We’ve been here for 4 weeks and not had a single issue ….

Cape Town is a vibrant, breathtaking city known for its stunning landscapes, bustling waterfront, and rich cultural heritage. However, like many major cities around the world, it does have its share of safety concerns. You may even face similar issues in your own hometown, but because you’re familiar with it, you know where to go and how to stay safe. When you’re new to a city—especially one that has a bit of a bad reputation for crime—it’s natural to feel anxious.

Fortunately, most visitors to Cape Town have a wonderful time and never encounter serious problems. The main risks for tourists often boil down to pickpocketing, muggings and car-jacking, which can happen in any big city.

With a bit of local insight and common-sense precautions, you can focus on enjoying all that Cape Town has to offer without worrying too much about safety.

UK Gov official safety advice for South Africa

Understanding Cape Town’s Safety Landscape

South Africa often makes headlines for its crime statistics, and Cape Town, being a major city, naturally falls under scrutiny. While certain neighbourhoods experience higher crime rates, these are not typically the areas frequented by tourists. Most visitors spend their time in well-policed districts, popular attractions, and bustling tourist hubs where safety measures are in place.

The truth is, the biggest threat to tourists is usually the loss of valuables, like wallets, phones, or cameras—rather than personal harm. Practising simple, sensible precautions is the best way to keep both you and your belongings safe.

Practical Tips from Locals

During our time here, we’ve spoken to local residents, hotel owners, and even a barista in Mossel Bay—everyone has been eager to share their tips. Here’s the best advice we’ve collected to help you stay safe in Cape Town:

Explore in daylight

Enjoy the city during daylight hours when the streets are busier and better monitored. After dark, rely on Ubers or drive to specific destinations instead of wandering on foot. A barista in Mossel Bay advised, “After dark, take an Uber wherever you need to go, and then take another Uber home, no wondering around to see what’s going on”.

If you do want to experience Cape Town at night, make sure you are with a group of locals who know what they are doing.

Act confident

Avoid standing on street corners, looking lost or glued to your phone’s map app. Confidence can deter potential pickpockets or muggers who look for easy targets.

If you need directions, pop into a nearby store or cafe to check your route discreetly.
When you arrive at a destination in your car, make sure you know where you are going when you leave, which direction, how to pay for parking, etc. Avoid looking lost and research these things in advance as best you can.
Don’t ask strangers for directions or advice. Ask security guards and workers in discrete areas so it’s not obvious you’re unsure.
Ignore strangers. Beggers and homeless people will often come up to you and start a conversation. It is best to ignore them. It sounds harsh and cold, but in terms of your personal safety, you don’t know where you are or the nuances of the local culture. It is best to confidently ignore unwanted attention as much as possible.

Don’t leave anything on show in your car, ever!

Smash-and-grab incidents can occur if valuables are visible. A hotel owner in Bo-Kaap even suggested removing our car’s parcel shelf to show that your boot/ trunk is empty. It is better to err on the side of caution and keep your belongings on you or in your accommodation safe.

Carry only the essentials

Leave the bulk of your cash, extra credit/ debit cards, and passport in a secure place (like a hotel safe). Carry just enough money for the day and an ID copy if needed. The less you have on you, the lower the risk of losing something important. Card is accepted everywhere in Cape Town so you only need small cash to tip people.

Never put things in your back pocket

This is a simple but often overlooked rule. It’s all too easy for pickpockets to grab a wallet or phone sticking out of a back pocket in a crowd.

Invest in travel insurance

Travel insurance is cheap; make sure you have coverage when you are in Cape Town or on any trip! We use the Amex Platinum Card, which covers us all over the world.

Stay in tourist-friendly areas

If you’re worried about safety, stick to well-known attractions, restaurants, and neighbourhoods that cater to tourists. These areas of Cape Town typically have more visible security and regular police patrols.

We love getting off the beaten track, but we always try to find locals who can take us to places under their guidance and we always do our research in advance.

In Cape Town, we would never just check out an area without knowing about it or, at the very least, speaking to a local about it first.

V&A Waterfront (very tourist friendly)
Sea Point
Green Point
Camps Bay
Clifton
Bree Street, Kloof Street
The lower areas of Bo-Kaap
Kirstenbosch
Kalk Bay
Hout Bay

*First Thursdays in Cape Town - The only time we’ve wondered around after dark*

Avoid going to townships alone

Many visitors want to see the diverse sides of Cape Town, including its townships. However, it’s recommended to go with a reputable tour guide or a trusted local rather than venturing solo. We’d recommend you have your transport arranged in advance; you don’t want to drive/ arrive in to the Township as a tourist without the local/ tour guide with you.

Red lights at night

“Don’t stop for the robots” - A local on the flight over to Cape Town

We do not promote or condone illegal activity, but if it’s dark and the traffic lights are red and the roads are clear in all directions, and there is a group of people lurking on the street corner staring at you; you have a choice to make … we suggest making the safe one.

Stay on Main Roads

Especially when driving to and from the airport, make sure you stick to the main roads (M3 and N2) and avoid secondary roads like the R300.

Hiking safety

Whilst in Cape Town, you’re almost certainly going to hike up Table Mountain and/or Lion’s Head. These trails are notorious for muggings, so take the following precautions:

Don’t Hike Alone - It’s recommended to hike in groups of at least four people, both for safety and so you can share the experience together.
Use a Cheap Decoy Phone - Consider bringing a cheap phone for maps and calls. That way, your main (and more expensive) phone stays secure wherever you’re staying.
Tracking groups - There is a WhatsApp group set up with Hikers Network that tracks hikers in Cape Town. Before you leave, you tell them who’s with you and your plan, and you can check in regularly. The volunteers monitor these groups and are there to advise if things go south. www.hikersnetwork.co.za/safetymountain.
Stick to the main trails - There are several trails up Table Mountain, and if you’re going unguided, stick to the main trails of Platteklip Gorge and Skeleton Gorge as they are well marked and therefore there is more likely to be other people around.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Cape Town with Confidence

So, is Cape Town safe? In many ways, yes—especially if you take the same sort of precautions you would in any major international city.

The people are friendly, the scenery is jaw-dropping, and the city’s cultural life is incredibly rich. As a tourist, your primary risk is to your belongings rather than your personal safety. Keep your valuables close, don’t flash expensive items, and avoid confronting thieves if something does happen.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to soak up the sunshine on Camps Bay Beach, savour the panoramic views from Table Mountain, and explore the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap with peace of mind.

Cape Town truly is a gem worth visiting, and you can have a wonderful time as long as you remember a few simple tips—and trust your instincts.

Have you been to Cape Town recently? Share your experiences and any safety tips you picked up in the comments below!

Is Cape Town Safe?