Your safety should always absolutely be a priority when you travel and even more so when you solo travel. And so, as an African travel blogger exploring South Africa, I’m answering the big question: Is it safe to travel solo in South Africa? And the even bigger question: Is it safe to travel solo as a female in South Africa? Let’s talk about it.
First off, unfortunately, I cannot simply shrug off this question and tell people that it is safe in South Africa. If I did, a quick Google search of South Africa’s crime statistics would prove me wrong. More importantly, I wouldn’t want you to go out there unprepared and unsafely. And so, instead, I have shared HOW solo travel in South Africa has been possible for me (And so many others) and what to be aware of for your solo trips.
Many people have and are solo travelling South Africa safely. I shared an Instagram Reel (Linked in the image below) asking who has solo travelled in South Africa. If you need a little inspo from other solo travellers in South Africa, you need to view the comments on that reel.
My best advice for solo travel in South Africa is to prioritise your safety by BEING PREPARED. Research and good planning go a long way.
Here are 5 practical ways to keep safe while solo travelling in South Africa.
#1 Always be reachable by mobile AND able to contact Others
It’s so important to be able to contact someone for help when you need to. Do this by always travelling with a charged phone, a charger and a charged power bank. In addition, always have airtime and data.
It’s also important to be reachable. Your friends and family members may want to check on you. To avoid panic, keep your phone on.
Now there will be challenges if you are travelling to areas with poor cellphone reception. This is a pre-check that you should do before travelling to a destination.
Once you know that you will be in an area with low single, notify your loved ones/emergency contact about this and let them know when they should be able to reach you again. Good communication is very important for your safety.
#2 Consider joining group tours
A big misconception about solo travel is that you will always be alone. That is not true or at least does not have to be true.
Solo travel can instead be a great way to meet new people. How? By joining group tours and activities.
There are many group tours across South Africa that individuals can sign up for. Joining a group tour as a solo traveller is a smart way to be more safe while travelling South Africa.
You’ll be guided by someone who knows the area well and you might make new travel friends.
Consider staying at a place like CURIOCITY Cape Town. They are a social hotel that also offers city tours and daily on-site activities.
You could also stay in a quiet, boutique hotel like The Cape Milner and then choose when to head out for solo and group activities.
#3 Choose destinations that are solo-travel friendly
Some destinations are more solo-travel friendly than others. Consider your destination’s transport options, proximity between attractions, tour offerings, cellphone reception etc. In other words, consider ALL of the safety elements of the destination.
Cape Town is a South African solo travel destination I recommend – even for newbie solo travellers. It’s a bustling and busy city with loads to do, good infrastructure and plenty of group tours to join – more on that later in this post.
SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE TO CAPE TOWN
As a fellow solo traveller, I understand the importance of having a well-planned trip and feeling safe when travelling.
This guide includes a 10-day itinerary, safety advice, solo-travel photography tips, key contacts for Cape Town and more.
Which South African destination would I not recommend for solo travel? I would not recommend solo hikes or exploring remote attractions in nature like those in the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga.
Why?
Because there are stretches along the drive where cellphone reception is extremely poor, you could get injured or lost out in nature and the roads are poorly maintained. I’m just being real. I wouldn’t do it. Instead, sign up as a solo traveller for a group hike or tour to explore areas like these.
#4 Don’t post your location or plans on social media
It’s so tempting to share about your trip in real time on social media. However, as a solo traveller in South Africa, I don’t recommend you do this.
Go about your trip as discretely as possible because you never know who could be following your every move.
Think about it like this, even if you have followers who are waiting for your posts, your safety is way more important. Posting can always wait.
It also helps to do it this way to be more present during your trip. ALL of my solo travel posts on social media are delayed.
#5 Share your travel plans with a trusted person
Don’t share your trip with strangers online but do share your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member.
Before your trip, let them know your exact plan: where you are going, how you are getting there, where you are staying, who you might be meeting up with, when you are returning etc.
Someone needs to know your itinerary so that they can be aware if something seems to have gone wrong. If you are driving, share your car’s tracker. When using Uber, use the share your trip feature so that a friend can track your journey.
South Africa Travel Safety Tips:
As a woman who has lived in South Africa most of my life, I have realised that there are things that I do (Some without realising) to keep safe while exploring the country. I’m sharing these safety tips especially for those travelling to South Africa for the first time.
- Lock your car doors.
- Don’t leave visible belongings inside your car.
- Don’t walk alone at night.
- Don’t hike alone.
- Keep your handbag zipped and held close to you.
- Don’t flash your valuables.
Traveling has the potential to be one of the most rewarding experiences in life.
It opens our mind, allows us to discover new cultures and foods, helps us learn more about other people and offers some of the best moments of fun.
Going on a trip alone forces you to get out of your comfort zone. Although it is not always easy, and safety must be considered, it is worth it!
If you have other solo safety tips to add or anything to share, feel free to leave a comment below!