The 10 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit (2022 Global Peace Index Rankings)

The 10 safest countries in Africa to visit in 2023 are based on the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) rankings and travel safety advisories.

Our list of the 10 safest African countries in Africa to visit today, includes travel advisory info from the US Department of State, the UK Government, and the Government of Canada, as well as advice from travel safety specialists. 

It is best to speak to a professional travel advisor for more localised, up-to-date information and expert travel advice before deciding where to go in Africa and when. Contact us for advice from one of our knowledgeable African travel experts.

10 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit in 2023

10. Gabon 

#75 on the 2022 Global Peace Index, this Central African country is famous for its rich culture and some of the best beaches on the continent. Endangered turtles and whales play on its unspoiled Atlantic coast and astonishing wildlife also call Gabon home.

GENERAL SAFETY

Travel to Gabon is relatively low risk and the US Department of State has issued a Level 1 (Exercise normal precaution) advisory for the country. The UK Government says that although most visits to Gabon are trouble-free, it is important to take sensible precautions for personal safety and remain vigilant in public areas.  

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9. Morocco 

Morocco ranks #74 on the GPI and is often considered one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. It has a good track record in terms of travel safety and is politically stable. 

Most travellers have trouble-free visits. There is some petty crime but the tourism industry is well-established and few tourists experience serious crime.

Please note, that Morocco is one of many African countries that are not LGBTQIA+ safe travel destinations.

GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY

The UK Government states that of the almost 700,000 UK nationals visiting Morocco every year, most visits are trouble-free. 

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8. Rwanda

Ranking #72 on the Global Peace Index, Rwanda has long been considered one of the safest countries in Africa to travel to. This landlocked East African country is home to rare animals, making it a dream destination for nature lovers.

Safest African Countries, Rwanda

Rwanda is known less for crime and more for the warm welcome visitors receive. The country is also rich in flora and fauna and its green savannah is breathtaking to see.

• Guided Rwanda Safari Tours for Gorilla Trekking

GENERAL SAFETY

Although crime levels in Rwanda are relatively low, there are reports of petty street crime in Kigali. The UK Government warns that "there are cases of burglary, theft, bag snatching and mugging in Kigali. You should take sensible precautions. Take care when walking at night."

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7. Namibia 

Namibia is one of the most peaceful and safest countries in Africa to visit at #68 on the 2022 Global Peace Index. One of the most politically stable countries in Africa, Namibia is also one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.

Namibia, Safest Countries in Africa for Safaris

Namibia's infrastructure is generally good and the tourism industry is well-developed. Recommended by solo female travellers, Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit on your own. Avoiding dehydration and desert critters is more of a concern in this arid southern African country than crime, in general.

• Budget Namibia Safari Tours

GENERAL SAFETY

Although Namibia is generally a safe African country to visit, there is some crime. That said, crime is mostly a concern in Windhoek and the problem is largely that of non-violent petty crime. 

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6. Malawi 

One of the friendliest and safest African countries to visit, Malawi ranks #65 on the Global Peace Index (together with France). Malawi is known as the "Warm Heart of Africa" because of the warmth and friendliness of the Malawian people.

Malawi takes third place on the list of the safest countries to go on safari in Southern Africa.

Malawi, Safest Countries in Africa

• Budget-friendly Malawi Safari Tours

GENERAL SAFETY

Malawi is, for the most part, a safe country to visit. Petty street crime is however a problem, mainly in Lilongwe and other urban areas (like most cities across the planet).

The UK Government advises that "[m]ost visits to Malawi are trouble-free, but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself from muggers and bag-snatchers. Most thefts from visitors take place around the main bus stations in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Avoid walking around quiet areas, especially after dark." Canadian Government advice is to exercise a high degree of caution due to crime. The Mulanje district is a high-risk area for crime.

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5. Zambia

At position #56 on the Global Peace Index, Zambia is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. It is also one of the best African safari destinations.

Zambia Safari, South Luangwa Leopard by Richard Toller

Zambia is the most improved country in the sub-Saharan African region according to the GPI.

The impressive 3.9% improvement in the GPI rankings is due to Zambia's improved relations with neighbouring countries and the decision to cut its military spending as a GDP percentage. As the 39th largest country in the world, at 752,614 km² (290,586 sq mi), Zambia is an unforgettable safari destination and tourist attraction.

Top Safari Destinations: Victoria Falls & Livingstone (southernmost Zambia), South Luangwa National Park (southeast Zambia, near Malawi), and Kafue National Park (central Zambia).

• Budget-friendly Zambia Safari Tours

GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY

The UK government states most visits to Zambia are trouble-free. The US Department of State categorizes Zambia as a Level 1 country (least security risk) and advises travellers to "exercise normal precautions in Zambia". The Government of Canada advises normal security precautions and a high degree of caution in certain border areas.

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4. Botswana

Botswana is the fourth safest country in Africa to visit, based on the Global Peace Index Report of 2022. The report ranks Botswana at #48 according to its 23 indicators. Travel Nomads also rates Botswana as one of the safest countries in Africa.

Botswana wins the prize as the safest country in Africa for a classical African safari.

Botswana, Safest Country in Africa for Safari

• Affordable Botswana Safari Tours

In addition to being ranked as the safest African safari country, Botswana is also one of the most rewarding safari destinations. Although it is not the cheapest country in Africa for a safari, it is also not the most expensive. There are plenty of fantastic, budget-friendly Botswana safaris to choose from, with over 170 Botswana Safaris on African Budget Safaris alone.  

GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY

When the Canadian government advises that you take normal security precautions, as it does for Botswana, then you know a place is pretty safe!

Travel safety specialists (Travel Safe - Abroad) go so far as to describe Botswana as "possibly the safest country in entire Africa". The UK Government is less optimistic and warns that although tourists are rarely attacked, petty and serious crime is on the rise in urban areas such as Gaborone and Francistown. 

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3. The Gambia 

#45 on the Global Peace Index, The Gambia, is the third most peaceful country in Africa. The Gambia is a safe country to visit. Most visitors enjoy a trouble-free travel experience throughout The Gambia, which is the smallest country in Africa.

The Gambia, Safest Countries in Africa

GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY

The Gambia is generally safe to visit. The UK Government states most visits to this African country are trouble-free, "although independent travellers are at increased risk due to the lack of local support in an emergency". The US Department of State warns travellers to exercise increased caution in "The Gambia’s southern border area adjacent to Senegal’s Casamance region due to the potential presence of landmines."

It is important to note that in The Gambia homosexuality is illegal, so it is unfortunately not an LGBTQ-friendly destination.

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2. Ghana 

At #40 on the Global Peace Index, Ghana is the second most peaceful country, and thus one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. Sometimes called 'Africa for beginners' Ghana is recommended for first-time visitors to Africa because it is exceptionally friendly and safe. The Ghanaian people are known for being welcoming, helpful, easy-going, and on "African time".

Ghana, Safest Countries in Africa to Visit 2023

GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY

The West African country of Ghana is stable with low crime rates (particularly for this region of Africa). According to the UK Government, about 90,000 British nationals visit Ghana per year, and "most visits are trouble-free" although Ghana is not crime-free.

The US Department of State warns travellers of an increased risk of crime in certain areas. Authorities advise travellers to "exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular, the northern border" and increased caution in "[p]arts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions due to civil unrest. 

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1. Mauritius

Ranked #28 on the 2022 Global Peace Index, Mauritius is the safest country in Africa to visit. In fact, this peaceful African country outranks Spain (29), Italy (32), and the United Kingdom (34). This gobsmackingly beautiful Indian Ocean island is very safe to visit. 

Safest country in Africa to visit, Mauritius

The idyllic island of Mauritius is not a budget African travel destination or an African safari destination, so we at African Budget Safaris don't feature any trips there. The island does, however, boast rich bird and marine life, from whales and dolphins to Mauritian kestrels, as well as giant tortoises.

GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY

The crime rate is meager in Mauritius and it is a very low-risk travel destination all-round. Even the Canadian government only advises 'normal security precautions'. Yet, the UK Government warns travellers of petty crime and advises them to "[t]ake care of bags and valuables in popular tourist areas including Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac".

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Safest Countries in Africa vs Other Countries on the GPI

Before we dive into the list of safest African countries to visit, here's how some internationally well-known countries rank on the GPI for comparison (for more about the GPI, see What's the Global Peace Index?)

Canada ranks #12, Croatia #15, Germany #16, the Netherlands #21, and Australia #27. The United Kingdom is at #34. The United States of America ranks #129, while South Africa is at #118 (hence travel advisories factor into our list of safest African countries).

The three most peaceful countries in the world are Iceland (#1), New Zealand (#2), and Ireland (#3). The three least peaceful countries on the 2022 Global Peace Index are Syria (#161), Yemen (#162), and Afghanistan (#163).

No destination on this planet is completely safe and travel always comes with risks. Even in New Zealand, petty crime is common and there are warnings about crime targeted at tourists, even in rural places. So, as with any country you visit, anywhere, you always need to be aware and take sensible precautions, even in the safest countries in the world. 

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4 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit (based on travel advisories)

These are 4 of the safest African countries to visit based on travel experts and advisories, not the GPI.

1. Eswatini (Swaziland)

Ranking #93, Eswatini (formerly called Swaziland) has moved out of the Top 10 but it is still one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. It is a mountainous landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. 

Safest African Countries, Eswatini

The Kingdom of Eswatini, once the Kingdom of Swaziland, is "... by-and-large, a safe country in which to travel... Indeed, hospitality is a cornerstone of Swazi culture and the average visitor’s experience is overwhelmingly a friendly and relaxed one" (Bradt Guides 2021). 

• Budget-friendly eSwatini Safari Tours

2. Madagascar  

The island of Madagascar is #84 on the 2022 Global Peace Index. This unique and largely undeveloped island is one of the most off-the-beaten-track places to visit. High in biodiversity and largely undeveloped Madagascar is an ideal destination for adventurous travellers and nature lovers.

Madagascar Safest African Countries to Visit

Madagascar is relatively safe to visit, but you need to be aware of the risks and follow travel advice. For example, avoid walking in Antananarivo after dark. Madagascar is not the most politically stable country, and crime (theft and robbery) is on the increase in both urban and rural areas so visitors need to be careful. 

It is best to visit Madagascar with a trusted tour company or registered guide (ask our travel consultants for free advice). The Broke Backpacker confirms, "many people would recommend that you only travel the island with an organised tour company or hire a guide to take you around".

• Guided Madagascar Tours

3. Tanzania 

Coming in at #86 on the Global Peace Index, Tanzania is one of the safest countries in Africa and the very best places to go on safari in Africa and has a well-established tourism industry.

Tanzania, Safest Countries in Africa 2023

According to Lonely Planet, Tanzania is generally a safe country, and "[w]hile solo travellers may be a minor curiosity in rural areas, especially solo women travellers, there are no particular issues with travelling solo in Tanzania". Travel Safe Abroad advises 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". In summary, they say that "chances are you will have no negative experiences or incidents" when visiting Tanzania.

Top Tanzania safari destinations include Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, in northern Tanzania, near the Kenya border.

• Budget Tanzania Safari Tours

4. Seychelles

Seychelles was not featured in the GPI 2022 report. It is considered a very safe travel destination and is always rated as one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. Seychelles also has a well-established tourism industry as a long-standing tourist destination. 

A green flag for travellers wanting to visit Seychelles, the Canadian Government advisory is to take normal security precautions. The UK Government states "Most visits to Seychelles are trouble-free".

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Other Safe African Countries to Visit

In addition to the 4 safest African countries (above), we consider the following countries in Africa reasonably safe to visit with several caveats. If you follow travel advice and avoid certain areas and behaviours you should have a trouble-free travel experience, as millions of other travellers do each year.

• Ethiopia
• Lesotho
• Kenya
• Uganda
• South Africa

For more information and advice about visiting these African countries safely get in touch with us.

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What's the Global Peace Index?

The Global Peace Index (GPI) is an internationally recognized report published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It is a benchmark study that measures and ranks national peace levels across 163 countries. The report thus covers about 99.7% of the world's population (according to World Population Review).

The study uses 23 indicators of peace to determine the ranking of countries on the index. These indicators are split into 3 broad categories: 1) Ongoing International and Domestic Conflict, 2) Societal Safety, and 3) Security, and Militarization. The latest GPI report was released in July 2022.

For more details see the 2022 Global Peace Index Report by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).

Top-ranked Global Peace Index Countries Not Listed in Our 10 Safest Countries in Africa

Senegal 

Although Senegal is #70 on the GPI for 2022, it is not one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. It has high crime rates, including violent and petty crimes.

The Canadian government advises a high degree of caution in Senegal due to levels of crime. The UK Government however states that most visits are trouble-free and the US Department of State has Senegal listed as Level 1 (Excercise normal precautions) with increased caution advised for the Casamance region due to crime and landmines. But according to Travel Safe - Abroad "[a]part from the fighting going on in the Casamance region of Senegal... which is why it would be wise to avoid this area, there is serious reason to be extremely vigilant on the streets of Senegal, as petty theft and violent crime are a severe issue in this country".

Sierra Leone

#50 on the GPI has been removed from the list of safest countries to visit in Africa as it is a 'medium-security risk' travel destination. Despite Sierra Leone's rank as #50 on the Global Peace Index for 2021, it is not rated as one of the safest countries in Africa to visit due to crime (robbery and assault).

Equatorial Guinea

#59 has also been removed due to travel advisory warnings. The UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Equatorial Guinea. The Canadian Government warns travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution in Equatorial Guinea due to crime" and Travel Safe Abroad warns that Equatorial Guinea is "a country with extremely high crime rates, corruption, and diseases" and "the rates of petty crime are among the worst you can expect when travelling, so this is a country where you definitely shouldn’t let your guard down."

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Other African Countries ranked in the top 120 of the Global Peace Index

Liberia (75), Angola (78), Tunisia (85), Benin (105), and Guinea-Bissau (110).

Lesotho ranks #100, Cote d'Ivoire #108, Republic of the Congo #111, Uganda #114, South Africa #118, and Kenya #120.

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Travel Safety on African Safaris

When going on safari in Africa, visitors need to be aware of and prepared for, the risks posed by potentially dangerous animals in game reserves and specific diseases in certain areas.

Safety on African Safaris by Richard Toller

For more about African safari safety considerations take a look at Safety on Africa Safaris & The Complete African Safari Medical Guide

Travel insurance is mandatory on all of our African safaris to ensure that our visitors stay safe. Check out our Travel Insurance for Africa page for more information and tips.

To get help with planning your travels to Africa in 2024 and beyond, talk to one of our travel advisors specializing in affordable African travel. 

Safest Countries in Africa to Visit on Safari

[Updated in May 2023 by Molebatsi Manzi | First published in November 2021]