Safest Countries in Africa for Travellers: Top 10 Destinations.
According to the most recent Global Peace Index (GPI) research and travel safety recommendations, these are the top 10 safest African countries to visit at the moment.
In addition to travel advisories issued by the US Department of State, the UK Government, and the Government of Canada, this list of the ten safest African nations to visit also includes recommendations from travel safety experts.
For more specialized, up-to-date information, it is best to speak with a professional travel agency before deciding where and when to take a holiday in Africa. Contact us if you would like assistance from one of our qualified Africa travel specialists.
Africa’s Safest Travel Destinations Compared to Other GPI Countries
Before we go on to the list of the safest African countries, let’s compare the GPI rankings of some globally recognized countries (for more information on the GPI, see What Is the Global Peace Index?)
Australia is ranked #16, Germany is ranked #17 (with Croatia), Canada is ranked #10, and the Netherlands is ranked #21. The UK comes in at number thirty-three. Travel warnings are a factor in our list of the safest African countries because the United States of America is ranked #122 and South Africa is ranked #123.
Iceland (ranked #1), New Zealand (ranked #2), and Denmark (ranked #3) are the world’s three most peaceful nations. According to the 2021 Global Peace Index, Afghanistan (ranked #163), Yemen (ranked 162), and Syria (ranked 161) are the three least peaceful nations.
Traveling is never risk-free since there isn’t a place on earth where there are no risks. Petty crime is common and there are warnings regarding crime against tourists even in New Zealand’s remote locations. Because of this, you need always be on the lookout and take precautions, even in the safest countries in the world.
Africa’s Safest Countries to Visit Now
1. The island of Mauritius
Mauritius, which is placed #28 on the 2021 Global Peace Index, is the safest destination in Africa. In fact, this peaceful African country is ranked higher than the UK (33), Italy (32), and Spain (31). (33). Traveling to this breathtakingly beautiful island in the Indian Ocean is completely safe.
The stunning island of Mauritius is not a place for an African safari or an affordable African vacation, hence All In Africa Safaris does not offer any tours there. Nonetheless, the island is home to a wide variety of birds and animals, such as Mauritian kestrels, whales, dolphins, and giant tortoises.
Safety of Travel in General
In general, Mauritius is a very low-risk travel destination with a comparatively low crime rate. The Canadian government only recommends “standard security procedures.” However, due to the possibility of small crime in well-known tourist destinations including Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac, the UK government advises visitors to “take care of luggage and valuables in those locations.”
Travel Safety with COVID-19
Mauritius is open to visitors. Arrival-related Covid-19 safety requirements are among the safety protocols in place. It is advised to go to Mauritius with extra caution due to COVID-19, just like when traveling to any other country.
2. Ghana
Ghana, which ranks #38 on the Global Peace Index, is the second-most tranquil country in Africa and among the safest places to visit. Ghana, sometimes known as “Africa for beginners,” is recommended for first-time visitors to Africa because of its exceptional safety and friendliness. People from Ghana are known for being amiable, helpful, relaxed, and living in “African time.”
Safety of Travel in General
West African nation Ghana is tranquil and has a low crime rate, especially for this part of Africa. According to the UK government, 90,000 British nationals visit Ghana each year, and despite the country’s persistently high crime rate, “most visits are trouble-free.”
The US Department of State warns tourists about areas where crime may be more likely. It is recommended that travelers “exercise greater vigilance in parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions owing to civil instability” and “exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular, the northern border.”
Travel Safety with COVID-19
According to the Canadian government, the global travel advisory connected to COVID-19 has been revoked, and Ghana is now available for travel. It is advised that visitors visiting Ghana use extra vigilance because to COVID-19.
3. Botswana
Botswana is the third-safest country in Africa to visit, according to the 2021 Global Peace Index Report. Out of the 23 indicators in the survey, Botswana is ranked number forty-one. According to Travel Nomads, Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa.
The winner of the award for the safest African safari destination is Botswana.
In addition to being the safest safari destination in Africa, Botswana is one of the most rewarding safari destinations. It is not the most affordable country in Africa for a safari, but it is also not the most expensive. There are plenty of fantastic, reasonably priced Botswana safaris to choose from, with over 170 of them offered by African Budget Safaris alone.
Safety of Travel in General
When the Canadian government advises taking common security measures, like it does for Botswana, you may be sure the place is at least moderately safe.
Botswana is “perhaps the safest country in the entire of Africa,” according to travel safety experts (Travel Safe – Abroad). While attacks on tourists are rare, the UK government is less optimistic and warns that petty and serious crime is increasing in urban areas like Gaborone and Francistown.
Travel Safety with COVID-19
Travel restrictions have been lifted, and tourists can finally enter Botswana. Covid-19 travel advisories are no longer in effect for Botswana. There are restrictions on access and safety measures in place in Botswana.
4. The Gambia
The fourth most peaceful country in Africa is The Gambia, which comes in at number 53 on the Global Peace Index. The Gambia is a safe place to visit. Travelers usually have no issue navigating the smallest country in Africa, The Gambia.
Safety of Travel in General
The Gambia is generally a safe place to visit. The UK Government claims that while most tourists have trouble-free experiences in this African country, “independent travelers are at heightened risk due to the absence of local support in an emergency.” Because of the possibility of landmines, the U.S. Travelers are advised by the Department of State to exercise extra caution when in “the southern border area of The Gambia next to Senegal’s Casamance region.”
It is important to keep in mind that while homosexuality is illegal in The Gambia, the country does not support LGBTQ tourists.
Travel Safety with COVID-19
Travel to The Gambia is allowed. There are some commercial aircraft operating, and the land borders with Senegal are open. Part of the Covid-19 safety procedures are the entry requirements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) findings indicate that the U.S. Due to the high prevalence of COVID-19 in the country, the Department of State has issued a Prevalence 3 (Reconsider Travel) recommendation for The Gambia.
5. Tanzania
Tanzania is ranked #58 on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the top ten safest destinations in Africa in 2022. It is also one of Africa’s most popular safari locations and has a flourishing tourism industry.
According to travel advice and the 2021 Global Peace Index, Tanzania is the safest country in East Africa to go on safari.
Safety of Travel in General
There are no special challenges with traveling alone in Tanzania, according to Lonely Planet, and “[w]hile solo travelers may be a slight curiosity in rural regions, especially solo women travelers,” Tanzania is said to be a safe country overall.
According to Travel Safe Abroad, Tanzania is a relatively safe place to visit, while caution is urged, particularly in well-known tourist locations like Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam. Finally, “the chances are you will have no unfavorable experiences or events” when traveling to Tanzania.
Over 75,000 British nationals visit Tanzania annually, and most of these journeys are trouble-free, according to the UK government. With a few exceptions, the Canadian government currently advises tourists to avoid non-essential travel to the Kinshasa border crossing with Burundi, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They do, however, warn of an increase in crime and advise travelers to “take appropriate precautions to safeguard yourself and your goods’”.
Like Zambia, you can visit Tanzania’s best safari destinations without having to go anywhere close to these hazardous areas. Popular safari destinations in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, include the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Commercial plane travel has resumed, and service to Tanzania is now allowed. According to the Canadian government, Tanzania is no longer on a global travel warning, and the country has implemented Covid-19 entry requirements. The UK government advises visitors visiting Tanzania to “keep taking sensible precautions and preventive measures to limit the risk of infection.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of our clients traveled to Tanzania, and they all reported having a positive experience. Tanzania is therefore a safe destination for an African safari, according to our knowledge and experience. For more information about traveling to Tanzania in 2022 and beyond, speak with one of our travel experts.
6. Malawi
Malawi, along with Moldova, is placed #59 on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the friendliest and safest nations in Africa to visit. Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” because to the friendliness and kindness of its people.
Malawi is ranked as the second-safest country in Southern Africa for safari travel.
Safety in general
Malawi is generally a safe destination to visit. Petty street crime, however, is an issue, especially in Lilongwe and other urban regions (like most cities across the earth).
“Most visitors to Malawi have trouble-free trips, but you should use common sense to safeguard yourself from pickpockets and bag snatchers,” advises the UK government. The majority of tourist thefts take place at the main bus stops in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Avoid quiet areas after dark in particular. The Canadian government recommends exercising great vigilance due to crime. The neighborhood of Mulanje has a high crime rate.
Travel Safety with COVID-19
Malawi is now inaccessible for travel, despite the fact that certain visitors are allowed entry. The US Department of State now assesses Malawi as Level 3 (reconsider travel) because to COVID-19. Nonetheless, this advice is recommended for several countries, including Italy, which is likewise on Level 3 (Reconsider travel) because of COVID-19.
7. Namibia
Namibia is among the safest and most peaceful nations in Africa, ranking #65 on the 2021 Global Peace Index. Namibia is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa and one of the least populous countries in the world.
Namibia’s travel and tourist industry is well-established, and the country’s infrastructure is typically sound. Single female travelers say Namibia is among the safest countries in Africa to travel alone. Preventing thirst and desert animals is more important in this arid country in southern Africa than overall crime.
Safety in general
Namibia has some crime, despite the fact that traveling throughout Africa is largely secure. However, crime is a significant issue in Windhoek, with the majority of the problem being non-violent petty crime.
Travel Safety with COVID-19
Tourists can travel to Namibia. At Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, planes are currently taking off and landing. There are a number of legislation and restrictions pertaining to COVID-19 travel in Namibia. COVID-19 has caused the U.S. The Department of State advises travelers to be extremely cautious.
8. Swaziland, or eSwatini
Formerly known as Swaziland, eSwatini is the smallest and safest country in Africa, ranking #69. South Africa and Mozambique share a border with this mountainous landlocked country in Southern Africa.
“Generally speaking, a safe place to travel… Indeed, Swazi culture places a strong emphasis on friendliness, and most visitors report having a pleasant and laid-back time there,” according to Bradt Guides 2021, the Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland.
Safety in general
Traveling in eSwatini is mostly safe, notwithstanding the occasional civil unrest. The UK government currently advises tourists to “…avoid marches, protests, and other similar gatherings.” Keep an eye out for signs of unrest. This is a result of ongoing demonstrations in support of democracy. As of November 2021, the Canadian government is advising extreme caution in eSwatini due to societal unrest.
Despite being one of the safest countries in the region, eSwatini is prone to pickpocketing and stealing, particularly in the capital city of Mbabane and the cities of Manzini.
Travel Safety with COVID-19
A curfew and other travel restrictions are currently in place in eSwatini (November 2021) because to the Covid-19 pandemic. For further information, get in touch with us.
9. Madagascar
The island of Madagascar comes up at number 70 on the 2021 Global Peace Index. This unique, relatively undeveloped island is one of the most unexplored travel locations. Madagascar’s high biodiversity and vast uncharted territories make it the ideal destination for adventurous tourists and environment lovers.
Although traveling to Madagascar is typically safe, you should exercise caution and follow any travel warnings. For example, avoid taking a stroll in Antananarivo after dark. Because Madagascar is not the most politically stable nation and because robberies and thefts are becoming more common in both urban and rural regions, visitors should exercise caution. Despite its high level of security, it is not as safe as its GPI grade would suggest.
Using a trustworthy tour operator or certified guide is the best way to see Madagascar (for free assistance, ask our travel advisors). According to The Broke Backpacker, many people would suggest that you only take a scheduled tour company or hire a guide to show you about the island.
Safety of Travel in General
The UK government claims that most journeys to Madagascar are trouble-free. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises tourists to “travel with established organizations or tour companies who know the area and have the capacity to warn of potential perils and local customs.” The U.S. and Canadian governments. Due to criminal activity, the State Department advises visitors to stay away from Batterie Beach (north of Tuléar) and exercise particular caution.
Travel Safety with COVID-19
Countries on their green list can send visitors to Madagascar. Flights to Madagascar’s Nosy Be Island were restored in October 2021, and the country’s borders are slowly opening up. Contact us for the most up-to-date information on Madagascar’s COVID-19 travel restrictions.
10. Zambia
Zambia is among the safest destinations in Africa, ranking #71 on the Global Peace Index. It is also one of the best destinations for an African safari.
Despite its ranking on the GPI, Zambia is a safer place to visit.
Its decrease in the GPI rankings is primarily due to border disputes with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the north, whereas the majority of its tourist attractions are located in the south. Zambia, the 39th largest country in the world, is located distant from safari destinations and other tourist attractions, covering an area of 752,614 km2 (290,586 sq mi).
Top Safari Locations: Kafue National Park (central Zambia), South Luangwa National Park (southeast Zambia, close to Malawi), and Victoria Falls & Livingstone (southernmost Zambia).
Safety of Travel in General
The UK government claims that most travel to Zambia is trouble-free. The U.S. advises travelers to “take conventional precautions in Zambia.” Zambia is ranked as a Level 1 nation with the lowest security risk by the Department of State. The Canadian government recommends following conventional security protocols and being extremely vigilant in some border zones.
Travel Safety with COVID-19
As of November 2021, the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) no longer “advises against all but essential travel to Zambia, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 threats.”
