Top 10 Safest Places to Visit in Africa & Their Tourist Attractions

According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, there are 23 indicators of peace, which are grouped into three categories:

• Ongoing domestic and international conflict
• Social safety and security
• Militarization

The lower the rating, the safer the country. If you dig deeper into the GPI figures you will be surprised how many countries we think are safe, but actually are quite low on the ranking.

We bet by now you are curious to discover what are the safest places to visit in Africa. So more than just listing them along with their safety ranks, we’ll give you a quick view of why they are the least dangerous countries in Africa. And why you should visit them and the main tourist attractions in each of them.

Are African Safaris Safe?

Yes. African safaris are safe for visitors. When it comes to camp, game drives, and bush walks, as long as you follow your guide’s directions, you should never feel unsafe. In fact, many tourists are astounded by how protected and secure they feel throughout their stay. Click here to read more.

10 Safest Places to Visit in Africa

1. Mauritius: the safest place to visit in Africa

White sandy beaches and clear blue waters are pure bliss and make for picture-perfect Mauritius photos. According to the GPI, the island nation of Mauritius has been ranked the safest country in Africa.

It has a GPI score of 1.570 and an overall ranking of 28. This means the country is the 28th safest place in the world, as a comparison the USA is 129th on the list.

Located in East Africa, it is one of the safest countries to travel to because it’s one of Africa’s wealthiest and most politically stable. The overall crime rate is meager, and it is known for being a very peaceful place.

The few crimes that do occur tend to be non-violent, minor theft, and opportunistic crimes. You’ll mostly need to worry about yourself–emptying your wallet over the beautiful saris and thriving fruit and veg available.

When you visit Mauritius, be sure to explore Port-Louis. Mauritius’ capital, located in the Indian Ocean, also happens to be one of the safest cities in Africa. Mauritius has an incredible cultural heritage, a wide variety of adventure activities, and sublime landscapes.

Tourist attractions in Mauritius

When traveling to Mauritius, there’s more than just beach lounging to do; there’s also:

• Heritage Nature Reserve
• The southwest coast of Mauritius – Book a tour now
• Black River Gorges National Park
• Swim with dolphins in the Black River
• Go on a bike tour through the beaches and villages of the islands (read our cycling guide here)

Click here for the best hotels in Mauritius and their prices.

2. Ghana

Ghana is a place that can be enjoyed all year round due to its tropical climate and fascinating fauna. It has a rich cultural history that extends back to the 18th century.

With a GPI score of 1.759, Ghana is the 40th safest country to visit in the world. Given its gold wealth, it is one of the most stable African countries with significant growth potential and a low crime rate compared to other African nations.

Especially advised for travelers who have never traveled to Africa; this is a very hospitable nation. People here are friendly, welcoming, and eager to assist.

Levels of crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching are on the increase, so take sensible precautions. Avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables as you should when traveling worldwide and visiting popular destinations.

Tourist attractions in Ghana

If you’re heading to Ghana, make the most of this beautiful country with these unique places to visit:

• Paga Crocodile Pond
• Elmina Castle
• Aburi Botanical Gardens
• A guided city tour of Accra
• Surfing at the beaches of Accra

Click here for the best hotels in Ghana and their prices.

3. Gambia

Gambia is renowned for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife. It’s a unique chance to see rare birds and wild animals in their natural habitats–provided by affordable safari tours.

The Gambia has a GPI score of 1.792. It is the 45th safest country in the world.

This beautiful country is one of West Africa’s most peaceful and safe locations for travel. There aren’t many violent crimes in The Gambia. Bumsters and pickpockets pose the most significant threats.

Tourist attractions in The Gambia

If you’re heading to The Gambia, make the most of this beautiful country with some, or all, of these things to do:

• The capital of Banjul and Albert market
• Makasutu Culture Forest
• Kachikally Crocodile Pool
• Kotu Beach
• Embark on a safari tour

Click here for the best hotels in Gambia and their prices.

4. Botswana: safest African safari destination

This is one of Africa’s undiscovered gems. It’s a landlocked country neighboring South Africa and renowned for its breathtaking scenery and thriving wildlife.

Botswana has a GPI score of 1.801, placing this particular country as the 48th safest country in the world to visit and the 4th safest African country.

This is one of the safest places in Africa for travelers. Botswana has one of the lowest crime levels on the continent. Famous cities like Francistown, Gaborone (one of the safest African cities), and Maun hardly ever see severe crimes of any kind.

Travelers to this country should be aware of the possibility of encountering minor crimes, such as petty theft. You should also avoid going out at night alone or going to neighborhoods with higher poverty rates.

Tourist attractions in Botswana

When in Botswana there are some fantastic things to see and do, but these should be at the top of your list:

• A Chobe National Park day trip
• Okavango Delta region
• CARACAL Biodiversity Center
• Three Chiefs’ Statues
• Camping and wild breakfast at Moremi Game Reserve

Click here for the best hotels in Botswana and their prices.

5. Sierra Leone

Another sanctuary for travelers who prioritize safety is this small seaside nation.

With a GPI score of 1.803, this country is the 5th safest country to visit in Africa. However, this country does not come without crime issues, so it is essential always to be mindful of safety and exercise common sense when out and about.

The urban parts of Sierra Leone, where most crime occurs, are known for their nightlife and festivities, especially around holidays like Christmas and Easter. The rest of the country is comparatively crime-free.

Tourist attractions in Sierra Leone

Known for being a haven of natural beauty, things to see and do when in Sierra Leone that should be top of your list are:

• John Obey Beach or River Number Two Beach
• Gola Rainforest National Park
• The Cotton Tree
• Bunce island
• Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Click here for the best hotels in Sierra Leone and their prices.

6. Zambia

A trip to Zambia in South-Central Africa is known for being “wild”, with little trace of modern influence. The number of game farms (safaris) in Zambia is relatively tiny.

Zambia has a GPI score of 1.841, making it the 6th safest country to visit in Africa. It is one of the few secure nations in Africa with crime rates on par with Western nations.

Travelers should take routine safety precautions. Despite Zambia being a safe country, pickpockets occur frequently; therefore, you should always exercise caution.

Tourist attractions in Zambia

When visiting Zambia, be sure to add these to your list of things to see and do while there:

• The Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Kafue National Park
• The lower-Zambezi National Park
• Lake Tanganyika (the world’s longest freshwater lake)
• Zambezi River (the longest east-flowing river in Africa)

Click here for the best hotels in Zambia and their prices.

7. Equatorial Guinea

It is known for the interiors of heavily forested areas, sandy beaches, and gorgeous blue waters. This is a must-see place if you’re looking for peaceful countries to visit in Africa. The mainland and the islands are separated into two sections.

Equatorial Guinea has a GPI score of 1.863, putting it 7th on the list of safest countries to travel to in Africa and 59th in the world.

This country is, for the most part, a safe country to visit. Numerous military and police checkpoints are heavily used to curb crime in cities. Significant occurrences involving tourists or foreigners have been reported in minimal numbers.

The most you need to worry about is when in the city, for things such as muggings and petty theft.

Tourist attractions in Equatorial Guinea

Be sure to add these trips to your list of things to do and see when visiting Equatorial Guinea:

• The colonial quarter in the capital city of Malabo
• Monte Alen National Park
• Hiking and visiting beaches on the island of Bioko
• Ilachi Waterfalls
• See Lakes in Craters

Click here for the best hotels in Equatorial Guinea and their prices.

8. Malawi

This stunning country is a must-see when looking for safe places to visit in Africa—dotted with lakes, scenery, incredible wildlife, and rich culture.

A GPI score of 1.895 put Malawi 8th on the list. One of the safe African countries to visit for travelers, not only known for its external beauty but its friendly, smiling inhabitants too.

Overall, Malawi has very little risk of crime. Petty theft and purse snatching provide the most significant hazards.

Tourist attractions in Malawi

If you’re traveling to Malawi, make the most of this beautiful country with this list of things to see and do:

• Mulanje Mountain
• Lake Malawi
• National parks and game reserves
• Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
• Kumbali Cultural Village
• Big Five at Majete Wildlife Reserve

Click here for the best hotels in Malawi and their prices.

9. Namibia

The vast plains of the country make it an excellent travel destination. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds the region to the west and the oldest desert in the world to the east.

Namibia’s GPI score of 1.908 makes it the 9th safest country to visit in Africa. Namibia is generally fairly beautiful and secure. Since fewer people live there than in urban areas, crime is effectively prevented in the country.

The majority of the country is safe; however, tourists are more likely to become victims of violent or minor crimes in populated towns and cities like Windhoek.

Tourist attractions in Namibia

When visiting Namibia, be sure to:

• Namib Desert and Sossusvlei
• Visit the semi-nomadic Himba tribe
• Kolmanskop ghost town
• Spitzkoppe Rocks
• Fish River Canyon
• Etosha National Park

Click here for the best hotels in Namibia and their prices.

10. Senegal

Senegal is the pearl of West Africa and is distinguished by various natural landscapes, a distinct colonial legacy, and a dynamic culture.

Scoring a GPI rating of 1.916, this is the 10th country on the list. Still fairing better than the United States regarding country-wide safety. And it’s better than some of the safest countries in South America.

Senegal does experience some petty crime and few instances of violent crime in major cities. But you shouldn’t let it stop you from visiting this beautiful country and its tourist destinations.

Tourist attractions in Senegal

Be sure to add these stops to your Senegal itinerary:

• The pink lake of Senegal (Lake Retba)
• Madeleine Island
• Lagoon La Somone
• National bird sanctuary of Djoudj
• Gorée Island

Click here for the best hotels in Senegal and their prices.

5 Least Safe Countries in Africa

1. Sudan

This country, located in East Africa, ranks 154th in the world and has a GPI score of 3.007.

There was a pollical coup in Sudan, which caused a political crisis that is still ongoing. Efforts are being made to resolve the situation, but stability has not yet been achieved.

Due to the political situation, Sudan is at risk of political demonstrations and also terrorist attacks. There is also a risk of muggings and kidnappings, as well as more petty crime such as pickpocketing.

Sudan is also highly dangerous for members of the LGBTQ+ community. People can face discrimination and attacks and could be arrested and even face execution by the government.

2. Central African Republic

Located in Central Africa, this country ranks 155th in the world, with a GPI score of 3.125.

The past elections in the country resulted to violence and disruption, resulting in a six-month state of emergency. This has now expired, and a new government has been formed, but the situation is not yet stable.

The Central African Republic is currently experiencing extremely high crime levels, including muggings, robbery, and kidnappings. There has been a large number of political demonstrations which have been known to turn violent, plus there have been armed conflicts. Areas outside the capital have been deemed by some as “lawless” and should be avoided.

3. Somalia

Located on the Horn of Africa on the east coast, Somalia ranks 156th in the world and has a GPI score of 3.125. Somalia has dealt with civil war, military coups, and border disputes over the past few decades.

While currently run by a coalition government, the situation remains unstable, and there has been a rise in violent extremist groups.

Terrorism is a big threat in Somalia, with deadly attacks being carried out in and around the city of Mogadishu regularly. Kidnapping and armed robberies are also common, as are armed conflicts between the fighting factions.

4. DR Congo

Located in Central Africa, it ranks 158th in the world and has a GPI score of 3.166. There are some areas of the DRC where it is advised not to travel at all, and other areas where caution is advised.

The country has seen a lot of political unrest and the situation is volatile. Demonstrations have been known to break out with no notice and can turn violent.

There is armed conflict between the government forces and opposing groups in the east, with the area currently run by military administration.

Crime rates in the DRC are high, and foreigners are often targets for muggings and kidnappings. There have also been occurrences of authorities arresting foreigners and demanding payment for release.

5. South Sudan

It ranks 159th in the world and has a GPI score of 3.184. The political situation is volatile, and armed fighting is a regular occurrence. Terrorist attacks are also common, with public areas such as hotels and government buildings being targeted.

Criminals are often armed and kidnapping, home invasions, armed robbery and carjacking are all common. Foreigners who are currently in South Sudan are advised to leave as soon as possible. Anyone who must travel there is advised to use personal security. Click here to read more.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the 10 safest and most peaceful countries in Africa as rated and scored on the Global Peace Index. And for sure they are incredible countries to visit, some with popular tourist destinations.

But it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit other African nations that didn’t make this list. The whole continent is packed with popular tourism destinations, and while they might not be as safe as the 10 listed above, they are still worth visiting.

As long as you follow the travel advisory for these countries, be mindful of your surroundings, plan your trip wisely, and follow normal precautions, you will probably be safe and have tons of fun.

Today Africa’s recommendation before traveling to any country in Africa is to always research the political stability of the nation. If it has a stable government at the moment, and if any armed conflict is happening.