Many backpackers and travellers arriving in South Africa with budgetary constraints, are concerned about the horror stories that play themselves out in the media regarding the crime situation in Johannesburg. As a result, this question of
ten arises on travel forums: is it safe to stay in hostels in Johannesburg?
There is unfortunately no straightforward yes / no answer to this question – the truth is: it depends. The level of safety depends on various factors including the neighborhood where the hostel is located, the amount of security that the hostel itself has (including security personnel, access control etc). and the nature of the people who happen to be staying in the hostel at the same time as you.
Staying in hostels anywhere in the world has its risks, as there are unfortunately travelers who are less then honest. However, fortunately, most backpackers are like-minded people who are in search of adventure and not looking to take advantage of their fellow travelers.
The best way to guard against safety risks at hostels include the following:
- Book at a hostel which is established, has a good reputation online, and has positive reviews on a credible site like Trip Advisor
- Before booking, communicate with the hostel and ask some questions about their location, safety, etc. Get a sense of the hostel from the responses that you receive.
- Ensure that the hostel has safes or lock-away facilities for your bags while you are out.
- Do a Google search for the name of the suburb that the hostel is located in, together with the words “crime” and “safety” so see if there are any news stories online regarding incidents in the area.
- Lastly, keep your wits about you during your trip!
Being on holiday often makes us feel care-free, causing us to forget that there is no city in the world that is completely crime-free. Hopefully these tips will help you to plan your holiday carefully and avoid any unfortunate incidents getting in the way of your adventure!
