Top 12 Safest Countries in Africa for Your Next Trip

By Alice Ross | AFRICA

Oct 11
safest countries in africa

When traveling to a foreign land, wariness and uncertainty are always involved, mainly when visiting developing countries where the major portion of the population lives under the poverty line.

But you know what's sad? To let these uncertainties stop you from exploring a new country. One of the regions of the world that many people are afraid to explore is Africa.

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Well, they are missing a lot. Just like exploring other countries in the world, the main thing you have to do is to be vigilant, follow the local advice, and avoid unnecessary risks. Having to explore several parts of Africa, I know the safest countries in Africa to explore and how to keep safe in general. In this article, I will share them with you.

Here is our list of top 12 safest countries in Africa

Africa is no doubt one of the most interesting places in the world. But even though this is the case, a lot of people are still afraid to travel here. But if you're really eager to visit some part of Africa, make sure to start with any of the countries listed below…

1. Morocco

morocco

Morocco is a favorite place for many travelers, and more and more people take a visit to enjoy the sun, history, culture, and adventure. So, make sure you know the best time to go to make the most of your visit!

While other North African countries have become progressively and terrifyingly unstable and dangerous, Morocco is one of the countries that have stayed rather stable and safe for travel. While disputed border zones and the drugs regions have to be avoided, you'll be bounded by tourists in big cities and most parts of the country. This also has some of the safest cities in Africa.

2. Botswana

botswana

Botswana is a steady and rather a wealthy country, whose appeal has been carried to the consciousness of the public in the past years. This is where the novel of Alexander McCall Smith, ‘No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency' has set.

If you're not familiar with these books, they have presented the intrinsic compassion and gentle spirit of the people of the country. There's political permanence here, great infrastructure, a firm currency, and a strong legal system that ensures rights and freedoms for people.

3. Mauritius

mauritius

Via lonelyplanet.com

This volcanic island nation has situated itself as the main platform when it comes to estate planning and wealth organization. Mauritius populations are multicultural and multiethnic. A lot of people in Mauritius are also multilingual.

The country's government is exhibited on the Westminster governmental system. The country is graded highly by a lot of experts for social equality, political freedom, and economic, which makes it one of the safest countries in Africa to live. They have elections once every 5 years. Laws that govern the nation are based partially from French civil law and British common law. The crime rate in the country is also going low.

4. Kenya

Kenya is one of the most well visited countries in Africa. This country offers different and unique attractions and activities that will be great to visit. Kenya’s natural sights are spectacular. No matter where you look at, exploring flora and fauna would be easy. Mountains, rainforests, beaches, lakes, and deserts are just some of what you may expect to stumble upon, as well as the birds, monkeys, butterflies, apes, elephants, camels, giraffes, rhinoceroses, antelopes, dolphins, sea turtles, fish, and flamingoes that live in different parts of the country.

Actually, traveling Kenya would not be complete without experiencing its wildlife. Aside from the wildlife, this is also a great place to experience a unique city life of busy people and colorful and exciting nightlife and restaurant scene.

5. Madagascar

Madagascar

This big island nation is a semi-presidential illustrative democratic multiparty republic. When you visit the country, you'll find a lot of hospitals, medical centers, and dispensaries throughout the country. Another good thing about Madagascar is that they offer free education and required from the ages 6 to 13. Because of the better access to educational, the enrollment rates have more than doubled up between the year 1996 and 2006.

6. Ghana

Ghana

Ghana is a unitary top-level legitimate equality. According to the 2008 GPI survey, Ghana was one of the safest African countries. Ghana has also seen two peaceable transmissions of power between party-political parties. Even up to date, Ghana has really few internal battles and has great relations with the neighboring nations. This is can also be considered as the best African country to live and work.

7. Namibia

Namibia

Namibia is a haven for peace and stability. This country in Southern Africa has successfully opposed and overcome the challenges that lead to extensive battle and volatility. Namibia political parties have shown readiness to work together in the nationwide interest regardless of differences.

8. Zambia

Zambia

Via iexplore.com

This non-coastal country is a high-level representative democratic republic. It's one of the most extremely developed countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Although Zambia is a Christian country, an extensive diversity of religious traditions is found there. The country has widespread social security, aimed low-capacity houses.

9. Lesotho

Lesotho

Lesotho is a country surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho's government is a governmental or lawful realm. The constitution offers a self-governing judicial system. The country is economically united with South Africa. About 85% of the people that are older than 14 years old are literate.

10. Uganda

Uganda isn’t as touristy as other countries in this list. The resurgence of its natural history and tourism industry is also still new, which creates both challenges and excitement for both tourist and tour agencies. Friendly people who are enthusiast about introducing their beautiful country are only one of the reasons to visit. The snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains is another thing that will make your trip worth it. Its rich wildlife features chimpanzees, hippos, and beautiful birds you would not see anywhere else along with natural topographies and waterfalls will surely not to be missed.

Uganda

11. Tanzania

If you really want to experience African safaris, then Tanzania will not disappoint. For sheer diversity when it comes to both wildlife and the forest, this country is definitely breathtaking. Tanzania is blessed with rich natural beauties and amazing wildlife. Aside from this, you will also enjoy experiencing social interaction with its friendly locals that will make the experience even more unforgettable.

12. Egypt

Egypt always remains to be one of the most sought-after destinations for many travelers all over the world. With its rich history and structure, this should not come as surprise. But aside from the Sphinx and pyramids, there are more to this country. The Red Sea Riviera offers some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. You can sail on the Nile and try out some of their food. People are also friendly among tourists and safety should not be an issue.

All in all, the countries mentioned above are relatively 12 of the safest countries in Africa. But no matter where you are in the world, make sure to travel safely by knowing the rules, avoiding unnecessary risk, and keeping your intelligence about you.

Appropriate Clothing and Getting Around

africatransport

Via nomadicmatt.com

When traveling around Africa, it's important to know the appropriate clothing. It is recommended that when you walk around especially in the bigger cities, you have to try not to wear flamboyant clothing and too much jewelry.

When exploring at nighttime, it is a better idea to take a ride when going from a place to another. It is not going to be difficult for you to find taxis in major cities in Africa.

First Aid and Medical Facilities

When traveling to Africa, you have to make sure that you have complete vaccination as there are small possibilities of disease especially malaria, aids, hepatitis, and cholera.

Your first aid kit to Africa would be slightly different from the typical one you take when traveling to other parts of the world. It should include contraceptives, antibiotic, sanitizers, and sterilizers. Even though limited, the medical facilities in Africa are available all over the region, especially in big cities.

Theft and Security

Because of poverty, theft is a common occurrence in many parts of Africa particularly on those places where tourists go. In order for you to avoid losing your important belongings, make sure to have either of these with you: neck purses, money belts, and leg safes.

All your important belongings should be kept along all the time and even when you're sleeping inside your accommodation. Walking by yourself in a city at night and hitchhiking on your own isn't really a good idea. Make sure to get yourself registered to your home embassy so you can get help in case of any trouble.

Keeping Important Documents

Important Documents

Via budgetdirect.com.au

It is a good idea to make copies of all your important documents like passports and drivers licenses. If your hotel has a safety vault, make sure to leave your original documents inside it and only bring the photocopies with you when you go out. A lot of hotels in big African cities have this.

Keeping your belongings safe while traveling

While you're exploring in Africa at daytime, it's important to decide which belongings you are going to being with you. Handbags aren't advised as they are generally easy to drag from the shoulder or attracts pickpocket, which makes you a big target. A better daypack you may want to use is a decent sized side-satchel as they can't easily be noticed. Make sure not to bring a lot of cash when going out.

Taking Care of Yourself

Last, of all, travel insurance is extremely recommended especially if you have to go for adventures since they can help a lot if ever a problem occurred. Don't forget to put on sunblock, though, because even though you are in any of the safest countries in Africa, the sun can be a big enemy.

jeremy bishop

With over 1.2 billion people, Africa is the world's second most densely inhabited continent. It has a great variety of cultures, languages, and traditions. If you do, your visit to Africa will definitely be so enjoyable. You will be able to enjoy the warmth, hospitality, generosity, vibrancy, and richness the continent has to offer. Do you know any other safest places to visit in Africa that deserve a spot on this list? Share them in the comment below!

Rating: 4.64 (11 votes)

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

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(5) comments

Tynnetta July 17, 2017

Gambia is extremely peaceful!!

Reply
Christa October 24, 2017

South Africa is one independent country. These countries are located all over the African continent. Your list should be named “Safest Countries to Travel in Africa”, not South Africa.
Namibia is in South African?
This article needs revision!!

Reply
    Alice Ross October 26, 2017

    Thank you for your feedback. It is fixed. If you have any opinions, feel free to share with me.

    Reply
Mike June 16, 2018

Great post! I agree with most results but the crime rate in Madagascar is actually quite high so I wouldn’t really see that on the list.
P.S. There is a typo in the header #11 where it says Tarzania instead of Tanzania

Reply
    Alice Ross June 16, 2018

    Thanks for pointing it out Mike! I consider Madagascar a fairly safe country, especially when compared to other countries that didn’t make it to this list. You will be safe there as long as you respect some simple principles like not walking around at night or exhibit signs of wealth and so on! Still, if you know any other safer country, feel free to let me know!

    Reply
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