Places to Avoid in South Africa

Exploring South Africa offers an array of unforgettable experiences, from its breathtaking landscapes to its rich cultural heritage. However, safety concerns, particularly in certain areas, necessitate a well-informed approach to travel within the country. Here, we look into places to avoid in South Africa and provide essential safety tips to ensure a secure journey through this country.

Areas of Concern:

• Pretoria tops the list of the most dangerous places in South Africa due to high crime rates, including armed robberies and government corruption, despite hosting the executive branch and having affluent suburbs.
• Durban, the second most dangerous city, hides its crime problems, including robberies and petty crimes, behind its coastal beauty. A strong police presence in tourist areas doesn’t fully mitigate the risk.
• Johannesburg struggles with political and racial violence, drug crimes, and poverty, worsened by significant wealth disparities despite its economic significance.
• Pietermaritzburg faces a high risk of scams, attacks, and muggings, making transportation risky despite its natural beauty and events.
• Port Elizabeth, with its beautiful beaches and Victorian landmarks, has a high crime rate, making it less safe for visitors.
• Cape Town safety also raises concerns, even though it is famed for its scenic vistas and cultural diversity.

Pretoria: South Africa’s Most Dangerous City

Pretoria has been identified as South Africa most dangerous city, with a high crime index rating. If you are wondering how bad is South Africa, look at these numbers. According to Numbeo’s crime index as of March 2023, Pretoria had a crime index of 81.63 out of a possible score of 100, indicating a high level of crime​​. Despite some crime reductions in areas like Tshwane, safety remains a top concern.

Safe Neighborhoods in Pretoria:

• Faerie Glen offers stunning views, diverse properties, and excellent medical facilities.
• Menlo Park features Victorian and Dutch-style architecture and a blend of safety services.
• Equestria has a mix of residential and commercial properties, good transportation, and healthcare facilities.
• Constantia Park is close to major shopping centers like Menlyn Shopping Centre and golf clubs.
• Lynnwood Ridge and Boardwalk offer security and easy city access. Wonderboom and Mahube Valley are also safe, with active neighborhood watches.

Safe Hotels in Pretoria:

Choosing Where to Stay in Pretoria:

For exclusivity, luxury, and safety, consider Waterkloof and Menlo Park. Pretoria CBD suits business travelers and those wanting central, modern amenities.

High-Risk Neighborhoods in Durban

Durban’s stunning coastline contrasts with its crime issues, making it the second most dangerous city. The crime index suggests significant risks, especially outside well-policed tourist zones. The inner city, highlighted by the Marikana building, symbolizes crime concerns, stressing the importance of local vigilance.

High-Risk Neighborhoods in Durban: Durban’s stunning coastline and cultural diversity contrast sharply with its high-risk areas. The city ranks as South Africa’s second most dangerous, with a crime index of 80.84 and a safety index of 19.16. This suggests prevalent crimes such as robberies, harassment, and petty crime, especially outside the well-policed tourist zones.

The inner city, marked by notorious buildings like the Marikana, symbolizes the struggle against crime and decay. These buildings, linked to criminal activities, concern both local authorities and residents.

Safe Neighborhoods in Durban:

• Umhlanga shines with luxury hotels, top-notch restaurants, and beautiful beaches, offering a premier experience with stunning ocean views.
• Durban North is close to the city yet maintains a residential feel. It’s a quieter, family-friendly suburb with excellent dining and attractions like the Japanese Gardens.
• Glenwood thrives as a vibrant, multicultural suburb with a strong community vibe. It features great schools, parks, and cultural spots, including galleries and yoga studios.
• Westville is perfect for shopping, dining out, and enjoying outdoor activities. It caters to both families and professionals, offering a diverse and safe environment.
• La Lucia provides a tranquil setting ideal for families and young professionals, with its affordable living, schools, and parks.

Safe Hotels in Safe Areas:

Places to Avoid in South Africa: Johannesburg

Johannesburg is vibrant yet faces safety challenges in certain areas. Here’s how to navigate safely.

High-Risk Areas in Johannesburg:

• Downtown Johannesburg is infamous for muggings and robberies, often involving weapons. Stay extremely cautious, avoid flaunting valuables, and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Hillbrow is another neighborhood known for its high population density, unemployment, poverty, and crime rates, including prostitution and drug-related issues. While it houses the Ponte City Apartments and other landmarks, it’s generally on the list of places to avoid in South Africa, especially at night​​.

Townships:

• Alexandra and Soweto are culturally and historically significant but show stark poverty contrasts. Explore these townships with organized tours to ensure safety and respectful community engagement.

Safe Neighborhoods in Johannesburg:

• Sandton, Melrose, Melville, Rosebank, and Norwood offer upscale lifestyles with their shopping centers and entertainment options, making them some of the safest places to stay.
• Morningside, north of Sandton, boasts affluence, serenity, and security, close to shopping centers like Morningside and Sandton City.
• Parktown is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian-style homes, central safety, private security services, and active communities.
• Greenside and Bedfordview stand out for their lively atmosphere and strong security measures, ensuring a safe stay.

Recommended Hotels in Safe Areas:

• Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg provides panoramic views and a luxurious retreat in Westcliff.
• African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, Autograph Collection excels in elegance within a lively area.
• Garden Court Milpark, Melville features trendy urban loft living with skyline views.
• Motel Mi Pi Chi, Melville is a top choice in Melville, known for its secure parking and comfortable accommodations amidst cafes and nightlife.

Additional Recommendations:

• Sunninghill, Lonehill, and Fourways are favored by expats for their security, schools, and amenities.
• Randburg offers spacious living as a quieter, more affordable alternative to Sandton.
• Northcliff and Melville are celebrated for their scenic beauty and Bohemian flair, offering vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences.

Safety Tips:

When in South Africa, especially Johannesburg, vigilance is key. Avoid night arrivals at OR Tambo International Airport to dodge robbery risks, and be careful around bus stations. Always explore notorious townships like Soweto and Alexandra with a guide.

Exploring the Charm and Challenges of Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg, the KwaZulu-Natal province’s capital, is rich in history and culture. It blends colonial architecture, modernity, and vibrant nature beautifully. Affectionately known as “Maritzburg,” it’s a key industrial, commercial, and administrative center. Yet, like any city, it sees varied crime rates across its neighborhoods.

High-Risk Neighborhoods and Crime Rates:

Crime in Pietermaritzburg ranges from petty thefts to violent crimes, with significant variations across areas:

• CBD and Inner City Areas: Prone to increased petty crime post-business hours as streets empty.
• Outlying Townships: Higher crime rates in some townships and settlements. Visitors should proceed with caution, ideally with a local or on an organized tour.

Safe Neighborhoods:

Several areas in and around Pietermaritzburg offer safety and pleasant living:

• Montrose: Known for its safety and tranquility, Montrose is near shopping and dining, making it a great stay option.
• Wembley: A safe, serene spot for families and professionals, offering easy city access while ensuring peace.
• Clarendon and Chase Valley: Appreciated for their safety, community vibe, beautiful homes, schools, and parks.

Safe Hotels in Safe Areas:

For secure lodging in Pietermaritzburg, consider these hotels in safer neighborhoods:

• Protea Hotel by Marriott Pietermaritzburg: In a secure area, it provides comfortable, modern, and safe accommodations.
• Redlands Hotel: In Wembley, this hotel offers upscale, secure lodging with top-notch service.
• Ascot Inn: Situated in Montrose, it ensures a secure, pleasant stay with a friendly atmosphere.

High-Risk Areas in Port Elizabeth

• Northern Areas: This term often refers to a collection of suburbs in the northern part of the city, including areas like Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp, where higher crime rates have been reported, particularly related to gang activity and related violence.
• Missionvale and Zwide: These townships, while rich in culture and community spirit, face economic challenges and have seen higher instances of crime. Visitors are typically advised this is one of the places to avoid in South Africa; or to visit as part of organized community projects or tours.
• Central: The central business district and parts surrounding it, such as parts of Govan Mbeki Avenue and the areas close to the bus and train stations, can see a range of petty to serious crimes, especially after business hours when the streets become less crowded.

Safe Neighborhoods:

Certain neighborhoods in Port Elizabeth are safer and favored by tourists and expatriates. Summerstrand and Walmer, for example, boast lower crime rates, safety, and amenities like shopping centers and beaches.

Recommended Hotels in Safe Areas: Choosing safe accommodations in Port Elizabeth’s safer neighborhoods is crucial. Recommendations include:

Summerstrand:

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth: Offers sea views, luxury, and strong security near the beach.
• The Boardwalk Hotel: Secure, amenity-rich, and beach-proximate, within a casino complex.
• Pine Lodge Resort & Conference Centre: Perfect for families, providing secure, self-catering accommodation near beach attractions.

Walmer:

• The Hub Boutique Hotel: Modern, secure lodging near shops and restaurants.
• Forest Hall Guest House: Quiet, safe, and homely guesthouse in Walmer.
• Treetops Guesthouse: Cozy, secure, with friendly service, near the airport and attractions.

Mill Park:

• Lemon Tree Lane: Luxurious, secure guesthouse known for personal service and tranquil gardens.
• King George’s Guest House: Boutique hotel offering secure, comfortable stays near the CBD.
• 50 College Drive Bed and Breakfast: Charming, secure B&B in a quiet Mill Park area, celebrated for its hospitality.

So, what places to avoid in South Africa?

In conclusion, understanding the places to avoid in South Africa is crucial for anyone planning to visit or reside in this vibrant but complex country. A lot of people ask – is South Africa a dangerous place to live? While South Africa is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems, certain areas pose significant safety risks. But by staying informed about high-risk neighborhoods, adhering to safety precautions, and opting for accommodations in safer areas, visitors can navigate South Africa more confidently.