11 Safest Countries in Africa for American Tourists

When planning a safari vacation in Africa safety should be a top priority for American tourists. Here are 11 safest countries and regions in Africa that everyone should visit.

11 Safest Countries in Africa for American Tourists

When it comes to planning a safari vacation in Africa, safety is a top priority for American tourists. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), Mauritius is the safest country in Africa, ranking 28th in the world and having a GPI score of 1,570. The island nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa has a low crime rate and violent crime is extremely rare. The Canadian government only recommends “standard security procedures” for tourists visiting Mauritius.

However, the UK government encourages visitors to “take care of luggage and valuables” in famous tourist spots such as Port Louis, Grand Baie and Flic en Flac due to the risk of petty crime. Coming in second place on the Global Peace Index is Ghana, also known as “Africa for beginners”. This West African nation is an excellent choice for first-time travelers to Africa because of its friendly people and low crime rate. Ghanaians are renowned for being helpful, relaxed and living in the “African era”.

The UK government estimates that 90,000 British citizens travel to Ghana every year without any issues.

Botswana

is another safe destination for American tourists. The country doesn't have a high crime rate and tourists are unlikely to face any crime while visiting Botswana. The Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and the zebra migration are just a few of Botswana's many safe and secure tourist destinations. With numerous safaris available for various excursions around the country, especially in nature, Botswana's tourism business is well established.

The Gambia

is the fourth calmest nation in Africa and is it safe to travel to the Gambia.

The Gambia, which is ranked 53rd on the Global Peace Index, is generally safe for travelers and most visitors have seamless experiences according to the United Kingdom government. However, they warn of possible landmines in “the southern border area of the Gambia, next to the Senegalese region of Casamance” and advise tourists to proceed with greater caution. It is important to note that Gambia does not support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer travelers because homosexuality is illegal in that country.

Tanzania

is a relatively safe destination for American tourists. Lonely Planet states that people traveling alone may be a slight curiosity in rural regions but there are no special difficulties in traveling alone in Tanzania.

According to Travel Safe Abroad, it is generally safe to travel to Tanzania but it is recommended to be careful especially in popular tourist destinations such as Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar) and Dar es Salaam. Despite Al-Shabab attacks and previous political upheaval, Kenya can be considered one of the safest tourist destinations in Africa. So which African countries are the safest to travel to? The following are the 11 safest countries and regions in Africa that everyone should visit when planning a safari vacation: Mauritius, Ghana, Botswana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Tanzania, Kenya (Nairobi), Zambia (main safari spots), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) and Namibia.

Tia Szymansky
Tia Szymansky

Having Spent 8 Years Travelling, I have decided to Live in Africa for the past 2 years. Love every moment of it and sharing my best guides and tips if you plan on travelling here. Africa is always oversighted due to media and I believe with my blog, I can help revive the African Travel and Tourism Industry and invite you all here for a fantastic time :)

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