15 Safest Countries in Africa to Travel in 2023

The 15 Safest Countries in Africa to Travel

Well well well the safest countries in Africa to travel, I have set myself up for a fall here haven’t I?!

Because where do you start?

And come to think of it, where do you end?

And how do you risk not getting a backlash in the process?

Well, I’ve given it a good go and, as an experienced traveller in Africa, my desire is only to help others make plans and decisions that allow them to have the best time possible in this continent.

This is neither an exhaustive list, nor is it immune from political and climatic changes. It is based on my experience as a solo female adventurer and centres largely around Southern, Eastern and parts of Northern Africa as this is where most travellers tend to go.

So here it is, my list of the 15 safest countries in Africa to travel…

 


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This article is written in good faith, based on my knowledge as a travel blogger. I am not an expert in African safety, nor can I predict how situations may change in this continent, as they quickly have the tendency to do. I cannot be held responsible for any actions taken in light of this article or advice.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.


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A Word About Travel Safety in Africa

Budget Tips Africa Titlejpg

It kind of goes without saying, but kind of needs to be pointed out at the same time, that travelling in Africa always poses some element of risk.

As one of the most economically disadvantaged places on the planet, adventuring in Africa is always just that, an adventure.

When it comes to the safest countries in Africa to travel therefore, there are various factors that always hamper nations in this continent.

For a start medical facilities can be poor and dangerous diseases are sadly a matter of life here. From malaria to dengue, health risks are always an issue in Africa and need to be properly researched and taken into account.

In addition to this, climatic features such as drought, flooding, cyclones and extreme heat all blight this continent and definitely influence this discussion about the safest countries in Africa.

And finally, there’s the political elements of danger to consider when it comes to travel in this area, with everything from contested elections, civil unrest, political upheaval and terrorism feeding into the complex situation.

This means things can quickly change across this continent and countries or areas considered safe can quickly alter in a matter of days.

Unfortunately, I can’t keep up with the ever-evolving situation in the countries I list here, so it’s best to check the foreign advice at gov.uk for the very latest info and then use your best judgement to assess the risks.

 

My Solo Female Experience

Absolute Africa, Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls Selfie

What I now realise is that this list reads like a litany of horrors and that no right person in their mind should think of travelling to Africa!

But, of course, that just isn’t true.

As a sold up fan of African travel, I can confirm I’ve safely visited this continent on 5 occasions and travelled in 21 countries here entirely without any danger and am certainly planning to head back.

Because adventuring in this continent fires up my heart and mind like nothing else.

Quite simply, there isn’t anything else like it.

And I say this, of course, as a solo female traveller.

For honestly, if you take sensible precautions and avoid irresponsible risks, you’re likely to feel every bit as welcomed and at home across this continent as I have.

From not going out alone at night and avoiding strolling through dodgy areas, to not looking lost and flashing loads of valuables, it’s basically all about common sense when it comes to being safe as a solo female nomad in Africa.

And of course, going to see a Travel Health professional before you jet off, and following their advice, is a key part of it too.

 

Travel Insurance for Africa

Africa, Morocco, Sunset
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How to Travel Safely in Africa

Absolute Africa, Serengeti, Window View

Another way to feel safer when travelling in Africa is to join up with others.

It must be said I’ve travelled many countries in this continent both independently and as part of group tours, and there are certainly pros and cons to both.

If it’s perhaps your first trip to this part of the world, or your first solo trip abroad, then you certainly may want to book onto a tour in advance so that you can be assured of some company, a designated itinerary and an automatic safety net / source of advice if any difficulties do arise.

There’s so many tours across this continent, which vary in length, price, style and destination that it would be impossible to list all my recommendations here.

That said, if you’re looking for the cheapest possible option, then budget overland tours are the way to go and Absolute Africa are my favourite company in this department – I’ve travelled with them in several different African countries.

And the great news is that I’m currently offering my readers an exclusive discount on all Absolute Africa tours, meaning you can now travel even more in this amazing continent for even less!

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And if you’re looking for something with a bit more comfort, or you want to take shorter safari trips, perhaps just in one park, or one country, then I highly recommend checking out the huge array of options at SafariBookings.

Simply filter your choices by date, destination and number of travellers to review all the top tours available to you…

 

List of Safest Countries to Travel in Africa

Ok, so without further ado, here’s my list of the 15 safest countries in Africa to travel… and why!

 

#1 Namibia

Namibia, Spitzkoppe, Sunset

Namibia gets my vote as probably the safest country in Africa to travel.

With a desert climate, tropical diseases are less common here and malaria is generally thought not to be a risk in the south of the country.

In addition, the arid landscape means Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world and crime is very low.

The country is politically stable and fairly well developed, meaning the medical services and the roads are generally excellent.

The downsides to safety in Namibia are also due to its size and desert climate however.

Isolated and very rural, you may find yourself quite far from medical services if you fall ill outside major towns and breakdown support if you’re in your own vehicle can certainly be an issue.

Dehydration and heat stroke are also major concerns in this dry, hot land where temperatures are known to soar and where fresh water can be a precious resource.

That said, the marvels of this country, from Etosha National Park to the desert magnificence of Sossusvlei far outweigh any risks!

One of my favourite countries on the continent, check out these top-rated Namibia Tours for some great ideas about what you could experience here.

READ MORE: 9 Amazing Places to Visit in Namibia

 

#2 Botswana

Botswana, Okavango Delta, Mokoro Ride

Another Southern African nation on this list, Botswana is certainly one of the safest countries in this continent, with a stable political climate and a strong growing economy thanks to its wealth of natural resources.

Generally thought to have quite low levels of corruption, public services, such as roads and medical infrastructure are good across the country and civil unrest almost unheard of in recent years.

Botswana does have a lot of large, wild animals however, in particular a massive elephant population, and this probably constitutes one of the biggest dangers, particularly when driving or camping!

DISCOVER MORE: What’s the Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana?

 

#3 Eswatini

Africa, Swaziland, Sunset

Number 3 on my list of the safest countries in Africa, the tiny nation of Eswatini actually sits within the country of South Africa.

It’s a very small country, ruled by an absolute monarch and with a limited population, who are devoted to their king, crime and political upheaval here is very low.

In addition, few dangerous wild animals add to the level of security in Eswatini and the rolling green hills of its landscape mean environmental threats are uncommon.

The main threat to travellers safety-wise is probably the distance from large medical services as Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), is a predominantly rural country.

LEARN MORE: 10 Incredible Things to Do in Eswatini

 

#4 Rwanda

Africa, Rwanda, Landscape

In at number 4 is the East African nation of Rwanda, which is now certainly one of the safest countries in Africa.

Once beset by a horrific genocide, this country has become something of a model for reconciliation, with a civil peace maintained since the tragic events of the nineties.

Having received lots of foreign aid to help it get back on its feet post the genocide, the infrastructure is very good across Rwanda and medical services are also developed.

The capital Kigali also has a good embassy presence.

Being located right in the tropics however, malaria and dengue can be a problem here, as they can across much of this part of the continent.

The risk of general infections developing from cuts and scratches is also a potential, so ensure you pack your antimalarials and anti-septic cream if you’re planning on travelling here.

READ MORE: The 7 Best Things to Do in Rwanda

 

#5 Kenya

Kenya, Masai Mara, Cheetahs Under Tree

Sticking with the East Africa side of things, I’m also going to name Kenya as one of the 15 safest countries to travel in Africa.

Yes, this large coastal nation has had its fair share of terrorist-related incidents, as well as a notorious serious of disputed election results which lead to some civil unrest, but viewed in perspective, these events are isolated and you’d have to be very unlucky to get caught up in them.

I actually visited Kenya during the contested election re-run in 2017 and, even though I was in Nairobi at the time, felt very safe by avoiding the central areas and using rideshare taxis like Bolt instead of local buses.

Because aside from this, Kenya is one of the most developed countries in East Africa with excellent infrastructure and communication networks.

Medical services are good and the country’s large population mean health facilities are fairly easy to access throughout of the country.

In addition, English is widely spoken here, which makes things even simpler.

When it comes to environmental factors, avoiding visiting Kenya during the wet season when flooding, especially along the coast, can occur, is the best method to avoiding such incidents.

Thankfully, being so close to the equator, the threat of cyclones in Kenya is extremely low.

LEARN MORE: The Ideal Kenya Itinerary for a Tight Budget

 

#6 Senegal

Now moving across to West Africa, we come to Senegal, certainly one of the most politically stable countries on the continent.

In fact, this French-speaking, coastal nation is generally seen as one of Africa’s model democracies, with a good level of press freedom and democratic elections since independence in 1960.

Health issues are a risk here however with yellow fever, typhoid, malaria and rabies all present.

Despite these diseases however, which do permeate most of the region, Senegal certainly remains one of the safest countries in West Africa for travellers.

I visited here as a solo female and got next to no hassle, especially in the northern town of Saint Louis.

As always, my advice is to use taxis in major cities such as Dakar to get around, to avoid walking alone through the streets at night, and to avoid beaches entirely after dark.

 

#7 The Gambia

And hot on the heels of Senegal when it comes to the safest countries in West Africa is The Gambia, a tiny nation actually contained within Senegal.

Occupying a small part of the coast, The Gambia has long been considered a safe zone for travellers and is largely crime-free with good tourist infrastructure.

Petty theft, such as pickpocketing remains a problem of course, but take good care of your belongings and you should be fine.

As with many coastal areas in this part of the world, avoid walking along beaches at night and exercise caution when it comes to travel in big cities or on public transport, however I travelled independently here without any incidents – including crossing the land border from Senegal.

 

#8 Egypt

Egypt, Luxor, Temple of Hatshepsut

Moving up to the north now, this may prove controversial, but in my opinion, I definitely found Egypt to be one of the safest countries in Africa.

Despite having been blighted by political upheaval in recent years, as well as some terrorist activity, I found Egypt highly developed, easy to travel and stress-free as a solo female traveller.

Hassle to buy things on the street can occur, but politely declining any advances worked every time during my time in the country and I never once felt uneasy or unsafe.

Even using the metro in Cairo was easy – there are designated female carriages if you want – and rideshare apps across the capital, such as Uber, as well as good train and domestic flight networks, made getting around very simple.

It obviously gets very hot in Egypt, but outside of that there are few climatic dangers to deal with and neither is malaria an issue here.

Beyond diving in the Red Sea, you’re also unlikely to come into contact with any large wildlife, and taking a once-in-a-lifetime Nile cruise in this country is very safe and shouldn’t be missed!

DISCOVER MORE: Plan to Backpack Egypt? 27 Things You Need to Know

 

#9 Morocco

Africa, Morocco, Sunrise

Morocco is another North African travel hot spot that is generally considered to be one of the safest countries in Africa.

Along with Egypt, it’s certainly one of the most stable in the north of the continent and has long been a hit with travellers, meaning tourist infrastructure is good.

Hassle can be a factor, as can pollution and many female travellers do experience some level of harassment, but in general, conditions within hotels etc are good.

And if you feel safer, you can easily book tours in advance, such as this award-winning day trip to the Atlas Mountains that includes a camel ride and return transport from Marrakesh.

Easy and quick connections to Spain via boat or via air to a huge range of European destinations mean if anything does go wrong you are not far from western comforts, and a growing economy means services tend to be of an acceptable standard.

You must just remember to dress appropriately in Morocco, which will not only show your respect for the religious modesty of this country, but also help protect you from the strong sun.

LEARN MORE: Top 9 Tips for Female Travellers to Morocco

 

#10 Tanzania

Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater, Hippo

Moving back to East Africa now, we arrive into the country of Tanzania which I’m definitely going to list as one of the safest countries in Africa to travel.

Despite the different cultures and ethnic groups found throughout this nation, the political situation tends to be quite stable and tensions between varying groups is relatively low.

Arusha and the Serengeti are popular destinations very used to accommodating tourists and the island of Zanzibar is another favourite among travellers.

In the latter, just remember to dress conservatively in the capital, Stone Town, and to avoid walking along the beaches of the island at night. Otherwise, I felt very safe there.

Also, be careful if you are heading to Dar Es Salaam – the launching point for ferries to Zanzibar and make sure you only use licensed taxis or transfers here.

One factor you do need to consider if you travel to the coastal areas of Tanzania however is the weather.

Located south of the equator, but right on the Indian Ocean, cyclones, associated tidal waves and severe flooding can occur in these areas and are particularly prevalent during certain times of the year.

As such, checking the season you wish to travel in Tanzania is crucial to staying safe there, especially because infrastructure can be very basic.

READ MORE: Complete Tanzania Packing List

 

#11 Malawi

Malawi, Lake Malawi, Village

And heading north from Mozambique, we get to Malawi.

Another very economically disadvantaged country, Malawi is however known as the Warm Heart of Africa and in general, feels very safe despite the obvious poverty.

Lake Malawi forms the backbone of this country and there’s a stable level of tourist infrastructure here, but elsewhere in the country, it’s minimal.

Politically quite solid and with fewer large, dangerous animals around, Malawi gets my vote as one of the 15 safest countries in Africa to travel in.

LEARN MORE: 5 Epic Southern Africa Itineraries

 

#12 Zambia

Zambia, South Luangwa NP, Lion Sisters

And bordering Malawi is another large, long country I’d consider one of the safest in Africa to travel… and this time it’s Zambia.

Although Zambia has a large percentage of wild animals, is very rural and has very basic medical facilities, it is politically safe and not often blighted by environmental disasters.

Medical risks are the biggest concerns when travelling to Zambia as malaria is a big problem here… and watch out for the hippos too.

Take all the necessary precautions however and this can prove a very enjoyable and off the beaten track country to explore.

After all, who can resist the temptation to see Victoria Falls, which sits right on the border with Zimbabwe?

DISCOVER MORE: South Luangwa National Park : A Photo Essay

 

#13 Uganda

Uganda, Gorilla, Big Mumma

At number 13 on this list, I’m putting Uganda.

A landlocked country in East Africa, Uganda however is a tourist hot spot thanks to its population of gorillas and amazing safari opportunities.

Uganda also boasts the start of the White Nile and as such, there’s a good level of tourist infrastructure across the country.

Compared to neighbouring DRC, Uganda is a much safer place to visit the gorillas and compared to Rwanda, it’s much cheaper.

They have been recent stories of kidnapping in the north of Uganda, but these are isolated.

That said, you should certainly watch your belongings here and beware of walking anywhere alone at night.

You should also take precautionary measures against malaria, but outside of these common dangers, Uganda is certainly one of the safest and most rewarding countries in Africa to travel.

LEARN MORE: The 5 Uganda Safaris You Can’t Miss

 

#14 South Africa

South Africa, Kruger National Park, Game Drive

Sadly I’ve had to make some changes to this article recently and remove one of my favourite countries – Ethiopia – from this list because of the escalating situation there.

In its place, I’ve opted for another favourite of mine (and many other people’s too) and that is South Africa.

When it comes to diversity and accessibility, this country certainly takes some beating in my opinion!

A delight for culture vultures, history fans and nature lovers, I’ve visited South Africa 3 times now and have always felt very safe and well looked after.

Even my parents have visited (they are in their 60’s), so you can rest assured South Africa isn’t just for the young!

Let’s be real, this country is not without its problems and crime across many of the cities here is very high.

But, that said, the excellent level of tourism infrastructure, as well as the easy-to-use and well-established transport across the country, make it easy to travel in South Africa.

In addition, this country is largely without climatic dangers and dangerous animals and, with lower occurrences of tropical diseases including malaria, it’s definitely one of the safest countries in Africa to travel.

DISCOVER MORE: Best Time to Visit Cape Town and Kruger

 

#15 Sudan

Sudan, Meroe, Sunset Scene

And finally, number 15 on my list of the safest countries in Africa to travel might prove controversial, but in my experience, it’s true, or at least it was.

Yes, the Islamic conservative nation of Sudan has recently undergone some big political upheavals, which means the situation there now is very troubled and also heart-breaking.

And I say this because never have I known hospitality like that I was shown in Sudan.

With strict Sharia law in place, when I travelled across this country as a solo female in 2018, I was something of an oddity!

As one of the only tourists here, the way I was invited into people’s homes and families was incredible.

I never once felt in danger and instead was looked after in a way that was almost embarrassing, given the differences in our economic situations.

The security situation has now changed in Sudan – due to welcomed political shifts which have sadly resulted in military violence – but once this country stabilises again (and I hope the will of the people will be listened to and that materialises soon) this is an absolutely incredible country I urge you to visit, if only to experience the amazing people who live there.

On a practical note, there’s no malaria and the main consideration is the heat, which can get up to a stifling 50 degrees at certain times of the year.

DISCOVER MORE: Is Sudan Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

 

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Mini Travel Guide to Africa

Africa, Morocco, Me at Sunrise

When to Visit?

As a huge continent, it’s impossible to give an overall best time to visit Africa, so I’ve split this question down in sub-regions.

When it comes to North Africa, I highly recommend visiting during the spring and autumn months, ie. April to May and September to October, so that the weather is pleasant enough for sightseeing.

In West Africa, the high season runs from December through February, when the region generally experiences its lowest rainfall and humidity – definitely a good idea to visit at this time!

In East Africa, visiting during the long dry season is a great idea. In general, this runs between the months of July and September and also conveniently aligns with the Great Migration too. The short rainy season in November and December can be another good time to visit this part of the continent.

And finally, we come to Southern Africa.

If you’re heading to Cape Town, I’d visit between November and February, but for Namibia and Botswana, the best months are May through October when it’s cooler and less humid.

 

Best Tours in Africa

If you’re interested in an unforgettable, well-priced tour across Africa, with guides you can trust, or a self-drive trip organised by a great company, then email me at [email protected] and I’ll send you my top recommendations – simple!

Alternatively, I’m currently offering my readers an exclusive discount on all Absolute Africa tours, meaning you can now travel even more in the amazing regions of southern and east Africa for even less! Simply send this top African overland tour company an email to [email protected], quoting the discount code BWSP, and start planning your incredible trip with them today!

Otherwise, if it’s strictly safari tours you’re looking for, check out these top picks.

 

6 Packing Essentials for Africa

#1 Swimwear and Sarong One World Sarongs are always my go to and a must when you hit the beautiful beaches across Africa.

#2 Lonely Planet Guidebook – Their Africa edition is excellent and very helpful when it comes to a broad range of travel tips, maps and recommended itinerary routes.

 #3 Insect Repellent and antimalarials – I recommend a 30% DEET repellent for Africa and anti-malarials if you’re travelling in at risk countries – although please always consult the advice of a medical professional before any travels to this part of the world.

#4 World Power Adapter – There are at least 3 different types of adapters used across this continent, so make sure you come prepared with a Skross World Adapterat the ready.

#5 Camera and Lens – I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless, and have used it to capture the beauty of this continent and beyond. My GoPro Hero 7 was also amazing for preseving some of the adventure of my Africa travels too!

#6 Good Sandals – You’ll live in sandals in most of Africa and I would never travel anywhere now without my trusty pair of Arizona Birkenstocks!

 

Travel Money in Africa

When it comes to paying for things across this continent, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here.

 

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And there you have it, my full list of the 15 safest countries in Africa to travel.

Can you tell how much I love adventuring in this continent?

Are you an Africa travel fan too?

Tell me why (and where your fav bits are) in the comments box below…

 

28 thoughts on “15 Safest Countries in Africa to Travel in 2023

  1. Sarah says:

    A very helpful guide, Steph. I have only traveled to Egypt and Morocco but I’ve always been intrigued by the more southern countries in this amazing continent. Your advice will definitely help me plan my first family trip there.

  2. Dr.MANOJ FELIX says:

    Hi Steph!!I’m an Indian Doc residing in Dubai,who’s on a silent quest to visit all the countries in the world(70 so far).I was preparing an itinerary for touring the west coast of Africa and thats how i came across your blog.Lots of useful information and tips!!! Great work and great hel for my upcoming African Jount.

    • Steph says:

      Hi Manoj, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment and delighted you enjoyed the blog and have found it helpful. Good luck with all your travel plans and enjoy Africa 🙂

  3. LoriKemi says:

    Thank you so much for this list, Steph. I’ve been a silent reader of your blog for about a year, and I’m always excited to read about your experience in Africa. I love that (like me) you enjoy traveling to and highlighting off the beaten track African destinations. This post is so needed to change the narrative on (solo) travel in Africa and I’m grateful for the inspo!

  4. Mike says:

    Hi Stephanie,

    I like your travel articles. You post beautiful pics of various places around the world. On this article “15 Safest Countries in Africa To Travel To. (12 Aug, 19), You listed Malawi as one of the Safe Countries. Then you went on to put a pic of an unfished village house which isn’t a tourist attraction at all. Am surprised that you wrote about beautiful Lake Malawi and ignored to feature any of its beauty in pics. I would love to see the Zomba, Nyika Plateaus. Majete, Nkhotakota Game Reserves, just to mention a few.

    • Steph says:

      Hi Mike, glad you are enjoying the articles and thanks for your observation on the photo. I’ve actually written a post about Lake Malawi and included pics of the landscape there… sometimes you’ve just got to mix it up y’know! Thanks for stopping by, Steph 🙂

  5. David Cooksley says:

    Two years ago backpacked Egypt to Namibia and back to Tanzania 10 months.No problems, obtained necessary visas along the way and joined with other independent travelers. My most useful item,my tent.Cut accommodation cost in half plus had clean,insect free,quiet place with in the g.h.secure compound.
    West Africa much more difficult and expensive than East Aftic Africa to travel. It,s a visa nightmare.

    • Steph says:

      Hi David, sounds like an amazing adventure you enjoyed. And yes, West Africa still a mission on visas! Great tip on the tent – a very useful travel item indeed. Thanks for sharing your memories and advice here with others. Best wishes, Steph 🙂

  6. Gava says:

    I think it’s a perfect list. I have been to 3 of the 15 countries before. Uganda, my home country, Rwanda and Kenya. I traversed those 3 countries almost boarder to boarder and never encountered a threat. I have made trips to all national parks and game reserves in Uganda and Rwanda but, the road to those parks are well constructed, the security on roads is also fine and the people all around are welcoming.

  7. Lizardbreath says:

    Thank you for these insights!
    Though it’s been a few years, Seychelles felt very safe and welcoming when I visited – so beautiful and unique! I hope to return some day.

  8. Chris says:

    I have visited over 15 national parks in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania and they are all safe. The challenge is with the roads to the parks especially in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania but the adventure is amazing. Thank you Steph for sharing with us

  9. Andrew says:

    Africa is endowered with so much to see and thank you for giving a detailed article. i’m looking forward to visiting more places listed here this year

  10. Sarah says:

    Steph, you are on point. Africa is a beauty and it has amazing wildlife destinations. I think the challenge the continent faces is marketing and promoting the wildlife it has to offer. Your article is so important in marketing the wildlife of Africa and the best places to visit. Thank you so much

  11. Juma Safaris says:

    I have been to 4 of the listed countries, that is Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. I however have to say that all countries are worth your visit, despite the fact that they all offer some what similar wildlife, but they are unique in their own different ways. Different cultures, traditions, and also unique adventure sites.

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