For your trip to South Africa, do you know that Johannesburg is dangerous and want to know which neighborhoods to avoid?
It's a fact: South Africa has a reputation for being a dangerous country. But what does it really mean for Johannesburg in 2024?
This article takes stock of how dangerous the South African capital will be in 2024.
This is a guide which allows you to identify the areas to avoid in Johannesburg but also the best areas to stay.
Johannesburg dangerous in 2024?
In 2024, South Africa is ranked among the most dangerous countries in the world, as is Mexico, the Brazil or Peru.
Its crime rate is very high, mainly in the most deprived urban areas such as Johannesburg.
The French Government classifies the entirety of South Africa as a heightened vigilance zone by 2024. See on France Diplomacy.
Many other governments (Canada, Switzerland, Grande Bretagne) confirm that South Africa is a dangerous country, particularly Johannesburg.
This is also confirmed by the site. Numbeo.com which classifies for 2024:
- The South Africa 5th most criminal country in the world with a crime index of 75.55;
- Johannesburg also in 5th position of the most crime-ridden cities in the world with a crime index of 80.73.
Johannesburg dangerous for tourists?
Johannesburg is a city that can be dangerous for visitors. As in other major cities in South Africa, tourists traveling to Johannesburg face many risks.
Le French government mentions in 2024:
“We are seeing a sharp increase in thefts and attacks against our compatriots in the Johannesburg region. »
Map of neighborhoods in Johannesburg
To more easily identify the neighborhoods to avoid listed below, here is the map where you can locate them: Google Map
Dangerous areas in Johannesburg
Before giving you the neighborhoods to avoid in the center of Johannesburg, here are the areas known to be the most dangerous in the capital:
- The Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport where there is an upsurge in armed robbery of travelers upon arrival at the airport. It is better to avoid arriving at night and plan to ask your hotel or travel agency to organize the a transfer from the airport.
- Area around the gare routière.
- Soweto which is the most populated township in South Africa (more than 1 million inhabitants) 15 km southwest of Johannesburg. Tourists are recommended to only go there with a tour organized by a travel agency to visit the houses of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu and the Hector Pieterson Museum.
- Alexandra (Alex) and diepsloot two other dangerous townships in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Johannesburg
As a general rule, you should be very careful everywhere in Johannesburg (do not go out at night, travel by taxi, do not go to isolated places, etc.).
According to statistics, here is a non-exhaustive list of the most dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in Johannesburg (in addition to the dangerous areas listed above):
- Hillbrow
- The beer
- Yeoville
- honeydew
- Sunnyside
- Johannesburg-CBD (Central Business District)
- central johannesburg (downtown)
- honeydew
- Ivory Park
To be on the safe side, it is recommended that you check local authorities or your government's recommendations for up-to-date safety information in specific areas before traveling to Johannesburg.
Least dangerous neighborhoods to stay in
Although the areas listed below are considered the least dangerous in Johannesburg, be aware that crime can occur anywhere in the city.
The rich and upscale neighborhoods are mainly located north of central Johannesburg.
The wealthy population lives in closed residential areas, protected by electric fences or barbed wire and monitored by private security companies.
These places are called “gated communities”.
Here are the neighborhoods that real estate agencies rank among the best in Johannesburg and its suburbs:
- Sandton
- Melrose
- Brianston
- Rose Bank
- Mid-edge
- Rivonia
- Morningside
- Parkhurst
- Greenside
- Parktown
- Norwood
- four ways
- Westcliff
Best areas to stay in Johannesburg
Here are some recommendations for hotels to stay in the best areas of Johannesburg.
Westcliff – Wealthy district of Johannesburg
If you don't want to stay in the center and you are looking for a nice neighborhood, a nice view and a beautiful setting, I recommend you stay at Westcliff.
North of the center of Johannesburg right next to the zoo, Westcliff is a neighborhood high on a promontory with a panoramic view of the Johannesburg Zoo. It is the favorite district of celebrities and wealthy families because it is home to the superb Palace Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff.
Sandton – Johannesburg business district
For a business trip, the neighborhood Sandton is a good choice. Beyond banks, offices and corporate headquarters, there is also the Sandton shopping center (295 shops), art galleries and beautiful golf courses. And for the tourist side, let's not forget the Nelson Mandela Square (6 meter bronze monument erected for 10 years of democracy in South Africa).
Melrose – Neighborhood for a tourist stay in Johannesburg
More central than Sandton or Westcliff, the neighborhood Melrose is ideal for a tourist stay in Johannesburg. Indeed, the district is classified among the most dangerous in Johannesburg and it is lively with shops, bars and good restaurants.
Here is a perfect hotel for its location, quality services and excellent value for money: Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch
Johannesburg Sightseeing Tours
I usually organize my excursions myself (see Colombia, Panama ou Pérou). And everything has always gone very well.
However, in a city like Johannesburg, it is more reassuring to take a guided tour.
Indeed, this way you will be supported and therefore less exposed to risks.
Here are ideas for safe excursions from Johannesburg: Guided tour Johannesburg, Pretoria day trip, Safari Park Pilanesberg.
It is a guide summarizing web data from business media, local press and global statistics and rankings. It is a simple synthesis of information that does not involve any judgment or discrimination.