Top tips for staying safe in South Africa
For those travelling to Cape Town for our wedding, you are in for a truly memorable adventure.
However, as with any travel destination, prioritising safety is key to ensuring a worry-free experience.
Download this free FAQs on Tourism Safety in South Africa PDF from SATSA for more information, or visit their website.
Here are some essential safety tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight When driving, avoid leaving handbags, phones, or any other valuables on display. Always put them in the boot or glove compartment. Opportunistic theft can occur, especially at traffic lights or in parking areas.
Lock Your Car Doors Whether you’re driving or parked, make sure your doors are locked at all times. This is especially important when stopping at intersections or traffic lights.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings South Africa is generally safe for tourists who exercise situational awareness. Avoid distractions like texting while walking or being overly absorbed in your phone in public places.
Plan Your Routes Before heading out, plan your route and stick to main roads. GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze are helpful but ensure you’re travelling through reputable areas.
Use Cards Instead of Cash Similar to the UK, South Africa widely accepts card payments, making it unnecessary to carry large amounts of cash. Avoid walking around with too much money. Additionally, consider moving your spending money into an accessible savings pocket or separate account. This way, if your card is stolen and the thief has your PIN, they won’t be able to access all the funds in your main account.
Uber and Transportation Safety
Using Uber is a convenient and generally safe way to get around Cape Town. To enhance your safety, take advantage of the app’s built-in features:
Set a Trip Code: Enable the feature that requires your driver to enter a code before starting the trip. This ensures you’re getting into the correct vehicle.
Share Your Trip: Use the app’s option to share your location with a trusted contact. This allows someone to monitor your journey in real-time.
Check the License Plate and Driver Details: Always double-check that the vehicle’s details match those on the app.
Sit in the Back Seat: This not only provides distance between you and the driver but also makes it easier to exit in case of an emergency.
Areas to Avoid
While Cape Town offers numerous safe and enjoyable spots, some areas are best avoided due to higher crime rates. For example:
Cape Flats: Known for higher crime rates, this area can be unsafe for tourists, especially those unfamiliar with the region.
Townships: While some township tours can be enlightening and safely guided, wandering into townships on your own is not recommended.
Durban CBD: This part of Durban has a reputation for being rough and is better avoided, particularly at night.
To determine whether an area is safe:
Ask Locals or Staff: Hotel or guesthouse staff are often knowledgeable about safe and unsafe areas.
Use Apps and Websites: Apps like "Crime Spotter" or local community safety groups on platforms like Facebook can provide up-to-date information about safety in specific areas.
Observe the Environment: Well-maintained streets, active shops, and visible security personnel are generally good indicators of a safer area.
When in doubt, opt for popular tourist zones or seek advice from trusted sources. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your safety.
Walking and Exploring
Be Aware of Pickpocketing - Pickpocketing can happen in busy areas, so stay alert. Avoid getting too distracted by street performers or vendors, as these are often hotspots for pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure and close to your body.
Don’t Walk Alone, Especially at Night - Stick to well-lit, populated areas, and avoid walking solo after dark. If you need to go somewhere, use a trusted mode of transport.
Stay in Popular Tourist Areas - The V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, and Stellenbosch are not only beautiful but also well-patrolled and generally safe for tourists.
Be Cautious with Your Belongings - Use a crossbody bag or a backpack with secure zippers, and keep it in front of you in crowded areas.
At Your Accommodation
Choose Reputable Accommodation - Opt for well-reviewed hotels or guesthouses with good security measures, such as gated entrances, 24-hour reception, and secure parking.
Use Hotel Safes - Store passports, jewellery, and other valuables in your room’s safe. Carry only the essentials when going out.
Keep Doors and Windows Locked - Even in safe areas, always lock your room doors and windows when you leave or sleep.
Enjoying Cape Town Safely
Cape Town has plenty to offer, from breathtaking beaches to world-class wineries. Here are some specific tips for enjoying these experiences safely:
Beaches
Stick to well-known beaches like Clifton, Camps Bay, and Muizenberg.
Pay attention to lifeguard flags and warnings about strong currents or shark sightings.
Wine Estates
When visiting wine estates in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, designate a driver or arrange transportation in advance. Many estates offer shuttle services.
Table Mountain and Hiking
Always hike with a group and stick to designated paths.
Start your hike early in the day to avoid descending in the dark.
Carry water, sunscreen, and a fully charged phone.
Health and Emergency Tips
Emergency Numbers - Save the following numbers on your phone:
South African Police Service: 10111
Ambulance and Fire: 10177
Cell Phone Emergency: 112
Medical Care - South Africa has excellent private healthcare facilities. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, and keep a list of nearby hospitals.
Water and Food Safety - Tap water is generally safe to drink in Cape Town, but bottled water is also widely available. Stick to reputable restaurants and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
Respect Local Culture
Be Polite and Friendly South Africans are known for their hospitality. A smile and a greeting go a long way in fostering positive interactions.
Tipping Etiquette
Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill.
Parking Attendants and Petrol Station Attendants: Small cash tips (5-10 Rand) are customary.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you can explore Cape Town with confidence and peace of mind. South Africa’s beauty and charm make it a truly magical destination, and with a bit of preparation, you’ll create memories to cherish forever.