Health & Safety in Cape Town

Cape Town is a relatively safe city although, like any city, it has its fair share of crime. Take the usual precautions: keep the bling down to a minimum, know where you are going and stay away from dodgy areas. (If it looks dodgy it probably is - although you might miss out on an exciting evening you'll also get to enjoy another day checking out Cape Town with all your belongings).

Safety is in numbers, so travel in groups if possible, and for the rest, allow your common sense to lead your way in exploring the city and its surrounds without any fear.

Cape Town's tap water is among the best in the world and totally safe to drink, so there's no need to waste money on bottled water - there's other bottled stuff that's more deserving of your rands.

Be careful on the roads. Cape Town's drivers have a poor reputation, and unfortunately it's richly deserved. The above-mentioned minibus taxi drivers are not known for their good road manners or driving skills. Drinking and driving is also a problem so even if you're self-driving, drive carefully. This doesn't mean stay off the roads, just be careful out there.

Hiking on our beautiful mountains is an experience all should enjoy, but there have been muggings on Table Mountain. Security patrols have been set up, but you're safest hiking in a small group. Be prepared for all weather conditions, know where you're going and tell someone else what your plans are.

Street kids and homeless people are a sad fact of any capitalist society, but they can be annoying, particularly when you're on holiday. It's perfectly okay not to give them anything - there are night shelters for the homeless, and they often chose not too use them. Do buy the Big Issue if you want to help, as this provides an income for previously homeless people and it's a good read.

The self-appointed and ubiquitous car attendants or car guards provide a service of sorts, but don't be intimidated into paying them if you don't want too. If you feel happier that someone is watching your car while you are out and about, then a couple of rands will be appreciated.

Those guys on the street corners shouting 'Malawi', 'Swazi', 'Transkei' and so forth, are not travel agents and are best avoided.

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