To many travelers, Africa is not safe! The picture painted in someone’s head when one talks about Africa are barbaric people, economically disadvantaged places, war torn areas, poor people suffering from hunger etc.
You can only get to know the real face of Africa, when you travel to Africa. Many people confuse Africa to be a single country. However, the truth is that Africa is a huge continent (the second largest continent) and it is composed of over 50 countries. Most of these countries are safe for travel and if you are looking to visiting Africa, this piece is necessary read.
Visiting Africa for a safari holiday is magical undertaking given the immense attractions that the continent holds. Each year, millions of tourists visit Africa with aim of exploring popular authentic travel destinations however, what leaves majority wondering is if it is safe to visit Africa.
It should also be noted that traveling to a new destination like Africa can be challenging as so many factors have to be put into consideration. It is important to catch updates from the Africa travel blog and get up to date information on the security and safety updates on the continent. Here are some of the safest places to visit in Africa this year;
Zambia
Compared some African states, Zambia is a safe place to visit for African safari. It prides herself as a premier safari destination with numerous hotels, lodges distributed in and around main tourist sites like Victoria Falls in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Livingstone which features among the 7 natural wonders in the world and many more. There is a lot more to explore and experience in Zambia including many untapped game-filled protected areas with famous ones being the South Luangwa National Park, Kafue National Park among other each offering a unique up close with diverse wildlife in the wild.
Botswana
Botswana has for long been ranked among the safest countries in Africa. It is a secure country and the local people are very friendly. For any plans to visit Africa for a holiday, it is that one magical destination to consider on your travel bucket list.
It is one of the best destinations for African safaris given its unique national parks and game reserves. A visit to Botswana lets you explore and experience distinct sites including Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Nxai Pan, Central Kalahari to mention but a few. It is safe navigating through Botswana by road especially in a comfortable 4×4 drive safari car.
Tanzania
Tanzania is of no doubt one of the safest places to visit in Africa. It is remarkably an exceptional place to visit to experience something unique while on African safari. Since the fight for its independence in the 1960s, the country has never had any civil war making it the most peaceful nation in Eastern Africa.
The country boasts of world premier safari destinations. The best places to explore in Tanzania include Serengeti National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ngorongoro, Tarangire National Park and many others.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the best place for you to catch a glimpse at the big five African game. You can also witness the wildebeest migration from Serengeti National Park since the animals roam from this area and cross to Maasaimara of Kenya. The Selous Game Reserve is ideal for you to explore diverse wildlife species including among others impalas, zebras, and waterbucks.
South Africa
Situated in the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa is probably one of the Africa’s most famous countries. It is known for not only the big game but also its distinct cultures and breathtaking sceneries.
A visit to South Africa lets you explore and experience its picturesque landscape and witness the big African game. The popular destinations to visit in South Africa include Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Madikwe Game Reserve, Shamwari Game Reserve and many more.
Kenya
Kenya is set in East Africa and incredibly, it is one of the outstanding safari destinations worth exploring in Africa. It is a big name in East Africa tourism since it attracts most tourists visiting the East African Region. In addition, Nairobi is a hub for connections to other East African countries i.e Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania etc.
Though the country has been getting off and on attacks from the Al-Shabaab militants, Kenyan national parks are very safe for safaris. The country has also beefed up its security along the coastal areas that are prone to attacks from these terrorists.
Kenya is the best place to visit to witness the great wildebeest migration and the best destination to experience this, is Masai Mara National Reserve. Other destinations to explore on Kenya safari include Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Parks and many more.
Uganda
Uganda is a must visit since it is the “Pearl of Africa”. This small country has experienced a test of time and according to the Guide to Uganda, there has been and still prevailing peace and stability in Uganda since 1986. The country has very hospitable people and its government has helped in stabilization of the neighboring countries in great lakes region, which makes it one of the safest places to visit in Africa.
Uganda is found in East Africa and it is bordered by Rwanda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and South Sudan. Despite being a landlocked country, Uganda “the land that is gifted by nature” prides itself in immense attractions that include 10 national park and 12 national reserves. This makes it a premier safari destination in Africa.
Tourists going on safari in Uganda have opportunity to explore unique wildlife including mountain gorillas which account for about 1063 individuals in the world today and half of which are all confined within the country’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.
For the best game viewing experience, the notable national parks to consider on your bucket list are Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park; for chimpanzee tracking or primate exploration; Kibale Forest National Park is of no doubt a magical destination to consider a must-visit in Uganda.
For those of you who love mountaineering, Mount Elgon National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park a must-visit destination.
Seychelles
Seychelles is another safest place to visit in Africa. It prides itself as a magical destination with biodiverse islands. Frequented by honeymooners and leisurely seekers, Seychelles is a great island holiday destination.Less crimes have been registered for travelers who have paid a visit to this country.
If you are looking to a great escape, Seychelles is best to visit around April, May or October, November.
Rwanda
Rwanda is situated in East-Central Africa and despite the 1994 Rwanda Genocide that echoes a bad image for the country, the country is rated among the safest places to visit in Africa. Rwanda is comprised of four magical national parks (Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati Mukura National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park).
The country is most known for hosting the mountain gorillas that are tracked in the Volcanoes National Park in northern part of the country.
Rwanda is also popular for its endless rolling hills, which offer breathtaking landscape. A visit to Rwanda lets you explore its distinctly diverse wildlife including the rare mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, birds, big game-elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, leopards to mention but a few.
Namibia
A country of vast deserts, Namibia is popular for epic road trips, star-gazing, wild safaris and adrenaline experiences from sky diving to quad biking around the adventure capital Swakopmund. The crime rate is low throughout Namibia, and few tourists experience any issues, which makes it ideal for those seeking safe places to travel in Africa.
Safety: Namibia benefits from a sparse population and most tourists head to safer areas well outside the cities. Namibia is free of conflict and politically stable.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the safest places in Africa. Ethiopia has seen economic growth and development from 2007. Tourism industry has become of age and the living standards of the people have greatly improved. The country’s airline is one of the strongest in Africa, which has eased travels from the world international cities.
Conclusion
Many travelers think that Africa is a single country something that is very wrong! There are 56 countries in Africa and each country is responsible for its safety and security. According to the Africa Tourist Information website, most of African countries are safe for travel except a few that experience civil wars. Some of the other countries that are safe for travel include Morocco, Mauritius, Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Senegal, etc.