Safest Countries Africa – Unveiling Africa’s Most Secure Countries
Olaoluwa Akinade
Safest Countries Africa
Below are the safest countries Africa. we believe the following nations to be relatively safe to go to, with a few restrictions.
As millions of other visitors do each year, you should enjoy a trouble-free trip if you heed travel tips and stay away from particular places and actions.
10. Zambia
Zambia, which is ranked #71 on the Global Peace Index, is one of the safest countries in the world and the safest countries in Africa .It is also among the top places to go on an African safari.
Visitation to Zambia is safer than its ranking on the GPI might imply.
That’s because the majority of its tourism 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 the safari spots and other tourist attractions.
Top safari locations include South Luangwa National Park (in southeast Zambia, close to Malawi), Kafue National Park, and Victoria Falls & Livingstone (in southernmost Zambia) (central Zambia).
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 nation with the lowest security risk.
In some border regions, the Canadian government advises taking standard security procedures and exercising extreme vigilance.
9. Madagascar
One of the most undiscovered destinations is this distinctive, mainly underdeveloped island of Madagascar.
For intrepid visitors and environment enthusiasts, Madagascar is the perfect location because of its high biodiversity and wide unexplored areas.
Visits to Madagascar are generally safe which ranks the country as one of the safest countries in the world and the safest countries in Africa, but you should be cautious and heed travel advisories.
For instance, don’t go for a stroll 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 regions.
Although it is quite secure, it is not as safe as its GPI score may imply.
The ideal way to travel to Madagascar is with a reputable tour operator or licensed guide (get free advice from our travel advisors).
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 reveals.
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 firms 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.
8. eSwatini (Swaziland)
Africa’s smallest and safest nation is eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland. It is a mountainous landlocked nation in Southern Africa that Mozambique and South Africa share a border with.
The former Kingdom of Swaziland, now known as the Kingdom of eSwatini, is “… generally a secure nation to travel through…
In fact, Swazi culture places a high value on hospitality, and the typical tourist finds the country to be quite welcoming (Bradt Guides 2021).
TRAVEL SAFETY
Despite occasional civil instability, eSwatini is typically a secure place to go. Travelers are presently advised by the UK government to “…avoid protests, rallies, or marches.
Watch out for any indications of unrest. This is because there are presently protests in favor of democracy. Due to social upheaval, the Canadian government is now advocating extreme caution in eSwatini.
Even though eSwatini is among the safest nations in the area, theft and pickpocketing are common, especially in the cities of Manzini and the capital, Mbabane.
Also Read: Top Most Corrupt Countries in the World and in Africa
7. Namibia
Namibia is one of the safest countries in the world and part of the safest countries in Africa. It is one of the least populous nations in the world, but also one of the most politically stable nations in Africa.
The infrastructure of Namibia is typically solid, and the travel and tourist 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 thirst and desert animals is of greater concern than general crime.
TRAVEL SAFETY
Even though it is generally safe to travel across Africa, there is some crime in the country. Nevertheless, crime is a major problem in Windhoek, with non-violent petty crime making up the majority of the issue.
6. Malawi
Malawi, one of the safest countries in the world and part of the safest countries in Africa to visit, shares position #59 on the Global Peace Index with Moldova.
Because of the warmth and friendliness of the Malawian people, Malawi is referred to as the “Warm Heart of Africa.”
On the list of the most secure nations in Southern Africa to go on safari, Malawi comes in second.
Malawi, one of Africa’s safest nations
TRAVEL SAFETY
Most of the time, Malawi is a secure place to go. However, there is an issue with petty street crime, particularly in Lilongwe and other metropolitan areas (like other cities on the earth).
Although “[m]ost journeys to Malawi are trouble-free, you should take prudent steps to protect yourself against muggers and bag-snatchers,” recommends the UK Government.
Around the major bus stops in Lilongwe and Blantyre is where the majority of robberies from tourists occur. Stay away from calm regions after dark, especially.
Due of criminality, the Canadian government advises using extreme care. The Mulanje neighborhood is a high-crime region.
5. Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the safest countries world and part of the safest countries Africa 2022, ranking #58 on the Global Peace Index. It also boasts a thriving tourist business and is among the top safari destinations in all of Africa.
According to Global Peace Index and traveler recommendations, Tanzania is the most secure country in East Africa to go on safari.
TRAVEL SAFETY
Tanzania is reportedly a safe nation overall, and “while solo travelers may be a slight curiosity in rural regions, especially solo women travelers, there are no specific 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 encounters or events,”
According to the UK government, over 75,000 British citizens go to Tanzania each year, and the majority of these trips are trouble-free.
However, they do caution of an increase in crime and encourage tourists to “take appropriate steps to safeguard yourself and your goods.”
With a few exceptions, the Canadian government now 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 danger spots, similar to Zambia. Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are popular safari locations in northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border.
ALSO READ: Tourist Safety in Tanzania: A Comprehensive Guide
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.
TRAVEL SAFETY
It is typically safe to go to The Gambia. Most visitors to this African nation had trouble-free experiences, according to the UK Government, “but solo travelers are at heightened risk due to the absence of local help in an emergency.”
Due to the probable 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.
3. Botswana
According to the Global Peace Index Report, 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 one of the safest countries in the world and part of the safest countries in Africa by Travel Nomads.
The best place in Africa for a traditional African safari is Botswana.
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 expensive 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.
ALSO READ: Explore Botswana: The Ultimate Travel Guide
TRAVEL SAFETY
You can tell a place is relatively 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 “probably the safest country in the entire of Africa.”
Although tourists are rarely attacked, the UK Government is less upbeat and issues a warning that petty and serious crime is on the rise in urban areas like Gaborone and Francistown.
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.
Sometimes nicknamed ‘Africa for beginners’ Ghana is recommended for first-time tourists to Africa since it is unusually friendly and safe. Ghanaians are renowned for being kind, helpful, laid-back, and living on “African time.”
TRAVEL SAFETY
Ghana, a country in West Africa, has a stable government and a low crime rate (especially for this area 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.”
Also Read: Biggest Countries in the World Area Vs Biggest Countries in Africa by Land Area
1. Mauritius
The safest place to travel in Africa is Mauritius, which is ranked #28 on the Global Peace Index.
This tranquil African nation actually rates higher than Spain (31), Italy (32), and the United Kingdom (33). (33). It is quite safe to travel to this jaw-droppingly gorgeous island in the Indian Ocean.
Mauritius is the safest nation in Africa to visit.
The island have a diverse bird and animal population, including giant tortoises, whales, dolphins, and Mauritian kestrels.
ALSO READ: Mauritius: One of The Best Investment Opportunity Destination in Africa
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 such Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac” because of the risk of petty crime in those locations.
What is the Global Peace Index?
An globally renowned assessment, the Global Peace Index (GPI), is released yearly by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
It is a benchmark research that assesses the state of world peace in 163 nations. Therefore, 99.7% of the world’s population is covered by the report (according to World Population Review).
The research ranks countries on the index according to 23 peace parameters. These markers are divided into three major categories: 1) Persistent Conflict, 2) Social Safety, 3) Security and Militarization, and 4) Societal Safety. In June 2021, the most recent GPI report was made public.
Also Read: What’s a safari and what is a wildlife safari in Africa like nowadays?
3 Safest Countries Africa to visit (based on travel advisories, not on the Global Peace Index)
1. Rwanda
Even though it only comes in at number 83 on the Global Peace Index, Rwanda has long been regarded as one of the safest countries world and part of the safest countries in Africa
Additionally, according to the GPI survey, “Rwanda has the highest percentage of people worldwide who feel safer today than they did five years ago, at 67 percent.”
According to the UK Government’s recommendation, “Rwanda is usually secure and crime levels are low.” Additionally, it is urged to use more caution near the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi borders.
2. Morocco
Although it is frequently regarded as one of the safest countries in the world and part of the safest countries in Africa to go to, Morocco is ranked #79 on the GPI.
It is politically stable and has a solid track record for travel safety. Most visitors experience trouble-free trips.
Although there is some little crime, because the tourism sector is well-established, very few visitors encounter severe crime.
According to the UK government, the majority of the over 700 000 UK citizens who go to Morocco each year have trouble-free experiences.
Due to the threat of terrorism, the Canadian Government advises against all travel to the Western Sahara’s border regions and urges extreme caution in Morocco, as it did with France.
Please be aware that Morocco is one of several African nations that are unsafe for LGBTQIA+ travelers.
3. Seychelles
Seychelles is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world and part of the safest countries Africa to visit and is regarded as a very safe travel destination. As a popular travel destination, Seychelles also has a thriving tourism sector.
The Canadian Government’s advice to observe standard security precautions is a positive sign for tourists who want to visit the Seychelles.
Most visits to Seychelles are trouble-free, according to the UK Government, and the FCDO of the UK “no longer advises against all but essential travel to Seychelles.
Also Read: The 7 Wonders of the World Ancient
Other safe countries in Africa to travel
In addition to these three safest African nations, we believe the following nations to be relatively safe to go to, with a few restrictions.
As millions of other visitors do each year, you should enjoy a trouble-free trip if you heed travel tips and stay away from particular places and actions.
Uganda
Ethiopia
Lesotho
Kenya
South Africa
Top Global Peace Index Countries Not Included in Our List of the 10 Safest Countries Africa
1. Senegal
Senegal is not among the safest places to go in Africa, despite being #54 on the GPI for 2021. It has high rates of violent and small-time criminality.
Due to the severity of the crime, the Canadian government urges extreme caution when traveling to Senegal.
The U.S. Department of State lists Senegal as Level 1 (Exercise normal precautions), with greater caution being urged for the Casamance region owing to criminality and landmines.
The UK Government, however, claims that the majority of trips are trouble-free. However, Travel Safe – Abroad claims Apart from the violence that is occurring in Senegal’s Casamance region, which is why it is advisable to avoid it, there are many reasons to be extra watchful on the country’s streets because petty theft and violent crime are major problems there.
2. Sierra Leone
Since it poses a “medium-security risk” to travelers, the GPI’s number-46 country in Africa has been taken off the list of the continent’s safest nations to visit.
Due to crime, Sierra Leone is not considered one of the safest nations in Africa to visit, despite its position of #46 on the Global Peace Index for 2021. (robbery and assault).
3. Equatorial Guinea
Due to travel advisory concerns, #62 has also been withdrawn. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK government warns against traveling to Equatorial Guinea unless absolutely necessary.
Additionally, because to COVID-19, the US Department of State recommends tourists to rethink their plans to visit Equatorial Guinea.
Travel Safe – Abroad warns that Equatorial Guinea is “a country with extremely high crime rates, corruption, and diseases” and that “the rates of petty crime are among the worst you can expect when traveling, so this is definitely a country where you shouldn’t let your guard down.”
The Canadian Government advises travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution in Equatorial Guinea due to crime.”
Other African nations ranking among the top 120 nations in the world for peace
Guinea (92), Gabon (93), Liberia (76), Morocco (79), Angola (80), Rwanda (83), Benin (96), Tunisia (98), and Guinea-Bissau (99).
Lesotho comes in at #112, Uganda at #114, Kenya at #116, and Mozambique at #103.
Related posts:
Olaoluwa Akinade
