Is South Africa safe to visit? A practical guide for travellers

What the official travel advisories say

The US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2 of 4, “exercise increased caution”, citing crime, unrest and other risks. It notes that violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of large cities, especially after dark. The UK Foreign Office publishes similar, detailed advice. Both are worth reading before you travel, and both are updated as conditions change.

Where problems usually happen

• Opportunistic theft: phones, bags and cameras left in view, in cars, restaurants and busy public spaces.
• “Smash-and-grab” at traffic lights, where a window is broken to grab a bag from a seat.
• Airport and ATM scams: unofficial “helpers” offering transport or assistance with cash machines.
• Quiet, poorly lit areas and city centres after dark.
• Remote hiking trails, especially when walking alone.

How to travel smart

• Pre-book airport transfers and drivers. Don’t accept offers from people approaching you in the arrivals hall.
• Keep bags in the boot or footwell, doors locked and windows up while driving.
• Use ATMs inside shopping centres or banks, and never accept help from strangers at a cash machine.
• Carry only what you need. Leave passports and spare cards in the hotel safe.
• Ask your hotel or host about the specific area before walking around, particularly at night.
• Share your itinerary with someone you trust and keep your phone charged.

Is Cape Town safe?

Cape Town is South Africa’s most visited city, and its main visitor areas, such as the V&A Waterfront, the Atlantic seaboard and the Winelands, are busy and well serviced. The same habits apply: pre-book transport, keep valuables out of sight and take local advice. Table Mountain and the city’s other trails are spectacular, but walk in groups, stick to popular routes, start early and check the weather, which changes quickly on the mountain.

Health basics

• Private hospitals in the major cities offer a high standard of care; comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended.
• Kruger National Park and parts of the north-east are malaria areas. Speak to a travel clinic before you go. Several reserves, such as Pilanesberg and Madikwe, are malaria-free.
• Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water: the sun is strong, even in winter.

Emergency numbers to save

• 112 from any mobile phone
• 10111: South African Police Service
• 10177: ambulance
• 084 124: ER24 private ambulance
• 082 911: Netcare 911 private ambulance

How Envo Prestige keeps clients safe

Every journey is pre-planned: vetted chauffeurs, checked vehicles and routes chosen with hospitals, pharmacies and safe stopping points in mind. Every vehicle carries a first-aid kit, and our operations desk stays reachable throughout the journey. Your chauffeur meets you at an agreed point with a discreet reference, so you never have to negotiate transport on arrival.