reading the UK government’s travel guidelines for South Africa, it is easy to understand why you might want to run in the opposite direction with your tail between your legs. It is one terrifying litany of biblical and modern-day plagues: Terrorist Attacks! Sharks! Gang violence! Ebola! Murder! Rape!

But things are nowhere as bad as the media might like you to believe.

South Africa definitely has its share of challenges – crime being one of them. The divide between those who have lots and those who have very little creates issues, and the country is still working hard (and making good headway) at repairing the scars of the past.

But while crime is something to be mindful about, there is no need for paranoia nor to cross South Africa off your dream destination list. Most incidences of violent crime tend to occur in townships and remote isolated areas far away from normal tourist areas. The situation is not dissimilar to Brazil’s favelas. In fact, local authorities and police go to great lengths to ensure visitors have a pleasant and hassle-free experience, and the areas generally visited by tourists are often far safer than international metropolises like New York and London.

See the latest video from Cape Town tourism https://youtu.be/5rkkvq4ghl4

When travelling in South Africa a few common-sense tips go a long way:

- Don’t be flashy . For all its natural abundance the country has more than its fair share of poverty. Not only is a wallet stuffed with dollars or diamond encrusted fingers not sensible, it’s also insensitive.

- Be aware. This is good advice in any large city around the world, being aware of your surrounds, remaining alert and following your intuition. If a dark and dingy alley gives you the heebie jeebies, avoid it.

- Use common sense. Avoid deserted areas at night (especially if you’re solo), don’t leave valuables in the car (lock them in the boot instead), leave your passport and holiday cash in the hotel safe and use only registered taxis (or even better, Uber).

When travelling through South Africa you do have to think about safety more than, say, when you’re visiting Stockholm. But far from the warzone the media makes it out to be, you memories when visiting our country will far more likely be about the warm people you meet, the stunning natural scenery and the striking wildlife. Not crime.

Have any specific questions about safety in Cape Town and South Africa? Drop us a message and we’ll be happy to help!