Travel safety
Is South Africa safe to visit?
No part of South Africa is under an FCDO warning. Crime is high, though, and the FCDO lists specific risky spots that are worth knowing before you land.
- Safe
- Avoid
- Essential only
- Never travel
South Africa is the classic example of a country where the overall advice is fine but local knowledge matters a lot. Most violent crime happens in townships, informal settlements and some city centres, and much of it after dark. Visitors tend to run into trouble on specific roads, hiking trails and airport routes, and the FCDO names them.
Hotspots the FCDO names
None of these is a formal warning zone. Each one has a specific, documented risk.
- Lion's Head & Signal Hill, Cape TownAvoid
Muggings and violent attacks on hikers. Hike in groups of four or more, on busy days, and on main trails.
- Cape Town airport roadsAvoid
Attacks on hire cars have increased. Stay on the M3 and N2 and the airport approach road, not routes toward Nyanga.
- OR Tambo airport, JohannesburgAvoid
Criminals have followed arrivals to their accommodation and robbed them. Arrange a pickup and keep valuables in your hand luggage.
- Kruger: Numbi gate & R538Avoid
SANParks advises against using Numbi gate after a fatal attack on a tourist.
- Addo: R335 via MotherwellAvoid
Use the N2 via Colchester instead, because of hijackings.
- TownshipsAvoid
Visit only with a reliable guide. Don't take the MyCiTi bus to Khayelitsha.
- Garden Route, Winelands & safari lodgesSafe
Generally calm. Take normal care.
Driving sense
Keep doors locked and bags out of sight at traffic lights to avoid smash-and-grab theft. Don't drop hire cars off at night, and plan routes in daylight.
Before you go
- Don't walk to or from Gautrain stations after dark.
- Use Uber or Bolt rather than street taxis.
- Emergency: 10111 (police), 112 from a mobile.
Official advice: FCDO travel advice for South Africa
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