Safest cities in South Africa
53 cities with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in South AfricaTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa.
- Israel and Palestine conflictThe current conflict in Israel and Palestine has led to heightened tensions around the world. Terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict. The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks. Terrorist attacks could target Jewish or Muslim…
Political situation
- There are regular protests and demonstrations in South Africa which can turn violent at short notice. Violence could affect participants and bystanders anywhere in the country.
Crime
- Crime locationsViolent crime can take place anywhere, including in tourist destinations and transport hubs. Most violent crimes occur in townships, informal settlements, and other high-density areas, as well as in some city centres and isolated areas. The threat is higher when it is dark.
- Protecting yourself and your belongingsTo protect your personal safety:
- Airport crimeCrime in and around airports includes robbery and theft of baggage and valuables. Criminals have followed people from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to their destinations and then robbed them, often at gunpoint.
- Cape Town airport road attacksThere has been an increase in violent crime and targeted attacks to and from Cape Town airport, including incidents involving visitors driving hired cars. See ‘vehicle crime’.
- Vehicle crimeCarjacking and robbery are common, particularly after dark and around traffic lights, junctions, petrol stations and driveways.
- Criminal kidnapThe risk of kidnap is increasing throughout South Africa. Criminals generally kidnap people for financial gain.
- Solo and women travellersSolo and women travellers have received unwanted attention and have been assaulted. Read our advice for ‘Solo and independent travel’ and ‘Advice for women travelling abroad’.
- Fraud and scamsBe alert to the risk of scams, including through business or job opportunities, visa services or offers of romance and friendships, including on dating apps. Do not meet up with or send money to someone you do not know or have not met in person.
- Nightlife and datingCriminals use dating apps to rob, rape or sexually assault victims. Be cautious using dating apps and meet in well-lit, public places. Always tell friends or family your plans.
- ATMs and money exchangesCrime around ATMs and money exchanges is common. You should:
- Table Mountain National Park attacksThere have been recent violent attacks and muggings against hikers and foreign tourists in Table Mountain National Park, including on Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in South Africa, see information on driving abroad.
- Air TravelThere have been travel delays and disruptions at airports due to power outages, refuelling disruptions and immigration queues. Allow for adequate time when travelling. Check the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) social media pages for the latest updates or download the app.
- E-hailing and taxisScammers target people using e-hailing taxi apps in major cities.
- Driving rules and standardsDriving standards vary in South Africa. Fatal road accidents are common, particularly around weekends and major public holidays.
- Road conditionsRoad conditions are generally very good but some roads in remote areas are less well maintained and may have potholes.
- Pedestrian safetyPedestrian deaths account for a high number of road deaths every year in South Africa. Pedestrians often cross or walk on major roads and highways. This can happen anywhere, and the risk is higher if you cross a road away from marked crossings (jaywalking). If possible, cross at a marked crossing when it’s safe to do so.
- Public transportTransport with a greater risk of theft, violence and unreliable service includes:
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- Hiking and walkingDo not take unnecessary risks when participating in outdoor activities and adventure tourism. Health and safety standards vary globally and may not be the same as in the UK.
- Table Mountain National ParkTable Mountain trails are strenuous, and mountain rescuers get regular calls to help hikers. Know your limits and research a route that matches your fitness level. Plan your timing carefully; start early to avoid peak summer heat and finish before dark. Check SANPARKS for the latest guidance including hazards such as wildfires. Always check the…
- Kruger National ParkAfter a violent attack killed a tourist in the Kruger National Park, SANParks advise against using the Numbi gate. There have been protests and violent incidents on the R538 road leading to the gate. In May 2026, 2 local tourists were killed in a rare violent incident within the park and the suspects were arrested.
- Addo Elephant ParkSouth African National Parks advise visitors travelling from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) to Addo Elephant Park to use the N2 via Colchester, rather than the R335 via Motherwell due to crime, including vehicle high jackings. Recommended routes can be found on the South African National Parks Website.
- Swimming safetyBeach conditions and local safety measures vary. Every year, many people drown due to strong sea currents. Ask for a life jacket if you participate in water sports.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- FloodingHeavy rainfall often causes widespread flooding. There is a year-round risk of flooding across South Africa. Always check weather reports and news for hazards before you start your journey. For alerts and forecasts, see the South African Weather Service.
- WildfiresWildfires can happen in rural and urban areas during hot and dry weather including Cape Town and in the Table Mountain National Park. Follow evacuation orders if requested. If you see a wildfire, move to a safe place away from vegetation and smoke. If you are inside a building or a car and judge it is safe to stay there, close all vents and…
- Power cutsIn South Africa there have been local and nationwide power cuts caused by shortages and extreme weather. Whilst there has been a significant reduction in planned power cuts (‘loadshedding’), they can still happen and affect:
- Preparing for power cutsTo prepare for long power cuts:
- Water shortagesAcross parts of South Africa, there have been water shortages. Follow the advice of local authorities if there are water restrictions in place.
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDAlways carry a copy of your passport photo page and the page with your visitors permit or residence permit for South Africa. South African officials may ask for ID and proof of residence at any time. Keep your passport in a hotel safe or another secure location. Do not carry it with you unless you need it for official identification.
- Illegal drugs and cannabis lawsIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. Whilst the personal consumption of cannabis is considered legal, all other drug possession, use or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport is illegal.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is legal. It is illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. See our advice for LGBT+ travellers.
- Wildlife, animal products and souvenirsIt is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade any of its parts without a permit. Trading ivory or rhino horn is banned. Anyone caught buying or trafficking banned goods will be prosecuted.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for South Africa, updated 2026-07-08 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 39.72 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 54.12022
- Human development
- HDI 0.7412023
- Income
- $15,600/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 22.2 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 55/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 57/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 41/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 5.2/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.65GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 27.7 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 68%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 0.8 doctors /1k2.3 hospital beds per 1,000
- Malaria
- 0 /1k at riskWHO, 2024 · endemic countries only
Natural hazards
- Drought
- 8.6/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 3.2/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Earthquake
- 1.5/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Cyclone
- 1.3/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Tsunami
- 1.1/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in South Africa (as of 2025).
How South Africa compares
| Measure | South Africa | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 40 /100k | 2.4 /100k | +37 /100k — better for World median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 54.1 | 35.2 | +18.9 — better for World median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.741 | 0.763 | −0.022 — better for World median |
| Road deaths | 22.2 /100k | 15.4 /100k | +6.8 /100k — better for World median |
| Rule of law | 57/100 | 52/100 | +5/100 — better for South Africa |
| Corruption perceptions | 41/100 | 39/100 | +2/100 — better for South Africa |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 27.7 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +8.0 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 5.2/10 | 3.8/10 | +1.4/10 — better for World median |
| Measure | South Africa | Africa median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 40 /100k | 4.4 /100k | +35 /100k — better for Africa median |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 54.1 | 38.3 | +15.9 — better for Africa median |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.741 | 0.560 | +0.181 — better for South Africa |
| Road deaths | 22.2 /100k | 28.2 /100k | −6.0 /100k — better for South Africa |
| Rule of law | 57/100 | 42/100 | +15/100 — better for South Africa |
| Corruption perceptions | 41/100 | 30/100 | +11/100 — better for South Africa |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 27.7 µg/m³ | 27.3 µg/m³ | +0.4 µg/m³ — better for Africa median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 5.2/10 | 5.3/10 | −0.1/10 — better for South Africa |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 53 cities, safest first
- Pretoria43.8 · #5624 worldwide
- Akasia43.8 · #5625 worldwide
- Bloemfontein41.7 · #5722 worldwide
- Polokwane41.4 · #5743 worldwide
- Kimberley41.4 · #5744 worldwide
- Rustenburg41.4 · #5745 worldwide
- Botshabelo-N41.4 · #5746 worldwide
- Phuthaditjhaba41.4 · #5747 worldwide
- George41.4 · #5748 worldwide
- Riebeeckstad41.4 · #5749 worldwide
- Sakhrol41.4 · #5750 worldwide
- Seweding41.4 · #5751 worldwide
- Mohadin41.4 · #5752 worldwide
- Paardekraal Ext 241.4 · #5753 worldwide
- Sekgakgapeng41.4 · #5754 worldwide
- Mpumalanga41.4 · #5755 worldwide
- Edendale39.7 · #5832 worldwide
- Bombay Heights39.7 · #5833 worldwide
- Klipgat39.5 · #5846 worldwide
- Evaton39.5 · #5847 worldwide
- Madadeni39.5 · #5848 worldwide
- Vanderbijlpark39.5 · #5849 worldwide
- Centurion39.5 · #5850 worldwide
- eMalahleni39.5 · #5851 worldwide
- Ennerdale39.5 · #5852 worldwide
- Middelburg39.5 · #5853 worldwide
- Diepsloot39.5 · #5854 worldwide
- Vosman39.5 · #5855 worldwide
- KwaMhlanga39.5 · #5856 worldwide
- eMbalenhle39.5 · #5857 worldwide
- Ga-Rankuwa39.5 · #5858 worldwide
- Coalbrook39.5 · #5859 worldwide
- Mboloko39.5 · #5860 worldwide
- Reeston39.4 · #5862 worldwide
- Sisulu Village39.4 · #5863 worldwide
- Durban38.5 · #5889 worldwide
- Gqeberha38.5 · #5890 worldwide
- Motherwell38.5 · #5891 worldwide
- KwaNobuhle38.5 · #5892 worldwide
- Kariega38.5 · #5893 worldwide
- Worcester38.4 · #5894 worldwide
- Johannesburg38.0 · #5899 worldwide
- Tembisa38.0 · #5900 worldwide
- Lenasia38.0 · #5901 worldwide
- Cosmo City38.0 · #5902 worldwide
- Masetjhaba View37.7 · #5908 worldwide
- Chief Albert Luthuli Park37.7 · #5909 worldwide
- Kanyamazane35.4 · #5963 worldwide
- Paarl35.4 · #5964 worldwide
- Somerset West35.4 · #5965 worldwide
- Cape Town32.5 · #6009 worldwide
- Stellenbosch32.5 · #6010 worldwide
- KaMaqhekeza29.8 · #6037 worldwide