Living in South Africa, one is acutely aware of the country’s climbing crime rates. Locals know that muggings, car-jackings and break-ins happen on a daily basis across the nation. For this reason, most of us maintain awareness of our surroundings and avoid travelling through areas with high crime rates, or going anywhere alone at night.
This begs the question: Is it safe to travel to South Africa? The Times – a renowned London-based publication – published an article in March 2024 answering the question, from a foreigner’s perspective.
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Which areas are safe in South Africa?
One of the very first ‘safety tips’ when travelling to South Africa, is to stay vigilant at all times, reads the report. Townships or outskirts of cities and major business districts are areas that tourists should be avoid journeying through alone, and especially at night, writes The Times.
Safe areas, according to the report, include the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route and safari destinations. However, staying vigilant is always advised.
Is driving safe in South Africa?
When it comes to getting from a to b in South Africa, The Times advises drivers and travellers to practice caution. Keep valuables concealed, doors locked and windows rolled up while travelling on the road – ‘smash and grabs’ are a harsh reality in SA. The publication cautions against drunk drivers on highways, too.
At night, the report suggests taking an Uber instead of walking anywhere. If travellers would like to make use of public transport, the article advises to stick to MyCiTi buses in Cape Town and the Gautrain in Johannesburg.
The publication also cautions against being followed by perpetrators who tail their victims from OR Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Err on the side of safety and be mindful of surroundings when exiting the airport, and stick to the safest GPS route – don’t veer off path, states the report.
Is swimming and hiking safe in South Africa?
When it comes to swimming in the ocean in South Africa, the publication advises travellers to stick to main beaches where lifeguards are present. The report also suggests that tourists take heed of any warning signs for sharks.
When it comes to hiking, the article advises going with a guide or a community group who know the lay of the land – a group of at least three is required for safety. Lone wanderers are often targeted by criminals, and are subject to getting lost, or worse, succumbing to injury without help around.
The report suggests keeping a close eye on weather updates before embarking on hikes, and to save all relevant emergency numbers ahead of setting out.
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Is South Africa safe for women?
South Africa’s gender-based violence statistics are alarming, locals know this already. The Times states that a third of women living in South Africa will have experienced sexual abuse once in their lifetime, making the nation of the most unsafe countries for women and girls.
The Times suggest female solo travellers exploring South Africa not to travel after dark, to book accommodation that is safe and secure, and to keep in constant communication with loved ones back at home, sending them frequent updates on location and activities.
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