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Landia Davies
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These 10 safest countries in Africa to visit in 2022 are based on the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) report and travel safety advisories.
This list of 10 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit, includes travel advisory info from the US Department of State, the UK Government, and the Government of Canada, as well as advice from travel safety specialists.
It is best to speak to a professional travel advisor for more localized, up-to-date information and expert travel advice before deciding where to go in Africa and when. Contact us for advice from one of our knowledgeable Africa travel experts.
Safest Countries in Africa vs Other Countries on the GPI
Before we dive into the list of safest African countries, here’s how some internationally well-known countries rank on the GPI for comparison (for more about the GPI, see What’s the Global Peace Index?)
Canada ranks #10, Australia #16, Germany #17 (with Croatia), and the Netherlands #21. The United Kingdom is at #33. The United States of America ranks #122, followed by South Africa at #123 (hence travel advisories factor into our list of safest African countries).
The three most peaceful countries in the world are Iceland (#1), New Zealand (#2), and Denmark (#3). The three least peaceful countries on the 2021 Global Peace Index are Syria (#161), Yemen (#162), and Afghanistan (#163).
No destination on this planet is completely safe and travel always comes with risks. Even in New Zealand, petty crime is common and there are warnings about crime targeted at tourists, even in rural places. So, as with any country you visit, anywhere, you always need to be aware and take sensible precautions, even in the safest countries in the world.
10 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit in 2022
10. Zambia
At position #71 on Global Peace Index, Zambia is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit. It is also one of the best African safari destinations.
Zambia Safari, South Luangwa Leopard
Zambia is safer to visit than its position on the GPI suggests.
That’s because its tourist attractions are located in the south and its drop in the GPI rankings is largely due to border conflicts with the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the north. As the 39th largest country in the world, at 752,614 km² (290,586 sq mi) the problem areas are easily avoided and far away from Zambia’s safari destinations and tourist attractions.
Top Safari Destinations: Victoria Falls & Livingstone (southernmost Zambia), South Luangwa National Park (southeast Zambia, near Malawi), and Kafue National Park (central Zambia).
GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY
The UK government states most visits to Zambia are trouble-free. The U.S. Department of State categorizes Zambia as a Level 1 country (least security risk) and advises travelers to “exercise normal precautions in Zambia”. The Government of Canada advises normal security precautions and a high degree of caution in certain border areas.
COVID TRAVEL SAFETY
As of November 2021, the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) “no longer advises against all but essential travel to Zambia, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks”.
9. Madagascar
The island of Madagascar is #70 on the 2021 Global Peace Index. This unique and largely undeveloped island is one of the most off-the-beaten-track places to visit. High in biodiversity and largely undeveloped Madagascar is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers and nature lovers.
Madagascar Safest African Countries to Visit
Madagascar is relatively safe to visit, but you need to be aware of the risks and follow travel advice. For example, avoid walking in Antananarivo after dark. Madagascar is not the most politically stable country, and crime (theft and robbery) is on the increase in both urban and rural areas so visitors need to be careful. It is quite safe, but not as safe as its GPI ranking might suggest.
It is best to visit Madagascar with a trusted tour company or registered guide (ask our travel consultants for free advice). The Broke Backpacker confirms, “many people would recommend that you only travel the island with an organised tour company or hire a guide to take you around”.
GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY
According to the UK Government, most visits to Madagascar are trouble-free. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises visitors to “travel with established organizations or travel companies who know the terrain and have the capacity to warn of potential hazards and local customs”. The U.S. State Department and the Canadian Government warn travelers to avoid Batterie Beach (north of Tuléar), and exercise increased caution due to crime.
An excellent resource for detailed info about Madagascar Travel Safety: Is Madagascar Safe for Travel in 2021? (The Broke Backpacker).
COVID TRAVEL SAFETY
Madagascar is open to travelers from countries on their green list. Flights to Nosy Be Island (off the coast of Madagascar) resumed in October 2021 and borders to the mainland are now opening up. Contact us for the latest updates to Madagascar’s Covid-19 travel restrictions.
8. eSwatini (Swaziland)
Ranking #69, eSwatini (formerly called Swaziland) is one of the smallest and safest countries in Africa. It is a mountainous landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique.
Safest African Countries, eSwatini (Swaziland)
The Kingdom of eSwatini, once the Kingdom of Swaziland, is “… by-and-large, a safe country in which to travel… Indeed, hospitality is a cornerstone of Swazi culture and the average visitor’s experience is overwhelmingly a friendly and relaxed one” (Bradt Guides 2021).
GENERAL SAFETY
eSwatini is generally a safe country to visit although civil unrest does occur from time to time. The UK Government currently warns travelers to “… avoid protests, demonstrations, or marches. Stay alert for signs of disturbances”. This is due to pro-democracy demonstrations currently taking place. The Candian Government is also advising a high degree of caution in eSwatini at the moment (November 2021) due to civil unrest.
Although eSwatini is one of the safest countries in the region, petty crime (theft and pickpocketing) is widespread, especially in the capital, Mbabane, and Manzini.
COVID TRAVEL SAFETY
There is currently (November 2021) a curfew in place in eSwatini and other travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information, contact us.
7. Namibia
Namibia is one of the most peaceful and safest countries in Africa to visit at #65 on the 2021 Global Peace Index. One of the most politically stable countries in Africa, Namibia is also one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
Namibia, Safest Countries in Africa for Safaris
Namibia’s infrastructure is generally good and the tourism industry is well-developed. Recommended by solo female travelers, Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa to visit on your own. Avoiding dehydration and desert critters is more of a concern in this arid southern African country than crime, in general.
GENERAL SAFETY
Although Namibia is generally a safe African country to visit, there is some crime. That said, crime is mostly a concern in Windhoek and the problem is largely that of non-violent petty crime.
COVID TRAVEL SAFETY
Namibia is open to travelers. The Hosea Kutako International Airport (serving the capital, Windhoek) is open and flights are operating. There are however Covid-19 travel restrictions and regulations in place in Namibia. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to practice increased caution due to Covid-19.
6. Malawi
One of the friendliest and safest African countries to visit, Malawi ranks #59 on the Global Peace Index (together with Moldova). Malawi is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” because of the warmth and friendliness of the Malawian people.
Malawi takes second place on the list of the safest countries to go on safari in Southern Africa.
Malawi, Safest Countries in Africa
GENERAL SAFETY
Malawi is, for the most part, a safe country to visit. Petty street crime is however a problem, mainly in Lilongwe and other urban areas (like most cities across the planet).
The UK Government advises that “[m]ost visits to Malawi are trouble-free, but you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself from muggers and bag-snatchers. Most thefts from visitors take place around the main bus stations in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Avoid walking around quiet areas, especially after dark.” Canadian Government advice is to exercise a high degree of caution due to crime. The Mulanje district is a high-risk area for crime.
COVID TRAVEL SAFETY
Malawi is not open for travel at the moment, although certain visitors are allowed to enter the country. The US Department of State currently lists Malawi as Level 3 (reconsider travel) due to Covid-19. This is however the advice for many countries including Italy which is also on Level 3 (Reconsider travel) due to COVID-19.
5. Tanzania
Coming in at #58 on the Global Peace Index, Tanzania is one of the 10 safest countries in Africa to visit in 2022. It is also one of the very best places to go on safari in Africa and has a well-established tourism industry.
Tanzania is the safest country to go on safari in East Africa, based on the 2021 Global Peace Index and travel advice.
Tanzania, Safest Countries in Africa 2022
GENERAL TRAVEL SAFETY
According to Lonely Planet, Tanzania is generally a safe country, and “[w]hile solo travelers may be a minor curiosity in rural areas, especially solo women travelers, there are no particular issues with traveling solo in Tanzania”. Travel Safe Abroad advises that…
