High Commission of South Africa in Nairobi, Kenya; address 182 Runda Drive, Runda, Nairobi; phone +254709127000. Head of mission: H.E. Mr. Mninwa Johanness…
Head of mission: H.E. Mr. Mninwa Johanness Mahlangu, High Commissioner (as of 2025)
South Africa is an appealing destination for some segments of Kenya's population, showcasing remarkable diversity and a rich cultural experience. Despite recent fluctuations in tourism, the country demonstrates resilience and potential for attracting visitors.
South Africa's safety for tourists, including those from Kenya, can be assessed through various indices. According to the Global Peace Index, South Africa is ranked 125th out of 160 countries, while Kenya is slightly better at 120th. In terms of crime statistics, the murder rate in South Africa is significantly higher at 41.9 per 100,000 people compared to Kenya's 5.3. Female murder rates also reflect this disparity, with South Africa at 9.5 and Kenya at 2.6. The Global Organized Crime Index shows that both countries have similar scores for mafia groups (7.0) and crime networks (7.0). However, South Africa has lower scores in areas like human trafficking (4.5) and flora crime (3.5), indicating some relative strengths in these areas compared to Kenya. Overall, while South Africa presents some safety challenges, particularly regarding violent crime, it is comparable to Kenya in many respects. Tourists should remain cautious and informed while traveling in either country.