While travel inherently involves some level of risk, there are numerous African countries known for their safety and hospitality. Here are our top recommendations for 10 of the safest places to visit in Africa:
- Tanzania: A Safe Haven for Wildlife Safaris
Tanzania stands out as a premier destination for wildlife safaris in Africa, thanks to its abundant and diverse animal population coupled with a highly professional safari industry. Travelers to Tanzania can generally expect a safe experience, with most visits being free from crime.
As many travellers venture outside urban areas to explore the country’s natural wonders, the risk of crime diminishes significantly. Safaris, in particular, are known for their safety standards, with qualified guides well-versed in handling wildlife encounters.
Safety precautions should still be observed, especially when traveling on the road. Drivers should be cautious of potholes and avoid driving at night to mitigate any potential risks. It’s advisable to ensure that safari guides and operators for activities like hiking Mt Kilimanjaro have established reputations for reliability and safety before making any bookings.
For those planning a wildlife safari, the Dry season, running from June to October, is considered the optimal time for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals congregate around water sources, offering unparalleled opportunities for unforgettable safari experiences.
2. Kenya: A Safe Haven for Safari Adventures
Kenya boasts the most established safari industry in Africa, offering travellers excellent infrastructure and easy access to explore the country’s diverse landscapes. With a thriving tourism sector, Kenya is generally considered safe for the millions of visitors it welcomes each year. While cities like Nairobi may have some crime, most tourists experience no issues, although it’s wise to remain cautious and alert.
Travel advisories are in place for certain areas, particularly along the Somalian border and the northern coast. However, avoiding these regions is straightforward for travellers, allowing them to enjoy the rest of the country’s attractions without concern.
Safety measures in Kenya are similar to those in other urban centers. While on safari, the primary risks are associated with encounters with wildlife, which are easily managed with experienced guides. For those opting to self-drive, it’s advisable to avoid night driving and utilize reputable car hire companies to minimize risks. Beware of potential corruption among traffic police, who may attempt to levy fines unlawfully; requesting documentation for any charges is recommended.
For optimal wildlife viewing, the Dry season from June to October is ideal, coinciding with the renowned wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve from August to October. During this time, visitors can witness one of nature’s most spectacular events against the backdrop of Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes.
3. Botswana
It’s rare for travellers to experience crime in Botswana, in part due to the political stability of the country. Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta – experiences low levels of crime. Safaris are well-managed, and highly experienced guides keep guests safe in potential wildlife encounters.
- Botswana safety: Travelers will usually be heading to wilderness areas with very few people. There is very little corruption, and the tourism industry is well-established.
- When to visit Botswana: Wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park is best during the dry months of May to October. You can witness the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans during the Green season (Wet season) from December to March.
4. Uganda
Uganda is a popular tourism destination and visitors rarely experience crime, especially because most travellers spend little time in the cities where risk levels are highest (as is the case with most places in the world). Experienced rangers, and often security, accompany travellers into the forests to visit the mountain gorillas; most treks are trouble-free.
- Uganda safety: Uganda is largely a safe country for travellers. The usual considerations apply in cities, though during elections or times of protest, it’s wise to seek advice and stay away from the cities.
- When to visit Uganda: The driest periods are June to August and December to February.
5. Namibia
A country of vast deserts, Namibia is popular for epic road trips, stargazing, wild safaris and adrenaline experiences from sky diving to quad biking around the adventure capital Swakopmund. The crime rate is low throughout Namibia, and few travellers experience any issues, which makes it ideal for those seeking safe places to travel in Africa.
- Namibia safety: Namibia benefits from a sparse population and most travellers head to areas well outside the cities. Namibia is free of serious conflict and is politically stable.
- When to visit Namibia: The weather is fairly consistent all year and there’s not as much rain as in other southern African countries. For Etosha National Park wildlife viewing, visit in the dry winter months from July to September.
6. Zambia
Travelers in Zambia rarely experience any problems. As with most cities, there is potential for theft in hubs such as Lusaka and Livingstone, but the vast majority of travelers are unaffected by this and Zambia is considered one of the safest places to visit in Africa.
- Zambia safety: The political situation is relatively stable in Zambia, though you should avoid any protests. On safari, an experienced guide will know how to maximize safety and handle wildlife encounters.
- When to visit Zambia: Wildlife viewing is best from May to October. Visit Victoria Falls from June to August when the water volume is lower, allowing better visibility.
7. Rwanda
Rwanda is arguably the safest country in Africa, which is immediately apparent upon arrival in the relaxed and charming capital Kigali. Though there’s a lot of security around, this doesn’t tend to add tension for travellers; rather, the opposite. Safaris and gorilla trekking tours are well-managed and mostly safe.
- Rwanda safety: In 2022, Rwanda was listed as the sixth-safest country in the world for solo travellers. Rwanda’s response to the genocide of 1994 was an attempt to pull the country together, rather than further dividing it. Today this has the effect of a solid safety record for travelers and Rwandans, with an emphasis on security.
- When to visit Rwanda: June to September is the Dry season and the best time to visit, although you can travel to tropical Rwanda at any time. It is recommended to avoid the wettest months of March and April.
8. Mauritius
One of the safest places to visit in Africa, this island nation is perfect for relaxed holidays where security is of minimal concern. It’s a multicultural country where people live, for the most part, peacefully side by side. Families love Mauritius and the many beach resorts also help nervous travellers to feel safe.
- Mauritius safety: Mauritius is one of Africa’s wealthiest countries, politically stable, and typically very safe for travellers.
- When to visit Mauritius: May to November are the driest and coolest months. December to April is hot and humid, with most rain falling between the cyclone months of January and March.
9. Seychelles
An idyllic cluster of biodiverse islands in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has always been considered a very safe destination for travellers and one of the safest countries in Africa. There is little crime experienced by tourists, especially away from the main islands.
- Seychelles safety: The government is stable, and tourism is an established industry. Most people stay in beach resorts, which vastly decreases the chance of encountering any petty or serious crime. Be wary of riptides when swimming in the sea.
- When to visit the Seychelles: The Seychelles can be visited year-round. May to September is the driest and coolest, and March to May and September to November offer the best diving and snorkelling conditions.
10. Lesotho
This little, mountainous country is landlocked within South Africa. Travellers in Lesotho usually spend most of their time in rural areas where crime is unusual, making this a destination that will appeal to those looking for safe places to travel in Africa.
- Lesotho safety: The relaxed and easy pace of life in Lesotho’s countryside makes it a pleasant place to visit. Crime in these areas is rare. The cities are not as safe, so practice caution when travelling through. It’s best to hike in groups and with a guide – not just for crime reasons, but also in case of injury, bad weather and for navigation.
- When to visit Lesotho: Lesotho can be visited year-round, but the weather is warmer and more pleasant from October to March (the Wet season).
