9 OF THE SAFEST PLACES IN AFRICA TO VISIT ON YOUR NEXT TRIP
A woman winnowing rice in the fields of Malawi. Malawi is one of the friendliest and safest countries in Africa to visit / Image: richard-nyoni
Unfortunately, Africa often gets an undeserved reputation when it comes to safety, which has always been the case ever since I started planning my safaris here in Tanzania. A key element to remember, Africa is a continent of 54 nations, and some countries rank among the safest places in Africa. Many people are often a little apprehensive about journeying here because of it's unknown territory, especially if you're used to vacationing in places like Europe.
I wouldnt say that everywhere in Africa is safe because no destination is. But there are some real gems where you can still experience incredible adventures without putting yourself at risk. Curious to find out where I'm talking about? I've rounded up the safest travel destinations in Africa so that you can plan your next trip with confidence!
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One of the famous island taxi’s in Santa Maria on Sal, Cape Verde with pink homes and palm trees in the background / Image: martin-widenka
Safest African Countries to Visit
Tanzania
The first time I went to Tanzania, I was surprised by how safe it felt. And I’m not the only one, in 2024, over 5 million people visited! The Tanzania people can take care of tourists better than anywhere else in Africa. It makes sense considering how many visitors they welcome at locations like Ngorongoro Crater,and the Serengeti, theres a true incentive to ensure everyone is well cared for.
Of course, you'll have a small cohort of opportunists in the bigger cities like Dar es Salaam who may commit in wrongdoing, engaging in crimes such as pickpocketing, but I've personally never experienced anything like this. Compared to other countries in the region, there aren't many natural disasters that hit the country, either, except for heavy rainfall during the rainy season. However, your operator will already have a contingency plan in place if this happens.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde might just be one of Africa’s most underrated gems. Off the west coast of the continent, this little island is beautiful, peaceful, and incredibly safe, with low crime rates. I really appreciated the strong police presence wherever I went. While for some people this might be slightly off-putting, it added an extra layer of comfort for me.
The biggest risk in Cape Verde is that the country sometimes experiences volcanic activity due to its location, which can lead to earthquakes. However, these are usually small, causing minimal damage. You'll just need to be prepared and know what to do if one were to happen.
Zambia
Another safe African country for travel is Zambia. Although it borders some of Africa's more complicated countries, such as the DRC, its problems have largely remained on the other side of the border. I did hear before coming that bag snatching was a common issue in Lusaka (capital city of Zambia), and locals did warn me about this, but I never encountered anything like it.
One thing I would suggest you be careful of is traveling at night, because the driving in Zambia can be a little chaotic in parts of the country. Car accidents here mostly happen after dark, so traveling then can be quite risky. Another point to note is that homosexuality is illegal in Zambia, with harsh penalties. While it's rare that something will happen, it's important to avoid displays of affection in public if you're an LGBTQ traveler.
Concrete houses, palm trees and mountains in the background at Tamnougalt in Morocco / Image: sergey-pesterev
Morocco
Over the past few years, Morocco has seen a big boom in tourism. More and more people are viewing it as one of the safest places in Africa for tourists, and the country has really embraced it. Being right on Europe’s doorstep, it’s seen as one of the more exotic yet easily accessible destinations, and tourism has greatly benefited the economy.
That said, there have been some reports of female travelers facing harassment in certain areas. Luckily, these cases seem to be rare as the country continues to open up to tourism. This being an Islamic country, you should dress appropriately to respect the local culture and avoid causing any unintentional offense.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a major honeymoon destination in the Indian Ocean. If you searched for it on a map, you wouldn't realize it is in Africa, but it is. With a stable political environment and no risk of malaria (a major plus), you can rest assured knowing that you won't have to take any extra precautions when you get there.
For a capital city, I found Port Louis to be quite safe. Most people head straight to their resorts and tend not to visit, but it's well worth a day or two of your time. Sure, there are some people loitering on street corners, but I never felt I was in any danger, even strolling the streets at night, which is rare in an African capital.
Botswana
Heading down to southern Africa, the next safe nation on the list is Botswana. Thanks to its strong economy, the country has been able to prosper in ways many others haven’t, which has helped keep crime rates low. In fact, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Botswana was ranked the second safest country on the continent.
Of course, like anywhere, there are a few things to be mindful of, especially the wildlife once you’re out in the bush or plains. While tourist attacks are rare, wild animals can be dangerous if you get too close without a licensed guide, so it’s best to admire them from a safe distance.
A safari vehicle driving by a giraffe in Akagera National Park, Akagera Road, Rwanda / Image: emmy-shingiro
Rwanda
I couldn't possibly exclude Rwanda from this list. This tiny safe country in East Africa has had its fair share of struggles in the past with civil war, but Rwanda's revival is truly remarkable. I didn't know what to expect before coming here, but when I arrived in Kigali, I was truly amazed and thought it was one of the nicest cities in Africa. It was much cleaner than most places that would be considered modern. One reason for this is the plastic bag ban, which applies to both locals and tourists. If you bring any in your luggage, you may be fined, so it’s wise not to take any with you.
The border areas around Rwanda can be a bit risky, especially those shared with Burundi and the DRC, so try to avoid them unless you absolutely need to go.
Namibia
Namibia is a controversial place, but I think it’s a safe part of Africa and deserves a mention. The issue here is that the capital, Windhoek, has a high level of crime, and tourists have been victims in the past. However, once you get out into the rural areas, this risk significantly decreases. This is why I'm including it, as most tourists won’t spend much of their time in Windhoek, since the nature and wildlife are the major draws to the country. But when you're entering Namibia by air, you'll end up flying to Windhoek, so just be aware.
I would also point out that you should be extra careful when hiring a vehicle in Namibia. This is a hugely popular way to explore the country, which gives you lots of flexibility to go wherever you wish. The issue you might face on the roads is animals crossing, particularly in the dark, as they can appear from nowhere.
Malawi
Malawi is one of the countries that amazed me the most in Africa. Between the friendliness of the people and the well-maintained roads in many parts, I was impressed from the moment I got there until I left. They never really have any issues with political unrest, and people were more than happy to help me with whatever I needed, especially when trying to find a way to Lake Malawi from Lilongwe.
Malaria is highly prevalent throughout Malawi, so it's essential to consult your travel doctor before traveling here. Make sure to bring mosquito repellent with you and wear long clothes wherever you can to minimize the risk of getting bitten. Aside from that, its an asbolutely wonderful place to visit.
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