Is Cape Town Safe for Tourists?

Cape Town, a global metropolis, is home to a diverse spectrum of cultures and rich heritage. As a result, many travelers regard this place as a worthwhile visit. You can swim on Cape Town’s beaches, participate in adventurous activities, or be charmed by the city’s panoramic vistas.

However, this seaside city has had long challenges. Its image for safety has been tarnished by theft, robberies, assaults, and gang violence — all of which are frequently, though not always, fueled by poverty.

Thus, you may be wondering, “is Cape Town safe to visit for women over 50?” To relieve your concerns, we’ll answer that for you. So keep on reading! 

Budget Travel Tip! Book your hotels a few months earlier to get the lowest rates! Check out our article on where to stay in Cape Town to help.

Is Cape Town Safe for Tourists?

If you’re a woman over 50, Cape Town is a perfect location to retreat and rediscover your peace. Nevertheless, tourists visiting Cape Town are frequently concerned about the area’s crime rate. This is a natural fear in any foreign area, but more so from the perspective of a woman traveler.

To give you a short answer, YES, Cape Town is a safe place to visit, yet there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you’ll get the most out of your trip. Below are as follows:

Transportation

Many illicit activities take place on South African public transportation. So travelers to Cape Town should be on the lookout for crooks lurking outside the airport who follow tourists until they check into their hotels to rob them. Several incidents of suitcase thefts have been reported at the airports, as well. 

Assaults and robberies have also taken place on trains and metro lines. So if you’re planning to travel in Cape Town, choose a 1st Class Service rail, and travel during daylight hours in a cabin with other passengers. 

You should also avoid Cape Flats. This has been dubbed “the Apartheid dumping ground” and is controlled by gang members. 

Accommodation

There are several tourist-friendly places in Cape Town. The Cape Peninsula suburbs of Bakoven, Camps Bay, Clifton, and Fresnaye are typically safe locations to stay in a studio apartment or beach home.

Many high-end vacation rentals have the most recent safety measures. Emergency and armed response systems are installed. They are also equipped with security doors and burglar bars to ensure the protection of their guests. 

Check out our list of where to stay in Cape Town.

Party Life

The nightlife in Cape Town is vibrant. So as a woman over 50,  it’s always a great idea to go out with friends and make new ones. But, even in the middle of the city’s nightlife hotspots like Long, Kloof, Loop, and Bree Street, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.

Avoid dark alleys and abandoned locations, and make sure you have plenty of light. Hence, remember to stay away from beaches, mountains, and other remote locales at night.

Tours within Capetown

When touring, dress casually and disguise that you carry electronic devices, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or wallet. Pickpockets can steal them from your pocket without your knowledge, which is why a money bag wrapped around your waist is suggested.

It is also advisable to leave costly jewelry at home. Locals often have a relatively flexible dress code, and you’re better off investing in some affordable artisan jewelry than in pricey jewelry when on vacation in Cape Town.

Additionally, if you are wearing a camera around your neck, you have been identified as a tourist. Put your devices on show only when you are in a shopping center or coffee cafe. If you use your mobile phone to shoot photographs, invest in a convenient grip attachment that you can wrap around your wrist to keep your phone secure.

Cape Town Scams

There are several prominent scams, one of which involves criminals impersonating “tourist police” to rob travelers. They have been known to stop trains and buses, claiming to do identity checks and look for bags. However, there is no “tourist police” in South Africa, so be cautious. 

Then there are the so-called “strollers,” who might range from youngsters to drug addicts. Their sole objective is to rob you blind. So conceal your belongings wisely.

Drugs

Much media attention has lately been given to South Africa’s legalization of marijuana.  However, it is still unlawful to acquire marijuana on the street. The police in South Africa are quite strict regarding dealing, possessing, and purchasing illegal substances in the city.

It is not safe to acquire or use illicit drugs while on vacation in Cape Town, and it is strongly advised not to engage in any drug-related activities while in the city.

Places to Avoid When Visiting Cape Town

When in Cape Town, here are 3 popular places to avoid:

• There is a longstanding reputation for high crime rates in Cape Flats
• Langa and Nyanga, Cape Town’s two largest slums, are some of the city’s oldest townships
• Outlying Cape Town suburbs are known as the Township Areas (or “Townships” in local parlance)

Safety Tips When Travelling To Cape Town

Preparing in advance for a trip to South Africa can help you customize your own rules, safeguards, and guidelines specific to your needs.

Nonetheless, here are some pointers for navigating the city as a whole:

• Take Uber or hire a private driver to bring you to your lodging from the airport.
• Avoid townships unless you’re taking a tour with a trustworthy company.
• Lock your rental car if you’re going to use one.
• Don’t show off your fancy jewels or expensive clothing.
• Avoid being a victim of pickpocketing, a form of small theft that anybody may commit.
• To avoid being a victim of a criminal impersonation, stay away from the police and be aware of your rights.
• ATM and credit card theft are among the most common when it comes to criminal activity in the city. Your hotel can assist you in dealing with money.
• Apartment or tour guide scams might also be a concern. Use the hotel’s computers or safe and reliable websites to get help with this.

Conclusion

So, is Cape Town safe for tourists like you? Yes, as long as you exercise caution and do your part. It’s an incredible place, and the risks are frequently well worth it. Ask locals, and they’ll likely respond that anyone with common sense may feel secure in the city.

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