Cape Town and South Africa are well known for their crime statistics. Many people are afraid to visit for fear of the crime. See my general article on crime & safety in Cape Town addressing this.
Generally speaking, if you want to walk around on foot in Cape Town, here are some rules, which should allow you to be safe as a pedestrian and to avoid a crime situation.
WALKING AROUND CAPE TOWN IN THE DAYTIME:
If you plan on walking around Cape Town in the daytime, you will be fine as long as you make sure of the following:
Long Street, Loop Street, St George’s Mall, Kloof Street, Green Market Square
You will be fine in the daytime when there are crowds of people here. These streets are busy and so you will not be at risk of any serious crime. As peole start thinning out later in the afternoon, it would be sensible not to walk alone. Avoid flashy jewelry, visible cameras and basically anything that can be snatched from you. Keep your handbag under your arm preferably. The best is to have bags that zip shut, because occasionally pickpockets will dip in if they see a chance.
Near the Cape Town Station:
There’s probably more chance of a mugging in this area, although lots of people travel into town to work every day on the trains, and are fine. Just be more alert than usual. Same cautions as above apply.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Fine to walk around. About as safe as any Western City centre. Pedestrians are fine here at night as well. Just don’t go walking into deserted parts.
Cape Quarter / De Waterkant
Fine to walk around. About as safe as any Western City centre. Pedestrians are fine here at night as well. Just don’t go walking into deserted parts.
Malay Quarter
There’s probably more chance of a mugging in this area. Just be more alert than usual. Same cautions as above apply re cameras, bags, jewelry.
The Malay Quarter isn’t that busy during the day. If you are walking around in an area where there aren’t crowds of people, you are definitely at more risk of muggings or more, so if you see that the area into which you are going is very empty, rather don’t go there. A group walking together should be fine. As a pedestrian, I would carry no valuables here, unless in a group of 3 or more.
WALKING AROUND CAPE TOWN AT NIGHT:
Pedestrians should be discouraged from walking around at night, except for very busy areas, such as Long Street, Kloof Street, Somerset Rd (the part where the nightclubs are near the Cape Quarter) and the V&A Waterfront. Never venture into a deserted area at night. Groups of three or more may be OK, but don’t quote me. Rather use a taxi to get around.
Having said all this, remember crime can happen to anyone anywhere in the world. Following the safety rules I’ve just given, means that you should be safe most of the time, and generally will be able to get on with enjoying your visit without excessive worry that you’ll be the next victim of a crime.
Also, in general, if an area is deserted, or you feel even slightly uncomfortable, then don’t take a chance. Rather take a taxi, or some other form of public transport. Cape Town can be enjoyed as it rightfully should be as a top tourist destination in the world, by just being sensible and aware of its specific situation.
You may find these articles about crime in Cape Town helpful
Where to Stay that is Safe in Cape Town
A Selection of Places Where It Is Safe to Walk Alone In Cape Town
Cape Town Crime Stats (Jan 2009)
Areas to Avoid (with a Map)
Tourist Safety in Cape Town
