Is South Africa Safe?

Many people asked me about the safety of South Africa, and it was a common theme from tour companies, locals, travel sites, etc. For this reason, I’m addressing the topic of safety in South Africa in its own post.

Johannesburg, South Africa regularly has one of the highest crime rates in the world. Every business and tourism service in the country provides advice about safety and posts disclaimers of risk. Most of my hosts warned about safety issues. Even the City Sightseeing red bus tours provided additional security services and advised on what neighborhoods might or might not be safe to explore on your own. All of this may scare people from wanting to experience this vibrant nation and culture, but it shouldn’t.

Safety Tips

First of all, be smart! Trust your gut. Listen to the advice from others. Know your limits. Don’t walk around looking like a tourist who doesn’t know which way is this or that. Do not lose awareness of your surroundings as you snap a picture or check your directions. Don’t flash signs of even moderate wealth, like cell phones or cameras.

I didn’t run into any issues while I was there, and I was mostly a pedestrian traveler. I walked through downtown Pretoria a couple of times and wandered the streets of Kimberley. Cape Town felt just like any other major world city, in terms of safety. People were out for morning and evening runs and walking all around. If you’re aware of your surroundings and confident, you should be fine for the most part. This isn’t to say the risk isn’t there. Don’t get comfortable just because of a few good days. Keep your alertness.

It isn’t just stories!

My South African friend, who was home visiting during the Chinese New Year, was mugged at gun* point. (*it was a toy gun) Nobody got hurt, and he got all of his things returned. The police quickly found the culprit, and his mother gave the guy a whop up the side of his head. It was scary and tense, but in the end, it just made for a great story, especially for his Chinese girlfriend he was traveling with.

Don’t let fear guide you!

So, is South Africa safe for tourists? Yes and no. Be smart and you’ll be fine; risks are inherent in everything we do, especially travel. Be aware of and prepare yourself for the risks. DO NOT let them keep you from experiencing the people, the places, and the cultures you set out to explore. Africa eluded me for so long because some friends worried about the risks and danger of traveling in Africa. Go and enjoy yourself! Make friends with the locals. You will have a marvelous time!