Constantly working in infrastructures made from glass and brick can get a bit tiring, and vacation may be overdue. To freshen up your mind with mesmerizing natural landscapes and incredible wildlife, a visit to Africa can be worthwhile. Whether you’re looking to calm your soul or looking for an adventure of a lifetime, Africa has all that you need.
If you want to get lost in a desert, a beach, enjoy the wilderness, Africa is a great place to visit. But people are usually very skeptical when planning their visit to Africa. Safety is everyone’s priority when traveling to a foreign country. With Africa, you may be afraid of the political unrest, the wilderness, and diseases.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t visit Africa. There are many places in Africa that are safe, and you can enjoy those places with peace of mind. Today, we present to you the 9 safest places to visit in Africa along with some travel tips for every one of these spots.
1. Namibia
If you love the desert climate and wish to go somewhere far from urban areas, Namibia is the place to go. Namibia is a well-developed country with a low crime rate since its population is the lowest. The political situation in Namibia is also great, meaning you can travel there with peace of mind.
Since it’s a desert area, you don’t have to worry about getting affected by tropical diseases. The downside to the lower population density and Namibia being a rural country is that, in case of serious illness, getting medical services can be hard if you’re far from the major towns. The same can be said if you’re using your vehicle, and it breaks down somewhere remote.
It’s also essential to carry sufficient water since its a desert area. The temperature tends to soar, and finding clean water can be difficult sometimes. Aside from that, Namibia has fantastic places to visit, and it’s worth all the hardship to visit those attractions.
Travel Tips:
- Don’t leave your valuables unattended.
- Don’t travel to Sperrgebiet, which is a prohibited area.
- Even though coming across insect and snake bites is a rare occurrence, its best to be safe.
2. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is another one of the safest places to visit in Africa. In Zimbabwe, the authority takes the safety of the tourist very seriously. That’s because tourism is the most significant contributing factor to the country’s GDP.
One of the biggest attractions is Victoria Falls. To put it simply, watching Victoria Falls is mesmerizing. One can take in all of the Victoria Falls standing 30 miles away from it. The waterfalls span over 1700 meters, and the height is over 100 meters. It’s truly a sight to behold.
From there, you can head to view the origin of the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi river. The Zambezi River is among the largest rivers in Africa. Follow the river, and you’ll find yourself passing through other African countries before it meets the Indian ocean. On your way there, you can take part in different fun activities.
Travel Tips:
- If you’re getting on a taxi without a meter, be sure to fix the trip fare beforehand.
- Keep only the amount of money you’ll need for a day and photocopies of the essential documents.
- When buying something from a street shop, make sure to be firm with the sellers.
3. Botswana
Another great country to visit in the southern parts of Africa is Botswana. Botswana is also one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. The economy over there is secure, and the political situation is stable. The abundant natural resources of Botswana is the reason behind their healthy economy.
Another reason as to why Botswana is a safe country is because of the lower levels of corruption. Besides that, you’ll have access to proper medical infrastructures, smoother roads, and civil unrest is unheard of on those parts.
One thing to look out while in Botswana are the wild animals, especially elephants. Botswana has a massive elephant population, and you’d want to be careful when going out for a drive or camping somewhere.
Travel Tips:
- If you’re planning to travel to the northern parts of Botswana, be sure to do your homework on the required vaccinations.
- It’s best not to drive during nighttime as the roads are poorly lit.
- You should also study Botswana’s weather conditions before visiting.
4. Mauritius
If visiting white beaches on a sunny day is your idea of a perfect vacation, Mauritius is perfect. Mauritius is another one of the safest places you can visit in Africa. In case you didn’t know, Mauritius is an island of the African continent.
Mauritius is a great place to visit whether you’re a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie. There are a lot of activities to enjoy, and wonders to see on this island. Are you tired of the white beaches? No problem! Visit the Mauritius National Garden, home to over six hundred species of plants.
For nature lovers, you should visit Ile aux Aigrettes. There you’ll find nature reserves and many museums. If one garden isn’t enough, you can also visit the botanical gardens on the Northside. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, head to Rodrigues. There, you can participate in scuba diving and snorkeling.
You can go shopping in Grand Bay too. While you’re enjoying all these fantastic activities, don’t forget to try the seafood.
Travel Tips:
- Don’t walk alone in the night as petty crime still exists in Mauritius.
- Rallies take place sometimes, and it can get violent.
- Be sure to visit Mauritius after November to May as these times are marked as Cyclone season.
5. Ghana
If you want to travel without worrying about the weather in Africa, Ghana is a great place to visit. Ghana’s climate is mostly consistent, making it a great place to visit anytime. The country is safe as well as politically stable too.
Ghana is called the gem of West Africa, and there are reasons behind it. When in Ghana, you’ll find yourself enjoying coastal cities, roaming around in bustling towns, and calming your mind with breathtaking natural landscapes.
The locals over at Ghara are also very welcoming. You’ll find them to be friendly and hospitable. They will help you as you roam around in Ghana. While in Ghana, be sure to visit the Cape Coast Castle Museum. The castle plays a crucial role in the history of the slave trade era. Located in the African Gold Coast, if you’re a history lover, you’ll love visiting the museum.
Travel Tips:
- While swimming, be careful of the strong currents.
- If you’re planning to swim in freshwater areas or lakes, be cautious of the parasitic flatworms.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
6. Swaziland
Swaziland, also known as Eswatini, is a small country in South Africa. Swaziland is another safe place to visit in Africa. Swaziland is ruled by a Monarch and has a limited population. The people of Swaziland love their king, and for that reason, there’s no political unrest. Also, the crime rate in Swaziland is significantly low.
Visiting Swaziland, you don’t have to worry about wild animals, and thanks to green hilly areas, natural disasters are rare.
At Swaziland, there are many places to visit. You should start by visiting the safari parks; there are four safari parks over there. You can enjoy the fantastic wildlife in these safari parks without worrying about the crowd.
If that isn’t enough for you, you can take it up a notch and go Rhino Trekking. While Rhino trekking, you can get out of your vehicle and see these beauties up close.
Visiting Swaziland, you can turn your dream of sleeping under starry skies a reality. In the national parks, you have the opportunity to camp out and enjoy the starry nights. You can also take part in white-water rafting in the Great Usutu River if you’re thirsty for some adventure.
Travel Tips:
- Hold your valuables tightly and be discreet about them.
- Be careful when driving as road accidents are common in Swaziland.
- Avoid driving in poorly lit rural roads.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
7. Mozambique
Mozambique is another one of the safest places to visit in Africa. If you’re into beaches, if you’re a water lover, love the wilderness – Mozambique is perfect for you.
Mozambique is a southeastern coastal country with its coastal areas stretching from Tanzania to South Africa. The beach in Mozambique is a sight to see. You can go surfing, swimming, and enjoy long walks on the beach.
Start your tour of Mozambique at Bazaruto Archipelago. Bazaruto Archipelago is a combination of six islands. Over there, you can enjoy sea life, watching dolphins, whales, and many other sea creatures. While enjoying the sea creatures, you can relax on the sandy beaches.
If you’re looking for a place where you can stay like a king without spending like one, then Maputo Afecc Gloria Hotel is the hotel of choice. Located in the Polana Cimento A district, the hotel looks grand and is just beside the Maputo Bay shore.
If you want to change the scene from beaches, visit the archeological site in Manyikieni. The archeological sites date back to the 12th century. You can also visit the Gorongosa National Park, the largest national park in the country. This national park holds the most diverse wildlife.
Travel Tips:
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Ensure your papers are up to date, or the corrupt authorities may try to extort money from you.
- Mozambique is a malaria-affected country, so do your medical research before planning your trip.
8. Kenya
If you love safari and want to view all of Africa’s wildlife in one go, Kenya is the country to go. Kenya is located in the eastern part, and it’s a safe place to visit, with very welcoming locals.
What makes Kenya one of the safest places to visit in Africa is that it’s one of the most developed countries in East Africa, and the infrastructure here is impressive. Besides the well-developed infrastructure, you’ll have access to communication networks and medical foundations.
Getting medical attention in Kenya is more convenient than in the other countries, thanks to its large population. Also, here in Kenya, you’ll find many English speakers, making communication and traveling more comfortable.
If a cultural trip is what you’re looking for, then Kenya is the place to go, as they hold their traditions firmly. It’s also a great place if you’re into adventures. Enjoy fun activities like hiking trails and marvelous landscapes on your next visit to Kenya.
Travel Tips:
- Kenya is another place with a high risk of malaria. Be sure to study the medical procedures before your visit.
- Food in Kenya can upset your stomach. Be sure to eat from good stores.
- Be street smart when roaming around in Kenya.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
9. Rwanda
Once cursed with Genocide, Rwanda is now one of the safest places to visit in Africa. With the help of foreign aid, Rwanda has come a long way from those horrific days. The infrastructures are sound, and you can easily access medical services in Rwanda.
While you’re in Rwanda, you can learn about the Genocide in the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. The memorial center is located in the capital of the country, Kigali. If you don’t mind spending a lot, then you can go trekking to see gorillas. Becaue of a rainforest climate, Rwanda is home to many endangered species.
If you want to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat, you can take a hike in the Nyungwe forest. Besides chimpanzees, you’ll also find different species of animals and insects. You can also canopy walks and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscape.
Travel Tips:
- You’re required to have health insurance before traveling to Rwanda. Be sure to have yours organized before your trip.
- Petty crimes like pickpocketing still exist.
- Don’t talk about the Genocide offensively.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these are some of the safest places to visit in Africa. All of these countries are filled with things to do and landscapes to admire. Have a great trip on your next vacation to Africa!
