Safety in Cape Town: is Cape Town dangerous?

I still remember my internet research on security in Cape Town before taking my ticket to fly to this Edenic city. At the time they had the effect of Doctissimo research on a headache that would have gone wrong – you get the idea? Today – two years of expatriate life in South Africa after – time is on the balance sheet. So… is Cape Town a dangerous city? If you follow a few common sense rules, the answer is quite simply no. I’ll explain why, follow me.

The Origin of Insecurity in Cape Town and South Africa

Apartheid

South Africa is this country with wonderful and colorful landscapes but also that of a darker chapter in history that is Apartheid, a policy of discrimination against black South African populations. Abolished in 1991, this policy of separation leaves traces behind it, including strong disparities between blacks and whites despite the current efforts of governments to correct the mistakes of the past and a new policy of positive discrimination.

Township dwellers: the first victims of insecurity

The heavy historical past of this country has created strong inequalities by bringing together the most disadvantaged in the slums outside the cities, called townships . As a result, violence, particularly between gangs, is mainly concentrated in these areas neglected by the police forces where high poverty persists.

What impact on tourist safety in Cape Town?

The first victims of insecurity in South Africa are therefore unfortunately the residents of its disadvantaged areas of the townships. But that, the country’s high crime rates do not tell you. In other words; Unless you go to these quarters alone at night there is very little chance of anything happening to you.

Geography of security in South Africa:

Uneven depending on the region visited

In South Africa , some areas are considered more dangerous than others. Johannesburg and Durban are still sometimes insecure cities where it is necessary to find out beforehand about the neighborhoods to avoid and the few basic rules before visiting them with your travel agent. Again this is relative and if you follow the instructions of your travel experts then your discovery of the land of Joburg in Cape Town will be worry-free.

Green light for Cape Town – Kruger – Route des Jardins

But as for Cape Town, its vineyards, the Garden Route, the Whale Route or the Kruger region: absolute green light! Very touristy, these regions are the least dangerous in the country.

Focus on security in Cape Town

But like any major city in the world, the one affectionately known as the Mother City has its list of good and bad neighborhoods. I like to repeat to my friends or family who ask me about the insecurity in Cape Town that… I feel safer here than in Paris. Yes, yes, I promise you. With a few simple safety rules that you need to apply to every city around the world these days, you’ll ensure a hassle-free trip. In this article, I share with you all of my learning over the past few years.

Are you reassured?

Some common sense rules specific to Cape Town

• RULE 1: Golden rule: you will not walk alone at night in the city. Not all corners of Cape Town are dangerous, but on foot you can quickly go from one district to another without realizing it. When in doubt: ubers will take you everywhere for a very modest amount of money after dark.

• RULE 2: Pay special attention to party hubs like Long Street, Bree Street and Kloof Street after dark: pickpockets take advantage of the drunkenness of drunken revelers. Be careful also during “First Thursday”, a festive moment when the city’s galleries and museums are open and free every first Thursday of the month, the opportunity to also go and share a few drinks with friends. Pickpockets are fond of this type of often well-watered gathering.

• RULE 3: Find out where to be vigilant. Woodstock, the City Bowl and Observatory are vibrant and evolving neighborhoods, but it’s important to stay alert as you walk through them. Even during the day. Be careful also in the district of Bo-Kaap – several incidents have happened (snatching) due to the fact that this district is very touristy.

• RULE 4: Go on group hikes, with a charged laptop and no valuables. Lion’s Head and Table Mountain are not affected by security issues; very touristy you will always meet people during your ascent.

• RULE 5: Do not visit Khayelitsha township alone and at night; prefer agencies that organize guided tours of a guide. Ask your SATravellers advisor for advice.

• RULE 6: Drive with your doors locked and don’t drive through townships in your rental car. Do not stop on the N2, a highway that runs alongside the townships of Cape Town.

• RULE 7: Avoid wearing valuables that are too flashy.

• RULE 8: Be on your guard when withdrawing money from an ATM and refuse assistance from those who would like to assist you with your withdrawal transaction.

• RULE 9: If interactions with child beggars: offer them food rather than money.

• RULE 10: In the event of an assault: give away your valuables without resisting.

Some unfounded myths about insecurity: true from false

In addition to sharing with you these few simple tips to ensure a safe trip. Here is the list of unfounded myths about insecurity in Cape Town that I have often been told.

“ Ubers are not safe “

False. In reality, ubers are the safest mode of transport in Cape Town since the drivers are listed and tracked by the platform like everywhere else in the world. In 2 years of life in Cape Town, I have never had the slightest bad experience with an uber driver, usually adorable. I also recommend Taxify for even more competitive rates and quality service.

“ It is dangerous to drive along the N2 “

False. In reality it is dangerous to stop along the N2, the highway that runs along the townships of Cape Town, not to take it – but frankly, who would have this funny idea? The N2 is the road that connects the airport to the city center, taking it aboard an uber or your rental car is not dangerous but necessary.

“ Cape Town is a dangerous city “

Wrong again. Cape Town is a city. And like any city, there are simple safety rules to follow to ensure a hassle-free stay. So much for the conclusion.

If I had stuck to my haphazard Internet searches several years ago, I would never have come to settle here, at the tip of the continent in what I now like to call the most beautiful city in the world. This is why today, more than ever, it is important for me to provide the learning of my expatriate life to reassure you. You have questions ? We would be delighted to answer them at South African Travellers , leave them to us in the comments!

If you want more travel advice, go to our articles:

• Currency & Cost of living in South Africa

• When to go to South Africa?

See you soon on this side of the world!

M .