“Is it actually safe there?” It's the first question almost every woman asks me when I talk about South Africa. A fair question. I lived in South Africa for four years and I still go back every year. In this article I give you an honest answer: what the risks are, what you can do about them yourself, and why I still take women to this beautiful country with complete peace of mind.
The short answer
Yes, as a woman you can travel safely through South Africa, as long as you are well prepared and know where to go and where not to. South Africa is not the Netherlands, and there's no point pretending otherwise. But most problems can be avoided with the right choices and the right people around you.
What does the official travel advice say?
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives South Africa the colour code yellow. That means you can travel there, but there are specific safety risks. The ministry mainly warns about (violent) crime, including around the large international airports. Before you leave, always check the latest travel advice on NederlandWereldwijd, or your own government's travel advice.
Yellow may sound alarming, but many popular holiday destinations have the same colour code. Above all, it's a reminder to prepare well.
Where are the real risks?
From my own experience I know the risks are not the same everywhere. Crime is concentrated mainly in the big cities, especially in certain neighbourhoods and at night. The things tourists come across most often are:
- Pickpocketing and theft of phones or bags
- Scams at cash machines
- Break-ins into parked cars
- Risks when walking at night or driving yourself in unfamiliar areas
In the safari areas, the Winelands and at the lodges the atmosphere is completely different. There, everything revolves around peace, nature and hospitality.
My tips for travelling safely in South Africa as a woman
- Don't walk alone after dark. In the evening, take a reliable taxi or arrange to be picked up.
- Keep valuables out of sight. No expensive jewellery, and don't hold your phone loosely in your hand on the street.
- Use cash machines indoors. Use ATMs in shopping centres or banks, and don't accept help from strangers.
- Leave nothing visible in the car. Not even for a moment.
- Ask locals for advice. Your lodge or guide knows exactly where it's pleasant and where it isn't.
- Save the emergency numbers. From a mobile phone: 112.
- Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, walk away. That is always the right choice.
Why travelling in a small group makes such a difference
Many women tell me South Africa has been on their list for years, but they don't feel comfortable travelling alone as a woman in South Africa. I understand that completely. That is exactly why we organise a small group trip to South Africa for women.
In a group you don't have to do anything alone. All transport is arranged, you stay in places we know personally, and there is always someone who knows the country. You don't have to drive, search for a safe route or eat out alone. So you can focus completely on what you came for: the nature, the wildlife and the people.
What I take away from my years in South Africa
South Africa is a country of contrasts. Yes, there are concerns about safety. But it is also a country of extraordinary nature, warm people and a hospitality you won't easily forget. These days I live there part of the year, and I still discover something new every time.
I keep my contacts in South Africa close, with guides, lodges and friends on the ground. That way I always know first-hand what the situation is like. South Africa may seem scary because it's unfamiliar. For me, it's the country and the people I have come to love. And I would love to share that with my group.
My daughter Mirte is doing a PhD on crisis and risk management in tourism. We bring that knowledge into every trip we plan. For us, safety is not an afterthought, it's the foundation.
Ready to discover South Africa?
Have you dreamed of a safari for years, but don't want to go alone? Take a look at our South Africa round trip for women 50+ in September 2027: ten days, a maximum of nine women, and everything arranged down to the last detail. Or send us your question. We're happy to help you plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel to South Africa alone as a woman?
Yes, but prepare well. If you'd rather not travel completely on your own, a small group trip for women is a great middle ground: you travel independently, but never alone.
Which areas of South Africa are safest for tourists?
The safari areas around the Kruger National Park, the Winelands around Stellenbosch and the Panorama Route feel calm and safe for most travellers. In the big cities more caution is needed, especially at night.
Is a safari safe?
Yes. On a game drive you ride with an experienced ranger in an open vehicle and follow their instructions. That way you get close to the animals, safely.