Africa overflows with incredible destinations offering breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture and sumptuous cuisine. However, travelers often express concerns about safety.
Africa has progressed markedly in travel security. This article identifies the safest countries based on objective assessments by the Global Peace Index (GPI). We dive into their stunning attractions, must-visit destinations and travel tips.
1. Mauritius – Paradise Island of the Indian Ocean
Mauritius is renowned worldwide for its charming blend of vibrant Indian, African, Creole and French cultures. Reflecting its multicultural heritage, major world religions co-exist harmoniously in Mauritius.
Beyond its legendary hospitality, Mauritius delights visitors with blissful beaches, scenic mountains and lagoons, magnificent botanical gardens, flavorful cuisine and seamless infrastructure. It is ranked Africa’s safest country by the GPI for the fourth consecutive year.
Breathtaking Natural Landscapes
Mauritius wows nature lovers with the stunning Black River Gorges National Park. Teeming with endemic wildlife like flying foxes and rare birds, lush rainforests cascade dramatic waterfalls into exquisite lagoons along the coastline.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Le Morne Brabant mountain manifests the maroon heritage of escaped slaves who took refuge there. Striking volcanic mountains across the landscape refine the island’s irresistible beauty.
Must-See Attractions
Port Louis, the capital, seduces with bustling open markets, an immersive China Town and intriguing museums that chronicle Mauritius’ rich heritage. Nature park safaris like Casela Nature Parks promise close encounters with lions, rhinos and cheeky monkeys amid stunning scenery.
The historical Château de Labourdonnais plantation provides an intimate glimpse of the island’s colonial past. For a unique cultural experience, don’t miss the Hindu festival of Thaipusam with exhilarating street processions at Le Kanchipuram Temple. The rum distilleries of Rhumerie de Chamarel and Chamarel Waterfall showcase more of Mauritius’ treasures.
Delectable Cuisine
Mauritius delights global food critics with its delectable cuisine blending African, Indian, Chinese and French influences. Spicy curries, succulent seafood, gatte aloo potato cakes, epicurean French desserts and unique dholl puri street wraps tempt discerning palates.
Wash it all down with the famous local beer Phoenix or refreshing coconut water for full-on tropical bliss. Dining on the beach at sunset with gleaming waves and fruity cocktails will surely be a highlight!
With its friendly people, postcard-perfect beaches and spectacular nature – Mauritius makes an unforgettable, absolutely safe holiday.
2. Botswana – Untamed Wilderness Meets Modern Comforts
Botswana dazzles as one of Africa’s most advanced and stable countries. While English remains the official language, Setswana culture resonates proudly across the diverse population.
Botswana pairs top-class accommodation and infrastructure with raw African wilderness teeming with exotic wildlife. It offers an unparalleled blend of modern comforts amid timeless natural splendor and cultural heritage, making it exceptionally safe for tourists.
Majestic Wildlife Encounters
Renowned for premier game viewing, Botswana spoils safari enthusiasts with Africa’s biggest elephant population migrating across the unfathomable Okavango Delta wetlands. Desert lions, stealthy leopards, lumbering rhinos and vast herds flock to watering holes presenting exhilarating close encounters.
The iconic Chobe National Park overlooking the mighty Chobe River seduces with barking fish eagles, buffalo stampedes, hippo mirth and playful monkeys. The world’s largest intact inland Delta, the Okavango Delta gives unforgettable boat and walking safaris through marshes echoing with birdsong and rich wildlife.
Local Hospitality
Despite its modern cities, Botswana’s welcoming citizens uphold Setswana cultural traditions from intricate basket weaving to soulful poetry and tribal dance. Camping under starlit African skies or enjoying traditional Seswaa stews at Maun Lodge’s Boma dinner nights forge unforgettable bonds across cultures.
Botswana offers outstanding local crafts from San bushmen woodcarvings to stylish homewares carved from ostrich eggshells. With solid infrastructure coexisting harmoniously with pristine habitat bursting with exotic species, Botswana makes an exceptionally safe, lucrative African destination.
3. Sierra Leone – West Africa’s Hidden Beach Paradise
Overcoming its past, Sierra Leone emerges as one of Africa’s top eco-tourism destinations with rainforests, paradise beaches and vibrant modern culture. While English is the official language, around twenty ethnic groups like the native Temne and their captivating history shape national identity.
Sierra Leone woos with raw tropical beauty as rainforests cascade to gleaming untouched beaches, without crowds. The recent Ebola crisis and civil war are fading from memory as the country blossoms into an exotic West African haven blending sublime nature and rich heritage.
Tropical Island Sanctuaries
The unspoiled Banana Islands enchant with rainforest hikes to hidden waterfalls and coves with nesting sea turtles and whales. Scuba divers bubble with excitement over wreck dives and reefs glittering with tropical fish.
Idyllic Tokeh beach soothes with traditional fishing settlements and swaying palms amid turquoise bays, while River Number Two Beach delights surfers with excellent waves. For an indulgent remote island escape, glamping on Moriba Island rewards with swinging hammocks, sea kayaking and beach bonfires under starry African skies.
National Parks & Nature Reserves
Lush mountain rainforests teeming with pygmy hippos, antelopes and rare birds distinguish Outamba-Kilimi National Park. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides a inspiring model for conservation supporting orphaned and rescued chimpanzees.
Tiwai Island Reserve’s walkways above tropical wetlands offer primate and pygmy hippo sightings under forest canopies. Showcasing Sierra Leone’s extraordinary biodiversity and ecotourism potential, these sites highlight improved conservation and stability. For travelers craving offbeat adventures, Sierra Leone is an utterly enchanting new African trailblazer.
4. Ghana – Beaches, Rainforests & Friendly Vibes
Known as Africa’s golden coast, Ghana seduces with palm-fringed beaches, verdant rainforests and UNESCO World Heritage forts and castles echoing tumultuous slave trade history. English remains the official language while over 100 vibrant ethnic groups continue age-old cultural traditions.
Celebrated for stability, democracy and economic growth in the region, Ghana spoils visitors with genuine hospitality and fabulous attractions from wild elephants to lively markets.
Magnificent Coastline
Facing the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana’s gorgeous 530km coastline frames sublime beaches, fishing villages and historic coastal forts. Surfers flock to wild waves and beach parties at Busua and Kokrobite, while swimming and sailing fill blissful days at Ada Foah.
In bustling Accra, Labadi Beach heaves with musicians, food stalls and drum circles as Makola Market in town immerses with textiles, art and street food. Colorful fishing boats bring fresh seafood straight to beachside Elmina, where Elmina Castle and St. Jago Fort solemnly memorialize the slave trade. Just beyond, 6-mile long, palm-shaded Kakum Beach delights from Cape Coast.
Rainforests & Nature Reserves
Lush tropical rainforests shelter exotic wildlife, butterflies and birds within Kakum National Park – while suspended canopy walkways promise heart-stopping vistas. Mole National Park delivers close elephant and warthog sightings drifting across grassy savannas. Jungle walks around forest waterfalls and Monkey Sanctuary swings induce childlike joy!
Rescued chimpanzees bound playfully through pads and tunnels at Shai Hills Resource Reserve, saving this endangered West African primate. Nearby indigenous villages give real cultural connections through vibrant chaotic markets, shea butter making and potent palm wine cocktails!
Festivals, Food & Nightlife
Cosmopolitan Accra thrills with tempting restaurants and heaving nightclubs temping West Africans and foreigners alike. Ghanaian festivals like colourful Homowo harvest celebrations, Ashanti King’s Akwasidae ceremonies and vibrant Emancipation Day craft markets give vivd local experiences.
Traditional stews like peanutty nkontomire stew and staple fufu star on local menus, while fresh lobster, grilled fish and tropical juices tantalize on sunny Cape Coast beaches. Exploring Ghana feels joyfully immersive and safe with worlds to discover from members-only nightclubs to monkey sanctuaries!
5. Senegal – Vibrant West African Hospitality
Known for its world famous Teranga hospitality, Senegal seduces with the vibrant coastal capital of Dakar, colonial towns, surf beaches and captivating wildlife parks. French remains the official language while ethnic influences like Wolof, Fula and Serer shape this dynamic West African culture.
Celebrated as one of Africa’s model democracies with strong recent economic growth, Senegal spoils visitors with genuine hospitality and memorable attractions without compromising safety.
Wildlife Encounters
Renowned as one of the best birding destinations worldwide, Djoudj National Park seduces ornithologists with vast waterbird colonies swirling above flooded plains. At Langue de Barbarie National Park, herds drift across beaches where green turtles and rare birds nest.
Lush Niokolo-Koba Reserve promises close lion, buffalo and monkey sightings around watering holes and forested rock formations. For intimate wildlife encounters in pristine habitats, Senegal’s national parks rank among Africa’s finest.
Festivals, Surfing & Seafood
Dakar woos party lovers with vibrant nightlife and cultural events like the International Jazz Festival. Surfers and kitesurfers flock to the Saharan surf town of Lompoul Desert for wind sports and vibey beach parties under the stars.
Along the coast, sprawling beach resorts like Saly boast world-class golf, water sports, wildlife reserves and seafood restaurants showcasing Senegal’s fabulous fare. With genuine hospitality, eclectic cities, surf beaches and exotic wildlife – this safe West African gem makes an easy, yet thrilling holiday choice.
Notable Other Safest Countries in Africa
While the top 5 countries rank definitively as Africa’s safest, excellent alternatives include:
Namibia
Namibia enchants with the world’s oldest desert, highest sand dunes and private wildlife conservancies with luxurious lodges.
The Gambia
The Gambia seduces with the smiling hospitality of riverine fishing villages and buzzing beach resorts.
Malawi
Lake Malawi’s tranquil shores, verdant mountains and exotic wildlife parks promise offbeat, affordable African adventures.
Zambia
Zambia’s sparkling Victoria Falls, wildlife-packed national parks and might Zambezi River offer iconic African experiences.
