Safe Travels in the Western Cape
Travelling through the Western Cape offers unforgettable landscapes, rich culture, world-class adventure, and warm hospitality - and we are committed to ensuring that every visitor experiences it all with confidence and peace of mind. Your wellbeing is one of our top priorities, and across the province, a wide network of partners works continuously to create a secure and welcoming environment for both local and international travellers.
Our Commitment to Traveller Wellbeing
Wesgro, the Western Cape Government, local municipalities, tourism authorities, tourism associations, SANParks, Central City Improvement District and CapeNature and community organisations collaborate closely to maintain high standards of visitor care. This includes focused safety programmes in major tourism hotspots, ongoing investment in infrastructure, and the deployment of trained personnel dedicated to assisting travellers.
Key tourism precincts such as the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Winelands, Garden Route & Klein Karoo, and coastal areas benefit from increased patrols, surveillance, and responsive support teams. Visitor Safety Units and Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) operate in partnership with SAPS and law enforcement to provide visibility, guidance, and rapid assistance when needed.
What Visitors Can Expect
Across the Western Cape, you will find:
Whether you’re exploring Cape Town’s Big 6 attractions, hiking in the Cape Overberg, tasting award-winning wines in the Winelands, discovering the wide-open beauty of the Cape Karoo, or driving the famous Garden Route & Klein Karoo, you can expect thoughtful support and visitor-focused systems designed to enhance your journey.
Downloadable collateral items
Safe Travels white label destination collateral
Door Hangers
Postcards
Bookmarks
General emergency contact details
- Emergencies from Mobile: 112
- Emergencies from Landline: 107
- City Emergency: 021 480 7700
- South African Police Service: 10111
- Medical & Fire: 021 535 1100
- Table Mountain NP Emergencies: 086 110 6417
- Sea and Mountain Rescue: 021 937 0300
- National Sea Rescue Institute: 087 094 9774
- Baboon Monitors: 071 588 6540
- Shark Spotters: 078 174 4244
- Ambulance: 10177
- Western Cape Government: tourismsafety@westerncape.gov.za
- Toll Free from a Telkom Line: 10177 | 022 433 8700
- Disaster Management/Community Safety: 022 495 0229 / 022 495 0231
- Pal Security:
- 083 284 4256
- palspa.gous@gmail.com
- The Ratels/PAL:
- 079 423 3365
- ratelgroup@proton.me
- Central Karoo Disaster Management: 082 925 7953
- Clinic: 023 541 1300/1
- Dr Delene Möller General Practice:
- 062 446 7031
- After hours emergencies: 064 424 9533
- mollerprac@gmail.com
- Dr Leon Lerm at Prince Albert Hospital: 023 541 1730
- Fire and Rescue: 072 907 6140
- Hospital: 023 541 1300/1
- Prins-Kem Pharmacy:
- 082 470 7722 / 023 5411 058/7
- prinskempharmacy@gmail.com
- Prince Albert Police Station:
- 023 541 8000
- princealbertsaps@saps.gov.za
- Snake Capture & Removal:
- 082 821 6984
- athol.loppnow@gmail.com
- Disaster Management:
- 0861 265 263 / 021 888 5847
- HOC@capewinelands.gov.za
- Fire Services:
- 021 888 5822 / 021 887 4446
- waynej@capewinelands.gov.za
- Health Services:
- 023 348 2336
- humphreys@capewinelands.gov.za
- Tourism Services:
- 023 348 2300
- abel@capewinelands.gov.za
- Overberg District Municipality Head Office: 028 425 1157
- Fire & Disaster: 028 425 1690
Municipal Health:
- Cape Agulhas: 028 425 1157
- Overstrand: 028 313 1243
- Theewaterskloof: 028 212 1121
- Swellendam: 028 514 1182
- Any emergency from mobile/landline: 044 805 5071
- Fire, rescue, medical, ambulance, law enforcement: 081 709 5193 (WhatsApp) / 10177
- South African Police Services: 10111
- National Sea Rescue Institute: 10177 / 087 094 9774
- Tourism Safety and Support: 082 972 2507
- Cape Nature (George): 081 835 8032
- Witfontein Plantation: 087 087 4154
- Environmental Health and Practitioners:
- Johan Compion: 0828035161 or e-mail jcompion@grdm.gov.za
- Landline numbers for EHP head office: 044 803 1522 / 044 803 1102
- Crime Stop 08600 10111 or 112 from a mobile telephone
Top 10 Safety Tips
Travelling Responsibly
While the Western Cape continues to strengthen its visitor-safety initiatives, responsible travel remains essential. We encourage visitors to stay aware of their surroundings, safeguard personal belongings, and follow the guidance of accommodation providers, accredited guides, and local tourism offices — especially when exploring our beaches, nature areas, and outdoor attractions.
Choosing verified service providers not only enhances your safety, but also supports sustainable tourism practices that protect our coastlines, natural landscapes, and local communities. By travelling responsibly, you help preserve the environmental and cultural heritage that makes the Western Cape’s beaches and regions so unique.
Your choices contribute to keeping the destination safe, welcoming, and sustainable for generations to come.
Blogs
Explore Safely: Hiking in SANParks’ National Parks
Explore CapeNature Safely: Discover More, Wander Wisely
Explore Cape Town’s CBD Safely: Stroll Smart, Stay Sharp
Experience the Western Cape With Confidence
The Western Cape is ready to welcome you — not only with exceptional attractions and unique experiences, but with a genuine commitment to ensuring you can explore freely and safely. Whether you’re here to relax, adventure, connect, or discover, our province offers the reassurance of a well-supported and traveller-centred environment.
Enjoy your journey through the Western Cape, knowing that your experience matters to us every step of the way.
Is South Africa Safe for Solo Travellers?
It is generally safe to travel alone in South Africa. However, like any other destination, it is important to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings. It is recommended to stay in well-populated areas, avoid walking alone at night, and take taxis or rideshares instead.
Careful planning and knowledge of how to get around are key to making the most out of your visit while staying safe. It is also advisable to inform someone from your accommodation of your plans for added peace of mind. Remember, prioritizing your safety is essential for an enjoyable and worry-free trip to South Africa.
Is South Africa politically stable?
South Africa's government and politics are stable. Having gone through a traumatic past of apartheid, civil and political unrest, and the incredible changes that created the current democratic system of governance under Nelson Mandela, South Africans are incredibly proud of their Rainbow Nation and democratic freedom.
Our hard-fought-for constitution allows South Africans to stand up for their rights when they feel aggrieved. This occasionally surfaces as protests - the majority of which are peaceful demonstrations, but can become disorderly. In either case, tourists are best advised to
Is it Safe to Visit a Township?
If you're planning a holiday in South Africa, you may come across warnings about crime in townships. While some areas do have higher crime rates, guided tours take place safely every day and offer valuable insight into local life and the complexity of South African society.
Visiting a township provides an authentic look at daily life, culture, and community, as well as the history and development of these vibrant areas.
For a safe and meaningful experience, it’s best to join a guided tour with a reputable, accredited operator. These tours are led by people who know the area well — often local guides with deep personal ties to the community — ensuring a responsible, respectful, and enjoyable visit.
Keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Do not carry large sums of money on you
- Do not wear flashy jewellery
- Keep personal belongings such as handbags and backpacks secure at all times
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Stick close to your tour group
