Safest Countries in Africa: The second largest continent in the world is rarely at the top of most people’s list with countries to visit. The reasons for this often include health concerns such as the risk of being infected with malaria or dengue and the lack of medical institutions to treat any urgent health matters that arise during the trip. Other concerns are higher crime rates, terrorism, and kidnapping.
However, while this might be true for some of the most dangerous African countries such as South Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, and others, this is not the case for other countries in the continent.
There are currently 10 countries in Africa, whose overall rank, based on the Global Peace Index (GPI) score is below 60 and which are considered safe to travel. YPTs resident security advisor Joel Vostok sat down to see which these countries are…
10. Malawi – 1.885 GPI
Malawi is a landlocked country that is situated in the South East of Africa. Following the Network of Organizations for Vulnerable & Orphan Children, it was named the “The Warm Heart of Africa” due to the friendliness of the locals.
Although it is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world, its flora and fauna are incredibly rich. Combined with the warm and friendly locals, it makes Malawi a country well worth seeing.
9. From a Civil War to One of the Safest Countries in Africa: Liberia – 1.877 GPI
Next comes Liberia, a country situated on the West African coast and known for not only being the only Black state in Africa that has not been colonized but also as the oldest republic on the continent.
The official language of Liberia is English. It is a land that was solely established for freed slaves from the United States by the American Colonization Society. Gripped by a horrific civil war in the 1990s and early 2000s, the country has made progress to make it to number 8 on the list of the safest countries in Africa.
8. Namibia – 1.861 GPI
Next on the list of the safest countries in Africa is Namibia, a country situated in southwest Africa, and with an astonishing range of wildlife that includes the largest in the world cheetah population. Currently, it is estimated that there are over 3,500 cheetahs that live on the territory of the country.
However, this is not the only impressive fact about Namibia. The country is also home to the oldest desert in the world – the Namib Desert, it has some of the highest sand dunes and after the Grand Canyon of Yarlung in Tibet, the Fish River Canyon in Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world. Tempting to travel, right?
To enjoy these and more wonders that the so-called “Land of the Brave” has in stock for tourists, one thing’s for certain. Learning the best and most affordable tour packages when traveling to Namibia can help you make the most out of your trip without worry about your safety and security.
For more facts about the country, check out this great article from Discover Africa that looks at ten fascinating facts about Namibia.
7. Tanzania – 1.85 GPI
With a population of over 58.01 million, Tanzania is a country mainly known for its large wilderness areas. It has extremely beautiful nature such as the Serengeti National Park, various beautiful beaches and it is home to the tallest peak on the African continent – Mount Kilimanjaro.
Furthermore, three of Africa’s largest lakes can be found in Tanzania. It is almost impossible to believe that there is so much beauty concentrated in the territory of a single country. At number six on the list, it’s also one of the safest countries in Africa. Making it an ideal travel destination.
6. Senegal – 1.824 GPI
Senegal was up until recently regarded as a country with a high level of internal conflict. However, after a truce in 2019, the country’s overall safety index has significantly improved. The capital city of Senegal, Dakar, is famous for its various lively markets and rich musical culture.
5. Sierra Leone – 1.82 GPI
Sierra Leone, a country situated in West Africa, ranks 5th place on the list of the safest countries in Africa. While it is relatively crime-free, there are occasions where tourists might be robbed especially in urban areas. Based on the foreign travel advice of the British government, it is recommended to avoid walking alone in the late hours, to avoid crowds and to minimize the use of public transport.
This being said, Sierra Leone is known for the good nightlife in the capital Freetown, which is also an important commercial center for the trade of diamonds, platinum, gold, and oil. With the right amount of common sense and being streetwise, it makes an adventurous destination for experienced travelers.
4. Zambia – 1.794 GPI
Zambia is a landlocked country, situated in the south part of Africa. Just like many other African countries, it is home to very diverse wildlife, nature parks, and safari areas. If you book a safari tour, you can see lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalos.
3. Ghana – 1.776 GPI
Ghana, a country in West Africa and classed as the third safest country on the continent is known to be the first sub-Saharan country to be freed from colonial rule.
Overall, the crime rates are very low and most of the incidents that take place are a form of petty or opportunistic crime. However, there are occasions of more violent crime and precautions must be taken in advance before traveling there.
2. Botswana – 1.693 GPI
Next on the list of the safest countries in Africa is Botswana, a landlocked country in the south part of Africa. Nearly 40% of its territory is taken by wildlife areas and nature parks. It is also the home of the largest population of elephants in the world.
Interestingly, based on its GPI, Botswana is, in fact, safer than many European countries, including the United Kingdom!
1. The Safest Countries in Africa: Mauritius – 1.544 GPI
And so, we reach what is considered the safest country in Africa: Mauritius! With an impressive GPI of 1.544, this beautiful little country situated in the Indian Ocean is an island known for its incredible beaches, lagoons, and reefs.
The crime rate in Mauritius is very low and there the only incidents that do happen tend to be petty theft. Thus, it is definitely a safe African country to travel to and definitely worth considering for your next travel plans!
Overall, based on the made observations, contrary to the usual prejudices, Africa does in fact have safe countries where tourists would not fear for their lives. Based on their GPI, some of these countries are even safer to visit than countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, and France!
So, consider these fantastic African destinations when booking this fact when booking your next vacation in 2024 and beyond! To see our unbeatable range of African tours from Mali to Somaliland, check them out here.
Disclaimer: This list of the safest countries in Africa is a compilation of the African countries considered safe for travel. Safety is not guaranteed and common sense, precautions, and street sense must be used at all times when traveling in such destinations.
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