CAPE TOWN SAFETY GUIDE

Chances are if you're visiting Cape Town you'll have some concerns about your personal safety in our beautiful city. This is not surprising as the crime statistics in the Mother City are well publicized and South African in general is not viewed as the one of the safest travel destinations in the world. However, many countries have a crime problem - ask any seasoned traveler.

By following a few simple guidelines you can enjoy your Cape Town holiday without any unpleasant incidences. Bloomberg take the safety of each guest seriously and apart from ensuring that every Cape Town accommodation establishment on our books is safe and secure, we offer the following basic safety advice for all visitors to the city.

At Home

Day and night, park your car in the secure parking which is available on all our holiday accommodation properties. Once you are indoors always lock the main access doors to your Cape Town villa or apartment, especially if you are relaxing in other outdoor parts of the property such as at the pool or braai area outside.

Make use of any alarm systems in place where applicable.

Ensure you have all the emergency numbers saved to your speed dial.

Out and About

The presence of numerous security guards and surveillance cameras around the central business district mean that safety is being taken seriously by the city.

However, as you would have to be wary of pick pockets and snatch and grab thieves in any major city from London to New York, don't take chances while browsing the delights of the centre of Cape Town.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash on hand.

Don't flash cell phones, cameras and cash around, especially in quieter side streets outside of the busier times of day.

Preferably do not encourage begging among street children who are often used to divert tourist's attention while others steal personal belongings un-noticed. If you wish to help, carry a bag of fruit or healthy snacks with you and hand these out to children who seem genuinely hungry.

Drive Time

Always lock your car doors and keep your eyes on anyone loitering at traffic lights as smash and grab incidents are more common at these intersections, Do not leave bags, cell phones or other valuables lying on the seats in plain view.

If you book your Cape Town car rental through a reputable company such as the ones recommended by Bloomberg you will be able to rest in the knowledge that the vehicle is reliable and in mint condition. This means less chance of a breakdown on a lonely stretch of road. Always ensure you have sufficient fuel for your day's driving and the number of the AA with you for roadside emergencies or flat tyres.

At night park in well lit areas where there are genuine security guards on duty. If possible park in secure undercover parking.

Up the Mountain

Table Mountain and the other mountain ranges in the region beckon one and all to come explore and play on their foothills, while the brave head for the steeper rocky regions for some climbing and scrambling. But the weather can change quickly and night falls fast when you're lost.

Don't be lulled into a false sense of security because the mountain is in the middle of the city.

Always take:

• A cell phone with fully charged battery and the number of the rescue service on your speed dial
• Extra food and water in case you're out longer than you anticipated
• A map or clear directions for your hike (available from the Cape Town School of Mountaineering)
• Hiking buddies (in other words don't hike alone)
• Warm clothing in case of an unexpected night on the mountain
• A torch