Is South Africa Safe?

So, you’ve decided to experience the safari vacation of a lifetime in South Africa, but there’s one thing making you a bit apprehensive: crime. While it’s true that crime rates are relatively high in South Africa, the overwhelming majority of visitors have hassle-free holidays.

Generally speaking, the vast majority of crime in South Africa is not directed specifically at tourists. The main crime hotspot areas are probably the central business districts (CBDs) of the three largest cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban), but an element of risk exists everywhere.

If you follow these common sense “Dos and Don’ts”, you’ll get all the peace of mind you need to have a safe safari adventure:

• Before you leave home, make sure you have an electronic version of all important travel documents in case they are lost or stolen. Better yet, carry extra copies of your documents and store them in different bags.
• Make sure your luggage can easily be padlocked. While this won’t prevent a determined thief from slashing it open, it is a solid deterrent to casual light fingers.
• Never leave cash, mobile phones, electronic devices, and other valuables lying around in your hotel room, and where possible, store your passport and other essential documents, as well as spare cash and cards, in a hotel safe.
• Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, cameras, laptops, or large amounts of cash in urban areas.
• Avoid walking around towns after dark. If you do, there is safety in numbers, and it’s always advisable to stick to busy and well-lit streets.
• Be very alert around ATMs, especially in quiet areas and after dark.
• Self-drivers should keep their car doors locked, and windows closed in urban areas. When leaving the car parked in transit, lock all valuables in the boot.

Want to learn more about safety in South Africa? Read our official Safety Guide and discover how millions of annual travellers stay safe each year!