Is South Africa Safe for First-Time Travelers?
Safety Scores / South Africa
Travel verdict: Use Caution. The scores and risks below say why.
Key Risks
- Higher crime rates, especially in Cape Town, Johannesburg
- Carjacking and mugging risks
- Avoid walking alone at night, use registered taxis
- Stay in well-known tourist areas
Regional Safety
Cape Town: V&A Waterfront, City Bowl, Camps Bay, Stellenbosch Winelands; Johannesburg: Sandton, Rosebank, Maboneng; Kruger National Park (lodge-based); Garden Route; Drakensberg resorts
Johannesburg CBD (daytime only with awareness); Cape Town: Bo-Kaap, De Waterkant at night; Durban beachfront at night; all cities after dark without transport prearranged
Johannesburg: Hillbrow, Jeppestown, Yeoville, do not enter; Cape Flats townships without a licensed guide; KwaZulu-Natal rural border areas; Limpopo N1 highway rest stops at night
Use tour guides; avoid isolated areas and don't display wealth
Private hospitals are good; travel insurance strongly recommended
Carry minimal cash; use cards at established venues
Emergency: 10111
Latest for South Africa
Updates for South Africa will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.