The Best, Safest Places to Visit in Africa in 2025-2026
The Best, Safest Places to Visit in Africa in 2025-2026 Gorilla Trekking in Africa evaluates the ten safest African countries to visit in 2025, based on the latest Global Peace Index rankings and travel advisories from the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.
Furthermore, we consulted esteemed African travel experts to determine four of the safest African nations, frequented annually by millions of travelers.
The ten safest nations in Africa for travel in 2024, as indicated by the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) rankings and travel safety advisories.
We have assembled a compilation of the ten most secure African nations to visit currently. This compilation encompasses travel advisory material from the US Department of State, the UK Government, the Government of Canada, and recommendations from travel safety experts.
Consulting a travel professional before deciding when and where to travel is recommended to acquire credible and up-to-date guidance. For assistance from one of our African travel specialists, please contact Gorilla Trekking in Africa
1. Mauritius
Mauritius is the most secure country in Africa, evidenced by its #22 place on the 2024 Global Peace Index.
This serene African country exceeds Spain (23), Italy (33), and the United Kingdom (34). Mauritius, a stunning island in the Indian Ocean, is an exceptionally safe location.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa does not provide excursions to the picturesque island of Mauritius, as it is neither a budget-friendly African tourist destination nor an African safari locale. Nonetheless, the island hosts a rich assortment of avian and marine species, including Mauritian kestrels, whales, dolphins, and giant tortoises.
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
Mauritius is a low-risk tourism destination characterized by a minimal crime rate, therefore earning its status as the safest country in Africa. The Canadian government solely advises “standard security measures.” The UK government cautions travelers against petty crime and recommends that they “[t]ake care of bags and valuables in popular tourist areas such as Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac.”
2. The island of Madagascar
Madagascar has enhanced its safety ranking and is presently positioned at #44 on the 2024 Global Peace Index.
Madagascar is an optimal locale for intrepid tourists and environmental aficionados, being a unique and predominantly unspoiled island that remains relatively unexplored. The island possesses abundant biodiversity.
Madagascar is a rather safe African nation for travel; yet, it is crucial to remain aware of potential risks and follow travel recommendations.
It is prudent to avoid strolling in Antananarivo after dusk. Madagascar has significant political instability, with crime, particularly larceny and robbery, being widespread in both urban and rural regions. Therefore, visitors must proceed with caution.
The Broke Backpacker asserts that “Numerous individuals would advise traveling the island exclusively with an organized tour company or employing a guide for navigation.” Visiting Madagascar is most advisable with a reputable tour company or licensed guide (contact our travel experts for complimentary guidance).
3. Botswana
The 2024 Global Peace Index Report designates Botswana as the third safest country in Africa for travel.
Travel Nomads ranks Botswana as one of the safest countries in Africa, placing it at #50 based on 23 parameters.
Botswana is a premier destination for a classic African safari, recognized as the most secure nation in Africa.
Botswana is not only one of the most gratifying safari destinations but also the safest country in Africa for safaris. Although not the most economical choice for African safari excursions, a plethora of exceptional, budget-friendly Botswana safaris, including more than 170 options available on Gorilla Trekking in Africa.
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
The Canadian government’s recommendation for visitors to follow normal security precautions in Botswana signifies the location’s safety.
The UK Government expresses diminished optimism and warns that both minor and major crime is increasing in urban centers like Gaborone and Francistown, but visitors are infrequently targeted. Travel safety experts (Travel Safe – Abroad) have characterized Botswana as “potentially the safest country in all of Africa.”
4. Ghana
Ghana is one of the safest nations to visit in Africa, ranking #55 on the Global Peace Index. Ghana, often termed “Africa for beginners,” is an extraordinarily safe and hospitable country, strongly endorsed for inaugural travelers to Africa. Ghanaians are distinguished for their affable, supportive, and welcoming nature, along with their observance of “African time.”
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
The West African country of Ghana is distinguished by its stability and low crime rates, which are especially remarkable in this part of Africa. Although Ghana is not devoid of crime, the UK Government indicates that around 90,000 British nationals visit the country each year, with most visits occurring without incident. Warnings have been sent concerning criminal behavior, especially in the capital city of Accra, including fraud, carjackings, and thievery.
The United States Department of State advises travelers of an increased probability of criminal activity in certain areas. Travelers are urged to maintain vigilance when visiting border regions, especially the northern border, and to take additional precautions in the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions due to civil instability.
5. Zambia
Zambia is among the safest nations in Africa for travel, positioned at #57 on the Global Peace Index. It is among the most distinguished safari places in Africa.
Zambia is a remarkable safari destination, renowned for its exceptional African safari trips, and ranks as the 39th largest country worldwide, with an area of 752,614 km² (290,586 sq mi). Victoria Falls and Livingstone (southern Zambia), South Luangwa National Park (southeastern Zambia, near Malawi), and Kafue National Park (central Zambia) are premier safari locations.
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
The UK government claims that most trips to Zambia are uneventful. Travelers are advised to “exercise normal precautions in Zambia,” rated a Level 1 country by the U.S. Department of State, signifying moderate security risk. The Government of Canada advises using standard security measures and exercising heightened vigilance in some border areas.
7. Namibia
The 2022 Global Peace Index designates Namibia as one of the most tranquil and safe nations in Africa for visitation, placing it at #62.
Namibia has always been one of the most politically stable nations in Africa. Furthermore, it is among the least populous nations in the world.
Namibia’s tourism sector is well developed, and its infrastructure is predominantly strong. Namibia is among the safest countries in Africa for solo female travelers. In this arid southern African nation, the foremost priority is the avoidance of dehydration and the welfare of desert fauna, rather than crime in general.
• Develop a financial plan for Namibia Safari Tours
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
Although Namibia is typically regarded as one of the safest nations in Africa for tourism, criminal activity does exist. In Windhoek, the predominant worry is crime, specifically non-violent small offenses.
8. Tanzania
Tanzania has ascended in the 2024 Global Peace Index from rank #86 to #65 since 2022, signifying its emergence as a safer travel destination in Africa.
Tanzania is among the safest nations in Africa and a premier destination for safaris. Tanzania’s tourist sector is well-developed, featuring safari locales such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Ruaha, Kilimanjaro, among others.
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
According to Lonely Planet, Tanzania is predominantly a secure nation in Africa. “Although solo travelers, particularly solo women, may be a rare phenomenon in rural regions, there are no specific concerns regarding solo travel in Tanzania.” The Travel Safe Abroad website indicates that “Tanzania is generally safe for visitation; however, caution is advised, particularly in tourist regions like Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam.”
In conclusion, they claim that “there is a probability that you will not face any adverse experiences or incidents” during your travel to Tanzania.
9. Morocco
Morocco is often considered one of the premier countries in Africa and is positioned at #79 on the 2024 Global Peace Index. It exhibits political stability and possesses a robust history of travel safety.
The majority of passengers encounter seamless visits. Despite a minor incidence of petty crime, the Moroccan tourism sector is well-established, and few passengers experience severe criminal activity.
Morocco is among several African nations deemed unsafe for LGBTQIA+ travelers.
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
The UK Government reports that most of the approximately 700,000 UK nationals visiting Morocco each year have no issues.
10. Malawi
Malawi, once regarded as one of the most amicable and secure African nations for tourism, has now fallen to the 80th position on the 2024 Global Peace Index, situated between Nepal and Morocco.
Malawi is presently considered one of the safest nations in Africa for travel, despite its lower ranking compared to Angola, Liberia, Sudan, and Sierra Leone.
The Malawian populace is referred to as the “Warm Heart of Africa” because of their kindness and amiability. Malawi boasts several remarkable safari locations, like Majete and Liwonde, in addition to the freshwater haven of Lake Malawi.
Explore our Malawi Safari Tours
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
Malawi is predominantly a safe African country to visit. Minor street crime can pose a considerable problem, especially in urban centers like Lilongwe and many cities globally.
The UK Government advises that while most trips to Malawi are safe, it is prudent to take measures against muggers and bag-snatchers. The preponderance of thefts targeting visitors transpires at the principal bus stations in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Refrain from traversing secluded regions, particularly after dusk. The Canadian government recommends exercising considerable caution due to criminal activity. The Mulanje district is a high-risk area for criminal activity.
Analyzing the Global Peace Index’s Safest Nations in Africa in Relation to Other Countries
This is a list of internationally known countries and their rankings on the Global Peace Index (GPI). For further details regarding the GPI, please see the article titled “What Is the Global Peace Index?”
Canada is ranked 11th, Croatia 15th, the Netherlands 18th, Australia 19th, and Germany 20th. The United Kingdom is positioned at #34, while the United States of America is at #132, five ranks below South Africa, which is at #127.
Iceland, Ireland, Austria, and New Zealand are ranked as the four most calm countries globally. The three most violent countries in the 2024 Global Peace Index are South Sudan (#161), Sudan (#162), and Yemen (#163).
No location on Earth is completely safe, and travel invariably involves hazards. Petty crime is frequent in New Zealand, with warnings issued about crimes targeting tourists, including in remote regions. Therefore, it is essential to maintain vigilance and implement prudent safeguards when traveling to any nation, irrespective of its safety level.
The next four nations in Africa are deemed the most secure for visitation, according to travel advisories:
Excluding the Global Peace Index (GPI), these are four of the safest African nations to visit, as assessed by travel experts and warnings.
1. Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Eswatini, a landlocked mountainous nation in southern Africa, remains one of the safest nations to visit on the continent, with a ranking of #103. It is adjacent to Mozambique and South Africa.
The Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly referred to as the Kingdom of Swaziland, is … A country that is generally secure for travel… The typical visitor’s experience is exceptionally cordial and laid-back, with hospitality being a fundamental aspect of Swazi culture (Bradt Guides 2021).
Explore our Eswatini Safaris
Seychelles
The GPI 2024 report excluded Seychelles, which is considered a highly secure vacation destination and is frequently listed among the safest nations in Africa for visitation. Furthermore, Seychelles possesses a robust tourism sector and has long been a favored location for travelers.
The Canadian Government advises tourists considering a visit to Seychelles to implement conventional security measures. The United Kingdom Government claims that “most visits to Seychelles are incident-free.”
Explore our Seychelles excursions
Rwanda
Rwanda has consistently been recognized as one of the safest destinations in Africa, positioned at #92 on the Global Peace Index. This landlocked East African country hosts uncommon fauna, rendering it an optimal locale for environmental aficionados.
The capital city of Rwanda is distinguished for its cleanliness and the warm hospitality it offers to guests. This safe African nation is a repository of diverse flora and animals, and its lush savannah is breathtaking.
• Rwanda Safari Excursions for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
Notwithstanding Rwanda’s comparatively low crime statistics, there are accounts of minor street crime in Kigali. The UK Government warns that “incidents of burglary, theft, bag snatching and mugging occur in Kigali.” It is essential that you adopt judicious measures. Exercise vigilance while traversing at night.
Compilation of Additional Secure African Nations for Travel
Alongside the aforementioned 14 safest African nations, we identify the following countries as secure for visitation in Africa, albeit with certain reservations. By following travel recommendations and steering clear of certain locations and actions, you can ensure a seamless travel experience, akin to that of millions of other travelers annually.
• Ethiopia – Explore our Ethiopia Safaris • Lesotho – Explore our Lesotho Safaris
• Kenya – Explore our Kenya Safaris • Zambia – Explore our Zambia Safaris
• South Africa – Explore our South Africa Safaris
We provide African safari tours to all the previously stated countries and have facilitated the secure passage of innumerable tourists since the establishment of Gorilla Trekking in Africa in 2018. For further information and advice on securely visiting these African nations, please see an African travel specialist.
What constitutes the Global Peace Index?
The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a globally renowned annual assessment released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). This benchmark study evaluates and rates the peace levels of 163 countries, representing approximately 99.7% of the global population (World Population Review).
The index ranks countries based on 23 peace indicators, which are classified into three overarching categories: 1) Persistent International and Domestic Conflict, 2) Societal Safety, and 3) Security and Militarization. The latest GPI report was released in 2024.
For additional information, refer to the 2024 Global Peace Index Report released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).
The ranking of the ten safest countries in Africa excludes those ranked highest in the Global Peace Index.
We do not offer African safari vacations to some countries due to safety concerns, inconsistent passenger ratings, and cautions from experts and travel authorities.
The Gambia
The Gambia, the smallest nation in Africa, ranks as the 14th most peaceful country on the continent and is positioned 83rd on the Global Peace Index, equivalent to Turkmenistan. The country is safe for visitation, and most travelers encounter a hassle-free trip.
COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY
The Gambia is predominantly a secure destination for travelers. The UK Government indicates that most visits to this African nation are uneventful, “although independent travellers face heightened risk due to insufficient local assistance in emergencies.” The US Department of State advises tourists to maintain heightened vigilance in the southern border area of The Gambia, next to Senegal’s Casamance region, due to the possible presence of landmines.
It is essential to recognize that homosexuality is illegal in The Gambia, rendering it an unwelcoming location for the LGBTQ community.
Senegal
Despite Senegal’s ranking of #85 on the 2024 Global Peace Index, it is not regarded as one of the safest nations in Africa for tourism, owing to elevated crime rates encompassing both violent and petty offenses.
Senegal is designated as Level 1 (Exercise standard care) by the US Department of State, however the Canadian government advises a heightened level of caution due to the prevalence of landmines and criminal activity. The UK government, conversely, asserts that most trips are unremarkable. Travel Safe – Abroad, however, observes that “[a]part from the ongoing conflict in the Casamance region of Senegal…” It is advisable to avoid this region due to strong reasons for heightened alertness on the streets of Senegal, where petty theft and violent crime pose substantial threats.
Liberia and Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone and Liberia, placed #66 and #69 on the Global Peace Index in 2021, have been excluded from the list of the safest countries to visit in Africa due to their classification as ‘medium-security risk’ travel destinations. Although Sierra Leone ranks #50 on the Global Peace Index, it is not regarded as one of the safest nations in Africa for travel due to prevalent crime, including robbery and assault.
Equatorial Guinea, ranked #94, has been excluded due to travel advisory warnings. The UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) recommends avoiding any travel to Equatorial Guinea save for essential purposes. The Canadian Government recommends that travelers “exercise a high degree of caution in Equatorial Guinea due to crime,” while Travel Safe Abroad cautions that Equatorial Guinea is “a nation characterized by exceedingly high crime rates, corruption, and disease,” noting that “the incidence of petty crime is among the most severe encountered while traveling, thus it is imperative to remain vigilant.”
Additional African nations were ranked within the top 120 of the Global Peace Index.
Liberia is positioned at #69, Angola at #73, Tunisia at #74, Guinea-Bissau at #86, and Benin at #114.
Côte d’Ivoire (109), Kenya (122), Lesotho (125), Uganda (126), South Africa (127), and the Republic of Congo (158) are ordered sequentially.
African Safaris: A Comprehensive Guide to Travel Safety
Visitors must be aware of and properly prepared to face the dangers posed by potentially lethal animals in game reserves and specific diseases in certain areas when undertaking a safari in Africa.
For further information on safety issues on African safaris, see The Complete African Safari Medical Guide and Safety on African Safaris.
To ensure the safety of our guests, the purchase of travel insurance is obligatory for all African safari excursions. For further information and guidance, please see our Travel Insurance for Africa page.
Consult with one of our travel advisers specializing in economical African travel to obtain advice in planning your journey to Africa in 2025 and beyond.