Is Randburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Safety should be your number 1 priority in planning travels to an unfamiliar location.

Unknown territories can have dangers that are not covered in a tourist brochure.

Located approximately 11 miles northwest of the center of Johannesburg, Randburg was founded as a separate town in 1959.

As the municipality grew, it was transitioned into the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.

Several residential subdivisions and businesses are located in Randburg, along with schools, colleges, and parks.

Conveniently located at airports and major roads, this city is considered more affluent than much of Johannesburg.

Warnings & Dangers in Randburg

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Over the past decade, the crime rate in Randburg has increased from medium to high. Paralleled to downtown Johannesburg, walking the streets at night is unsafe. Shopping malls and other public places are considered somewhat safe. However, personal items should always be guarded tightly.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Trip advisors say traveling in and around Randburg can be unsafe. However, you can enjoy a safe trip when using a reputable, accredited taxi service. The only problem with choosing this mode of transportation is having to pre-pay and pre-book in advance. Using a taxi that is not recognized and accredited is not recommended. Minibusses or black taxis can be dangerous and unpredictable. Because there are safe options, the rating for this category deserves a medium-risk grade.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpockets can be found anywhere you travel. Randburg, South Africa, is no different, but pickpockets are low on the criminal activity list. This could be due to visitors being more aware of their foreign surroundings or the type of funds they carry. Opting for insured credit cards or a small currency may not be worth the risk to pickpockets. Tourists should always be guarded by using waist packs or inside pockets.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Since Randburg lies inland, there is very little chance of hurricanes and Tsunamis. But plenty of other natural disasters occur in South Africa. Out of 100 worldwide disasters, only 20 occur in the Randburg area. The most common types are drought, floods, and brush fires. Epidemics are an indirect casualty of certain conditions, such as malaria, that are carried by mosquitoes. Otherwise, Randburg has a low rating for the risk of natural disasters.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Muggings in Randburg are categorized as high-risk. According to 2023 statistics, there is a 78% chance that you could be mugged or robbed in this area. This is above the overall rate of 77% of the generalized continent. Walking alone on densely populated streets should be avoided. Public spaces are relatively safe, but having a companion is a good idea.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

International terrorism is a threat to all parts of the world. South Africa has precautions, but the government can only do so much. While there have been no recent attacks, the UK Counterterrorism Policing has issued warnings concerning future terrorist plans and activity. For now, the risk of terrorism in Randburg is low.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Tourists are easy targets for scams in Randburg and Johannesburg. According to Trip Advisor's website, many visitors have been forced off of the road by locals in an attempt to lead them to a garage. Tourists reported that they stood their ground and refused to follow. Several residents of Randburg applauded their common sense and hoped their stay was otherwise pleasant. Trip Advisor recommends that you should never pull over unless it is a police vehicle and to be cautious around tourist spots where scammers can be waiting and watching. This risk factor rates a medium alert.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Johannesburg/Randburg is rated # 85 for the safety of solo female travelers on international travel. Public transportation and being out alone at night are not recommended. Find a competent taxi service to use exclusively and always try to travel with friends. Harassment in public places can also occur during the day but is usually non-violent. Be on alert and resilient to strangers. We give this category a medium-grade safety rating.

TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM

The Blue Drop Report, the government's assessment of South Africa's drinking water, provides a good standing for tap water for Johannesburg and the surrounding cities. The rural areas are not so lucky. Cholera is found in less populated areas, and bottled water should always be used. However, to be on the safe side, bottled water is recommended in all South African communities. This risk factor can be rated from low to medium in safety.

Safest Places to Visit in Randburg

Soaking in wildlife and nature is a must in South Africa.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a short distance from Randburg and offers full-day safaris.

You can feel safe under the watchful eye of a guide while sharing a vehicle with other tourists.

The city of Randburg offers museums and wonderful restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Senhore José is one example of a reputable eating establishment in Randburg.

Cuisines are Portuguese and European and are served all day and evening.

Located in a popular shopping mall, crime is low.

Any activity located in Randpark Ridge is considered safe for visitors.

It is an upscale community that prides itself on safety and cleanliness.

The Randpark Ridge Shopping Center is family-friendly, with many stores and restaurants.

Crime is low in this area.

Places to Avoid in Randburg

While Delta Park is a beautiful, relaxing tourist sight, crime has become common.

Joggers, dog walkers, and bikers have all reported various acts of robberies.

There is security stationed, but not enough to deter such activity.

Current Level 3 lockdown restrictions have been used recently to keep tourists away from this scenic park.

Hillbrow and other low-income suburbs should be avoided due to the high crime rate.

Hotels should also be reviewed before booking.

The Amakoekoe Guest House has been reported as having armed robberies.

This can be very upsetting for foreign tourists.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Randburg

So... How Safe Is Randburg Really?

Randburg is located in the Gauteng province of South Africa, only a 30-minute drive to Johannesburg.

While once a municipality, it has since expanded to part of Johannesburg with 32 suburbs.

The small-town feel has quickly grown into a bustling extension of a large city.

While residential life is rated as affluent compared to neighboring towns and Johannesburg, crime has invaded Randburg because of the fast growth.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Victims of Crime Survey (VICS) monitor the types of crimes in specific areas.

This gives them an overview of where the most protection is needed.

Since 2014/2015, the percentage of crime in all areas of South Africa has increased.

Murder and rape are relatively rare incidents in most areas, which points to violent crime as a low impact on citizens and tourists.

However, robberies, muggings, and scams continue to increase due to politics or lack of money in many areas.

According to Randburg SUN, the following crimes have had an increase from 2015 to 2023:

• A common assault was up 7.6%
• Common robbery increased by 8.9%
• Robbery with aggravating circumstances increased by 5.1%
• Cash-in-transit robberies increased by 20.8%
• Burglaries at non-residential premises increased by 12.
• Shoplifting increased by 20.3
• Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition increased by 13.6

How Does Randburg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

A visa to enter the continent of South Africa from the United States for pleasure is $59.00. If you want to register your trip with the Embassy of the United States in South Africa, add $30.00.

Currency

ZAR is the national currency of South Africa. Carrying a planned amount in ZAR for dining and lodging is recommended. This currency cannot be changed back into US currency, so prepare your trip accordingly. Many shops accept a US credit card for payment. Before flying out, the most cost-effective way to obtain foreign currency is at your bank or credit union. The exchange rate for $100 US dollars is $1828.86 in ZAR.

Weather

May to August is the best season for visiting the plateau region of South Africa. The temperature ranges from 60 to 80 degrees F during those winter months. From October through March, it can be uncomfortably warm with threats of thunderstorms.

Airports

Direct and indirect flights can take you to Johannesburg daily. South African Airways offers direct flights from New York City and Washington DC in the United States. Delta Air Lines flies out of Atlanta, GA, also. For an indirect flight, London and Amsterdam are the most popular layovers. Plan to spend 15 hours in the air and pay around $1500 for a 1-round trip ticket. The main international airport in Johannesburg is O.R. Tambo. Lanseria International and Rand Airport are other local choices.

Travel Insurance

It is never a bad idea to buy travel insurance when flying internationally. Medical care or evacuation are important reasons to have insurance in place. Non-refundable flights and loss of baggage or important papers can make a trip a disaster. Being covered with insurance can make you feel much more at ease. While the average insurance cost to fly internationally is around $270, the average claim is $2200.

Randburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

South Africa - Safety by City