top of page

Planning a trip to South Africa? The Department of Tourism wants all visitors and locals to travel safely and enjoy their journeys. Here are some important safety and travel tips to keep in mind:


🚶‍♀️ General Safety

  • Always be aware of your surroundings, whether walking in busy cities or quiet areas.

  • Don’t carry large sums of cash. Use cards or digital payments where possible.

  • Avoid showing expensive items like jewellery, cameras, or laptops in public.

  • Keep your handbag, backpack, or wallet secure and close to you at all times.


🚗 Driving and Road Safety

  • Drive on the left side of the road in South Africa.

  • Always wear your seatbelt and obey speed limits.

  • Don’t leave valuables visible in your parked car. Lock items in the boot.

​

Safety and Travel Tips for Your South Africa Trip

Neema Asha Mwakalinga

By

Neema Asha Mwakalinga

Travel & Culture Expert

Jul 1, 2025

May 15, 2026

2 min read

Travel South Africa. Stay safe while travelling in South Africa. Read these essential safety and travel tips from the Department of Tourism.

Published

Updated:

Planning a trip to South Africa? The Department of Tourism wants all visitors and locals to travel safely and enjoy their journeys. Here are some important safety and travel tips to keep in mind:


🚶‍♀️ General Safety

  • Always be aware of your surroundings, whether walking in busy cities or quiet areas.

  • Don’t carry large sums of cash. Use cards or digital payments where possible.

  • Avoid showing expensive items like jewellery, cameras, or laptops in public.

  • Keep your handbag, backpack, or wallet secure and close to you at all times.


🚗 Driving and Road Safety

  • Drive on the left side of the road in South Africa.

  • Always wear your seatbelt and obey speed limits.

  • Don’t leave valuables visible in your parked car. Lock items in the boot.

  • If you feel unsafe or your car breaks down, call roadside assistance or the police immediately.


🚌 Public Transport

  • Use registered taxi services or ride-hailing apps instead of unmarked vehicles.

  • Always plan your route in advance and avoid travelling alone at night in unfamiliar areas.


ADVERTISEMENT

🌅 Outdoor Safety

  • When hiking or visiting nature reserves, go in groups and inform someone of your plans.

  • Carry enough water, sunscreen, and charged phones.

  • Listen to guides and follow all park rules for your safety and wildlife protection.


🏥 Health and Emergency Tips

  • Keep emergency numbers saved on your phone:

    • National Emergency Number: 112

    • Police: 10111

    • Ambulance: 10177

  • Have travel insurance that covers health emergencies, theft, and loss.


💡 Final Tip

South Africa is a beautiful country with warm people, rich culture, and stunning nature. By staying alert and following these safety tips, you can enjoy your trip with confidence.


ADVERTISEMENT

TRENDING NOW

M23 Spokesman Says Eastern DRC Gold and Coltan Pass Through Rwanda

Justice & Crime

Yoane Wissa Biography: Age, Newcastle Career and DR Congo Goals

Biography

Yoane Wissa Enters DR Congo’s Top Five Scorers

Sports Trends

Suspect Arrested in Moses Matovu Death Investigation

Justice & Crime

POPULAR TODAY

Tech and Startups

Southern Africa tests Starlink after Namibia licence block

Accident News

Authorities to Review Safety After Chapman’s Peak Off-Road Incident

Travel Guide

10 Unique Seychelles Species: Wildlife You Must See

Travel Guide

Island-Hopping in Seychelles 2025:Mahé,Praslin & La Digue Like a Local

Travel Guide

Top 8 most visited islands on Africa’s Indian Ocean coast

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

RELATED ARTICLE

Image-place-holder_edited.png

Tech and Startups

Southern Africa tests Starlink after Namibia licence block

Namibia’s decision adds to regional scrutiny of foreign telecom operators and ownership rules.

Image-place-holder_edited.png

Accident News

Authorities to Review Safety After Chapman’s Peak Off-Road Incident

No fatalities reported after vehicle left roadway; EMS treated two people

Image-place-holder_edited.png

Travel Guide

10 Unique Seychelles Species: Wildlife You Must See

From butt-shaped coconuts to gothic birds, here’s your wild guide to Seychelles’ rarest residents.

Image-place-holder_edited.png

Travel Guide

Island-Hopping in Seychelles 2025:Mahé,Praslin & La Digue Like a Local

From city buzz in Mahé to beach-bum bliss in La Digue here’s how to crack Seychelles in 2025

Tags

Travel South Africa

Travel Blog

bottom of page