Travel tips and inside info

The Question Everyone Asks

Is it safe to travel by yourself in South Africa in 2025? That question always arises even before booking a flight. Yet, for many Dutch people, self-drive travel is high on their bucket lists. A safari in Kruger National Park, the breathtaking Panorama Route, the winelands near Cape Town, and the famous Garden Route – the diversity of this country is unparalleled.

As Dutch people who have lived in Hoedspruit for six years now, in the heart of the wildlife area adjacent to Kruger National Park, we understand this question perfectly. We, too, had doubts before moving to South Africa. But with our experience—both from daily life here and from countless self-drive tours, including an epic 4×4 overland journey from Hoedspruit to Bennekom in the Netherlands—we can tell you firsthand:

Is it safe to travel by yourself in South Africa in 2025? Yes, provided you are well prepared and make the right choices.

In this comprehensive blog post, we share everything you need to know, especially for travelers considering a self-drive tour.

1. How safe is South Africa in general?

Let’s be honest: South Africa has a reputation as an unsafe country. Reports of crime often make the news and can give a distorted picture.

The reality:

Tourist areas such as Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the Western Cape Winelands are generally safe to visit.

Violent incidents usually occur in townships and on the outskirts of major cities. They are usually conflicts between people and are not aimed at tourists.

Most people who travel around South Africa experience it as hospitable, friendly, and impressive.

Personal experience:
We have been living in Hoedspruit for six years now, the wildlife capital of South Africa, in the heart of the bush. Every day we drive ourselves, welcome guests at The Baobab Bush Lodge, go shopping, and go on safari. Safety is part of our daily lives – and that’s precisely why we know that a tour is very manageable, as long as you follow the right advice.

2. Self-driving in South Africa: is it safe?

Lots of people opt for a self-drive tour. And that’s fantastic, because driving in South Africa is an experience in itself.

What to expect:

• Good roads: The main roads (N-roads) or toll roads are modern and well maintained.
• Driving on the left: It takes some getting used to, but after an hour it feels natural. Except for confusing the turn signals with the windshield wipers.
• Light traffic: Outside the cities, driving is wonderfully peaceful.
• Wildlife and people on the road: In the bush, you might just encounter a giraffe, zebra, or elephant – unforgettable! However, be careful of people walking along the road in the dark. There are usually no streetlights.

Safety tips for on the road:

• Don’t drive at night – roads are unlit, and crossing wildlife, unexpected cars without lights, or unexpected potholes make driving risky.
• Don’t rent the smallest car – a slightly taller car or SUV usually has larger wheels, which are less likely to be damaged by an unexpected pothole. It’s also helpful to have a slightly higher seat in places like Kruger, for example, to have better visibility through tall grass.
• Stay within the speed limit – not only to avoid fines, but also to avoid sudden animal crossings. Just stay behind any trucks you encounter. You’re on vacation, after all, but never drive between two trucks.

• Drive defensively and pay particular attention to taxis and trucks driving back and forth to the mines. You’ll recognize them immediately with their characteristic dump trucks. Stay away from them as much as possible and don’t be surprised by oncoming traffic merging too late. Many South Africans have poor judgment, and there are no guardrails, so if something goes wrong, it’s really wrong.
• N- or toll roads are a safer alternative to the R roads. In South Africa, you can buy safety, and you don’t have to worry about paying a few rand for it.
• Refuel on time – distances are long in the bush, but never more than about 350km between fuel stations.
• Use Google Maps or Maps.me, but do so offline by downloading the maps first, as cell phone coverage is poor or nonexistent in many areas.
• Avoid hitchhikers – you can be friendly without taking anyone along.
• Take 5 liters of water with you – it really isn’t a luxury in case you ever get stuck in the hot sun.

Our experience:
We drove thousands of kilometers across South Africa, from Kruger to Cape Town. We also took adventurous 4×4 trips to Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia. We never felt unsafe—quite free and independent. Just listen to your gut. If you feel unsafe somewhere, just find a place that feels safe.

3. Crime: What do you really need to know?

Yes, crime does exist in South Africa. But just like in major Dutch cities, common sense and preparation will get you a long way.

What should you pay attention to?

• Cities: In most major cities, you should avoid certain neighborhoods. Stay in tourist areas.
• In Johannesburg, you should avoid the neighborhoods of Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville, Alexandra, and the old town (Central Business District – CBD). It’s also best to visit Soweto only with a guide.
• In Cape Town, it’s best to avoid townships like Khayelitsha, Langa, Nyanga, Gugulethu, and Mitchell’s Plain, but robberies also occur on Table Mountain and the Waterfront.
• In Durban, it’s best to avoid districts like Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville, and Alexandra, where robberies are frequent, especially related to drug trafficking.
• Theft from cars: Never leave valuables visible in your car.
• Pickpockets: In crowded areas like markets or the Waterfront, the same applies as in Amsterdam or Rome. Wear jewelry, watches, mobile phones, and cameras out of sight, or better yet, leave them at home.
• Withdrawing money from an ATM: you can pay by card almost everywhere. If you do need to withdraw cash, do so at an official bank and never allow yourself to be distracted or helped.

Practical tips:

✔️ Park preferably in guarded parking lots. The parking attendants keep a close eye on your car and are very happy to receive a tip afterward.
✔️ Always lock your car (even at traffic lights) and check that all doors are locked.
✔️ Use an RFID-blocking card holder or, even better, simply use the Wallet app on your phone.
✔️ Always ask for local advice – lodges and hotels will tell you where to go and where not to go.

Important:
Tourists are rarely targets of violence. By taking common-sense precautions, you can make your trip safe and relaxing.

4. Health and environmental safety

Safety is not just about crime, but also about health and nature.

Malaria

• Malaria occurs in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga (near Kruger National Park).
• Always consult your local health service (GGD) for medication advice, as only they know your medical history.
• Wear long clothing in the evening and use a good DEET product.
• Stay overnight only in well-built accommodations with air conditioning, or use a mosquito net.

Animals in the wild

• On safari: Stay in your car unless a guide tells you to. Rules are becoming stricter due to incidents. For example, in National Parks like Kruger, windows are often not officially allowed to be opened. And you can get a fine if your arm hangs outside the window.
• In the bush: Hiking is safe, but be alert – snakes and scorpions usually avoid people, but they are present. Be extra careful in accommodations with, for example, thatched roofs or so-called luxury tents. It seems so romantic, but you often share your accommodation with mice, snakes, or scorpions that live in the roof.

Medical care

• South Africa has excellent private hospitals and doctors. In the event of an incident, ensure you have transportation to such a private hospital. Choose a location where you can reach a private hospital within an hour or be repatriated by plane. What many accommodations deep in the bush don’t tell you is that after an unexpected snakebite, you don’t have much time (often 1 to 3 hours) to receive antivenom. This isn’t meant to scare you, but it’s simply the reality of the bush.
• Make sure you have good travel insurance with medical coverage abroad.

5. Is South Africa suitable for families?

Many Dutch people wonder if a self-drive is safe with children. The answer is: absolutely!

• Children thoroughly enjoy the animals, the space, and the diversity.
• Lodges like The Baobab Bush Lodge are small-scale and child-friendly.
• With your own rental car you can travel flexibly and adapt your route to the family.

6. Safety at The Baobab Bush Lodge

As owners of The Baobab Bush Lodge, we welcome many guests every year. Safety is always central to the experience.

What we offer:

• Small-scale lodge with personalized attention.
• Secure estate and secure parking.
• Personal advice on routes, safety, and excursions.
• Giraffes, zebras, and other animals come right up to the pool – a unique, yet safe experience.

Our guests experience peace, nature and relaxation – far away from hustle and bustle and worries.

7. Personal experience: from Hoedspruit to Bennekom

Perhaps the best example of how safe traveling in Africa can be is our own experience. We made a 4×4 overland trip from Hoedspruit all the way back to Bennekom in the Netherlands.

• 36,000 kilometers
• 30 countries
• 190 days on the road through remote areas

We camped in the wild, drove through challenging landscapes, and crossed borders that were both unknown and exciting. And guess what? We were welcomed warmly everywhere. Of course, we were alert, but we never felt unsafe.

This adventure confirmed once again that traveling through Africa—and especially South Africa—is a safe and unforgettable experience with the right preparation.

8. Conclusion: Is South Africa safe to travel by yourself?

Yes, South Africa is safe to travel to independently, provided you:

• Follow logical safety rules
• Choose the right routes
• Be well prepared for your trip

For Dutch people who dream of a safari and a tour through this beautiful country, a self-drive is the way to truly experience South Africa.

With the freedom of a rental car, the hospitality of the locals, and the expertise of experienced travelers like us, your trip will be not only safe – but also unforgettable.

9. Practical tips at a glance

• Book your accommodations in advance and directly with the accommodation provider. Hosts are a source of valuable information that only locals can provide.
• Drive only during the day
• Fill up on time
• Don’t leave valuables in the car
• Use common sense in cities
• Follow medical advice for malaria

10. Why choose The Baobab Bush Lodge?

• Experienced support – Edwin & Kirsten have lived in South Africa for 6 years
• Small-scale lodge right next to Kruger National Park
• Customized advice on tours including flights, rental car, and lodge accommodations
• Safety, comfort, and a personalized experience guaranteedd

Want a safe and worry-free self-drive tour through South Africa?
👉 Discover our tailor-made tours and get advice from people who experience daily life here.