The very idea of going on a vacation during this pandemic is a refresher. So, when the world goes back to normal (hopefully soon), make sure you keep your travel bucket list handy and up-to-date. Many travelers choose a common destination such as Paris or London, but few travel enthusiasts go creative about choosing their next travel destination, like Africa.
Apart from wildlife, Africa has a lot to offer, and it only needs some time to explore this adventurous and beautiful part of the world. The best thing about traveling to Africa is that it provides fun, adventures, and a lot about the local culture. Above all, most African countries are safe to travel to and if someone says Africa is not safe at all is nothing but a myth.
One striking thing about the eastern part of Africa is that it saw humans’ origin and great apes. The earliest human remains were found in the African countries of Ethiopia, Morocco, and South Africa nearly around 300,000 years ago. North Africa has the honor to witness early human civilizations, i.e., Amazigh civilization, Phoenicia, and Ancient Egypt.
Safest Countries in Africa You Should Visit
Africa is the second-largest continent, so the options are numerous. It might even seem not easy to shortlist the best places in Africa, but you are in the right place when your concern is safety. Let’s explore in detail the best and safest countries in Africa recommended for tourists for a comfortable stay and a fantastic trip with no hassles.
1.Rwanda
Rwanda is a popular and safe tourist destination despite having a troubled history. The unrest and violence in the past have proved to be a lesson for its people. Now the country has become more peaceful and developed after the tragic events of the 1994 genocide.
The welcoming people of Rwanda are proof of this rebirth, especially Kigali, the capital, which is a source of happiness and peace for the locals and tourists. Rwanda’s crime rate is very low compared to other African countries, and its Peace Index score has gotten better over the years.
2.Namibia
Given its dry climate, the population density and crime rate are comparatively low than in other countries. Namibia is politically stable developed, and you can find good medical services and infrastructure such as roads. Namibia is surrounded by desert and the Atlantic Ocean; the country has vast plains, making the country the right place for a road trip.
Certain crowded parts of the country are unsafe for the tourists, such as the city of Windhoek. Unless necessary, tourists should not go to such places. They can fall victim to petty crimes such as scams or pickpocketing, but most of Namibia is safe and picturesque.
3.Liberia
If you want to experience the vibrant culture of West Africa, Liberia is your destination. Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, offers a range of markets where you can find artisan selling their handicrafts. And if you are interested in knowing Liberia’s history, head towards Liberia National Museum.
As Liberia is one of the safest countries in Africa, surfers gather here, from around the world, to surf the perfect waves. The jungles are home to many wild animals such as elephants, leopards, the pygmy hippo, and chimpanzees.
Although the country is safe, you should take some safety measures and be mindful when roaming. Make sure you take a taxi through a reputable company instead of taking a street cab for the commute. Opportunists are everywhere, so it is always wise to be vigilant as tourists. Risks are always there when you move to a new country; It does not mean that Africa is unsafe. You need to take the necessary safety measures recommended for any foreign traveling.
4.Botswana
Botswana is one of the politically stable countries in Africa and an excellent destination for safari camps. The country is beautiful with amazing picturesque landscapes and wildlife. This place is ideal for those who want to visit safari while traveling, whether solo, with friends, or with family.
Botswana is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa in terms of GDP per capita, as it is rich in precious metals. It also has luxury hotels and VIP tourist services because it is a destination for businessmen and investors. Another benefit of visiting Botswana for tourists is that everyone speaks English, and hardly tourists experience crime here.
5.Mauritius
Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean; it is also called a tropical paradise and is considered one of the best honeymoon destinations. Mauritius is an expensive destination in Africa because it’s ranked as one of the best tax havens in the world and a home for thousands of millionaires.
Mauritius is a wildlife sanctuary, and when you go diving, you can see some giant tortoises and lovely corals. Being a safe county, you can take a helicopter flight to view the mesmerizing sceneries. Also, from the above, you will witness the underwater waterfall.
6.Ghana
The jewel of West Africa, Ghana, is one of the safest countries in Africa. Accra, the capital of Ghana, has recently built a new airport. Accra is a big city and densely populated; you need to be cautious against crimes after dark and pickpockets. According to Wikipedia, Ghana has ranked the 2nd for Global Peace Index in Africa, so you will not face too many problems concerning your safety if you take the standard measures of protection.
There is so many tourists spot in Ghana. Such as the Cape Coast Castle, which was used for the slave trade. The Kakum National Park, an oasis on the Cape Coast, is a must-visit place in Ghana. Taking Kakum Canopy Walk is also a beautiful experience.
7.Tanzania
Among others, Tanzania is also one of the safest countries in Africa. For safari lovers, Serengeti is the best place to visit. Also, you must have heard of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is also located in Tanzania. And for some tropical paradise views, visit Zanzibar.
Apart from safety and peace, Tanzania offers incredible views of wildlife. If you want to witness the real pride of lions, visit Serengeti. The turquoise water of Zanzibar, coupled with sunshine, is a perfect place to relax and unwind. The country is small, and the people are very peaceful and friendly with tourists.
8.Zambia
Zambia is home to the famous Victoria Falls, the largest waterfalls in Africa. Not only for Victoria Falls, but Zambia is also renowned for its cheerful and pleasant people. Zambia is a famous spot if you like safari camps and will offer you a fantastic view of wildlife such as lions, zebras, and giraffes.
Although the crime here is relatively low, you still need to take care of your belongings. Be careful about flashing your cell phone around. Moreover, you have to be cautious about drunk drivers here, especially at night. Overall, Zambia is a good and safe destination but Being a foreign tourist means you have to remain careful.
9.Seychelles
Made up of 15 biodiverse islands, Seychelles is the most beautiful country in Africa. Since the government is stable and promotes the country as a touristic destination, The travelers here report the minor crime, particularly far from the mainland. It is one of the most famous destinations among honeymooners with incredible luxury resorts and beautiful beaches.
The most exciting experience about this country is that you can cruise around its islands and witness the 125 years old tortoise. This is one of the safest countries in Africa, where tourists love to spend vacations and relax. However, it would help if you were cautious against riptides while swimming in the sea.
10.Kenya
When you go to the Eastern side of Africa, Kenya is the name that comes to mind when thinking about the safest countries. No doubt, this country has a history of civil unrest and disputed election results. But in fact, these events should not affect you. You don’t have to get caught up in them and avoid visiting main areas should you happen to see them during such times.
Kenya is home to excellent infrastructure, facilities, and communication networks. Moreover, you will find good medical services here, with ease of access in the whole country. The good is that people speak English here, so it becomes easy for you to communicate. You should not visit Kenya during the rainy season as there are floods along the coast mainly. And the good thing about its climate is that threat of cyclones is very low, given its location close to the equator.
11.Senegal
Going towards the West side of Africa, you reach Senegal. This county is called Africa’s model democracy with the most friendly people. The democratic elections and press freedom have also made this country a progressive one. Although there are some health issues with typhoid or malaria, Senegal is considered one of the safest countries in Arica.
12.Egypt
On the Northern side, Egypt is a classic and famous touristic country known for Pyramids and the old Egyptian civilization. You can use ridesharing apps or domestic flights for internal tours to visit the whole country. If you take a Nile cruise, it is pretty affordable and one of its kind of experience. And when swimming in the Red Sea, you will see large wildlife creatures.
Tourist areas in Egypt are very safe, but you will encounter scammers, beggars, and harassment as a significant problem, especially in public transportation. Walking around the popular neighborhoods without a licensed tour guide or a local friend is not recommended as it is dangerous for tourists.
13.Morocco
Morocco is very stable and welcoming for tourists, and infrastructure and hotels are good. Moroccans are one of the friendliest people globally, generous and most of them speak many languages. You can taste their famous local cuisines that offer delicious dishes and also explore the heritage of the Moorish(Moroccan) civilization in historical cities. If you are a fan of cannabis, Moroccan Hashish is highly recommended for you, especially in the country’s north.
The best experience is to book a trip to the Atlas Mountains or a camel ride while returning from Marrakesh. As Morocco is very close to Spain, you can also have a chance to visit Spain by boat. As Morocco is a progressive and growing economy, it offers a good standard of services.
14.Mozambique
Down in the South, you will locate Mozambique. Like other parts of South Africa, people here are friendly, and the environment and the crime ratio are relatively low. Although this place is not a very big tourist destination, The streets are quiet, peaceful, and safe.
If you want to visit Mozambique, you need to consider weather conditions. This country experiences cyclones and severe flooding, so The right time to visit Mozambique is winters that last from May through September. During this time, the coastal areas are not humid, rainfall is significantly less, and the tropical heat is also bearable.
15.Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked East African country, and it is also one of the famous tourist destinations in East Africa, given its renowned safari and huge gorillas population. Here you will find a good infrastructure throughout the country.
Uganda is safer and cheaper to see gorillas than Rwanda. Although it is safe yet, you need to consider travel precautions. Take good care of your belongings and make sure you don’t go out alone during the night. You will find these common travel concerns anywhere, but it’s a safe country to visit.
16.Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the growing economies of the world. Moreover, this is the right destination for nature and history lovers. In certain areas, there is civil unrest, so you need to stay up to date about local developments and stay away from those areas. Keeping aside dangerous animals and climatic conditions, Ethiopia is a safe country to visit in Africa.
17.Malawi
Although economically weak, this country is called Africa’s ‘Warm Heart.’ Despite the poverty, this place feels safe. At lake Malawi, there is a sound infrastructure for tourists but not in the rest of the country. This country is also stable politically, making it a good destination for wildlife lovers or road trips.
Best Tips for Traveling to Africa for The First Time
While traveling to Africa, there are a few considerations you make. Such as, going on safari means a chance of catching malaria and the presence of dangerous wild animals. Similarly, there are other considerations when it comes to visiting Africa.
Take Personal Security Seriously
Personal security while traveling is something you cannot risk. Be it traveling to Africa or any other Western destination. So, before you finalize your itinerary, search famous African travel blogs or news to stay up to date about what is happening there. In addition, make sure not to take pictures of government buildings. Also, in places with religious sensitivities like Zanzibar, show respect, and dress up appropriately.
Be Conscious About Your Health
While you plan to visit Africa, it is essential to see a healthcare professional. Ask them about the destination-specific vaccine or injection. You may need to show your proof of vaccination or immunization. Boosters of vaccines for illnesses such as typhoid, meningitis, tetanus, rabies, hepatitis A and B are highly recommended.
Another important thing is not to leave the vaccination to the last minute because some vaccines are needed weeks before traveling, while others can make you feel sick, so it is better to consult to doctor beforehand and follow their advice. Also, to avoid malaria, apply any insect repellent on your legs, arms, face, and neck.
Always Drink Bottled Water
There can be several water-borne diseases; it is best to use bottled water. Moreover, bottled water is readily available as well as cheap. Many hotels or resorts will offer you bottled water that you can refill with filtered water.
Bring Sunblock And A Hat!
Regardless of your destination, or the time of the year, bring your hat and sunblock. Be ready for sunburns because the African sun is harsh on every skin type- in any weather.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most important safety tips is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause overheating and overexertion, and this causes headaches, nausea, thirst, constipation, dizziness, and significantly dry skin.
Keep Your First Aid Kit With You
It would help if you kept a sufficient supply of prescriptions or medication that you take regularly. It is not safe to assume that you will get your medicines in Africa, and it is wise to carry a mini first aid kit during traveling. You can also speak to a healthcare professional and keep non-prescription medications.
Moving Around Safely
For moving around safely and having a safe trip, it is essential to leave behind your expensive designer labels and flashy jewelry. These things are not practical to wear, and you can invite scammers or looters.
Think about keeping money in your belt, or take minimal cash with you- sufficient for a day. Unless you are a professional photographer who knows how to keep your camera safe, don’t show your camera around and make yourself a target. Moreover, avoid walking the streets in larger cities or towns by night.
Budget Your Trip
Suppose you think that being underdeveloped means Africa is relatively cheap to visit. That is not the case because Africa is an expensive destination, so you might need to set a budget for each necessity or activity. We suggest using flight search engines for hunting cheap fares and saving extra charges. Set aside at least $1000 in case of an emergency. Also, beware of credit card fraud; it can happen.
Protect Yourself From Scam
You have to be careful about scammers. Avoid if people offer you goods or services for free or charge very high at the end of the service. You might also see people selling fake tickets at high prices. Or some might insist you carry your luggage at airports or bus stops and then ask for a large tip. It is better to decide the price first before taking any service.
Be Conservative While Using Resources
Most African countries have a shortage of electricity, unfortunately. So, when you go out, turn off the lights and remove your chargers. You can take a solar charging device and a universal travel adaptor. Also, avoid taking long showers. You will see water scarcity, which makes Africa a dry continent. So, make your shower short and quick.
Make Sure You Have Insurance
Having health insurance is essential on your trip. In case of anything goes wrong or you get sick, injured, or get bitten by a wild animal. You will have your insurance to claim the damages, and hospitals will deal with you better because you have pro insurance. Also, having travel insurance to protect your luggage or tools is very important because most airports have unprofessional teams, and the risk of looting is higher in Africa.
Hassle Of Passing Borders
You can experience frustrating border processes. Mostly you will pass with no hassle at all. During other times you will have to wait for hours for your passport to be processed without explanation. What’s more? A corrupt official can ask for a bribe. So, if you face such a hassle, be sure you know your visa requirement or contact your local embassy. Always take your passport back when it meets all the requirements. Don’t take pressure from someone asking you to pay to make the process quick.
You Can Have Flexible Options Of Accommodations
To have the best accommodation, make sure you book in advance. The peak season is from May to October. To know other people’s experiences, read online reviews, guide books, or listen to local recommendations. Above all, your accommodation should be safe in all aspects.
Conclusion
Like any other travel destination, Africa has its flaws. But given its diversity, it offers limitless opportunities for adventure. No travel enthusiast can ignore this continent with its warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes. Thave has been civil wars, and this continent is not rich or economically strong. Yet, most parts of Africa are safe.
There is a long list of the safest countries in Africa, including the one we just discussed. Street crimes are everywhere, so if you take travel precautions and be mindful of the places you visit, you will experience a wonderful visit to Africa during your following holidays. If you have others tips or a personal experience when visiting Africa, you can share them with us in the comments.
