"Ocean’s Horizon is not about being seen.
It is about seeing."
How safe is Cape Town?
A practical guide to safety in Cape Town
Cape Town is consistently ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world. With its dramatic coastline, iconic mountains, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class food and wine, it attracts millions of visitors every year. Still, one question naturally arises when planning a trip:
How safe is Cape Town?
The short answer: Cape Town is relatively safe for tourists - especially if you use common sense and choose the right area to stay. Let’s take a balanced look at what that really means.
The General Safety Situation
South Africa does face crime challenges, and it would be unrealistic to ignore that. However, it is important to understand that crime levels vary significantly depending on the city and the specific area.
Johannesburg, for example, has a considerably higher crime rate and is often perceived as less safe overall.
Cape Town is generally regarded as safer - particularly in the areas frequented by tourists and along the Atlantic Seaboard (including Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point and Bantry Bay) and Cape Peninsula. As in most major cities worldwide, including many European capitals, the main risks for visitors involve petty crime such as pickpocketing or opportunistic theft - especially in busy tourist hotspots.
Tourist Hotspots: Stay alert, not anxious
Popular areas such as the city center, the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, or Camps Bay are well-policed and heavily visited - but they are also places where tourists naturally gather. And wherever tourists gather, opportunistic crime can occur. This is no different from Paris, Barcelona, Rome, or London.
The key is awareness:
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Keep valuables out of sight.
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Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics.
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Do not leave bags unattended.
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Lock your car doors while driving.
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Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar urban areas.
With these simple precautions, most visitors experience Cape Town without any safety issues.
The further you go from the tourist crowds, the more relaxed it gets
Interestingly, many travelers feel most at ease once they leave the busy inner-city areas. The Cape Peninsula, for example, offers a completely different atmosphere: quieter, more residential, surrounded by nature, and far less crowded. Here, you’ll find small coastal villages where life moves at a slower pace and where visitors often feel far more relaxed.
For this reason, we generally recommend choosing accommodation in one of Cape Town’s less tourist-heavy suburbs and exploring the city from there.
Why Scarborough is a safe and peaceful choice
One of the hidden gems on the Cape Peninsula is Scarborough - an idyllic coastal village with long white beaches, nature reserves, and a peaceful community atmosphere. Here, you can:
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Walk along the beach at sunset
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Move around on foot in the evenings
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Enjoy a calm, residential environment away from the urban rush
Scarborough is equipped with community security measures, including surveillance cameras and a 24-hour security response service that reacts immediately to unusual situations. This creates a noticeably relaxed and safe environment.
A secure stay at Ocean’s Horizon
For travelers seeking both privacy and peace of mind, Ocean’s Horizon in Scarborough is the perfect retreat. The villa offers everything you need for a relaxing and indulgent holiday, including three spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a private pool, a garden Hot Tub, and a luxurious whirlpool bathtub.
And the best part: every one of these spaces enjoys uninterrupted, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, from the bedrooms to the living areas, the pool, and the Hot Tub - a panorama that will take your breath away and stay with you forever.
With a modern alarm system, a double garage with electric gate, and direct indoor access from the garage, Ocean’s Horizon allows you to fully unwind in safety, comfort, and absolute serenity, making it the ideal base to explore the Cape Peninsula by day and return to your private, inspiring home in the evening.
Practical safety tips for driving in and around Cape Town
If you plan to explore the region by car (which we highly recommend), here are a few sensible precautions:
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Keep your car doors locked while driving.
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Stay on main highways and numbered national roads for longer journeys.
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Avoid driving through township areas.
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Do not leave visible valuables inside your vehicle.
These are simple, precautionary measures - not reasons for concern.
So, how safe is Cape Town really?
Cape Town is not a “no-risk” destination - but very few major cities in the world are.
For tourists who:
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Choose their accommodation wisely.
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Stay attentive in busy areas.
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Use common sense precautions.
Cape Town is a safe, welcoming, and incredibly rewarding place to visit.
Millions of travelers come here each year and leave with nothing but unforgettable memories - of breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and extraordinary experiences.
By staying in a peaceful area like Scarborough and exploring the city from there, you combine the best of both worlds: spectacular adventure by day - relaxed security by night. And that makes all the difference.
OCEAN'S HORIZON
stunning sea-view villa on the Cape Peninsula
It is the best-kept secret on the Cape Peninsula! Located in the picturesque ecovillage of Scarborough, a quaint hub for local artists, bohemians, and laid-back surfers, the spacious and luxurious beach house leaves nothing to be desired: breathtaking ocean and mountain views from every room, panorama windows, and a sunny veranda with a plunge pool. The list goes on and on…
Imagine ...
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Being surrounded by enticing sunlight in every room of the house
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Spending your days taking in the South African sun on the veranda or in the lush garden
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Feeling the constant breeze of the Atlantic on your skin
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Working on your tan while your friends back home freeze
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Enjoying the taste of summer in the fully equipped kitchen
STEP INSIDE
Your checklist
for an unforgettable and secure getaway
✔ Luxurious sea-view villa
✔ Breathtaking ocean and mountain views
✔ Elegant main bedroom with a king-size bed
✔ Bright main bathroom with a whirlpool tub
✔ Hot tub below with stunning sea views
✔ Spacious veranda with a relaxing plunge pool
✔ Sunny and lush garden
✔ Panorama windows throughout the house
✔ Romantic fireplace
✔ Complete privacy in a secure environment