Is South Africa Safe? Here's What 5 Years of Trips Taught Me

This is the question I get more than any other about South Africa. More than "What should I pack?" More than "How much does it cost?" More than "Will I see lions?" Usually asked in a slightly lowered voice, as if saying it too loudly might jinx things: Is it safe?

I respect this question and I take it seriously. After five years of trips to South Africa, this is my honest answer.

Is South Africa safe for travelers? Yes, for travelers who plan well, travel with reputable operators and use the same common sense they'd use in any big city. Crime is real and concentrated in areas visitors rarely go. Stay in established districts, use arranged transfers, and don't walk alone at night in Johannesburg.

Key facts

• Where to stay: Sandton, Rosebank, Sandhurst or Westcliff in Johannesburg. Our group stays at Four Seasons Westcliff.
• Getting around: hotel-arranged or vetted transportation, never finding your own way on unfamiliar roads.
• Entry: U.S. citizens can visit for up to 90 days without a visa.
• Caviar trip: on the South Africa Experience, all ground transportation and transfers are arranged for you.

The Longer Answer

South Africa has real safety challenges. Its violent crime rates are among the highest in the world, and it would be irresponsible of me to pretend otherwise. Johannesburg in particular has areas where visitors shouldn't wander alone, especially at night.

But the fear-based articles and social media posts leave something out: the South Africa most visitors experience looks very different from the national statistics.

What the Statistics Don't Tell You

A lot of South Africa's crime is concentrated in areas visitors rarely go, and much of it falls on South Africans themselves. That doesn't make it less serious, but it does shape what your trip looks like.

The South Africa you'll experience on a well-planned luxury trip looks like this:

• Safari lodges inside reserves, with rangers who know the land
• Five-star hotels in established areas with their own security
• Private transfers between places, so you're never finding your own way on unfamiliar roads
• Guided experiences with local operators who know their areas

At Caviar in the Air, your safety is built into the itinerary from the start.

Safety in South Africa: My Personal Practices

Here's exactly what I do and advise:

In Johannesburg

Photo: Caviar in the Air

• Don't walk alone at night, even in "nice" neighborhoods
• Use hotel-arranged or vetted transportation
• Keep valuables out of sight, and leave the flashy jewelry for dinner
• Stay in established districts like Sandton, Rosebank, Sandhurst or Westcliff
• Dress to blend in: comfortable, modest and low-key by day. More in what to wear in Johannesburg and Soweto

On Safari

On safari in South Africa. Photo: Caviar in the Air

• Follow your ranger's instructions without exception
• Stay in the vehicle during game drives unless told otherwise
• Don't walk between your room and the main lodge at night without an escort (the animals don't know you're a guest)

In Cape Town

Photo: Caviar in the Air

• The V&A Waterfront is busy and well patrolled
• Visit Table Mountain and the cable car area in daylight
• Long Street at night calls for awareness, like any nightlife strip anywhere
• Take a car to and from Bo-Kaap after dark

In the Winelands

Photo: Caviar in the Air

• Stellenbosch and Franschhoek feel relaxed and easy for visitors
• Normal precautions apply, the same as any wine country

What We Do Differently

At Caviar in the Air, safety is part of how we plan everything:

• Transfers handled. All ground transportation and transfers on the itinerary are arranged for you
• Trusted local partners. Guides, drivers and operators we know and have worked with
• Hotel selection. We choose properties for their security and service, not only beautiful rooms
• Group briefings. Before each stop, I brief the group on what to know, where to go and what to skip
• Someone to call. If something comes up at 3 AM, you have a number to text

The Risk You're Not Considering

What I tell every woman who asks me if South Africa is safe is that missing it is a risk too.

Missing the sunrise when a family of elephants crosses your path. Missing an afternoon in Soweto with people who are proud to tell you their story. Missing Cape Town's coastline, Table Mountain at golden hour, the Winelands and a sky so full of stars it looks fake.

The women who travel with us to South Africa don't come back saying "I'm so glad I survived." They come back talking about the people, the food and the light. And a lot of them want to go back.

The Bottom Line

Travel with a reputable operator. Stay aware. Don't do anything you wouldn't do in Chicago, Atlanta or New York City at night. And then let South Africa show you what it actually is: one of the most beautiful, generous and moving countries on the planet. My South Africa travel guide and what nobody tells you about safari are good next reads.

Browse Our South Africa Trip →

Schedule a Consultation →

Claire B. Soares is a 6X Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist who has traveled to South Africa five times and leads luxury group experiences through Caviar in the Air.