The Safest Countries in Africa 2024 (RANKED)

African countries are diverse, offering travellers a variety of stunning scenery, from golden beaches to snowy mountains, thick jungle to vast deserts. There are plenty of things to see and do, in bustling, vibrant cities and quieter, calmer rural areas.

For many people, safety can be a concern when travelling to Africa. Some countries have high crime rates, with a reputation for targeting tourists. At the same time, many countries in Africa are noted for their friendly and welcoming approach to foreigners.  

Using the latest Global Peace Index (GPI), we looked into the safest and least safe countries that feature on the ranking, taking into account their political situation and risk of crime for travellers.

If you’re travelling to Africa or are planning your next trip, contact Expatriate Group for your travel insurance. We cover all nationalities travelling nearly anywhere in the world, giving you peace of mind while you’re abroad.

According to the GPI, Mauritius is the safest country in Africa. The island nation located off the southeast coast of Africa ranks 22^nd in the world and has a GPI score of 1.577.

Mauritius has a low crime rate and violent crime in Mauritius is extremely rare. Some petty crime, such as pickpocketing can occur. This type of crime, as well as scams, can be quite prevalent in tourist hotspots. Mauritius is generally safe for women, but common sense should be used, as in any location.

One of the main risks in Mauritius is natural disasters, such as cyclones. The cyclone season is from November to May and can cause extensive damage to property. Travellers should always adhere to warnings and follow advice in the event of severe weather.

Madagascar is the second safest country in Africa. Another island nation located by the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is the 44^th safest country in the world with a GPI score of 1.838.

Madagascar has a relatively low crime rate but there are some areas where muggings, pickpocketing, robberies and carjackings are rising. These can occur particularly around urban areas and tourist hotspots, so its essential travellers stay vigilant and protect their belongings.

Recently, Madagascar has also been experiencing political instability due to the election. There have been protests which have turned violent, with security forces closing roads and using tear gas. Travellers should avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations

Botswana is the third safest country in Africa. This country, located in Southern Africa, has a GPI score of 1.863, ranking 50^th in the world.

Tourist attacks are rare in Botswana, as are scams. Bag snatching and muggings can occur, as can carjackings. Travellers should be vigilant and shouldn’t resist if they are targeted.

Botswana is popular among tourists due to its nature reserves. Travellers should always follow local advice and guidance to keep safe from animal attacks. It’s also advised to avoid swimming in rivers and lakes, due to the dangers from animals and also diseases.  

Ghana is the fourth safest country in Africa, according to the GPI. The West African country is ranked 55^th in the world, with a GPI score of 1.938.

Ghana has a relatively low crime rate, especially when compared to some other countries in Africa. However, there is still a risk of crimes, which can range from petty to more violent. Travellers should avoid carrying or displaying their valuables and should be especially vigilant after dark. Beaches in Ghana be more at risk of crime such as theft or even violence and assault.

As with many countries popular with tourists, there can be a high risk of scams. People are advised to use common sense and take precautions around any requests for funds from people offering friendship, romance, or a business opportunity.

Zambia is the fifth safest country in Africa. Landlocked in southern-central Africa, Zambia is ranked 57^th in the world with a GPI score of 1.948.

Similar to many tourist hotspots, Zambia can experience high instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins. Whilst travelling around larger cities and major game parks is generally safe in daylight hours, tourists should take extra care at night. You should avoid walking when it’s dark, pre-plan transport, and stay aware of their surroundings.

Zambia is popular with tourists due to its nature reserves. Being around wild animals always poses a risk, especially as Zambia has venomous snakes which can be lethal. Tourists should only visit reputable game parks and always follow the advice of the tour guides.

Sudan is the least safest country in Africa. This country, located in East Africa, ranks 162^nd in the world and has a GPI score of 3.327. Only one other country, Yemen, ranks below Sudan in terms of safety.

The UK Government, as well as many other governments, advises against travel to Sudan, to avoid harm. There was a pollical coup in Sudan in 2021, which caused a political crisis that is still ongoing. Efforts are being made to resolve the situation, but stability has not yet been achieved.

Due to the political situation, Sudan is at risk of political demonstrations and also terrorist attacks. There is also a risk of muggings and kidnappings, as well as more petty crime such as pickpocketing.

Sudan is also highly dangerous for members of the LGBTQ+ community. People can face discrimination and attacks and could be arrested and even face execution by the government.

South Sudan is the fourth least safe country in Africa and is one of the least safe countries in the world, with only Sudan and Yemen below it. It ranks 161^st in the world and has a GPI score of 3.324.

Many governments advise not to travel to South Sudan. The political situation is volatile, and armed fighting is a regular occurrence. Terrorist attacks are also common, with public areas such as hotels and government buildings being targeted. Criminals are often armed and kidnapping, home invasions, armed robbery and carjacking are all common.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the third least safe country in Africa and the 158^th safest country in the world, with only Ukraine, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen below it. Located in Central Africa, it has a GPI score of 3.166.

There are some areas of the DRC where it is advised not to travel at all, including within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic. There are other areas where caution is advised.

The country has seen a lot of political unrest and the situation is volatile. Demonstrations have been known to break out with no notice and can turn violent. There is armed conflict between the government forces and opposing groups in the east, with the area currently run by military administration.  

Crime rates in the DRC are high, and foreigners are often targets for muggings and kidnappings. There have also been occurrences of authorities arresting foreigners and demanding payment for release.

Mali is the fourth least safe country in Africa. A landlocked country in West Africa, Mali is the 154^th safest country in the world with a GPI score of 3.095.

The UK government advises against travel to all areas of Mali except for Bamako. This is due to the prevalence of terrorist attacks and kidnappings throughout the country. Only essential travel should be taken to Bamako.

There is a high threat of terrorist attacks throughout Mali, and British nationals are viewed as targets. This has risen after Mali withdrew from the UN peacekeeping mission at the end of 2023. The situation remains dangerous in the country and attacks can occur at any time, particularly in places frequented by foreign nationals.

Somalia is the fifth least safe country in Africa and the 153^rd safest country in the world. Located on the Horn of Africa at the easternmost point, Somalia has a GPI score of 3.091.

The UK government advises against travel to certain parts of Somalia, including the three eastern regions of Somaliland and only essential travel to the three western regions. Frequent terrorist attacks have occurred throughout Somalia by groups opposed to the country’s government. Threats have been made against Westerners and British nationals are viewed as targets.

Below is the full list of each African country that features on the GPI, ranked from safest to least safe: