Read official advice first
Check your government's current travel advice before you go: the UK FCDO, the US Department of State, the Netherlands' and France's foreign ministries and Germany's Auswärtiges Amt all publish South Africa pages.
Everyday habits
- Use pre-booked transfers or ride-hailing at night rather than walking between areas you don't know.
- Keep phones and bags out of sight in cars and at outdoor tables.
- Use ATMs inside malls or hotels; decline "help" at machines.
- Ask your hotel which areas are walkable after dark.
Mountains and ocean
- Hike with a registered guide or in a group, start early, and tell someone your route. Save the local emergency numbers before you go.
- Swim at beaches with lifeguards and observe flags; the Atlantic is cold, with strong currents.
- Respect baboons on the peninsula: keep food hidden and car windows closed.
Health and utilities
- Cape Town and the Western Cape are not malaria areas; the Greater Kruger is a malaria-risk area.
- Power interruptions have affected South Africa in recent years; good hotels and villas have backup power, but ask.
- Plugs are mainly types M and N (and C); bring an adapter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cape Town safe for tourists?
Most visits are trouble-free when visitors follow common-sense precautions and official travel advice, use pre-booked transport at night and hike with guides.
Is there malaria in Cape Town?
No. Malaria risk applies in parts of north-eastern South Africa, including the Kruger area.