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Safest countries in Africa. Travelers can find a wide range of breathtaking landscapes in the various African nations, from golden beaches to snow-capped mountains, from dense jungle to vast deserts. Both crowded, energetic cities and serene, quiet rural locations offer a wealth of sights to see and activities to partake in.
When traveling to Africa, security can be a concern for many tourists. Some nations with a reputation for taking advantage of visitors have high crime rates. However, several African nations are renowned for their openness and friendliness towards visitors.
We researched the safest and least safe nations that are ranked using the Global Peace Index, taking into account their political climate and the likelihood of crime for tourists.
If you are traveling to Africa or are planning your next trip, contact the travel agency to obtain your travel insurance. We cover all nationalists traveling almost anywhere in the world, giving you peace of mind while abroad.
The 5 safest countries in Africa
Mauricio:
The GPI ranks Mauritius as the safest nation in Africa. The island country with a GPI score of 1,570 ranks 28th in the world and is situated off the southeast coast of Africa.
Mauritius has a very low crime rate and violent crime is very rare. Petty crimes such as theft may occur. Scams and this type of crime can be very common in tourist destinations. Mauritius is generally safe for women, however, like anywhere, caution should be exercised.
In Mauritius, cyclones and other natural calamities are one of the biggest threats. Cyclone season, which lasts from November to May, can cause extensive property damage. Travelers should always pay attention to local alerts and recommendations.
Ghana:
According to the GPI, Ghana is the second safest country in Africa. With a GPI score of 1,759, the West African nation is ranked 40th in the world.
Compared to other African nations, Ghana has a relatively low crime rate. There is still the possibility of crimes, which can be minor or more serious. Travelers should avoid flaunting or carrying valuables, and should be very careful at night. In Ghana, theft, violence and assaults are more likely to occur on beaches.
Scams can be very common in tourist countries like this. People are urged to exercise prudence and common sense when responding to demands for money from those who promise friendship, love, or financial opportunity.
The Gambia:
According to the GPI, The Gambia is the third safest nation in Africa. This West African nation has a GPI score of 1,792 and is ranked 45th in the world.
Travelers can generally feel comfortable in The Gambia. It has a high crime rate, but most are petty crimes like pickpockets. It is advisable not to carry all your money in one place and be careful to hide and safeguard valuables. However, the threat of violent crime and mugging is minimal.
In The Gambia, corruption can also be a problem. Travelers have been reported to be given marijuana before finding police waiting to demand a bribe. The Gambia is also plagued by scammers, who prey on travelers and demand money.
Botswana:
The fourth safest nation in Africa is Botswana. This southern African nation is ranked 48th in the world with a GPI score of 1,801.
Both attacks and scams on tourists are rare in Botswana. Carjackings, muggings and bag snatching are possible. Travelers must be careful and show no resistance if they are being chased.
Due to its wildlife reserves, Botswana is a favorite destination for travelers. To avoid animal attacks, travelers should always pay attention to local advice and recommendations. Due to animal and disease risks, swimming in rivers and lakes is also discouraged.
Sierra Leone:
According to the GPI, Sierra Leone is the fifth safest nation in Africa. It is situated in West Africa and is ranked 50th globally with a GPI score of 1,803.
Despite having a high crime rate, Sierra Leone is known for being a hospitable and friendly nation. Travelers are at higher risk of muggings and pickpockets, which have been known to occasionally involve a weapon. However, most tourists report that their trip was uneventful.
Although democracy has advanced significantly in recent decades, there may still be political turmoil in the nation. Violent protests took place in some cities in Sierra Leone in 2022. Political gatherings should be avoided and municipal rules should be followed.
Los 5 países menos seguros de África
Sudan:
Sudan is one of the least safe nations in Africa, ranking 46th in terms of safety. This East African nation is ranked 154th globally and has a GPI score of 3,007.
To avoid harm, the UK government and many other governments advise against visiting Sudan. In 2021, there was a political coup in Sudan, which sparked an ongoing political conflict. Although efforts are being made to stabilize the situation, this has not yet been done.
Las protestas políticas y los ataques terroristas son posibles en Sudán como resultado del clima político. Junto con más delitos menores como el hurto, también existe la posibilidad de ser víctima de atracos y secuestros.
The LGBTQ+ community faces extreme danger in Sudan. People can experience attacks, discrimination, arrests, and even executions by the state.
Central African Republic:
The Central African Republic is the 47th safest country in Africa. Located in Central Africa, this country is ranked 155th in the world, with a GPI score of 3,125.
Several governments, including the United Kingdom, advise against visiting the Central African Republic. A six-month state of emergency was declared in the wake of the violent and disruptive elections in 2020 and 2021. Although a new administration has been established and is over, the situation is not yet stable.
Currently, there are many muggings, robberies and kidnappings in the Central African Republic. There have been armed clashes, as well as numerous political protests that have the potential to escalate into violence. Some believe that areas outside the capital should be avoided as they are “lawless”.
Somalia:
The 48th safest nation in Africa is Somalia. Somalia, which is situated on the eastern coast of the Horn of Africa, is ranked 156th in the world with a GPI score of 3,125.
The UK government advises against travel to Somalia. In recent decades, Somalia has experienced civil conflict, military takeovers, and border disputes. Despite being overseen by a coalition government, the environment remains unpredictable and the number of violent extremist groups has increased.
In Somalia, where violent attacks frequently take place in and around Mogadishu, terrorism poses a serious threat. Along with violent clashes between warring factions, kidnappings and armed robberies are also frequent.
DR Congo:
The 49th safest nation in Africa is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated in Central Africa and is ranked 158 globally with a GPI score of 3,166.
In some places in the DRC, extreme caution is recommended, while in other areas the opposite is recommended. Political turmoil has spread throughout the country and the situation is volatile. Demonstrations have a history of sudden and violent outbreaks. In the east, there is armed fighting between government forces and rebel factions; the region is currently under military rule.
Foreigners are frequently targeted for muggings and kidnappings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the country’s high crime rate. Authorities have also occasionally detained foreign nationals and demanded cash before releasing them.
South Sudan:
Only Russia, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan are less safe than South Sudan, which is also one of the least safe countries in the world. He has a GPI score of 3,184 and is ranked 159th in the world.
Many governments do not recommend traveling to South Sudan. Armed conflicts occur frequently due to the unstable political climate. Terrorist attacks are also frequent, with hotels and government structures among the targets.
Kidnapping, home invasions, armed robbery, and carjacking are frequent crimes committed by armed criminals. Foreign nationals in South Sudan at this time are urged to leave as quickly as possible. It is recommended that anyone who must travel there use personal security.
