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.
Absolute rubbish!
I am a white South African, and have been living in this country for 32 years. Yes we have crime, but please show me a country in the world where there is no crime. I have travelled the world and you will not find a place on this planet that is more diverse, more beautiful, more spectacular than South Africa.
Just as with other cities across the globe you need to be wise. Don’t walk around alone at night in dodgy areas & deserted beaches; don’t attract criminals by flashing jewellery and cash in unsafe areas…just be smart.
For the fact that Americans or any toursist for that matter aren’t welcome…please grow up and get your facts straight and please don’t compare South Africa to other African countries. The continent is diverse and every country has its own pleasures and problems. If a ‘white’ drug addict kills a black tourist in France, would you then not travel to Italy because of Xenophobic attracts ‘in the area’.
Book your travel through a reputable travel agency and come and experience our natural splendour (beaches, bushveld, wildlife) ; sport (you name it, we’ve got it) Diversity (Modern Metropolitan to rural simplicity) . If you don’t visit South Africa due to a fear for crime you will be doing yourself a grave injustice!
I agree with Nick. Absolutely right! Like this is just rubbish. Every country has its own crimes. So why is S.Africa any different?? Be it America, Europe, Asia etc.. There’re PLENTY of inhumane crimes, murders, rape crimes etc. There’s basically horrific crimes everywhere, so its just not fair to point out S.Africa like that. I think the ONLY place that has NO crimes at all would be the North Pole.
I travel to South Africa every year, and I have never had a problem, even when i have gone to the townships…. you just have to take the normal precautions that you would in any big cities in the world
Need help, daughter wants to go to S.A. for study this summer
should I let her go?
I would say of course you should, many students study in South Africa every year from the US and other countries. The best thing to do is talk to her study adviser, find out about the University she’s attending, talk to students who have done a similar program, and go from there.
I am a Middle and High school teacher in the US. I have a friend who lives in Durban,moved from the US, a retired captain in the Fire Department. He has helped me to believe that Durban would be a good place for me to live for a time, teach, as well as sing, and see this country. I have so, so many questions about living there, Visa’s, taxes, maintaining two residences, traveling, driving, and experiencing the food. I would eventually like to establish some importing of American products and services to this place. I have no idea what to do or how to get started. The information you get here varies from one side of the ruler to the next. HOW do you get in touch with people who live there, have had a variety of experiences and who will tell you the truth about the country, the government, and how to be safe? I love my friend, but he seems to be so open-minded, so positive, that I don’t feel I am getting the ‘real’ deal.
I laugh at the comments here suggesting that SA is not unlike other countries regarding crime. True, crime happens everywhere but even more so in SA. I suggest you research the number of: murders; rapes; and assaults experienced by SA on a daily basis. Many areas such as the Durban beachfront have been ruined by the crime.
South Africa is very, very unsafe and not worth waisting your money or time on a long flight just to get ripped off or even mugged, or raped or better still murdered fro R10.00. I have just returned here for a bried time after 25 years – the place especially Johannesburg HAS GONE TO HELL AND GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY. This country should once again be sanctioned untill the Government members stop robbing the poor and the citizens of this once beautiful country. Aparthied is now called Black Empowerment, as a black person -yes I am black – i experienced such rascist remarks from other blacks in the country and Africkaaners. South AFrica is the new Zimbabwe going down rapidly – just wait till that fool called Malema gets in. THANK YOU FOR FREEDOM AMERICA. Never again will i set foot in that place and I will never promote it in my travel company.
Sadly, South Africa has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Under the ANC government, criminals know that they can commit the most horrendous and violent crimes with impunity – and they do, daily. In the last month alone, 56 police have been murdered by criminals.I have lived in Cape Town for 27 years and it is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Unfortunately enjoying its natural beauty is becoming more difficult. A walk up Lion’s Head or Table Mountain is no longer just a pleasurable outing but a venture fraught with danger. Muggings, rapes and even murders are commonplace. I truly believe that things will get much worse in years to come. Yes, South Africa is a worthwhile destination, with much to offer the tourist. But visit it at your peril.
Just like when traveling anywhere in the world, the main thing to remember is be sensible and aware at all times. If possible, have someone from the local area’s you will be visiting let you know about danger hot spots or areas that may recently have become “out of bounds” for whatever reason – political uprising, zenophobia etc at the time of your visit and then avoid these areas. http://www.africa.com/south-africa/travel2#t5 has an interesting link to the U.S Department of State’s consular website which has a number of other useful safety tips.
I have lived in South Africa long ago and would love to take my mother on holiday, but I am very concerned about the crime. Much of it does not appear in the South African media. For example, a family was shot and killed outside a national park a few weeks ago and there has not been a single mention of it. There seems to be a huge surge in anti white feeling “Kill the Boer”, yet I love the wildlife and the Cape. We recently lost my father and it would be so wonderful to visit The Kruger and then a nice hotel in the Cape. Any thoughts? I was last there five years ago and the first thing I noticed was the electric fences and armed response signs!! So please. Has it deteriorated recently with this anti white talk? Should we go?
I lived in sa for 18 years and got robbed twice in dodgy areas but id rather be there than anywhere else because we dont have mind controlling helmets on by the government. Viva sa viva anc viva isixhosa (i am white)