Is Cape Town Dangerous? Solo Female Travel

Cape Town, South Africa is truly stunning, from beaches, mountains, vineyards, delicious food of every cuisine, museums and a great café scene. The views over the city from Table Mountain and Lion Rock are incredible. Seeing the cute penguins at Boulders beach is also not something to be missed.

What about solo female travel in Cape Town? Travelling alone as a woman in Africa can be scary and daunting- I completely understand. I spent several days alone in Cape town at the end of a tour and loved exploring the place myself. As a woman travelling solo you do need to take some extra safety precautions. Here’s safety guide for solo female travellers in Cape Town.

Is Cape Town dangerous for solo female travel?

This is the number one thing us girls travelling alone want to know before we travel anywhere- will I be safe? Cape Town does have a high crime rate, so you definably need to be aware at ALL times. Muggings, pick pockets, scams, armed robberies and kidnappings do happen so it’s right that you need to be as prepared as possible before your trip.

BUT that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel here. Cape Town is such a beautiful city that it would be a shame to be missed. Following advice and researching your destination is the best way you can protect yourself.

Safety in Cape Town is a valid concern. Although most of the violent crimes happen out in the townships or isolated areas, there have been some armed robberies in tourist places. The remote areas should definitely be avoided if you are alone but also be aware that there is higher crime rate in the big cities. There can be regular protests in South Africa too and these should be avoided. Your Gov website will have up to date info too.

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How can I stay safe in Cape Town?

The good news is that it is still possible for solo female travel in Cape Town and there are plenty of safety tips to help you keep safe and have an enjoyable, problem free trip. Reading up on this is a necessity.

1.       Never walk alone after dark

After dark you should definitely not wander around alone as crime rates get even higher. Don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position and get a taxi to where you need to go. Walking short distances, I’d say is ok, I walked back to my hostel from the waterfront just fine, although I wouldn’t walk very long distances alone.

2.       Hide your valuables

Keep an eye on your things at all times- it only takes a second for someone to swipe them- you can’t leave anything unattended in South Africa. Do not flash your money- always wait until you are inside the shop or restaurant to take out your cash.

Don’t walk around with expensive looking possessions as this is just asking for trouble. Carry a modest looking bag with only the essentials and wait until a safe place to get out your camera. If you feel uncomfortable about taking out your camera then don’t and try not to take it out for too long a time- just enough to get the pic you need.

3.       Be aware and vigilant of your surroundings

This is standard advice for most countries but particularly Cape Town and South Africa. Always keep an eye on your possessions and where you are. Research where you are going beforehand, make sure you know it’s a reasonably safe area and how to get back to your accommodation.

Look around every so often when walking, keeping an eye out for anyone dodgy looking or following you. If this does happen then stay calm and head to the nearest busy place, like a hotel, shop or restaurant. I had no problems in being followed but it’s always good to keep an eye out just in case.

4.       Don’t go on hiking trails alone

Hiking alone as a woman in Cape Town is not recommended. You are much more vulnerable in these places and there will be less people around to call if you need help. Its best to book a day tour or find friends in the hostel.

5.       Make friends with other travellers

Finding other travellers is a great way to keeper safer, especially if you’re wanting to hike up to Table Mountain or any of the other hiking trails. The bigger the group the better- it’s very easy to make friends when travelling and there will definitely be others wanting to find a travel buddy too.

6.       Avoid the trains

I would avoid the local metro trains in the larger cities as they have a high crime rate, especially after dark. If travelling on one of the expensive long-distance trains, such as the ‘Blue train’ these will be fine (and pretty luxurious too!). It’s better to get a reputable taxi as opposed to public transport, this is especially so at night.

7.       Research common scams in Cape Town

There are many scams in Cape Town- don’t be a victim to one of them. The best way to avoid theses scams is to read up on the most common before you travel. Knowledge is power.

Here are some common scams in Cape Town:

–          Watch out for people trying to ‘help you’ with the ATM machines. Try taking out money in the secure doored machines, inside the bank or ones that are watched by security.

–          Be aware of ‘officials’ in the airport. On my first trip to South Africa my friend had to pay an oversized baggage fee that went straight into the guys pocket. He was wearing an official uniform. Also watch for people wanting to ‘help’ with your luggage.

–          Fake tourist police may approach you with ids. Make sure you check their identification properly and call the real police if something doesn’t feel right.

–          Dodgy taxi’s- check the drivers id number and make sure it’s a reputable taxi. Ask your hostel for recommended companies. Always ask for the meter on.

–          Being approached by pick-pockets asking for money or trying to distract you in conversation. Keep your bag where you can see it- not on your back.

More on solo travel: Solo female travel: How to stay safe on the road

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8.       Avoid driving in Cape town

It might not be so much of a problem if you are in a group but would avoid driving altogether if alone. If you do, then watch out for people approaching at road junctions and traffic lights and keep valuables out of sight. Drive on the main roads and during day light. Crime is more common after dark.

9.       Watch your drinks

Hopefully you’re doing this anyway, no matter where you are in the world because unfortunately drink spiking does happen. To avoid this, watch the bar tender pour your drink or better yet, order something that has a seal on it like a can of beer. Only go out with people you trust and make sure you are in a group and stay together.

10.   Book yourself on a day tour

Day tours are great idea if travelling alone in Cape Town. Most of the companies will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off again, so you are never actually alone. This is also a great way to make friends if wanting some company.

11.   Ask locals for tips

Asking a local or at your accommodation reception for tips on the safest areas is such a great idea. They can tell you where not to go, the best days to visit certain places and what to avoid. They will have knowledge on the best ways to get around and of reputable companies.

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12.   Learn and save emergency numbers

Know the numbers for the police and ambulance and save them in your phone. That way if you get in trouble you can quickly call for help. It’s also a good idea to put in several taxi companies’ numbers and the number for your accommodation.

The emergency numbers for Cape Town are a little confusing – do check these in case of local changes:

–          Emergency National- 10111 (for police, free from landline, charged from mobile)

–          Emergency Ambulance- 10177 ( for ambulance, medical, fire)

–          From a mobile phone- 112 (free, takes you to automated system to direct you)

If you’re still reading and I haven’t put you off hooray! Cape Town can be safe for solo female travellers, if you do your research. I hope you found this post on staying safe helpful. Cape Town is a wonderful city to explore and there’s no reason why we can’t do it alone.

Please share this post to all the ladies wanting to travel solo in Cape Town/ Sout Africa 😀 

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