Safety
The topic of safety deters many potential South Africa travelers. The reality is more nuanced: Millions of tourists visit South Africa every year without incident. However, the crime rate is high, and certain precautions are indispensable.
The Most Important Rules
- Don't walk through unknown areas: In Johannesburg's CBD, certain districts of Durban, and at night in Cape Town's city center, do not walk alone. Use Uber/Bolt!
- No flashy jewelry/electronics: Expensive watches, chains, camera around the neck — all invitations. Best to keep your smartphone in your pocket, not on the restaurant table.
- Car: Windows up, doors locked, valuables not visible. At traffic lights (robots): stay alert, especially at night.
- Don't drive at night: Outside cities due to pedestrians, animals, and potholes. Within cities due to crime.
- ATMs: Use only in shopping centers or bank branches, never on the street. Cover your PIN. Do not hand over your card!
- Beaches: Do not go alone to deserted beaches. Do not leave valuables unattended. In Cape Town: beware of strong currents!
- Townships: ONLY visit with a local guide. Do not go on your own! With a guide, it is safe and enriching.
What to Do in Case of a Mugging?
It happens rarely, but if it does: Do not resist! Hand everything over calmly. Carry a "dummy wallet" with a little cash. Leave important documents and credit cards in the hotel safe. Store copies of your passport and documents digitally (cloud).
Safe Areas for Tourists
The main tourist areas are mostly safe: V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, Stellenbosch, entire Garden Route, Kruger Rest Camps, Drakensberg Resorts, Umhlanga (Durban). Johannesburg requires more attention but is manageable in tourist areas (Sandton, Rosebank, Maboneng with guide, Soweto with guide).
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police (SAPS) | 10111 |
| Emergency Services/Ambulance | 10177 |
| Fire Department | 10177 |
| General Emergency (from mobile phone) | 112 |
| Netcare 911 (private emergency service) | 082 911 |
| German Embassy Pretoria | +27 12 427 8900 |
| German Consulate Cape Town | +27 21 405 3000 |
💡 Tipp
Don't become paranoid! The vast majority of South Africa travelers return without any problems. The simple rule of thumb: behave as you would in any other big city — just a bit more cautiously.
