Safe Travels Playbook

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Safe Travels Playbook
Get In Touch
Safe Travels Playbook
Get In Touch

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:

Couple Morning Jog on Lions Head
Dedicated safety teams
provide on-the-ground support, enhancing visibility, assisting visitors, and helping to maintain a safe and welcoming tourism environment.
Regional spread
encourages travel across all six Western Cape regions, boosting local economies and easing pressure on high-demand areas.
Accredited tour operators and registered guides
by partnering with compliant and trained professionals, we help maintain service excellence, strengthen visitor confidence, and support responsible tourism practices.
Well-maintained public spaces and tourist routes
enhance the visitor experience by ensuring safe, accessible, and attractive environments across the destination.
Real-time information platforms
keep visitors informed with immediate updates on travel routes, weather, safety notices, and key tourism services.
Strong community involvement
create welcoming, authentic experiences while supporting local stewardship of tourism spaces.

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

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
  • 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

01 always stay aware of your surroundings
02 keep valuables secured and out of sight
03 use accredited guides and transport providers
04 stay on marked hiking trails
05 avoid walking alone at night
06 swim only at lifeguarded beaches
07 check weather conditions before outdoor activities
08 share your travel plans with a trusted person
09 keep emergency numbers saved on your phone
10 ask locals or your accommodation provider for up to date safety advice

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.

Table Mountain 2

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