Africa boasts an array of diverse landscapes and unparalleled natural beauty. Africa is a dream destination for many since it has many countries to explore (54 countries, in fact) that all offer attractive and unique landscapes and adventures. With the second largest population in the world, it can be hard to decide where exactly to visit in the large continent and where it is safe or ideal for particular interests.
Whether visitors want to experience flourishing wildlife or a judgment-free environment, Africa is the perfect place to explore on your next trip because it has so many countries that appease varying tastes. Often referred to as the cradle of life, it is no surprise that Africa has an array of countries that offer inclusive communities for visitors. Among those are countries that provide the best environment for solo travelers, women and wildlife lovers.
These countries are ranked by their welcoming cultures and Global Peace Index (GPI) scores. GPI’s are revealed annually with the average level of peacefulness per country, which is exceedingly useful for travelers. From a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most violent or unsafe destinations), travelers can track the improvement or deterioration of global destinations.
Safest Countries in Africa for Solo Travelers and Tourists
Solo travel can boost confidence significantly and Africa offers unforgettable experiences, so why not combine the two? Africa offers plenty for solo travelers to do, including wildlife safaris, city tours and hiking. If Africa is the next stop on the bucket list, check out these countries that will provide comfortable environments.
Malawi
Malawi has a GPI similar to Frances’ score, with a 1.97, and in terms of peace and security it is a well ranked country in Africa. With the slogan, “The Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi is clearly known as a serene destination. It is incredibly small and has a welcoming community, so it is a popular country for first-time visitors to Africa.
Due to a lack of major political unrest after the countries’ independence, mostly petty street crime occurs in Malawi. While visitors should always stay vigilant and aware, this hidden gem is one of the safest countries travelers can visit in Africa.
Rwanda
This country is on a level one travel advisory, which means travelers should exercise normal precautions, according to the U.S. Department of State. The crime rates are consistently low in Rwanda, even in more touristy places like the capital city of Kigali. The GPI score of Rwanda is 2.051, which has improved from recent years. Local Rwandans are helpful and friendly, so visitors should not have any trouble getting around and are likely to make new friends while traveling solo.
While Rwanda is a peaceful place to stay, the border of Rwanda is an area where travelers should exercise increased caution due to armed conflict between Rwanda and The Democratic of Congo. If travelers abide by sensible travel precautions, their visit to Rwanda will go smoothly and they may even count down to the next visit.
Safest Countries in Africa for Women To Visit
Although racial acceptance is not a huge issue in Africa since it is a diverse continent, some areas are preferable for travelers of gender minority groups. Harassment can be prevalent in certain areas, which makes it crucial to know the safest countries in Africa for women. Cultural and religious beliefs impact the safety of women worldwide and vary by region, so where and where not to go are important things to know while traveling.
Mauritius
One of the cultural reasons this area is safe for women is because Buddhists are prevalent in Mauritius. The surrounding temples are popular tourist attractions and signify the peaceful outlooks that have historically been present. Mauritius has a significantly low crime rate compared to other countries and is known for its friendly locals. The country has a 1.546 GPI score and is among the best rated African countries for safety. Of course, regardless of these factors, female travelers should always take precautions like being observant of their surroundings and keeping their valuables secure.
Gender equality is a complex subject in Mauritius since the constitution states that women have equal rights but the society is otherwise conservative. While women are independent, the youth of Mauritius have done the work of shifting traditional viewpoints so that women feel comfortable and free in their country.
Botswana
Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa and seldom has any issues with travelers. Along with its lack of serious crime (and 1.762 GPI), the popularity of Botswana’s guided tours has contributed to the safety level of the country. Professional guides and tours are easily accessible, so Botswana is considered a tourist destination and often has foreign travelers passing through it. The majority of women travelers feel safe since the locals are welcoming and the area has comparatively low crime.
Women traveling through Botswana need only worry about safety when in public areas (as usual for foreigners) or if they venture to bars or streets late at night. Unwanted attention is not common but may occur in more rural or poorly lit late-night spots, which some women may opt to avoid.
Countries in Africa for Animal Lovers
Conservation in Africa is an important effort that contributes to the overall ecosystem and in turn, how safe areas are for visitors. Protecting the environment reduces the risk of climate change, improves sustainability and preserves natural resources. These two countries are the front runners when it comes to conservation and wildlife tourism.
Tanzania
Tanzania has rich biodiversity and boasts 14,000 wildlife species. Safeguarding wildlife is a priority of this country and it shows in its respect for animals and nature. Almost a third of the country is protected, so natural habitats are inhabited by an array of species.
While tourism is still a part of Tanzanian culture (and the country has a GPI score of 2.058), tourism is secondary to wildlife management and species conservation. If visiting Tanzania, consider visiting the Serengeti National Park, which is a safari that has the big five game animals (elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhino), or Kilimanjaro National Park which has Africa’s highest mountain.
Kenya
Kenya is home to 25 national parks, 16 national reserves, 6 marine parks and many private conservancies. Of those, the most popular national park is Amboseli. Amboseli is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site that spans 151 square miles. It is near the Tanzanian border and is known for its huge elephant population.
When it comes to conservation and animal protection, Kenya is hard to beat. Travelers adore the welcoming ambiance of the country (which is supported by its 2.254 GPI score) and its animal friendly culture. Visitor should try to catch Africa’s Great Migration, one of the most popular nature attractions in the country, which is when millions of mammals and herbivores go north to follow the rain. The migration is best observed during the dry season between July and October.