Douglas Olsen
Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, history, and thriving arts scene. However, it has a reputation for being a risky holiday destination due to safety concerns. The city has issues with theft, muggings, assaults, carjackings, and gang violence. Tourist crime is relatively low, and spots that are regularly visited by tourists are well-guarded by the South African tourist police. Students and tourists are advised to exercise caution, use common sense, and stick to tourist-approved neighbourhoods. Cape Town's university is said to take the safety of its students very seriously, especially foreign ones, and provides an orientation that includes safety advice. While Cape Town has safety issues, thousands of international students study there each year, and only a small number experience problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety for international students | Cape Town is generally safe for international students, with only a small number of students ever having problems. |
| Crime | Crime is relatively common in Cape Town, including theft, muggings, carjackings, and gang violence. However, tourist crime is relatively low, and spots that are regularly visited by tourists are well-guarded. |
| Precautions | It is recommended to exercise caution, use common sense, and stick to tourist-approved neighbourhoods. Avoid travelling alone at night and using public transportation after dark. |
| Transport | The transport system in Cape Town is not considered great, but the university provides a shuttle from the campus to the city centre. |
| Safe neighbourhoods | Bakoven, Camps Bay, Clifton, Bo-Kaap, V&A Waterfront, Kloof Street, and Long Street are considered safe neighbourhoods. |
| Unsafe neighbourhoods | Cape Flats, Langa, Nyanga, and Kraaifontein are considered unsafe due to high crime rates. |
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What You'll Learn
Cape Town's reputation for crime
Cape Town has a reputation for being a risky holiday destination due to its high levels of crime. Tourist spots are well-guarded by the South African tourist police, but they can still be dangerous, especially at night. The city has its fair share of theft, crime and gang-related activity, including muggings, assaults, carjackings and even gang violence, often fuelled by poverty. The Township areas, in particular, are known to have raised crime rates. These informal, underdeveloped neighbourhoods reflect the economic and racial struggles of the city's history.
However, tourist crime is relatively low, and common-sense precautions can be taken to ensure safety. Cape Town's reputation for crime should not deter visitors, as the city has much to offer in terms of natural beauty, rich culture, history and a thriving arts scene. Visitors should exercise caution, use common sense, and stick to tourist-approved neighbourhoods. It is recommended to avoid travelling alone at night, walking alone or using public transport after dark, and not to carry large sums of cash. Carjacking is common, so valuables should not be left in vehicles.
While Cape Town has a reputation for crime, it is not specifically targeted at college students. The University of Cape Town (UCT) takes the safety of its students seriously, especially foreign ones. However, students still need to pay attention to safety issues and take necessary precautions.
Overall, Cape Town is a popular destination for international students, with thousands enjoying a good education and a trouble-free time in the city. With common sense and awareness of potential dangers, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Cape Town.
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Safest neighbourhoods for students
Like any major city, Cape Town has its fair share of theft, crime and gang-related activity. However, tourist crime is relatively low, and as long as you exercise caution, use common sense, and stick to tourist-approved neighbourhoods, you should have little problem with safety in Cape Town.
The exclusive neighbourhood of Bakoven is one of the safest places to stay in the city. This small residential suburb is very secluded, making it ideal for those seeking peace and quiet away from the crowds. With Table Mountain nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for land adventures like hiking and mountain biking.
If you prefer to be at the heart of the action, the area of City Bowl is a great place to base yourself. Nestled between the harbour and the mountains, this area has something for everyone and is close to the Central Business District (CBD) if you're in town for work. Despite being the centre of Cape Town, City Bowl is considered safe, and you’ll often see public safety officers patrolling the streets.
Other safe neighbourhoods in Cape Town include Bergvliet, Pinelands, Diep River, Plumstead, Tokai, Newlands, Rondebosch, Monte Vista, Parklands, Lakeside, Fish Hoek, Capri, Kommejkie, Glen Cairn, and Simons Town.
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Transport safety
Cape Town is known for its remarkable natural beauty, rich culture and history, and thriving arts scene. However, it also has a reputation for being a risky holiday destination, with accounts of theft, muggings, assaults, carjackings, and gang violence.
When it comes to transport safety in Cape Town, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to note that the transport system in Cape Town is not considered great. The normal combi taxis, buses, and trains are said to be of poor quality and potentially unsafe. However, there is a shuttle provided by the University of Cape Town (UCT) from the university to the city center, which is reported to be a safer option.
If you choose to use public transport, it is important to exercise caution and be vigilant. Avoid using public transport at night, and try to travel with a companion whenever possible. It is also advisable to stick to well-lit and busy areas when using public transport, and to keep your belongings secure and out of sight.
In terms of personal safety while using transport, it is recommended to keep a low profile and not wear expensive jewelry or carry valuable items. Always be aware of your surroundings and try to blend in with the local dress and customs as much as possible.
Additionally, it is worth considering alternative forms of transportation such as ride-sharing apps or private taxis, which may offer a safer and more comfortable option, especially for international students who are unfamiliar with the city.
Overall, while Cape Town's transport system may have its challenges, by taking necessary precautions and staying vigilant, international students can minimize their risk of encountering safety issues during their commute.
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Common travel scams
Cape Town is generally safe for international students, but it is important to exercise caution due to the high levels of crime in the city. Tourist spots are usually well-guarded, but they can still be dangerous, especially at night. Common scams in Cape Town include:
- ATM scams: Scammers tend to work in teams and target individuals who are using ATMs. They may try to assist you if you are having problems with the machine, so it is important to refuse help firmly and find another location. Be wary of other red flags, such as a jammed machine or one that won't dispense cash.
- Airport agent scams: People may pose as airport agents or taxi drivers and try to get you to go to an ATM to purchase a non-existent taxi coupon or airport receipt. They will then try to snatch your card or drive you off-route to take your bags. To avoid this, look for official taxi queues instead of accepting rides from individuals approaching you.
- Pickpocketing: Scammers may pose as friendly locals and engage you in conversation about the weather, your personal life, or their own stories. While you are distracted, their accomplice will pickpocket you. This can happen on beaches, streets, and outdoor cafes. To avoid this, keep your valuables concealed and try to only bring the necessities with you.
- "Tourist police" scams: Criminals may pose as tourist police, stopping tourists under the guise of checking identification and searching luggage. There is no tourist police division in South Africa, so do not let them examine your bags and ask for identification. However, if they are armed, it is best to cooperate.
- Accommodation scams: Scammers create fake accommodation listings with false reviews and photos, or copy-paste genuine listings onto phony websites. Unsuspecting individuals are then asked to wire deposits or full payment and discover the scam upon arrival. To avoid this, be wary of unusually low prices, unusual payment methods, and private individuals advertising rentals.
- Roadside scams: Some scammers deliberately cause road accidents to rob victims who stop to help. If you are involved in an accident, signal for the other driver to follow you to a police station or busy public area. If in doubt, call the police at 10111.
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Township areas to avoid
Cape Town is a city known for its remarkable natural beauty, rich culture and history, and thriving arts scene. However, it has gained a reputation for being a risky holiday destination due to its high levels of crime. Tourist spots are usually well-guarded, but they can still be dangerous, especially at night.
Cape Town's Townships are undeveloped neighbourhoods that reflect the city's history of economic and racial struggles. They have high crime rates and are not suitable for tourists. Here are some Township areas to avoid:
- Cape Flats: This area is located southeast of the Central Business District. It is known for its high crime rates and should be avoided by tourists.
- Langa and Nyanga: These are the oldest townships in the city and are located close to the city centre. They have a reputation for violence and gang activity.
- Kraaifontein: This northern suburb has a high crime rate and is not safe for tourists.
- Other townships to avoid include Khayelitsha and Gugulethu, which have high poverty rates and are known for gang-related violence.
It is important to exercise caution and use common sense when visiting Cape Town. As a general rule, stick to tourist-approved neighbourhoods and avoid travelling alone at night.
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Frequently asked questions
Cape Town is generally considered safe for international students, with thousands of students having a good education and fun without any trouble. However, it is important to be cautious and aware of potential dangers, such as theft, muggings, and carjackings, which are common in the city.
Here are some safety tips to consider:
- Stay in well-guarded and tourist-approved neighbourhoods like Bakoven, Camps Bay, and Clifton.
- Avoid township areas with high crime rates, such as Cape Flats and Langa.
- Be cautious when travelling at night, avoid walking alone, and try not to use public transport after dark.
- Don't carry large sums of cash, and be aware of travel scams and pickpocketing.
- Use common sense and be sensible, just as you would in any other big city.
In addition to the aforementioned crimes, Cape Town also has issues with gang-related violence and assaults, often fuelled by poverty and the city's history of Apartheid. Wildlife is also something to look out for, with baboons appearing as you move away from downtown and sharks prevalent in the oceans.
International students can take advantage of the orientation programs offered by universities, which often include safety information specific to Cape Town and South Africa. Staying connected with an eSIM and joining organised tours to townships can also enhance safety. Additionally, universities like UCT take the safety of their students seriously, especially foreign ones, so reaching out to the university for advice is recommended.
