Is South Africa Travel Dangerous? Here’s What Need to Know

South Africa is one of the most breathtaking travel destinations in the world, offering everything from stunning beaches and iconic safaris to vibrant cities and world-class food and wine. But if you’ve heard rumours about safety concerns, you might be wondering: Is South Africa safe to visit?

The short answer? Yes—if you travel smart. Like any other country, South Africa has areas to avoid and precautions to take, but that shouldn’t stop you from experiencing its beauty. Not visiting South Africa because of crime stats is like skipping Bali because of volcanoes—sure, there are risks, but with the right planning, your trip will be nothing short of amazing. Here’s what you need to know before you visit:

1. Be Aware When Travelling To South Africa, Not Afraid

South Africa is a country of contrasts, and like any major travel destination, it has its safe and less-safe areas. Awareness is key—stick to well-traveled tourist spots, avoid risky areas at night, and always be mindful of your surroundings.

2. Use Reliable Transport

Avoid walking alone at night or using public minibus taxis. I always recommend arranging a dedicated transfer service for ease and safety. But if you can’t, Uber or Bolt are fine in major cities. I don’t recommend self-driving if you are not from South Africa, as road conditions and driving styles can be very different from what you're used to.

3. Keep Your Valuables Secure

Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can happen in crowded areas. Use a crossbody bag with a zipper, don’t flash expensive jewelry or gadgets, and keep an eye on your belongings when out and about.

4. Understand Load Shedding

South Africa has rolling power outages (load shedding) due to electricity supply issues. Hotels and restaurants often have backup power, but it’s good to download the EskomSePush app to check the schedule and plan accordingly.

5. Tipping Culture

Tipping is expected in South Africa. In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is standard. For parking attendants, gas station attendants, and hotel staff, small tips (R5-R20) are appreciated. Please guys, walking is free in public spaces, so don’t get caught by unhoused individuals saying that it costs money to walk the streets of Cape Town. Rather don’t engage with homeless people If you’d like to help out, I encourage donating to homeless.org.za.

6. Currency and Payments

The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for smaller vendors or tipping is a good idea.

7. Don’t Feed the Wildlife (Yes, Even the Seagulls)

It might seem harmless to toss a chip to a seagull or share a snack with a friendly-looking dassie, but please resist the urge. Feeding wildlife—whether in public spaces, restaurants, or nature reserves—disrupts their natural behavior and can lead to them becoming dependent on humans for food. Plus, no one enjoys trying to eat while being swarmed by seagulls! Let’s keep our wildlife wild and respect their natural way of life.

8. Drink the Wine, Not the Tap Water (In Some Areas)

South Africa is famous for its wine, and you’ll definitely want to indulge. As for water, tap water is safe to drink in most cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, but in rural areas, it’s better to stick to bottled water. Most locals can stomach the drinking water and are used to it, but some visitors might get sick.

9. Prepare for Different Climates

South Africa has diverse weather depending on the region and time of year. Cape Town has Mediterranean-style weather, while Johannesburg has a more temperate climate. Always check the forecast and pack accordingly.

10. Embrace the Local Culture

South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation for a reason. It has 11 official languages and a mix of cultures that make it unique. Learn a few local phrases (like “Howzit” for hello), try the food (don’t miss a traditional braai), and embrace the warm hospitality of South Africans.

Typical boma "braai" in South Africa

Final Thoughts

South Africa is an unforgettable destination that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. With a little awareness and smart planning, you’ll have a safe and incredible adventure.

So pack your bags, sip some wine, chase some sunsets, and let South Africa surprise you in the best way possible.

For a seamless and worry-free experience, I recommend having a contact person on the ground for any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to me directly, and I’ll be happy to assist you with all your travel needs. You can contact me and I’ll make sure your South African adventure is one to remember!