Dreaming of a Cape Town holiday? Picture golden beaches, the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, and sunrise hikes up Lion’s Head. For solo female travellers, it’s the perfect getaway – but is Cape Town safe to explore on your own?”
The good news is that solo female travel in Cape Town is possible, and with smart planning and a few safety precautions, you can experience all the magic the city has to offer.
Before you pack your bags, here’s what you need to know to stay safe and savvy on your solo adventure.
Planning Your Trip to Cape Town as a Solo Female Traveller
Research Safety and Travel Advice for the Mother City
Familiarise yourself with Cape Town and its different areas. Find out where travellers are staying, which locations are closest to your activities, the cost of commuting, and common scams that you can avoid. This will help you prepare for the duration of your trip and avoid any potential issues during your stay.
Choose the right accommodation in Cape Town
Cape Town has a wide range of accommodation options, but it’s important to be cautious, as some deals may seem too good to be true. When choosing where to stay, prioritise places with 24/7 security, strong reviews from solo female travellers, and consistently positive feedback. It’s also advisable to book through providers with a reputable website and/or regularly updated social media presence.
Transport and airport transfers for solo travellers
Pre-book airport transfers, tours, and any long-distance transport. You can opt for a ride-sharing service like Uber to get around or rent a car. If you are opting for the public transport route, find out more here. When arriving at the airport, be mindful of these airport scams.
Staying Safe in Cape Town
Once you arrive in our beautiful Mother City, here are some tips to follow:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring new areas, whether you’re exploring our colourful communities, street art scene, foodie spots or immersive entertainment.
- Keep your belongings close and keep valuables like jewellery and documents in a safe at your accommodation.
- Try to not use your devices while walking and never leave your bags or valuables unattended.
- Avoid walking in deserted and badly lit spaces dark places at night, and if you are driving, park in a secure, well-lit area with street guards.
- Always tell someone where you are going and communicate your whereabouts regularly.
Getting Social While Travelling Solo
One of the best parts of solo travel is meeting new people and there are many social groups you can join for free.
Join group activities and tours in Cape Town
From wine tastings in Stellenbosch to surfing in Muizenberg or hiking up Table Mountain, group tours are a great way to meet fellow travellers in a safe setting. There are female travellers who host female-only tours or experiences. Groups like Her Hike, Curves on Trails, and Socially Gathering are among the many female only groups you can join.
Stay in social-friendly hostels and guesthouses
Look for hostels, smaller hotels and lodges or small guest house that offer community dinners, walking tours and communal spaces. This makes it easier to make friends organically.
Online dating safety tips in Cape Town
If you fancy a little holiday romance and are checking out the dating apps, please be selective about who you meet and always choose public places for first-time meetups.
Always inform someone, such as the hotel reception or your hostel roommates, about where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
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