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Safety at night and on the streets

Safety at night and on the streets

Walking the streets is one of the best ways to explore and enjoy Cape Town. It can, however, become dangerous in some areas or at night. It is best that you are aware of basic safety precautions to make sure your trip to our beautiful city is filled only with great memories.

Give responsibly

Within the City Bowl, you may encounter a number of street people who may approach you for money.

By supporting begging, you encourage destitute people to avoid social assistance and to choose a life on the street. While many are genuinely destitute and are looking for help, giving a hand-out perpetuates aggressive begging, substance abuse, the presence of children on the streets and chronic homelessness.

If you wish to support a street person, donate to a registered homeless shelter. You can also contact the City’s toll-free number on 0800 872 201 to ask how to assist street people.

Remember

Please be aware of your personal belongings if you are approached by any stranger within the City Bowl.

Be wary of thieves

As with all big cities across the world, thieves and criminals working the streets often target tourists, knowing that they are a ‘softer’ target than locals and often likely to carry valuables like cameras and money.

Did you know?

A safe city: Metropolitan Police Service’s SSU (Strategic Surveillance Unit) monitors 560 cameras throughout Cape Town, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

In order to stay safe and keep your possessions safe at all times, you should:

  • keep your bags and purses closed;
  • keep your money and cellphones in front pockets or places that are difficult for others to reach;
  • never leave your purse or cellphone on a table where you are seated;
  • never leave your bags unattended; and
  • try not to explore the city alone.

Safety at night

The nightlife in Cape Town is vibrant and is a popular attraction in the city. You can stay safe at night by:

  • not drinking and driving;
  • not bringing unnecessary valuables with you;
  • not walking or driving down dark alleyways or deserted roads;
  • being aware of strangers around you;
  • keeping your valuables out of sight; and
  • using an official taxi service and not taking lifts with strangers.

Cape Town Tourism – visitor safety support

Cape Town Tourism’s Band-Aid team helps visitors who may be in distress during their stay in the city.

Should an incident occur, CTT Band-Aid can assist with:

  • Replacement of lost documents. 
  • Facilitating victim support counseling. 
  • Emergency accommodation and transfers. 
  • Laying a charge with the South African Police Service (SAPS). 
  • Changing itineraries.

The 24/7 Band-Aid contact number is 021 487 6552. Visitors can also speak to City staff located at Cape Town International Airport, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and City Hall.

Contact Cape Town Tourism for more information.

Please note

We do not offer the following: Financial assistance, replacement of lost items, compensation for losses of any kind, direct medical attention, or legal advice.

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