All travel comes with some risks, but many African countries are far safer than people might imagine. These are 10 of the safest places to visit in Africa:
Rwanda
Rwanda is arguably the safest country in Africa, which is immediately apparent upon arrival in the relaxed and sophisticated capital Kigali. Though there’s a lot of security around, this doesn’t add tension; rather, the opposite.
Safety: In 2017, Rwanda was listed as the ninth safest country in the world. Rwanda’s response to the genocide of 1994 was to pull the country together, rather than further dividing it. Today this has the effect of a solid safety record for tourists and Rwandans, with an emphasis on security.
When to visit Rwanda: June to September is the dry season, though you can travel to tropical Rwanda at any time.
Botswana
It’s rare for tourists to experience crime in Botswana, largely due to the political stability of the country. Maun the gateway to the Okavango Delta experiences low levels of crime. Safaris are well-managed and highly experienced guides keep guests safe in potential wildlife encounters.
Safety: Travelers will usually be heading to wilderness areas with very few people. There is little corruption and the tourism industry is well-established.
When to visit the Okavango Delta: Wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park is during the dry months of May to October. You can witness the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans during the green season of December to March.
Mauritius
One of the safest places to visit in Africa, this island nation is perfect for relaxed holidays where security is of minimal concern. It’s a multicultural country where people live happily side by side. Families love Mauritius and many beach resorts also help nervous tourists to feel safe.
Safety: Port Louis is one of Africa’s top 10 wealthiest cities less poverty traditionally means less crime. Throughout the island, a shared history (most people’s ancestors arrived here as slaves or indentured labourers) has helped Mauritians bond as a country, creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
When to visit: May to November are the driest and coolest months. December to April is hot and humid, with most rain falling between January and March.
Seychelles
An idyllic cluster of biodiverse islands in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has always been considered a very safe destination for travellers and one of the safest countries in Africa. There is little crime experienced by travellers, especially away from the main islands. Be wary of riptides when swimming in the sea.
Safety: The government is stable, and tourism is an established industry. Most people stay in beach resorts, which vastly decreases the chance of encountering any petty or serious crime.
When to visit Seychelles: April/May and October/November are best, outside the rainy seasons and when underwater visibility is best.
Zambia
Travellers in Zambia rarely experience any problems, often because they fly straight into wilderness areas. As with most cities, there is potential for theft in hubs such as Lusaka and Livingstone, but the vast majority of tourists are unaffected by this and Zambia is considered one of the safest places to visit in Africa.
Safety: The political situation is relatively stable and there has been little conflict. On safari, an experienced guide will know how to maximize safety.
When to visit Zambia: Wildlife viewing is best from May to October. Visit Victoria Falls from June to September when the water volume is lower, allowing better visibility.
