Holiday Travel Made Safer: Cape Town’s New Safety Guidelines for Tourists

Published on December 11, 2025

As the festive season approaches and visitor numbers surge, Cape Town Tourism has unveiled updated safety guidelines aimed at ensuring secure and smooth journeys for motorists navigating the city and its surrounding areas. With thousands of visitors expected to flock to Cape Town’s vibrant streets and scenic routes, these recommendations are designed to help tourists and residents alike avoid potential risks and ensure a safe, enjoyable travel experience.

Following the festive period’s high traffic volume, which sees an influx of local and international tourists, Cape Town Tourism is emphasizing the importance of heightened situational awareness, especially in areas with a history of sporadic incidents. The latest safety measures, which focus on high-risk intersections and arterial routes, have been implemented in response to feedback from residents and visitors, aiming to reduce financial risks, improve traffic management, and enhance the overall safety of the city’s road network.

Key Routes and Travel Recommendations for Tourists

Cape Town offers a wealth of attractions, from the stunning Table Mountain and V&A Waterfront to the historic Robben Island. The city’s road network is crucial for accessing these iconic destinations. To ensure that visitors can make the most of their stay, Cape Town Tourism has recommended specific routes to avoid high-risk areas while still providing access to the city’s major attractions.

For travelers heading to False Bay and the Southern Suburbs, the M5 and N2 are the most reliable routes. These roads lead directly to popular destinations such as Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town, and Muizenberg, known for their beaches and seafood restaurants. For those heading to the Northern Suburbs, the N1 is the main route, with connections to the R300 and N2 leading to destinations like Burgundy Estate and Goodwood. The N2 also serves as a primary route to Somerset West, Strand, and Gordon’s Bay, offering scenic coastal views along the way.

These routes are considered the safest and most efficient, providing tourists with reliable access to Cape Town’s major attractions while minimizing exposure to areas flagged as higher-risk zones.

High-Risk Areas: Extra Caution Required

Despite these recommendations, certain areas along the N2 corridor require heightened caution. Tourists are advised to remain vigilant, particularly near off-ramps such as Borcherds Quarry Road, R300 (in both the Bellville and Mitchells Plain directions), Airport Approach Road, Oliver Tambo Drive, and Mew Way. These locations have experienced sporadic incidents in the past, prompting the authorities to urge increased awareness when traveling through these segments.

Additional intersections flagged for extra caution include Jakes Gerwel Drive & Jakkalsvlei Avenue (Bonteheuwel/Vanguard Estate), 35th Street & Bishop Lavis Drive (Bishop Lavis), Stellenbosch Arterial Road & Adam Tas Road (Saxonsea/Kuils River Industrial), and M10 & Stellenbosch Arterial Road near Belhar Cemetery. These areas have seen isolated incidents previously, and motorists are encouraged to exercise caution when passing through.

Cape Town Tourism stresses the importance of maintaining a safe following distance, keeping windows closed, and locking doors, especially in high-risk intersections and when in slow-moving traffic.

Practical Safety Tips for Travelers

To further enhance safety on the roads, Cape Town Tourism has shared several practical tips for motorists during the holiday season. Travelers are encouraged to store valuables such as mobile phones, handbags, wallets, and laptops out of sight. Ideally, these items should be placed in the boot or under the seat to minimize the risk of opportunistic crime.

Maintaining a safe following distance and remaining alert while driving are also essential safety practices. By staying aware of one’s surroundings—especially when approaching intersections, traffic lights, or congested areas—motorists can avoid potential incidents. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the road conditions and any detours or traffic disruptions that may occur, especially around popular tourist attractions.

Local taxi services and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are also recommended for those unfamiliar with the area or who prefer not to drive themselves. These services provide a safe and convenient alternative for navigating the city, with drivers who are familiar with the local roads and traffic patterns.

Enhancing Visitor Experience Through Partnerships

To support the safety of visitors, Cape Town Tourism has partnered with local organizations like the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), which offers additional security and assistance to tourists in key areas of the city. The Visitor Support Programme, a collaborative effort between local authorities and tourism businesses, also provides tourists with real-time support, information on road conditions, and emergency assistance.

These initiatives ensure that visitors have access to the information and resources they need for a safe and enjoyable stay. By working with both public and private stakeholders, Cape Town Tourism is fostering a culture of safety and care, making the city a more secure and welcoming destination for travelers.

Conclusion: A Safe and Enjoyable Experience in Cape Town

As Cape Town prepares for another busy holiday season, the updated safety guidelines are designed to ensure that tourists can explore the city’s attractions with confidence. By following the recommended routes, staying vigilant in high-risk areas, and making use of local services, visitors can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. The festive season offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Cape Town’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and world-class attractions, and with the right precautions, tourists can enjoy the city’s offerings safely and responsibly.