Safest Countries in Africa for Travellers: Top 10 Destinations

These are the top 10 Safest Countries to Visit in Africa right now based on the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) report and travel safety advisories.

The US Department of State, the UK Government, and the Government of Canada have all issued travel advisories, and there is also advice from experts in travel safety included in this list of the 10 safest countries in Africa to visit.

Before determining where and when to vacation in Africa, it is preferable to consult a professional travel agent for more specialized, current information. For help from one of our professional Africa travel experts, get in touch with us.

Safest Countries to Visit in Africa vs Other Countries on the GPI

Here are some internationally renowned nations’ GPI rankings for comparison before we get into the list of the safest African nations (for more information on the GPI, see What Is the Global Peace Index?)

Canada ranks #10, Australia #16, Germany #17 (with Croatia), and the Netherlands #21. The United Kingdom is at #33. The United States of America ranks #122, followed by South Africa at #123 (hence travel advisories factor into our list of safest African countries).

The three most peaceful countries in the world are Iceland (#1), New Zealand (#2), and Denmark (#3). The three least peaceful countries on the 2021 Global Peace Index are Syria (#161), Yemen (#162), and Afghanistan (#163).

There is no destination on earth that is fully risk-free, thus traveling is never without risk. Even in rural areas of New Zealand, there are warnings about crime directed at tourists and petty crime is a typical occurrence. As a result, even in the safest nations in the world, you should always remain vigilant and exercise common sense measures.

Safest Countries to Visit in Africa Right Now

1. Mauritius

The safest place to travel in Africa is Mauritius, which is ranked #28 on the 2021 Global Peace Index. This tranquil African nation actually ranks higher than Spain (31), Italy (32), and the United Kingdom (33). (33). It is very safe to travel to this jaw-droppingly gorgeous island in the Indian Ocean.

Safest Countries to Visit in Africa, Mauritius

We at Kabira Safaris & Tours Africa do not offer any tours to the picturesque island of Mauritius because it is not a destination for a budget African vacation or an African safari. The island does, however, have a diverse bird and animal population, including giant tortoises, whales, dolphins, and Mauritian kestrels.

General Travel Safety

Mauritius has a relatively low crime rate and is generally a very low-risk tourism destination. Only “standard security procedures” are advised, according to the Canadian government. However, the UK Government encourages tourists to “take care of luggage and valuables in famous tourist spots including Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac” because of the risk of petty crime in those locations.

COVID Travel Safety

Travelers are welcome to Mauritius. There are safety procedures in place, including arrival-related Covid-19 safety regulations. As with visiting any foreign country, visiting Mauritius because of Covid-19 is urged to be done with increased caution.

2. Ghana

Ghana is the second-most peaceful nation in Africa and one of the safest to travel to, ranking #38 on the Global Peace Index. Ghana also referred to as “Africa for beginners,” is advised for first-time travelers to Africa due to its excellent friendliness and safety. Ghanaians are renowned for being friendly, helpful, laid-back, and living in “African time.”

Ghana, Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

General Travel Safety

Ghana, a country in West Africa, is peaceful and has a low crime rate (particularly for this region of Africa). The UK government estimates that 90 000 British citizens travel to Ghana annually, noting that “most visits are trouble-free” despite Ghana’s continued high crime rate.

The US Department of State alerts visitors to places where there may be a higher risk of crime. Travelers are advised to “exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular, the northern border” and to “exercise greater vigilance in parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions owing to civil instability.”

COVID Travel Safety

Ghana is open for travel, and the Covid-19-related global travel advisory has been lifted (according to the Canadian Government). Due to COVID-19, it is recommended that travelers in Ghana exercise additional caution.

3. Botswana

According to the Global Peace Index Report for 2021, Botswana is the third-most secure nation in Africa to go to. Botswana is ranked #41 in the study’s 23 indicators. Botswana is ranked among the safest nations in Africa by Travel Nomads.

Botswana wins the prize as the safest country in Africa for a classical African safari.

Botswana, Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

Affordable Botswana Safari Tours

Botswana is one of the most rewarding safari destinations and is also rated as the safest safari destination in all of Africa. Although it is not the cheapest, it is also not the most costly country in Africa for a safari. With over 170 Botswana safaris available on African Budget Safaris alone, there are many wonderful, affordable Botswana safaris to select from.

General Travel Safety

You can tell a place is somewhat safe when the Canadian government recommends taking standard security precautions, as it does for Botswana.

According to travel safety experts (Travel Safe – Abroad), Botswana is “perhaps the safest country in the entire of Africa.” Although visitors are rarely attacked, the UK Government is less upbeat and issues a warning that petty and severe crime is on the rise in urban places like Gaborone and Francistown.

COVID Travel Safety

With the removal of travel restrictions, Botswana is now open to visitors. There are no longer any Covid-19 worldwide travel warnings for Botswana. In Botswana, entry requirements and safety precautions are in place.

4. The Gambia

The Gambia, which ranks 53rd on the Global Peace Index, is the fourth most peaceful nation in Africa. Visits to The Gambia are secure there. The Gambia, the smallest country in Africa, is generally trouble-free for travelers to navigate.

The Gambia, Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

General Travel Safety

It is typically safe to travel to The Gambia. Most visitors to this African nation have trouble-free experiences, according to the UK Government, “but independent travelers are at heightened risk due to the absence of local support in an emergency.” Due to the potential existence of landmines, the U.S. Department of State advises tourists to proceed with heightened caution in “the southern border area of The Gambia next to Senegal’s Casamance region.”

It is vital to remember that The Gambia does not support LGBTQ travelers because homosexuality is against the law there.

COVID Travel Safety

Travel is permitted in The Gambia. The land borders with Senegal are open, and there are a few commercial planes in operation. Entry criteria are part of the Covid-19 safety protocols. Based on the results of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of State has a Prevalence 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisory in place for The Gambia because to the high level of Covid-19 in the nation.

5. Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the ten safest places to travel in Africa in 2022, ranking #58 on the Global Peace Index. It also boasts a thriving tourism business and is among the top safari destinations in all of Africa.

Tanzania is the safest country to go on safari in East Africa, based on the 2021 Global Peace Index and travel advice.

Tanzania, Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

General Travel Safety

Tanzania is reportedly a safe country overall, and “[w]hile solo travelers may be a slight curiosity in rural regions, especially solo women travelers, there are no particular difficulties with traveling alone in Tanzania,” according to Lonely Planet. Tanzania is generally safe to travel, although care is advised, especially in popular tourist destinations like Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam, according to Travel Safe Abroad. In conclusion, when visiting Tanzania, “chances are you will have no unfavorable experiences or events,”

According to the UK government, over 75,000 British citizens travel to Tanzania each year, and the majority of these trips are trouble-free. However, they do caution of an increase in crime and advise travelers to “take appropriate precautions to safeguard yourself and your goods.” 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.

You may comfortably visit to the top Tanzanian safari locations without venturing anywhere near these dangerous spots, similar to Zambia. Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are popular safari locations in northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border.

Budget Tanzania Safari Tours

Service to Tanzania is now permitted, and commercial air travel has resumed. Tanzania has Covid-19 entry criteria in place, and the Canadian government reports that Tanzania is no longer subject to a global travel warning. Travelers to Tanzania are advised by the UK government to “continue to take prudent precautions and preventive measures to limit the risk of infection.”

Several of our clients visited Tanzania during the Covid-19 outbreak, and everyone said they had a good time. Consequently, based on our knowledge and expertise, Tanzania is a secure location for an African safari. Talk to one of our travel specialists for additional details on visiting Tanzania in 2022 and beyond.

6. Malawi

Malawi, which is one of the friendliest and safest countries in Africa to travel to, is ranked #59 on the Global Peace Index (together with Moldova). Because of the warmth and friendliness of the Malawian people, Malawi is referred to as the “Warm Heart of Africa.”

Malawi takes second place on the list of the safest countries to go on safari in Southern Africa.

Malawi, Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

General Safety

Most of the time, Malawi is a secure place to go. However, there is a problem with petty street crime, particularly in Lilongwe and other urban areas (like most cities across the planet).

The UK Government recommends “The majority of visitors to Malawi have trouble-free trips, but you should use common sense to safeguard yourself from pickpockets and bag snatchers. Around the major bus stops in Lilongwe and Blantyre is where the majority of thefts from tourists occur. Stay away from calm regions after dark, especially.” Due of crime, the Canadian government advises using extreme caution. The Mulanje neighborhood is a high-crime region.

COVID Travel Safety

Although certain travelers are permitted entry, Malawi is currently not accessible for travel. Due to Covid-19, the US Department of State presently rates Malawi as Level 3 (reconsider travel). However, numerous nations, including Italy, which is also on Level 3 (Reconsider travel) due to COVID-19, are advised to follow this guidance.

7. Namibia

At #65 on the 2021 Global Peace Index, Namibia is one of the safest and most tranquil countries in Africa. Namibia, one of the least populated nations in the world, is also one of the most politically stable nations in Africa.

Namibia, Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

The infrastructure of Namibia is generally solid, and the travel and tourism sector is well established. Namibia is one of the safest nations in Africa to visit alone, according to single female tourists. In this dry nation of southern Africa, avoiding dehydration and desert animals is of greater concern than general crime.

General Safety

Even though it is generally safe to travel across Africa, there is some crime in Namibia. Nevertheless, crime is a major problem in Windhoek, with non-violent petty crime making up the majority of the issue.

COVID Travel Safety

Namibia is accessible to tourists. Flights are currently taking off and landing at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport. Namibia does have several laws and restrictions in place for Covid-19 travel. Due to Covid-19, the U.S. Department of State warns tourists to exercise heightened caution.

8. eSwatini (Swaziland)

position #69, Africa’s smallest and safest nation is eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland. It is a mountainous landlocked nation in Southern Africa where Mozambique and South Africa share a border.

Formerly known as Swaziland, the Kingdom of eSwatini is “… 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 ” (Bradt Guides 2021).

Safest Countries to Visit in Africa, eSwatini (Swaziland)

General Safety

Despite occasional civil instability, eSwatini is typically a secure place to travel. Travelers are presently advised by the UK government to “…avoid marches, protests, and other similar gatherings. Stay alert for indicators of unrest”. This is because there are present protests in favor of democracy. Due to social upheaval, the Canadian government is currently (November 2021) advocating extreme caution in eSwatini.

Even though eSwatini is among the safest nations in the region, theft and pickpocketing are common, especially in the cities of Manzini and the capital, Mbabane.

COVID Travel Safety

Due of the Covid-19 epidemic, eSwatini currently (November 2021) has a curfew in effect and additional travel restrictions. Contact us for additional details.

9. Madagascar

Madagascar’s island is ranked #70 on the 2021 Global Peace Index. One of the most undiscovered destinations is this distinctive, largely underdeveloped island. For intrepid visitors and nature enthusiasts, Madagascar is the perfect location because of its high biodiversity and wide unexplored areas.

Madagascar; Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

Visits to Madagascar are generally safe, but you should be cautious and heed travel advisories. For instance, don’t go for a walk in Antananarivo after nightfall. Visitors should take precautions because Madagascar is not the most politically stable country and crime (theft and robbery) is on the rise in both urban and rural areas. Although it is quite secure, it is not as safe as its GPI ranking might imply.

The ideal way to travel to Madagascar is with a reputable tour operator or licensed guide (ask our travel consultants for free advice). Many individuals would advise you to only cruise the island with a scheduled tour company or hire a guide to show you around, The Broke Backpacker confirms.

General Travel Safety

The majority of trips to Madagascar are trouble-free, according to the UK government. Visitors are advised to “travel with established organizations or tour companies who know the area and have the capacity to warn of potential perils and local customs,” according to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The Canadian government and the U.S. State Department advise tourists to avoid Batterie Beach (north of Tuléar) and use extra vigilance because of criminality.

Is Madagascar Safe for Travel in 2021? is a great resource for extensive information on travel safety in Madagascar. (The Broke Traveler)

COVID Travel Safety

Visitor access to Madagascar is available from nations on their green list. In October 2021, flights to Madagascar’s Nosy Be Island resumed, and the country’s borders are gradually beginning to open up. For the most recent details on Madagascar’s Covid-19 travel limitations, get in touch with us.

10. Zambia

Zambia, which is ranked #71 on the Global Peace Index, is one of the safest places to travel in Africa. It is also among the top places to go on an African safari.

Zambia is safer to visit than its position on the GPI suggests.

That’s because the majority of its tourist attractions are in the south, and the border disputes with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the north are mostly to blame for its decline in the GPI rankings. With 752,614 km2 (290,586 sq mi), Zambia is the 39th-largest country in the world and is far from safari spots and other tourist attractions.

Top Safari Destinations: Victoria Falls & Livingstone (southernmost Zambia), South Luangwa National Park (southeast Zambia, near Malawi), and Kafue National Park (central Zambia).

Zambia, Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

General Travel Safety

Most trips to Zambia, according to the UK government, are trouble-free. Travelers are urged to “take conventional precautions in Zambia,” according to the U.S. Department of State, which classifies Zambia as a Level 1 country with the lowest security risk. In some border regions, the Canadian government advises taking standard security procedures and exercising extreme vigilance.

COVID Travel Safety

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government no longer “advises against all but essential travel to Zambia, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 threats” as of November 2021.