Safety Map
Areas to know — and areas to avoid — across South Africa's major cities. Colour-coded zones with advice for travelling after dark.
Zone data is curated from SAPS crime statistics and widely documented local knowledge. Conditions change — always ask your accommodation for up-to-date advice.
Cape Town · Safety zones
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SAPS Crime Statistics · Western Cape · 2022/2023
Cape Town by the numbers
Western Cape recorded the highest murder rate of any province
Murder
4,105
62.3 per 100k population
↑ Increasing
Assault (serious)
43,210
655 per 100k population
→ Stable
Robbery (street)
22,840
346 per 100k population
↑ Increasing
Vehicle theft
8,920
135 per 100k population
↓ Decreasing
Residential burglary
26,100
396 per 100k population
↓ Decreasing
Gang violence in Cape Flats townships drives the province's murder rate. Tourist areas (Waterfront, Camps Bay, Stellenbosch) operate in a very different risk environment to the broader statistics.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS) Annual Crime Report. Figures reflect provincial/metro clusters and may not represent individual neighbourhood risk. View full SAPS report →
Travel smart
Essential safety tips
Use Uber, not your feet
In all major cities, Uber is cheap, reliable, and infinitely safer than walking after dark. Set up the app before you arrive.
Ask your accommodation
Hotel staff and guesthouse owners know the current situation better than any map. Ask them specifically which streets to avoid and which are fine.
Smash-and-grab at traffic lights
Keep bags on the floor, not the seat. Keep windows up in city traffic. If someone approaches the car, drive away if safe to do so.
ATMs — use inside malls or banks
Avoid standalone ATMs on the street. Use machines inside shopping centres or bank branches. Cover your PIN and check for skimming devices.
Valuables at the hotel
Leave expensive camera gear, laptops, and jewellery at your accommodation. On the street, keep one cheap phone and limited cash.
Download MySAPS
The official SAPS app lets you report crimes, find your nearest police station, and access emergency contacts. Download it before you travel.
Travel in groups after dark
Even in safer areas, there is strength in numbers at night. Arrange to travel with others and share Uber rides when heading out.
Trust the locals
South Africans are incredibly warm and proud of their country. If something feels off, ask a local business owner or security guard for advice.
Emergency numbers
Police
10111
Ambulance
10177
Fire
10177
Tourist Police
0860 010 111
Roadside (AA)
0800 010 101