23 Safest Places to Visit in Africa

Africa, the mother continent, surprises the world with its wildlife, long white beaches, magnificent safaris, and cultural diversity. Africa offers you a lovely nap on the lap of nature. But, Are you worried about your safety in the country? Safety is an essential concern while traveling, especially to a new place. Many factors, such as ongoing international and internal conflicts, militarization, and societal security, decide a country’s safety. The number of travelers will be less in unsafe countries. From 54 countries in Africa, we have listed 23 safest places to visit in Africa. We wish you a safe and happy vacation.

NB: No place on earth is entirely risk-free; thus, traveling is never without risk. Even in the safest nations in the world, you should always remain vigilant.

* GPI – Global peace Index is the basis of safety score and ranking of countries. 

23 Safest Places To Visit in Africa in 2023

Mauritius

Safety Score: 1.570 (2022) 

Worldwide Rank: 28th 

Population: 12.7 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Port Louis 

Tourists Per Year: 1.6 million in 2022. 

Mauritius is one of the safest countries in Africa. Mauritius is a stunning tropical island known for its abundance along the coast. The country tops in the peace index also. One of the wealthiest nations in Africa, Mauritius has a solid democratic system and is generally a very safe place to travel. The best time to visit Mauritius is April to June and from September to December. The long-extinct Dodo bird is found in Mauritius. The best way to get to Mauritius will be by taking a flight or boarding a holiday cruise. Mauritius’s top activities include the Walk with Lions at Casela Park, Sea Kayaking in Albion Caves, Zip Lining at Tamarin Waterfall, Hiking to Black River Peak, and Sea Kart Ride in Black River.

Ghana

Safety Score: 1.759 (2022)

Worldwide Rank: 40th

Population: 3.28 crore (2021)

Capital City: Accra

Tourists Per Year: 1.13 million

Ghana is a place that can be enjoyed all year because of its tropical climate and fascinating fauna. If you are a first-timer in Africa, the safest place for you is Ghana because of its friendliness and safety. October to March is the best time to visit Ghana. Ghana is known for its beautiful coast, sand beaches, verdant forests, and animal species. A flight to Ghana is considered the most suitable traveling method. Some activities you could do in Ghana include visiting Cape Coast Castle, Crocodile Pond, Elmina Castle, and Aburi Botanical Gardens.

Gambia

Safety Score: 1.792 (2022)

Worldwide Rank: 45th 

Population: 26.4 lakhs (2022)

Capital City: Banjul

Tourists Per Year: 619,000 (2019)

Another safe country to travel to in Africa is The Gambia. Travelers feel comfort and peace in Gambia. Senegal encircles the Gambia on its three sides. On the west, it has an 80 km shoreline of the Atlantic ocean. The best time to visit Gambia is November and May. Gambia is rich with its national parks and wildlife. You will find the best game drives in Africa here. The Gambia is renowned for being a birdwatcher’s paradise. Flight is the most convenient means to travel to Gambia. Popular tourist destinations include the nation’s capital, Banjul, the village of Jufureh, the Kachkikally crocodile pool, etc. 

Botswana

Safety Score: 1.801 (2022)

Worldwide Rank: 48th 

Population: 25.9 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Gaborone

Tourists Per Year: 1.8 million (2018)

Botswana is one of the best places to experience nature and incredible wildlife. Botswana is a country with less corruption and is safe to travel. The country has a well-established tourism sector. Botswana’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and stable democracy are why it became a tourism hub. One of the best wilderness and animal locations on the African continent is found in Botswana. Botswana is the most stable and safest country in the African continent.  The best time to visit Botswana is from May to October. The nation’s parks, reserves, and biodiversity cover 38% of the land area of Botswana. The main attractions of Botswana include Rock art, Moremi Game Reserve, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the Kalahari Desert, and Chobe National Park. 

Tanzania

Safety Score: 2.001

Worldwide Rank: 86th rank

Population: 6.36 crore (2021)

Capital City: Dodoma 

Tourists Per Year: 1.4 million 

Tanzania will offer you one of the best safaris in Africa. Since most people would be traveling outside of cities, there would be less chance for crime. Safaris are incredibly safe, and knowledgeable guides are trained to deal with wildlife encounters. The best time to visit Tanzania is from July to October. Taking a flight is the most comfortable way to reach Tanzania. The main attractions of Tanzania include Mount Kilimanjaro,the tallest in Africa. The largest lakes in the continent, such as Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Nysa, are in Tanzania. There are many activities you can do in Tanzania including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti safari, scuba diving in Zanzibar, touring Gombe Stream National Park, and taking in the Rift Valley.

Sierra Leone

Safety Score: 1.803

Worldwide Rank: 50th 

Population: 84.2 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Freetown

Tourists Per Year: 3.54 million

Sierra Leone is travelers’ favorite African location because of its natural beauty. Here, you can see mountains meeting mangrove beaches. Sierra Leone has a high crime rate but still manages to top the list because of its scenic beauty. The best time to visit Sierra Leone is from November to April. We can travel to Sierra Leone by road through Guinea and Liberia. Otherwise, the flight is the preferable transport. Sierra Leone has a significant place in slave history and is home to the third-largest natural harbor in the world. You can visit and participate in several activities in Sierra Leone, including Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, River Number two beach, and bunce island. 

Senegal

Safety Score: 1.916

Worldwide Rank: 54 on Global Peace Index

Population: 1.69 crores (2021)

Capital City: Dakar

Tourists Per Year: 1.38 million ( 2017) 

Senegal is a west African country known as the cultural hub of Africa. The country’s natural landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and historical significance make it a tourist spot. The country is considered as safe because of its low violence rate. Sengal is most beautiful in the months from November to March. The most convenient way of transportation to Senegal is by flight. Popular attractions of Senegal include Gorée Island, a slave trade post, seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Reserve De Bandia, etc. 

Malawi

Safety Score: 1.895

Worldwide Rank: 66th

Population: 1.99 crores (2021)

Capital City: Lilongwe 

Tourists Per Year: 871,000 in the year 2018

The warm heart of Africa, Malawi, is a beautiful place to visit. You will be able to find abundant wildlife and lots of national parks. The zebras at Nyika National Park and the elephants at Liwonde National Park are examples of their diverse nature. The best time to visit Malawi is between May to October. Lilongwe International Airport (LLW) is the door to the country. Activities in Malawi include Majete Wildlife Reserve, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, and Mulanje Massif. 

Equatorial Guinea

Safety Score: 1.863

Worldwide Rank: 62

Population: 16.3 lakh (2021)

Capital City: Malabo

Tourists Per Year: Nearly 6000 visitors a year

Equatorial Guinea is one of the least visited countries in the continent because robberies and mugging are occurring here. This is the only African country that has Spanish as the official language. Rich mineral resources such as diamond and gold are found in Equatorial Guinea. 

There are many found in Equatorial Guinea. Places to visit in Guniea, including historical sites. Some include  St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral, Malabo national park, beaches on the island of Bioko, etc. The best time to visit Equatorial Guinea is the dry season from June to august. Equatorial Guinea is accessible from all significant western and Asian countries through flight. Equatorial Guinea is one of the most peaceful places in africa. 

Namibia

 

Safety Score: 1.908

Worldwide Rank: 65

Population: 25.3 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: windhoek

Tourists Per Year: 1.3 million 

Tourism is one of the significant milestones of the Namibian economy. But still, the crime rate is high, such as pickpocketing, car break-ins, and looting. The best time to visit Namibia is July to October. Namibia is famous for having the world’s largest population of free-roaming cheetahs, desert elephants, the world’s largest underwater lake, etc. Most visitors to Namibia use flights as their transportation means; among this, most people use Johannesburg in South Africa as their airport. You could do many attractions and activities in Namibia, including a desert safari in the Namib desert, Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon Park, and the big fives. Namibia is one of the safest travel destinations in Africa. 

Kingdom of Eswatini or Swaziland

Safety Score: 1.955 

Worldwide Rank: 69

Population: 11.9 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Mbabane and Lobamba

Tourists Per Year: 1.2 million in 2019

Swaziland is famous for its game reserves, national parks, and wildlife. Swaziland is a  hiker’s paradise, scenically stunning. Swaziland has green valleys, rivers, ravines, bushes, and waterfalls. The best time to visit Swaziland is from May to September. By air, you can reach Swaziland. Activities you could do in Swaziland include the Mlawula Nature Reserve game drive and Hlane Royal National Park game drives. Swaziland will give you an unforgettable journey with its rich heritage and tradition. Swaziland is one of the last monarchies existing in Africa. The country is safe to visit; the people will overwhelm you with their kindness and friendliness. 

Madagascar

Safety Score: 1.995

Worldwide Rank: 84

Population: 2.89 crores (2021)

Capital City: Antananarivo 

Tourists Per Year: 87,100.00 in 2021 

It is an island in the Indian ocean. Madagascar is rich with its diverse flora and fauna. Madagascar is home to its lemurs (primitive relatives of primates, apes, and humans), chameleons,  orchids, and towering baobab trees. The best time to visit Madagascar is September to October. Flight is the most commonly used means of transportation for reaching Madagascar. The activities we can do in Madagascar include seeing Isalo national park, Andasibe-Mantadia, Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, etc. 

Zambia

Safety Score:  1.841

Worldwide Rank: 56

Population: 1095 crore (2021)

Capital City: Lusaka 

Tourists Per Year: 502,000 (2020)

Zambia is popularly known as the heart of Africa, a beautiful country for visitors. Zambia is famous for its wildlife, water resources, and minerals. The dry season between June and November is the best time to visit Zambia. Most visitors will use flights to reach Zambia in Lusaka or Livingstone. You can see many places in Zambia, including the world-famous Victoria Falls,  Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest river, and the Zambezi River. Zambia is relatively safe to visit; they have a stable government. 

Liberia

Safety Score: 1.973

Worldwide Rank: 75

Population: 51.9 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Monrovia 

Tourists Per Year: N/A

You can travel to Liberia, but you should be cautious. Liberia had a long-running civil war history. The nation also hosts a beautiful rainforest with a wide variety of biodiversity.The best time to visit Liberia is from November to April. The easiest way to reach Liberia is by flight.  Places you can visit in Liberia include Mount Wologizi, beaches near Robertsport, and Sapo National park. The activities in Liberia may contain wildlife, surfing, beaches, and mountains. 

Morocco

Safety Score:  1.969

Worldwide Rank: 74

Population : 3.71 crore ((2021)                                                                                                                                                                              

Capital City: Rabat 

Tourists Per Year: 10.9 million (2022) 

Morocco is famous for its rich and unique culture based on religion. Along with the cultural aspect, Morocco has a wealth of beaches, deserts, mountains, and valleys. The best time to visit Morocco is Autumn, from  September to November, or early spring, from March to April. The best way to reach Morocco is by flight; there are more than 15 airports inside the country which connect to various parts of the world. Tourists prefer to go to Morocco because of its warm weather, tourist-friendly people, and excellent cuisine. There are many places to visit in Morocco, like Hassan II Mosque, Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent Mansion, and  Jamaa el Fna Square. 

Angola 

Safety Score: 1.982

Worldwide Rank: 78

Population: 3.45 crores (2021)

Capital City: Luanda 

Tourists Per Year: 218,000 (2019) 

Angola is Africa’s seventh largest country, with vast landscapes, unexplored rainforests, and deserts. Angola is the richest in Africa in terms of oil exports. The best time to visit Angola is June to September. Using air will be the most convenient way to reach Angola. You will be able to find Kalandula waterfall, a pleasing one in Malanje province, the traditional samba dance of Angola, rediscovered Giant Sable, etc. The attractions of Angola include the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, Viewpoint of the Moon, Calendula Falls, etc. 

Rwanda

Safety Score: 1.945

Worldwide Rank: 72

Population: 1.35 crores ( 2021) 

Capital City: Kigali

Tourists Per Year: 1.63 (2019) 

Rwanda is a landlocked country without any access to the ocean. This republic lies in the southern direction of the equator, part of east-central Africa. A significant contributor to Rwanda’s economy is wildlife tourism. This includes Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, and the King’s Palace Museum. The best time to visit Rwanda is June to September. Three airports in Rwanda connect to various parts of the world. There are many activities you can do in Rwanda, including gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park, visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park, Kigali Genocide Memorial, etc. 

Cape Verde

Safety Score:  N/A

Worldwide Rank: N/A 

Population: 5.88 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Praia 

Tourists Per Year: 758,000 (2019)

Cape Verde is an African country on the Western side located on an island of the Atlantic ocean. Cape Verde is famous for its warm and cozy climate, islands, stunning landscape, and delicious cuisine. The best time to visit cape verde is Autumn and spring, from November to June. Air routes to cape verde connect America, Asia, and Europe. Activities to do in cape verde range from site seeing to adventurous. Attractions of Cape Verde include Praia da Chave, Tarrafal Beach, Pico do Fogo, etc. 

Comoros

Safety Score: 2.7 out of 5

Population: 8022 lakhs (2021)

Safety Score: 1.973

Worldwide Rank: 75

Population: 51.9 lakhs (2021)

Tourists Per Year: N/A

Capital City: Moroni 

Tourists Per Year: 45,100.00 (2019)

Comoros is located on the east coast of Africa, an archipelago consisting of four volcanic islands. Comoros is called a perfumed island because of its plant fragrance. These are important for making perfumes, also. The best time to visit Comoros is from April to November. Flights from Comoros connect the other parts of the world. The main attraction of Comoros includes long white beaches, clear sea, breathtaking landscapes, etc. Some of the main tourist attractions of Comoros include Mount Karthala, Chomoni, Bouni, etc.  

Lesotho

Safety Score: 2.089

Worldwide Rank: 100

Population: 22.8 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Maseru

Tourists Per Year: 1.1 million (2019) 

Lesotho successfully earned the title of Africa’s “Kingdom in the sky” with its highest altitudes.  The only country in the world with an elevation of 100m is Lesotho. The best time to visit Lesotho is from October to April. The best way to reach Lesotho is by air or overland, that is, through South Africa. Lesotho is very mountainous and has incredible scenery. Lesotho attracts tourists with the world’s giant dinosaur footprints. There are many sites you could go and visit in Lesotho, including Katse Dam, Maluti Mountains, Gates of Paradise Pass, etc. 

Sao Tome and Principe

Safety Score:  0.656 in the Women, Peace, and Security Index

Worldwide Rank: 119 in GIWPS 

Population: 2.23 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Sao Tome  

Tourists Per Year: 33,400.00 (2018) 

Sao Tome and Principe welcomes you to see its wild forests, Pico de Sao Tome volcano, green valleys, incredible waterfalls, and coffee and cocoa plantations. The best time to visit this beautiful country is Sao Tome and Principe is February, August, or December. The only way to reach the country is by taking a flight. There are many activities you could do in Sao Tome and Principe, like beach holidays, diving, mountain hiking and extinct volcanoes, fishing, snorkeling, and fishing. You can visit Saint Nicholas Waterfall, Cao Grande Peak, Rolas Island, etc.

Seychelles

Safety Score: N/A

Worldwide Rank: N/A 

Population: 99,258 (2021)

Capital City: Victoria 

Tourists Per Year: 428,000 (2018)

Seychelles is unquestionably the world’s finest tropical paradise. It comprises the oldest ocean islands, granite islands, the largest raised coral atoll, etc. The best time to visit  Seychelles is summer or in the months of  April, May, October, and November. The best way to reach Seychelles is taking a flight. Air Seychelles has an operation in Europe and Asia. The popular activities in Seychelles include exploring beaches, hiking mountain trails, rock climbing, and unlashing flora and fauna. If you visit Seychelles, you can’t miss Anse Source d’Argent, Vallée de Mai, Praslin, Seychelles, Saint-Anne Marine National Park, etc. 

Togo 

Safety Score: 2.094

Worldwide Rank: 102

Population: 86.4 lakhs (2021)

Capital City: Lome 

Tourists Per Year: Nearly 1 million (2019)

It’s time to put on your swimming suit! 

Togo is a western African country known for its beaches. Togo is famous for its topography and fascinating cultural practices. The best time to visit is November to February. People from various parts of the world travel to togo using Tokoin International Airport. Important attractions of Togo include Monument de independence, Cascade de Kpime, Lake Togo, etc.