Driving at night in Johannesburg carries significant risks due to high crime rates (carjacking, robbery, smash-and-grabs), poorly lit roads, and potential criminal tactics like spiking or fake police stops; it is generally advised to avoid driving at night if possible, stick to main highways, keep doors locked/windows up, keep valuables hidden, and be extremely vigilant at intersections, especially using rideshare services or arranging transport to hotels is safer.
Driving in South Africa is reasonably safe, but has its challenges. From wildlife and roadside crime to poor rural roads, here's everything you need to know. Roads in South Africa are well maintained and easy to navigate, and for the most part travelers who hire a car to explore the country say it's a piece of cake.
Driving at night requires heightened awareness and extra precautions due to South Africa's unique high crime rate. Stay informed of the latest hijacking hotspots and criminal tactics so you can reduce your risk. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when driving.
Driving in South Africa is generally safe and enjoyable, and it is easy see the major highlights in a 2 or 3 week driving holiday.
The Most dangerous suburbs in Johannesburg – No Go Areas
If you are not a local and are not familiar with Johannesburg you should avoid the Johannesburg CBD areas such as Hillbrow, Joubert Park and Berea as it is highly likely that you will get mugged.
Travel Safely
When you are walking around Joburg, stick to the rule: “Stash it, don't flash it!” So, keep cameras and phones packed away and avoid wearing a lot of noticeable jewellery. Walking at night is not advised, but if you need to, go with a group, never alone.
Economic slowdown remains the primary concern in South Africa, with 78% of respondents having suffered a loss as a result. South Africa's growth has remained subdued in recent years and is only expected to reach around 1% in 2025.
White rule in South Africa is a system of colonial settler domination, established and maintained by force.
The Toyota Hilux remains the most stolen vehicle in South Africa, driven by high demand for parts, strong resale value, and organised cross-border smuggling networks. The VW Polo Vivo and Ford Ranger also feature prominently, reflecting long-standing theft patterns across the country.
Yes, Johannesburg is relatively safe for tourists. Like any other major city, Joburg has its dangerous areas.
The most important rule of the road in South Africa is to keep your vehicle as close to the left hand side of the road as possible. Don't exceed the speed limit. A safe following distance is when you are able to bring your car to a halt without swerving to avoid the car in front of you if it suddenly stops.
Temu entered the South African market in 2024, two years after its debut in the US. It now operates in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Open a window enough to ventilate
Breathing all night in a vehicle will fog up windows and collect moisture where you don't want it. Ventilation is key. Open your sunroof or a window just wide enough so that an animal or person can't get in.
The safest suburbs in Johannesburg—Sandton, Rosebank, Melville, Greenside, and Parktown North—offer secure environments through community vigilance, private security, and strategic location advantages.
Avoid Night Driving
Refrain from driving after dark if possible. If you must, use well-lit busy roads and be extra cautious at intersections. Watch for pedestrians, animals, or obstacles on unlit roads.
Keep valuables such as cameras, jewellery and smartphones out of sight and beware the wallet inspector: criminals posing as Tourist Police (these don't exist) may ask to examine the contents of your bags – don't let them. Ensure you visit townships with an organised group during daylight hours and avoid isolated spots.
Gauteng's top hijacking hotspots of 2025 include Ivory Park, Mamelodi East, Akasia, Jabulani, Moroka, Olievenhoutbosch, Pretoria West, Sandringham, Vosloorus and Tembisa.
And in first place the most unsafe car in South Africa is the Volkswagen Polo with around 16. 7% of all crashes being fatal. This is the most involved single model according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
According to MoneyToday, the 10 most commonly targeted vehicles in South Africa include the following:
Neutral colours
These colours help you blend into the natural surroundings and avoid unwanted attention from wildlife. Whatever you do, avoid bright colours, including white, as well as dark colours like black, purple and navy blue, which can attract insects in certain regions.
What is CSA's quota rule? Cricket South Africa (CSA) enforces specific player selection guidelines to promote diversity in domestic and international cricket. For domestic competitions, teams are required to include at least six players of colour in their playing XI, with a minimum of three black African players.
However, although estimates vary wildly, some believe that hundreds of thousands of white people may have now fallen below the poverty line and many of those live in camps such as Coronation Park.
Avoid areas where protests, demonstrations or marches are taking place, especially in city centres and townships. Do not cross protester roadblocks. This could provoke a violent reaction. Monitor local and social media for updates, including local radio.
South Africa
The country has suffered a high rate of violent crime, a primary stated reason for emigration. Other causes cited in the Newsweek report include attacks against white farmers, concern about being harmed by affirmative action programs, political instability, and worries about corruption.
Stats SA has published the latest cause of death data for South Africa, showing that diabetes and heart disease are the biggest killers in the country. The data, which reflects the reported and assessed causes of death for 2022, represents the tail-end of the Covid-19 pandemic.