Johannesburg Health and Safety

Crime is a big problem in Jo'burg, but it is important to put things in perspective: remember that most travellers come and go without incident and that much of the crime afflicts suburbs you would have little reason to stray into. The secret to success is simple: seek local advice, listen to it and remain aware of what's going on around you.

A couple of important things to remember are that you are really very unlikely to become the victim of a violent crime - even criminals understand that assault and murder attract far more attention from the authorities than robbery alone - and that you are most vulnerable when using an ATM.

Few tourists run into serious trouble in Johannesburg (Jo'burg) and despite the odd horror story, you really don't want to spend your time here hiding away in a hotel room - there's just too much fun to be had. That said, the city's crime statistics do make uncomfortable reading and so it is well worth taking a little extra care when you are out and about.

If your hostel/hotel transport does not arrive at the airport, bus station or train station when expected, catch a legitimate taxi to your intended destination. This small investment may save the contents of your backpack and money belt. Don't be added to the statistics of many independent travellers who lose the lot in their first moments in the city. Never walk out of Park Station with luggage unless you're getting straight into a car.

Store your valuables in the hostel/hotel safe and when you head off to explore the city, try not to dress too conspicuously, take only what money you think you will need and keep maps and swinging cameras to an absolute minimum - you want to blend in, not stand out.

The northern suburbs and the cultural precinct in Newtown are generally safe to walk around, but be very careful about venturing into sections of the inner city without getting local advice first. The central business district teems with people during the day, but becomes empty, and dangerous, after sundown. The inner city suburbs of Hillbrow - with the exception of Constitution Hill - and Yeoville are now de facto no-go zones at any time of day.

Have a healthy respect for your circumstances but don't be overly paranoid - most of the people you meet are genuine and not trying to rip you off. If you are mugged, which is unlikely, and a knife or gun appears, give them all they want. A smile often goes a long way to ameliorate the situation.

If you are driving make sure the car doors are locked; when you're at stop lights leave a car's length between you and the vehicle in front so you can drive away if necessary - running a red light is not illegal if you're in reasonable fear of assault. When you park your car, take all available security precautions. The Jo'burg-Pretoria Metro train is targeted by muggers, so don't go to Pretoria this way.