Safety in Cape Town
 

Hi all,
My boyfriend and I are hoping to travel to Cape Town in September for a week. I've only just started to do my research and read past threads (I found it very useful when we were planning our trip to New Zealand) but I was just wondering how safe it is in Cape Town - particularly walking at night? We will probably stay in the Green Point area. Is it safe enough to walk to the waterfront at night? Are there any areas of the city to avoid day or night?
Thanks

Is it also fairly safe to self-drive down the Cape Peninsular and to the Winelands?

djmapril:

We were there in February, and while we did not walk in CapeTown at night, we did self-drive 'round the peninsula and to Fraenschoek, and felt perfectly safe. We did walk at night in Fraenschhoek. It's beautiful country - you will love it. Have a great time!

Cyn

Hello,

In general, Cape Town is very safe -- normal urban precautions should be fine. During the day I felt fine walking around basically anywhere, and I was travelling on my own. The exception is the townships -- that's one area it's best to visit with a local person rather than on your own.

However, as in any big city, I'd take a taxi from Green Point to the Waterfront at night -- it's quite a hike. I'd also avoid the downtown area (CBD) at night. During the day you will be fine down there and elsewhere.

Driving to the Winelands and the Cape is perfectly safe.

Cheers,
Julian

Cape Town is fine. I would avoid the downtown area at night and also at weekends-I did go there with my 5 year old daughter during the day and it was ok but not 100% relaxing. The rest of the city and area is completely fine. Its sort of like LA where I live-just need to avoid going into the poorer areas

Thanks for all your replies. I really appreciate the feedback - it's put my mind at rest!