Africa is a continent that has some of the best places to visit if you love nature and culture. A huge number of tourists come to the African countries every year. However, like any other continent, Africa is not free from crime. In fact, some of the countries here are known for having some of the highest crime rates on the globe today. However, that is only a part of the entire continent. So there’s nothing to be intimidated about. If you are feeling a little nervous about visiting Africa, read on. It’s because, in this article, we will talk about the safest countries in Africa for tourists.
List of some of the top safest countries in Africa
Tanzania
First, we have Tanzania. If you are a wildlife safari fanatic, Tanzania could be your paradise. It is a well-known fact that this country is primarily crime-free. So tourists can safely come here and have an enjoyable vacation. Plus, people would mostly travel outside the cities, which reduces the risk of crime even more.
As for safaris, the experienced guides here know what to do in the unfortunate event of a wildlife encounter. So, tourists don’t need to worry. But if you are driving on Tanzania’s roads, you have to be careful about potholes and avoid driving at night for extra safety.
Ghana
Next, we have Ghana. In case you were unaware, Ghana is the second most peaceful country globally. So it’s pretty clear that you can come here safely and with no worries. It is so safe, and the locals are so hospitable that Ghana has become the ideal country for first-time African visitors. Most trips end satisfactory and trouble-free as the crime rate is low here.
However, in recent years, some areas of this African country have seen a surge in crimes. Also, there is the risk of pickpockets and con artists in some places here. So we advise you to stay cautious during your trip and not trust any stranger blindly.
Uganda
Another great safe African tourist destination is Uganda. It’s because there is barely any report of tourists being victims of criminal activities here. In addition, tourists spend most of their trips outside the cities (the places with the highest crime risk anywhere in the world). Thus, it increases their safety.
Uganda is an excellent place to visit for those who like trekking. However, it is wise to seek help from qualified rangers and security while opting for such an activity, especially before visiting forests to see mountain gorillas. Also, it would be best to avoid visiting cities during times of civil unrest or elections to avoid any unpleasant situations.
Madagascar
If you love natural splendor and biodiversity, Madagascar is the place to be. It is because this island country is largely undeveloped. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean it is crime-ridden. In contrast, Madagascar has a pretty low crime rate. So it’s primarily risk-free for tourists coming here.
However, it has some crime risks, especially in places like Antananarivo and Batterie Beach. Thus, you are advised not to walk there at night. Also, Madagascar sees frequent political unrest, and crimes such as robbery, theft, etc., are becoming rampant in both villages and cities. But provided that you visit the country with a reliable travel agency or a qualified guide, the chances are that your Madagascar trip will conclude without any trouble.
Eswatini
It would be a crime to talk about the safest countries in Africaand not mention Eswatini. The Kingdom of Eswatini, or Swaziland, as it was formerly known, is a small mountainous landlocked nation that is a perfect tourist destination for travelers worldwide.
The Swazi culture is famous for its generosity and friendliness. So every tourist that comes here is sure to have a wholesome experience.
However, travelers should stay wary of the marches, protests, and other civil disorders. Also, remember that while Eswatini is a reasonably safe place, petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing happen frequently. So it would be wise to take care of your possessions and be cautious. Otherwise, it’s a pretty great country to visit.
Malawi
For your info, Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa.” This moniker is quite self-explanatory as Malawian citizens are among the world’s friendliest and most welcoming people. The “warmth” you would receive here would make your trip incredibly pleasant. Also, Malawi is the second safest country in Southern Africa for wildlife safaris.
However, petty street crimes are rampant, chiefly in Lilongwe and other cities. So you got to be wary to defend yourself from muggers and purse-snatchers. Prominent bus stops in Blantyre and Lilongwe have seen the most cases of thefts from travelers. So be cautious of those places. And try not to stroll around in the quiet streets after dark. Your Malawi trip should be trouble-free if you could stay wary of your surroundings.
Conclusion
Now that you know about these safest countries in Africa, all that is left for you is to pack your bags and start your journey. Visit them ASAP and have a relaxing and uplifting experience. Good luck!
FAQ
- Which is the safest nation in Africa?
There is a notion among some tourists that Africa is mostly unsafe because of crime risks. But that’s not true. While some places are crime-ridden, countries like Ghana, Uganda, Eswatini, etc., are some of the safest African nations to visit today.
- Which countries are considered unsafe for tourists in Africa?
We all know that 14 of the 30 most unsafe countries globally are in Africa. These include South Sudan, Nigeria, Lybia, the Central African Republic, etc. So tourists should be extremely vigilant while visiting these countries.
- Which African country is the best to live in for women?
Mauritius, South Africa, Togo, Namibia, etc., are some of the best African countries to live in if you’re a woman.