The Safest Countries in Africa to Travel: A Comprehensive Ranking

Africa is a continent of immense diversity, vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife. Yet, persistent stereotypes often portray it as a monolithic entity plagued by instability and conflict. For many prospective travelers, concerns about personal safety are a significant barrier when considering African destinations. However, such generalizations obscure the reality that numerous countries across the continent boast high levels of safety and political stability, often surpassing perceptions held by those outside the region. Understanding the actual safety landscape requires looking beyond media headlines and examining reliable data. This article aims to provide a clear, data-driven perspective on the safest countries in Africa for travelers. By analyzing leading global studies and indices that measure peace, security, crime rates, and public safety perceptions, we identify the nations that consistently rank highest, offering a trustworthy guide for planning your next African adventure. We delve into the specific metrics that distinguish these countries, providing insights based on official statistics and expert assessments to help you make informed travel decisions.

Beyond Stereotypes: Measuring Safety in Africa

To identify Africa’s safest countries for travel, we reviewed leading global studies and analytical reports from recent years. Our methodology involved assessing multiple established rankings, including those focused on peace, terrorism, crime rates, and overall safety perceptions. From each significant report, we selected countries consistently appearing in the top tiers for safety indicators. By synthesizing findings from various sources, such as the Global Peace Index, Terrorism Index, Numbeo Crime Index, Global Safety Report, and Human Development Index, we aimed to create a comprehensive picture that goes beyond single metrics and considers different facets of safety and stability relevant to travelers. Countries that performed strongly across multiple independent assessments were prioritized for this list, highlighting destinations with consistently high safety standards. For those exploring global travel options or considering career paths that involve frequent moves, researching [how much does a traveling notary make] in different regions, including stable African nations, can offer interesting perspectives on professional mobility.

Africa’s Safest Countries to Travel

Based on our analysis of various global safety and peace indices, the following countries consistently rank among the safest in Africa, offering welcoming environments for international visitors.

1. Mauritius

Capital: Port Louis

Population: 1.3 million

This island nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa stands out as exceptionally safe. In the Global Peace Index, Mauritius consistently ranks higher than many developed countries worldwide, including Spain, Norway, Italy, the UK, Sweden, and the USA. Its score of 0.000 in the Terrorism Index places it firmly in the green zone, indicating the lowest possible level of threat. With a crime rate ranking 83rd out of 146 countries, the risk of falling victim to crime is statistically lower than in countries like Britain, New Zealand, Sweden, or Belgium. Despite this, subjective safety assessments from citizens, as reported by the Global Safety Report, sometimes lag behind those in the aforementioned Western nations, illustrating the gap between statistical reality and public perception. Mauritius also demonstrates strong performance in human development and globalization indices, surpassing numerous other countries globally.

According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, Mauritius has maintained its leading position in African safety for 17 consecutive years and is notably the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has not been involved in any internal or external conflicts over the past five years, cementing its reputation as a remarkably stable and safe destination.

The optical illusion of an underwater waterfall off the coast of Le Morne Brabant Peninsula, showcasing Mauritius's unique landscapes for travel.

2. Ghana

Capital: Accra

Population: 34.5 million

Situated on the West African coast, bordering Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, Ghana remains a beacon of stability in its region. The country is recognized for its robust multiparty democracy, independent judicial system, and strong commitment to freedom of speech and a free press. Ghana’s ranking in the Global Peace Index places it ahead of countries like Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, China, and Jamaica. Like Mauritius, it holds a zero score in the Terrorism Index, indicating a negligible threat level. When it comes to crime, Ghana reports lower rates than Canada, Greece, and Australia, making it statistically safer for residents and travelers in this regard. While it may not match “first-world” countries in the Global Safety Report or Human Development Index rankings, Ghana significantly outperforms the majority of African nations, including popular tourist spots like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Madagascar, which are often romantically depicted but may present different safety challenges. For individuals considering diverse career paths that involve frequent movement, understanding the security landscape in different regions, perhaps even looking into areas like [travel occupational therapy jobs hawaii] or similar roles, highlights the varied considerations for those living a mobile lifestyle.

Regarding crime specifically, while difficult to measure definitively, the Numbeo Crime Index 2025 lists Ghana among the top three countries with the lowest crime rates in Africa, alongside Rwanda and Tunisia. Variations in crime rankings across different sources often reflect differing data collection methods, reporting standards, and timeframes.

Vibrant Kente cloth weaving and traditional culture in Ghana, a country known for its peaceful environment.

3. Zambia

Capital: Lusaka

Population: 21.1 million

Located in Southern Africa, Zambia has maintained impressive political stability since gaining independence from Britain in 1964. The country has also experienced significant economic growth over the past decade relative to many of its continental neighbors, a factor often directly correlated with improvements in domestic security and stability. While Zambia’s Global Peace Index ranking places it behind many leading Western and European nations, it remains close to the “top tier” globally and notably outranks popular travel destinations such as Thailand, Nepal, China, India, and even France. Zambia has one of the lowest terrorism risk scores globally, ranking second lowest overall. Its crime rate is lower than that reported in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Australia, the UK, and other generally perceived prosperous countries. Across various other global rankings assessing safety and development, Zambia consistently holds higher positions compared to many of its neighboring countries on the African continent.

The iconic Victoria Falls, a major attraction for travelers visiting Zambia and its national parks.

4. Namibia

Capital: Windhoek

Population: 2.8 million

Also situated in Southern Africa, Namibia shares a border with Zambia, among other countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Angola. Despite its sometimes challenging regional context, Namibia boasts a high level of safety and stability, sharing many positive characteristics with Zambia. Namibia ranks only slightly lower than Zambia in both the Peace Index and the Terrorism Index, still placing it ahead of the vast majority of countries worldwide in both assessments. According to the Global Safety Report, Namibia performs better than Kenya and many of its direct neighbors in terms of perceived safety. The UN Human Development Index also paints a positive picture, ranking Namibia’s human development level higher than Zambia, Nepal, Rwanda, and half of the nations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Research by Gallup highlights that countries whose residents feel unsafe on the streets year after year are predominantly found in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with notable exceptions being Namibia and Malawi, where residents report higher subjective feelings of safety. Furthermore, the country’s recent 2024 presidential election, which saw the election of the first female head of state, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, serves as a strong indicator of its ongoing political and social stability. Planning detailed trips, whether it involves [traveling across the us by rv] or exploring remote African landscapes, requires careful consideration of local conditions, including safety and political stability.

Red sand dunes of the Namib Desert meeting the coast, illustrating the unique landscapes travelers can find in Namibia.

5. Morocco

Capital: Rabat

Population: 39.2 million

The Kingdom of Morocco, strategically located at the gateway between Africa and Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar, is widely recognized as a key economic hub for the continent. According to Global Finance, Morocco distinguishes itself from many other African countries through its stable political environment, well-developed financial markets, and robust infrastructure. In the Global Peace Index, Morocco ranks higher than Nepal, France, China, and nearly a hundred other nations globally, indicating a relatively peaceful environment. It also boasts a zero score for terrorism influence according to the indices reviewed. Its crime rate is reported to be lower than in countries like the UK, New Zealand, Sweden, the United States, and other nations often used as benchmarks for safety. The Global Safety Report draws a similar conclusion regarding perceived safety. In assessments by the United Nations, Morocco consistently ranks among the leaders within Africa and the broader Eastern region in terms of development indicators.

Intricate blue gateway and architecture in Rabat, highlighting the blend of history and design in Morocco.

6. Tunisia

Capital: Tunis

Population: 12.3 million

With direct access to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia is another North African nation that consistently appears in various rankings as one of the safest and most developed countries on the continent. On the global peace scale, Tunisia holds a respectable 73rd place out of 163 countries, positioning it ahead of popular destinations like Thailand, Nepal, France, China, and Cyprus, as well as roughly half the world’s nations. While its terrorist threat level is not zero, unlike some others on this list, it remains significantly lower than in countries such as Greece, the United States, Turkey, Kenya, or India.

Tunisia maintains relatively low crime rates, contributing to its status as safer than countries like Canada, Ireland, Italy, Australia, the UK, Sweden, or Belgium in this regard. While Tunisia’s position in the Human Development Index may not be as high as some Western nations, it still surpasses many popular tourist destinations including Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, reflecting a reasonable level of societal development and infrastructure that supports safety. For those considering diverse travel experiences or alternative career paths, examining the [pros and cons of travel nursing] might offer a different perspective on mobility and safety in various global locations.

The grand Roman amphitheater at El Jem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical landmark in Tunisia.

7. Egypt

Capital: Cairo

Population: 112.7 million

Positioned at a geographical crossroads between the Middle East, Europe, and the rest of Africa, Egypt harbors ambitions to become a major international hub for trade and investment. Historically reliant on oil and mineral exports, the government has recently embarked on ambitious megaprojects aimed at modernizing infrastructure, including expanding the Suez Canal, developing new smart cities, and constructing extensive road and transportation networks. While the Institute for Economics & Peace places Egypt at 105th out of 163 in terms of peacefulness and 20th for terrorism risk, it’s important to note that these rankings are often influenced by regional tensions in the Middle East rather than solely by internal domestic issues. Even with these factors considered, Egypt still ranks better than countries like India, the United States, Turkey, and Ethiopia in peacefulness.

In other critical aspects, Egypt aligns well with the other safest African countries discussed. Its crime rate is reported as lower than in the UK, New Zealand, Sweden, the United States, Belgium, or France. The Global Safety Report also positions Egypt favorably, ranking it higher than the Netherlands, Taiwan, Austria, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Czech Republic, and South Korea. Furthermore, in the UN Human Development Index, Egypt outperforms Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Venezuela, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Morocco, Namibia, and India, indicating a higher level of overall societal development that contributes to stability and safety.

The iconic Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, primary historical attractions for travelers visiting Egypt.

8. Tanzania

Official Capital: Dodoma (official capital)

Economic/Cultural Center: Dar es Salaam

Population: 68.6 million

The United Republic of Tanzania is widely regarded as one of the most politically stable, safe, and captivating countries in Africa. It has demonstrated consistent economic growth over the past two decades, largely fueled by international trade, foreign investment, and a burgeoning tourism sector. The government actively invests in and promotes tourism, leveraging the country’s unparalleled natural advantages. Tanzania is internationally famous for its vast wildlife reserves, such as Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, home to some of the best safari experiences on the planet. It also hosts Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the continent, offering world-class climbing opportunities. The country’s coastline includes the idyllic white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, the historic colonial-era Stone Town, and numerous other picturesque tropical islands perfect for relaxation. Travelers flock here to witness the spectacular Great Migration of animals, observe unique wildlife like tree-climbing lions, and visit natural wonders such as Lake Tanganyika, the second-deepest lake on Earth after Lake Baikal. From tailor-made safari packages to combined mountain and beach holidays, Tanzania continues to grow in popularity among international travelers.

With a strong commitment to expanding its tourism sector, the Tanzanian government dedicates significant resources to enhancing safety and security for visitors. This focus is reflected in its improved rankings; in 2023, Tanzania climbed 11 positions in the Global Peace Index, now surpassing countries like Thailand, Nepal, France, China, and nearly 100 other nations. Its terrorist threat level is assessed as lower than in the UK, Germany, Russia, Greece, or even the United States. Statistically, a traveler is more likely to encounter crime in destinations like the Maldives, France, or Argentina than in Tanzania. While Tanzania excels in natural beauty and tourism potential, it still has areas for growth in human development; the most recent UN rankings place it 167th out of 193 countries, though it is steadily improving and surpassing many destinations less frequented by tourists. Planning a journey, especially to remote or unique destinations, involves considering factors like local safety, transportation, and personal well-being, including how best to manage health needs like [how to travel with zepbound on a plane] if applicable.

The majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, a popular destination for trekkers and travelers.

Traveling Safely in Africa

In conclusion, the narrative that Africa is uniformly unsafe for travelers is a misconception not supported by data. This ranking, based on rigorous global indices and reports, highlights that numerous African countries offer environments that are not only safe but often statistically safer than many popular destinations worldwide. Countries like Mauritius, Ghana, Zambia, Namibia, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Tanzania have demonstrated consistent stability, low crime rates (in context), and minimal threats according to international assessments. These nations provide a powerful counterpoint to negative stereotypes, showcasing a continent rich with opportunity for exploration. Choosing to travel to these destinations allows visitors to experience the authentic beauty, history, and cultures of Africa with greater peace of mind. By consulting reliable safety data and planning thoughtfully, travelers can confidently explore the diverse offerings of the continent’s safest countries, contributing to a more accurate and positive global understanding of Africa. Informed travel choices are always the best approach to ensuring a rewarding and secure journey.