Yes, it is safe to travel to South Africa. In fact, South Africa ranked second in Africa in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2019. With that being said it is still very important to use common sense as South Africa does have a high crime rate.
South Africans have various safety and security measures in place. We tend to take these measures for granted on a daily basis. As this is part of our lives and comes about quite naturally to us. To deter criminals from coming into our homes we have high walls and electric fencing around our homes. Additionally, we have home security systems and CCTV cameras that are all linked to a security agency. So if a criminal does manage to get past our electric fencing, an alarm will start buzzing loudly. This alerts our neighbours and the security company. The security company then sends out a patrol vehicle to stop by and check if everything is ok.
Additionally, other families in South Africa choose to live in a gated complex that has a boom entrance that is manned 24/7 by security guards. For visitors travelling especially from a first world country or a small town where crime almost never happens, this can be quite alarming. However, it should actually make you feel safer here in South Africa.
As muslims we ultimately believe that Allah is our protector. We firmly believe that nothing bad can ever afflict us if it were not for His will. So we “tie our camels” by putting any and all measures in place to keep us and our families safe from crime and criminals. And ultimately if crime does affect us we tend to give out charity.
Should I leave my wrist watch at home before travelling to South Africa?
No. You really don’t need to leave your wrist watch at home. We wear our sports watches and even normal watches on a daily basis here in South Africa. However, if you have a very valuable watch you can use your discretion on whether you want to bring it with or leave it at home.
Can I carry my camera and photography gear with me?
Yes, you most certainly can. Just don’t leave it in the backseat of your rented car. Or don’t ever leave it unattended. If you wish to leave it in your car be sure to keep it in the boot. And make sure to always keep the car doors locked.
What kind of crime most commonly affects tourists in South Africa?
Petty crime is the most frequent holiday spoiler if tourists are not alert and don’t take the necessary precautions. Handbags stolen off the backs of chairs in a restaurant or car windows smashed for camera gear or other shopping laying in the backseat of your car.
Should the high crime rate discourage you from travelling to South Africa?
No, never. South Africa has so much to offer, especially with our exchange rate being so much in favour of travellers and tourists. So take advantage of this and experience an adventure of a lifetime here in South Africa.
31 ways muslim travellers can stay safe while in South Africa:
- Read your protection duas in the morning and the evening
- Read the duas when leaving and entering home whenever you enter and leave your accommodation.
- Read the dua for protection against all calamities.
- Read Ayatul Kursi as often as possible.
- Keep all your valuables in your possession at all times.
- Never leave any of your luggage or personal possessions unattended to.
- Never leave your camera, bags or any items in the back seat of your car.. Rather store it away in your car boot.
- Always lock your car doors and keep the windows closed.
- Go on a hike in a group. (You can contact Adventure Rocks for a booking. than doing a hike on your own.) To read up on the hike we have done with Adventure Rocks click here.
- Avoid dark and deserted streets.
- Explore the townships on group tours. Never go alone into the townships.
- Always store your valuables in the safety deposit box in your hotel room.
- Avoid displaying your jewellery, cameras, phones and other valuables when in public places.
- In Durban: Avoid being at the Durban Beach front and at Victoria Wharf at night.
- In Cape Town: Avoid walking from downtown hotels to the V&A waterfront at night.
- Do not carry your wallet in your back pocket, this makes it easy for pickpocketing.
- Do not show signs of affluence, display money or carry valuables.
- When at a restaurant or coffee shop, do not leave your bags under your table or chair. Rather keep it on your lap.
- Always be aware of the people behind or around you. Always be aware of your surroundings as criminals are known to target people who appear to be distracted.
- Trust your instincts, if a place, situation or person feels unsafe leave immediately.
- Always park your car in well lit areas.
- Do not pick up strangers on the road.
- Ensure vehicle doors are locked and windows are closed at all times.
- Check the level of security at hotels, guest houses, lodges or any accommodation before making any bookings.
- Only use ATMs in well lit areas, inside the banks or businesses.
- Don’t use any ATMs that appear damaged or defective.
- Don’t use ATMs that are isolated or in “Dodgy areas”.
- Road conditions in South Africa are generally good, however it’s imperative to adhere to the speed limits and to drive cautiously as some roads in rural areas are not maintained well and you may encounter potholes.
- If you encounter a traffic light that is not working, treat it as a four way stop.
- Avoid travelling long distances at night as the rural roads are not very well lit making it difficult to see pedestrians, wild animals and stray livestock.
- Avoid using buses, taxis and trains when in South Africa.
Try to be safety-minded when in South Africa. Be aware that poverty is all around you and that poverty breeds desperation. People take chances when they spot a situation that could potentially mean that their families will eat tonight instead of going to bed hungry.