ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Is South Africa Safe?

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Is South Africa Safe?

Team Member Headshot

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

Safari Enquiry

Is South Africa safe? Public safety initiatives have been implemented in large cities to help curb crime | Credit: The CapeTowner

Crime rates are high but, as a rule, not directed specifically at tourists. The main crime hotspot areas are probably the CBDs of the three largest cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban), but an element of risk exists everywhere.

That said, the overwhelming majority of visitors have hassle-free holidays, and so should you if you follow the commonsense do’s and don’ts below:

  • Before you leave home, make sure you have a scan or other electronic version of all important travel documents in case they are lost or stolen. Carry copies of these scans on all suitable devices and email them to yourself.
  • Make sure your luggage can easily be padlocked; this won’t prevent a determined thief from slashing it open, but 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 jewelry, 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.

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalized

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
Mindreader

7 Day Kapama & Timbavati Safari Review

Beth, United States
28 Aug 2023
Expert and provide excellent service.

Tanzanian Adventure Safari Review

Agnes, Hungary
23 Feb 2020
Prompt, professional and excellent service!

Senior Safari to Kruger & Botswana Review

Chetan Vora, Canada
20 Nov 2019
Excellent Experience All-Around with Discover Africa Safaris !

Kruger Adventure Review

Ryan L., United States
23 Feb 2019
Helpful travel coordinator planned the perfect trip.

Tented Camp Kruger Review

Tyler, United States
14 Jan 2019
A fabulous holiday put together with everything we asked for, definitely would...

Cape Town and Garden Route Tour Review

Yvonne, United Kingdom
03 Apr 2018

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Susan Swanepoel, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

HELP ME PLAN
Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Is South Africa Safe? | Last Updated: 29 September 2023