Africa, the second largest continent in the world, offers endless possibilities for adventurers. Because each country has its own unique culture, landscapes and attractions, choosing a destination can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Many travelers hesitate to visit Africa due to misconceptions about safety, often influenced by reports of crime in certain regions. However, this perception is far from accurate: most African countries are peaceful and hospitable.
Is Africa safer in 2025 than in 2024?
No – Africa as a whole is not significantly safer in 2025 compared to 2024. In fact, according to the Institute for Economics & Peace’s Global Peace Index, Sub-Saharan Africa’s average peace score has worsened by about 0.17%. While some countries on the continent have improved, many still face conflict escalation and security challenges, meaning the trend is one of increased risk rather than overall improvement.
The 2025 Global Peace Index map
Safest Countries in Africa to Visit in 2025
This article aims to challenge these myths and highlight some of them safest countries in Africa based on the GPI peace index.
10. Liberia (70/163)
In the 2025 GPI, Liberia ranks first 70th out of 163 countrieswith a total score of approx 1,939 (where a lower score means a more peaceful country).
This ranking places Liberia in the middle of the pack globally – better than many countries, but still with room for improvement in societal safety, security and institutional strength.
Liberia offers travelers the chance to experience the vibrant culture of West Africa firsthand. The bustling capital Monrovia is home to dozens of markets where artisans sell their finest handmade wares, and the Liberia National Museum offers insight into the history of Africa’s oldest republic.
9. Senegal (69/163)
In the 2025 edition of the GPI – which ranks 163 independent states and territories based on peacefulness – Senegal is ranked 69th worldwide with a score of 1,936. This ranking places Senegal in the ‘average’ peace category and shows that the country is more peaceful than many other countries, but that there is significant room for improvement compared to the most peaceful countries.
To add context, last year (2024) Senegal ranked 84th with a score of 2,084. The country is thus showing an upward improvement in its 2025 peace rankings. Nevertheless, its 69th place out of 163 still means that Senegal offers a relatively stable environment in roughly the top half of countries worldwide – but also one with potential security and peace-related challenges that visitors and residents should take into account.
8. Zambia (64/163)
Zambia made tremendous progress in 2024, climbing the ranks of the safest countries in Africa and now ranks 57th in the world.
The US Department of State has highlighted Zambia in its annual report on Travel Advisory level 1 for traveler safety. This means that travelers should regularly take precautions and not panic.
A few areas in Zambia, such as the Copperbelt Province and Lusaka, have higher than normal crime rates, but none of these areas are considered ‘unsafe’ by international standards.
7. Ghana (61/163)
Ghana is located almost in the center of the world map. Although Ghana doesn’t host too many of the other attractions that its African counterpart countries do, such as safaris, wildlife, eco-tours and more. It has a lot of cultural heritage dating back to the 18th centurye century. Negligible cases of crime have been reported in the capital Accra and the city is always bustling with locals and tourists alike.
There are a few attractions you can enjoy in Ghana. Surfing the beaches of Accra, Jamestown, exploring Cape Coast Castles and visiting a few national parks here and there are some of the activities that make Ghana a great visit.
6. Madagascar (59/163)
Madagascar is generally considered a safe destination for travelers who use common sense and remain aware of their surroundings. The country’s people are warm and hospitable, and most visits are trouble-free. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing or theft from unattended bags can occur, especially in crowded areas and markets. Travelers are advised to avoid displaying valuables and to use registered taxis when moving around the city, especially after dark.
Although violent crime is rare, there may be a limited law enforcement presence in some rural and remote regions. So it is best to travel outside the big cities with a guide or group. Roads can be tricky and traveling after sunset is not recommended due to poor lighting and road conditions.
5. Sierra Leone (57/163)
This small coastal country (71,740 km2) is another haven for tourists who consider safety as their main concern. However, unlike the other countries previously mentioned, Sierra Leone does have a bit of a crime problem.
More than 60% of the country’s population lives below the poverty line and as the saying goes, “poverty breeds crime.” Sierra Leone is known for its nightlife and parties, especially during occasions like Christmas and Easter. Most crime occurs in urban areas, while the rest of the country is relatively crime-free.
According to the British government, most trips to Sierra Leone are relatively risk-free, but there have been few cases of tourists being robbed in Gun Point. If you are visiting the country for a short period, avoid walks after 10pm and make sure you always travel in groups. Traveling with a local is an extra safety measure. Source (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone/safety-and-security)
4. Gambia (55/164)
The Gambia has incredibly risen 16 positions in the past year to become the fourth safest country in Africa.
The Gambia is considered one of the safer countries in West Africa, known for its peaceful atmosphere and friendly locals. Violent crime is relatively rare, especially compared to some neighboring countries.
The country’s stability has been maintained through a long tradition of tolerance and hospitality, with Gambians often going out of their way to welcome visitors. Petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots, but can generally be avoided by taking basic precautions.
3. Namibia (53/163)
Namibia has made great progress in safety, jumping from 62nd to 50th position between 2024 and 2025, becoming the third safest country in Africa!
Namibia offers space, tranquility and the opportunity to get away from it all: It is the second least densely populated country in the world, with only two inhabitants per square kilometer.
You can drive for hours under a clear blue sky without seeing another vehicle, surrounded by landscapes so vast and barren that you sometimes feel like you are on the edge of the earth. There aren’t many places left in an overpopulated world where you can immerse yourself so deeply in remote wilderness as in Namibia.
2. Botswana (43/163)
The land of the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana is one of Africa’s hidden gems and is known not only for its thriving nature, but also for the extraordinary views that each of its destinations has to offer.
Crime in Botswana is at an all-time low; the popular towns of Francistown, Gaborone and Maun rarely experience cases of serious crime.
If you are really concerned about security in Africa, Botswana should be the number one choice. Safaris to Botswana tend to be more expensive than a regular African safari trip, so you may want to keep an eye on prices.
1. Mauritius (26/163) – Safest country in Africa
According to the current GPI rankings, Mauritius is the safest country in Africa and the 22nd safest country in the world.
Mauritius is a cosmopolitan tourist paradise with beaches and lagoons, coral diving, water activities, the ‘seven colored earth’ of Chamarel and beautiful forests teeming with wildlife.
The overall crime rate in Mauritius is quite low and the crimes that do occur are usually non-violent, such as petty theft.
