Africa is an extremely challenged continent. Issues related to health, climate, poverty, and local crime are very common. Africa has encountered many epidemics and famines throughout history. There is a very distinct link between poverty and crime. It is well known that empty bellies give birth to crime. However, some countries are struggling hard to improve their safety standards. Some African countries have profound wildlife. Many national wildlife parks host different rare wild animals. Also, deserts and dunes are shining bright under the hot sun. All these landmarks serve the purpose of attracting tourists, wildlife researchers and animal rights activists from all over the world. In case, if you ever wish to visit Africa here are the top safest countries to visit.
List Safest Countries in Africa
1. Namibia
This country resides in southwest Africa. This country has vast deserts and heightened dunes. Geographically, it has a vast coastal desert and a very low population density which makes the country pretty safe. However, the hot deserts make the country safe from many known tropical diseases like malaria. Moreover, this country has a quite stable political government making it a remarkably developing country. Even though the deserts and climate make Namibia safe from tropical diseases, but it causes a vast stretch of the distance between cities and rural areas this situation makes medical and traveling facilities a little bit scarce. However, the roads are quite good for traveling. Due to the hot climate and isolation of the desert, it puts up quite a task to find water sources. However, the brilliance of this country beginning for Etosha wildlife park to the dunes of Sossuvlei Desert makes it a very rewarding experience for travelers.
2. Botswana
It is situated in the southern part of Africa. This country is very famous for its large population of elephants. One of the reasons for its fame is The Kalahari Desert. Even though this country is 84% percent desert it still receives comparatively more rainfalls. The politics is very stable and the corruption rate in government is very low. This is making the country to march on the road of development very swiftly. This country is also blessed with many natural resources. There are quite good medical facilities, educational institutes, and solid infrastructure. However, there are minor security risks in the cities, but overall, Botswana is a safe country in Africa for tourists, as the locals are very welcoming and hearty. The population of elephants is nonetheless a risk while camping and visiting wildlife.
3. Swaziland
This is a tiny country living in the middle of another country, the country of South Africa. Overall, this country is rural. The country poses very little risk to tourists and common people, as it is ruled by a monarch. The people love their ruler, and everyone follows the laws and regulations of the country. Another thing making Swaziland very safe is its low level of population. People are peaceful and welcoming. However, the green hills around this tiny nation sometimes cause natural troubles like rolling and landslide. There are also very few dangerous animals, but the main risk is that medical services are not quite accessible in remote areas.
4. Rwanda
Rwanda is situated in the Eastern piece of Africa. It was not safe to visit this country back in the 90s, as it suffered from a very horrible genocide. Be that as it may, presently this country is in a good place again making it perhaps one of the most safest countries to visit in Africa. This country has progressed a lot during the last decade. Their economy and government are very stable now. The government has developed quite a good infrastructure across the country. They have a very good embassy too. As this country is in the tropical region, the major risk it poses to travelers and locals is of tropical diseases like dengue, malaria, and several other infections related to sepsis. If you find yourself traveling to Rwanda never forget your antibiotics and antiseptics.
5. Kenya
Kenya is one of the well developing and safest nations in Africa. It is situated in the eastern piece of Africa. It has an enormous populace. This country had some issues related to terrorism and civil disputes. Also, the politics here are a little rough but still, this country has a very great infrastructure and public health. The services and basic medical facilities are easily approachable. It is close to the equator which makes this country very safe from sea storms and cyclones. Communication is very easy as the majority of the population speaks English. This makes it very convenient to travel.
6. Senegal
It is situated in the western sector of Africa. This nation is one of the most politically substantial nations in Africa. The locals are very greeting. The majority of locals speak French as it had been a French colony in the past. It is a free and democratic nation with almost non-existent civil or public unrest. The only major risk this country poses is of health-related issues. Every year there are many cases of dengue, typhoid, rabies and yellow fever. Except for medical and health issues, Senegal still exists as one of the safest places in Africa.
7. The Gambia
In western Africa, there is The Gambia, which is considered one of the safest countries in Africa. It is a very tiny country which is residing inside Senegal. However, it has a small bay. It is a poor country and its economy is dependent on farming, fishing, and prominently on tourism.
This country is great for traveling as the crime rate is very low. The only risk to travelers is from the thieves and pickpockets. It is advised to carry your luggage with care in public and crowded places. Overall, this country is a great place to visit.
Conclusion
Even though Africa is not a very safe continent, but some places are worth traveling and visiting. Africa has diverse wildlife, beautiful dunes, and tropical beaches. All these things outweigh the risks of this harsh land.
I hope that this article on safest countries in Africa was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Country Rankings Page!