Top 10 Africa's Safest Destinations to Visit in 2023

In terms of both land and population, Africa is the second-largest continent in the globe. Only a minor land bridge in the northeast connects the African Mainland with Western Asia, making it a nearly totally isolated landmass.

Around 30,244,000 km2 (11,700,000 mi2), or six percent of the world's total surface, is occupied by Africa. The continent, including the nearby islands, makes up around 20% of the planet's land area. Algeria is the largest nation in Africa, followed by Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa).

The second-largest continent is home to an estimated 1.37 billion people, or 14% of the world's population (in 2021). Nigeria, which has a population of more than 211 million, is the most populous nation in Africa.
Source: UN World Population Prospects.

Africa's continent is divided into 48 countries, plus six island nations that are also included. There are 54 independent African nations overall, together with the disputed territories of Western Sahara (occupied by Morocco and claimed by the Polisario) and Somaliland (a portion of Somalia).

Africa's Safest Destinations

Rwanda

Arriving in Rwanda's laid-back and attractive capital Kigali, one can instantly tell that it is possibly the safest country in all of Africa. Despite the high level of security, tourists don't typically feel more anxious because of it; rather the reverse, in fact. Tours for gorilla trekking and safaris are generally well-organized and secure.

The sixth-safest nation in the world for lone travelers in 2022 was ranked as Rwanda. In response to the 1994 genocide, Rwanda made an effort to unite the nation rather than further divide it. As a result, Rwandans and tourists now enjoy a high level of safety, with a focus on security. Although you may visit the tropical country of Rwanda at any time, the best time to go is from June to September when it's dry. March and April are advised to be avoided because they are the wettest months.

Tanzania

One of the most secure nations in Africa to go to in 2023 is Tanzania. It also boasts a thriving tourism sector and is among the top safari destinations in all of Africa. Tanzania is generally considered to be a safe country, and while solo travelers, particularly solo women travelers, "may be a small curiosity in rural regions," there are "no particular concerns with traveling alone in Tanzania," according to Lonely Planet. According to Travel Safe Abroad, "Tanzania is generally safe to travel, although caution is advised, especially in tourist locations like Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam." In conclusion, they claim that there is a good possibility that Tanzania will be a positive experience for you.

According to the UK government, over 75,000 British citizens travel to Tanzania each year, and the majority of these trips are trouble-free. Tanzania is one of the top countries in Africa for wildlife safaris due to the sheer quantity and variety of its animal species as well as the expertise of its safari sector. Travelers can feel secure in Tanzania because there are rarely any crimes there. Since most people would be traveling outside of cities, there will be less of a chance for crime. Safaris are frequently extremely safe, and knowledgeable guides are trained to deal with wildlife encounters.

The majority of visitors will likely fly across the nation or use pre-arranged transfer cars, however independent travelers should be cautious of potholes and avoid driving at night. Before making a reservation, it's a good idea to confirm that the safari guides and Mt. Kilimanjaro hiking companies have a strong, trustworthy reputation. The greatest time to see animals is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October.

Kenya

A well-developed infrastructure makes it simple for visitors to get across Kenya, where the safari business is the most well-established in all of Africa. For the numerous visitors it receives each year, the nation is mostly safe. Most tourists don't worry about crime even when they are in major cities like Nairobi, but it always pays to be on the lookout and alert. The northern shore and the Somalian border region both have travel advisories associated with them, however it is simple to stay away from these areas.

In cities, the standard safety procedures are in place. The majority of dangers on a safari are related to wild animals, and with a qualified guide, these dangers are minor. Avoid driving at night if possible and select a trustworthy automobile rental company. Ask for a paper outlining where and when you must appear in court to answer the applicable charges as traffic police are known to improperly demand fines on the spot. The wildebeest migration enters the Masai Mara National Reserve between September and October, when it is dry and the greatest time to see wildlife.

Botswana

According to the 2021 Global Peace Index Report, Botswana is one of the safest places in Africa to travel. Botswana is ranked #41 in the study's 23 indicators. Botswana is ranked among the safest nations in Africa by Travel Nomads.

Botswana is among the best places to go on safari in Africa, as well as being recognized as the safest. For a safari, it is not the cheapest country in Africa, but it is also not the most expensive. With over 170 Botswana safaris listed on African Budget Safaris alone, there are many wonderful, affordable Botswana safaris available.

In part because of the nation's political stability, crime is uncommon for visitors visiting Botswana. Maun, which serves as the entrance to the Okavango Delta, has a low crime rate. The management of safaris is excellent, and knowledgeable guides keep visitors safe when they may come into contact with wildlife.

Typically, tourists will be going to remote wilderness locations. The tourism sector is well-established, and there is very little corruption. The greatest times to see wildlife in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are from May to October, when it's dry. In the Makgadikgadi Pans from December to March, during the Green season (Wet season), you can see zebras migrating.

Uganda

Because most tourists spend little time in the towns with the greatest risk levels, Uganda is a popular tourist destination, and there are few instances of crime there (as is the case with most places in the world). In order to see mountain gorillas, tourists are often accompanied into the forests by knowledgeable rangers and security; most trips are uneventful.

Travelers can feel mostly safe in Uganda. The normal considerations still apply in cities, although it's advisable to seek guidance and avoid cities during elections or protests. In Uganda, June to August and December to February are the driest months.

Namibia

At #65 on the 2021 Global Peace Index, Namibia is one of the safest and most tranquil countries in Africa. Namibia, one of the least populated nations in the world, is also one of the most politically stable nations in Africa.

Namibia has a thriving tourism sector and generally good infrastructure. Namibia is one of the safest nations in Africa for female tourists traveling alone, and is highly recommended. In this dry southern African nation, staying hydrated and avoiding desert animals are more of a concern than general crime.

Known for its wide deserts, Namibia is a favorite destination for long road journeys, stargazing, wild safaris, and adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and quad biking near the adventure hub Swakopmund. Namibia is the perfect destination for individuals looking for safe travel in Africa because of its low crime rate and lack of problems experienced by tourists.

Due to Namibia's low population density, most visitors stay in regions far from the cities. The political situation in Namibia is calm and free from major conflict. There is less rain than in other southern African nations, and the weather is generally steady throughout the year. Visit during the dry winter season, which runs from July to October, to see wildlife in Etosha National Park.

Zambia

Zambia, which is ranked #71 on the Global Peace Index, is one of the safest places to travel in Africa. It is also among the top places to go on an African safari. Few complications arise for visitors in Zambia. Theft is a possibility in hubs like Lusaka and Livingstone, as it is in most cities, but for the most part, travelers are unaffected by this, and Zambia is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit.

Although you should stay away from protests, Zambia's political climate is comparatively calm. An expert guide on a safari will be familiar with how to handle encounters with wildlife and enhance safety. The greatest months to see wildlife are May through October. Visit Victoria Falls between June and September when there is less water, which improves vision.

Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the safest places to travel in Africa, coming in at number 28 on the 2021 Global Peace Index. In actuality, this tranquil African nation rates higher than Spain (31), Italy (32), and the United Kingdom (33). Visits to this breathtakingly lovely island in the Indian Ocean are quite safe.

This island country, one of the safest in all of Africa, is ideal for laid-back vacations when security isn't a major concern. People coexist in harmony, on the whole, in this multicultural nation. Mauritius is a favorite destination for families, and the numerous beach resorts also assuage the fears of uneasy travelers.

Politically stable, wealthy, and generally quite safe for travelers, Mauritius is one of Africa's richest nations. It's driest and coolest from May through November. The rainiest months are between the cyclone months of January and March, when temperatures are hot and muggy from December to April.

Seychelles

The Seychelles, a beautiful group of biodiverse islands in the Indian Ocean, has long been regarded as a particularly safe tourism destination and one of the safest nations in Africa. Tourists rarely suffer crime, especially outside of the major islands. The political climate is secure, and the tourism sector is well-established. The majority of visitors stay in seaside resorts, greatly reducing the likelihood of running into any minor or major crime. When swimming in the sea, be mindful of rip tides.

All seasons are suitable for travel to the Seychelles. The finest diving and snorkeling conditions are found between March and May and September and November, when it is driest and coolest.

Lesotho

This tiny, mountainous nation is bordered by South Africa on all sides. Lesotho is a destination that will pique the interest of individuals seeking secure places to vacation in Africa because travelers spend the most of their time there in rural areas where violence is uncommon.

The countryside of Lesotho is a wonderful area to visit due to the laid-back and leisurely pace of life there. These places rarely have crime. Use caution when traveling through the cities as they are not as safe. Not only is it safer to hike in groups with a guide, but it's also better in case of injury, inclement weather, or just for navigation. Though Lesotho is accessible all year round, the best months to visit are from October to March when the weather is warmer and cozier (the Wet season).