Safest Countries To Travel To In Africa

When most people think of Africa, they imagine stunning safaris, rich cultures, and vibrant cities, but many still hesitate to travel due to outdated safety concerns. The truth? Africa is home to some of the most welcoming, safe, and traveller-friendly countries in the world.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to the continent or you’re a frequent flyer, knowing where to go with peace of mind is key. This guide covers the 10 safest countries in Africa for travellers in 2025, based on the Global Peace Index, tourism infrastructure, and feedback from travellers.

We’ll also share smart money tips so you can travel worry-free and avoid costly mistakes while exploring the continent.

1. Mauritius

• Languages spoken: English & French are official; Creole is widely spoken.
  
  
• Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
  
  
• Safety ranking: Ranks among the top African countries on the Global Peace Index (around #26 globally), consistently the safest in Africa.
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Visit Port Louis: its markets, the Caudan Waterfront.
  • Leisure at beaches like Belle Mare and Flic en Flac.
  • Explore Black River Gorges National Park for hiking and wildlife.
  • Dive or snorkel around Ile aux Cerfs.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ MUR 25,000–40,000 (~USD 600-1,000) depending on accommodation level — mid-range hotels, meals, transport, and a few excursions.
  
  

2. Botswana

• Languages spoken: English is the official language; Setswana is widely spoken; multiple minority languages are also spoken.
  
  
• Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
  
  
• Safety ranking: One of the top African countries; in the Global Peace Index, Botswana ranks high (in the top 50 globally).
  
  
• What to do while in Botswana
  • Safari in the Okavango Delta.
  • Wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park.
  • Visit the capital, Gaborone, for local culture.
  • Explore Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ BWP 8,000–15,000 (~USD 700-1,300) depending on safari choices; safari lodges often cost more, but mid-budget options exist.
  
  

3. Namibia

• Languages spoken: The official languages are English, German, and Afrikaans; indigenous languages are also spoken.
  
  
• Currency: Namibian Dollar (NAD)
  
  
• Safety ranking: Very high among African nations (ranked in the top 50 globally); low rates of violent crime, especially outside border towns.
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Visit Sossusvlei dunes.
  • Explore Etosha National Park.
  • Drive the Skeleton Coast.
  • Visit Swakopmund for coastal vibes and adventure sports.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ NAD 7,000–13,000 (~USD 400-800), depending on whether self-drive or guided tours; lodging in adventure lodges adds cost.
  
  

4. The Gambia

• Languages spoken: English is official; various local languages (Mandinka, Wolof, etc.) are widely used.
  
  
• Currency: Gambian Dalasi (GMD)
  
  
• Safety ranking: Among the safer West African countries; modest GPI rank (mid-Africa safe list).
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Relax on Banjul’s beaches.
  • Visit River Gambia National Park.
  • Experience local villages and culture.
  • Bird watching and riverboat tours.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ GMD 15,000-30,000 (~USD 250-500) for modest travel (local guesthouses, simple meals, public transport).
  
  

5. Sierra Leone

• Languages spoken: English is the official language; Krio is widely spoken; several local languages are also spoken.
  
  
• Currency: Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
  
  
• Safety ranking: Improved significantly; mid-level in GPI with better tourism infrastructure in key areas.
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Freetown and its markets.
  • Beaches like River Number 2.
  • Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
  • Heritage & colonial sites.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ SLL 4,000,000-7,000,000 (~USD 400-800), depending on the quality of accommodation and transport.
  
  

6. Madagascar

• Languages spoken: Malagasy and French; English is less common outside tourist centres.
  
  
• Currency: Malagasy Ariary (MGA)
  
  
• Safety ranking: Fairly safe; some regions are remote and require extra care; Madagascar tends to excel in terms of peacefulness, although it faces infrastructure challenges.
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Andasibe-Mantadia for wildlife and lemurs.
  • Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park for its unique karst landscapes.
  • Nosy Be for beaches.
  • Explore local markets in Antananarivo.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ MGA 1,500,000-3,000,000 (~USD 350-700) for mid-tier travel, depending on internal transport.
  
  

7. Ghana

• Languages spoken: English (official), many local languages (Akan/Twi, Ewe, Ga, etc.).
  
  
• Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
  
  
• Safety ranking: One of the top West African countries for safety; consistent political stability; ranks in the mid-Africa safe range in GPI.
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Accra: markets, culture, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
  • Cape Coast & Elmina — castles and history.
  • Kakum National Park & canopy walk.
  • Lake Volta or Mole National Park for wildlife.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ GHS 4,000-8,000 (~USD 400-800) for moderate travel (guesthouses, good food, local transport).

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8. Zambia

• Languages spoken: English (official), many local languages (Bemba, Nyanja, etc.).
  
  
• Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
  
  
• Safety ranking: Safe, especially in tourist areas; GPI shows Zambia in a relatively high stability and peace bracket.
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Victoria Falls.
  • South Luangwa National Park safari.
  • Lusaka for markets & culture.
  • Livingstone for adventure sports.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ ZMW 3,500-7,000 (~USD 400-800), depending on lodging and whether you join guided safaris.
  
  

9. Senegal

• Languages spoken: French (official), Wolof is widely used; many other local languages are also spoken.
  
  
• Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
  
  
• Safety ranking: Among the safest in West Africa; GPI places Senegal relatively high for political stability and tourism tranquillity.
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Dakar: museums, nightlife, markets.
  • Goree Island for history.
  • Pink Lake (Lac Rose).
  • Casamance region for beaches and nature.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ XOF 150,000-300,000 (~USD 250-600), moderate travel with nice lodging.
  
  

10. Liberia

• Languages spoken: English is the official language, with many other indigenous languages.
  
  
• Currency: Liberian Dollar (LRD)
  
  
• Safety ranking: Improving stability; GPI shows Liberia ahead of many neighbouring countries in terms of peace and reduced internal conflict.
  
  
• What to do / Top locations:
  • Monrovia: beaches, local life.
  • Sapo National Park for jungle, wildlife.
  • Providence Island for heritage.
  • Robertsport for surfing.
  
  
• Estimated budget for 5-7 days: ~ LRD 6,000-10,000 (~USD 300-600), depending on accommodation and travel style.
  
  

Travel & Money Tips 

• Don’t carry excessive cash — use Pesa to convert to the local currency of your destination in advance.
  
  
• Pay in local currency where possible to avoid alarming exchange rates or double currency conversion fees.
  
  
• Budget each day and monitor spending via mobile — Pesa’s app gives live updates so you can adjust on the fly.
  
  
• Leave room in your budget for unexpected costs (transport delays, tipping, local guide fees, etc.)

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