5 Safest Countries to Visit in Africa

While it might be true that some of the safest countries are not in Africa, it is also true that the world’s second-biggest continent has some breathtaking places that make it unique. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2021 report, 67% of Rwanda residents feel more secure today than in the last five years; this figure is the most significant globally.

This shows that although Africa is conceptualized as dangerous, some parts are still safer than many western nations. 

Based on the report and travel safety recommendations, here are the top 5 safest countries to visit in Africa in 2022. This also includes advice from The US Department of State, the UK Government, the Government of Canada, and travel safety experts.

Mauritius

According to the 2021 Global Peace Index, Mauritius ranked 28 on the global list of the safest countries to visit. It outperformed Spain, which is on number 31, Italy number 32 and the United Kingdom on number 33 in terms of peace index. This jaw-droppingly gorgeous Indian Ocean island is relatively safe to visit.

The picturesque island is home to various avian and marine species, including whales, dolphins, Mauritian kestrels, and giant tortoises. Mauritius has an extremely low crime rate and is a low-risk tourism destination in general. Even the Canadian government merely recommends standard security measures.

However, the UK government warns visitors against visiting some tourist destinations in Mauritius, such as Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac; which are known for petty theft incidents.

Ghana

Ghana is Africa’s second most peaceful country at number 38 on the Global Peace Index 2021. This makes it one of the safest places to visit. Ghana is sometimes referred to as “Africa for Beginners” because it is extremely friendly and safe for first-time visitors to Africa. Ghanaians are recognised for being kind and helpful, as well as laid-back and operating on “African time.”

Ghana is a safe West African country with low crime rates. According to the UK government, over 90,000 British citizens travel to Ghana every year. While the majority of trips are uneventful, criminality does occur. Reports of crime have risen in recent years, especially around the holidays. Criminal activities can happen anytime, ranging from minor street crime to severe crime, and weapons are used more often. Hence, ensure the necessary security measures. Keep an extra eye out in public places and be cautious when travelling by automobile.

Also, the US Department of State advises travellers that specific locations have a higher risk of crime. Due to civil disturbance, authorities warn passengers to be cautious when visiting border areas, especially the northern border, and exercise heightened vigilance in Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions. According to the Canadian government, Ghana is now open for business, and the global travel warning issued due to Covid-19 has been lifted. 

Botswana

According to the Global Peace Index Report for 2021, Botswana is the third safest nation in Africa to visit at number 41. It won the award for the safest country in Africa for a classical African safari.

Botswana is the safest African safari location and one of the most rewarding safari destinations. The Canadian government recommendation of taking usual security measures indicates that the country is a secured location.

Travel safety experts refer to Botswana as “perhaps one of the safest countries in Africa and tourist attacks are uncommon, and the locals are friendly and accommodating”. On the other hand, the UK government said although visitors are seldom attacked, minor and severe crime is on the rise in metropolitan centres such as Gaborone and Francistown. Botswana has relaxed its travel restrictions and is now welcoming visitors. However, there are entry criteria and preventative measures in place.

Gambia 

Gambia ranked 53 on the Global Peace Index, making it Africa’s fourth most safe country. It is Africa’s smallest country, and most travellers have a trouble-free travel experience.

According to the UK government, travelling to this country is trouble-free, but solo travellers are at heightened risk due to the absence of local help in an emergency. Due to the probable existence of landmines, the US Department of State advises travellers to take extra caution in the Gambia’s southern border area next to Senegal’s Casamance region.

Tanzania

According to the report, Tanzania is the safest country in East Africa to go on safari. At number 58, the country is the fifth safest country to visit in Africa, with a thriving tourist business. According to Lonely Planet, Tanzania is naturally a safe country, especially while travelling alone. Mainly solo women travellers can attract attention in rural regions. There are no specific concerns with travelling alone in Tanzania.

Tanzania is generally safe to travel, according to Travel Safe Abroad. However, care is advised in tourist locations such as Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam. Travel Safe Abroad informs that Tanzania is mostly safe to visit, though caution is recommended, especially in tourist areas such as Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam. It is believed that there’s a reasonable probability you won’t have any bad experiences or encounters in Tanzania.

According to the UK government, over 75,000 British citizens visit Tanzania every year, with most of their travels hitch-free. However, visitors are warned to “take reasonable steps to safeguard themselves and properties” as crime increases. On the other hand, the Canadian government urges travellers not to go to the border areas with Mozambique (Mtwara Region), Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa).

Tanzania has reopened its borders to tourists and implemented Covid-19 criteria. Also, the Canadian government has lifted the worldwide travel restriction on the country. However, the UK Government advised that travellers to Tanzania should continue to take reasonable precautions and preventative measures to limit the risk of infection.

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