Is It Safe to Travel to South Africa?
The question of safety while traveling in South Africa is often the first thing that pops into someone's mind when planning a trip there. Recent news concerning the spate of violence against foreign immigrants hasn't helped South Africa's reputation as a high-crime state. In fact it led to travel warnings being issued by several governments including the US State Department. While most of the violent crime is restricted to the Townships many of my South African friends (who do not live in the Townships) have also been the victims of violent crime. But you're much less likely to be the victim of crime as a tourist, staying in a lodge or guesthouse and enjoying a safari.
I just returned from a week in South Africa and felt perfectly safe. Naturally, you have to take care in the big cities not to flaunt your jewelry and cameras. It's not a good idea to walk around alone at night, nor is it smart to carry around large wads of cash. And precautions that you may be unused to when driving a car, like keeping your windows shut and doors locked at traffic lights, become second nature after a while.
South Africa's National Tourist Board and many tour operators do their best to keep tourists as safe as possible. There's even a National Tourism information and Safety Line at 083 123 2345 where you can report incidents and get help if you're the victim of a crime. You can also call this number to find out if you are in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction. The police are trustworthy in South Africa -- it's just that they're ill equipped to deal with the volume of crime. If you see police patrolling an area it'll be quite safe.
South Africa is such a beautiful country, the issue of safety should not stop you from enjoying a visit there -- that would be a crime.
Thousands Protest Attacks Against Immigrants, May 2008 -- © Getty Images/John Moore/Staff
Obviously you haven’t read all the newspaper reports that show the number of tourists killed. There’s a reason South Africans are fleeing the country in droves. 1/3 of South Africans are expat, i.e. living outside of South Africa.
South Africa is a perfectly safe place. People need to take the normal precautions and you will never have to worry about crime.
It is extremely unsafe for tourists, especially Americans who are known to have cash, wedding rings, iPhones, computers, etc… To get robbed here is not like in other countries; they will just walk up and shoot you. Use common sense at all times, and don’t trust your things left alone in your room (no matter how expensive and five-star you think it is.). Otherwise, it is a beautiful place unlike any other on earth.
South Africa is rife with crime. Do not be fooled, as a visitor here you are in danger. Do not display cel phones , jewelery or money, if you do you will be robbed. Our police force is totally inadequate to cope with criminals. Crime is violent, and your life will be in danger. Stay at home and watch the soccer from the safety and comfort of you lounge.
South Africa is potentially dangerous. Take common sense precautions. Be alert. I am a grandma who have lived here for 70 years. Recently I went on holiday by myself in my small camper van. I drove up to Crookes Corner where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet and back – 5 500 km. Coped with broken petrol pump on enginewith friendly help from locals. Never felt threatened and had a ball.