10 safest countries in AFRICA in 2025 according to the latest GPI rankings
Just the thought of traveling there Africa has a connotation of adventure and culture. The abundance of National Parks, the ecological abundance, the local culture and of course nature.
The second largest continent in the world has a lot to offer to adventure-seeking tourists around the world. Choosing a country to visit in Africa can also be quite confusing, especially since each place has something unique to offer.
However, for most, the thought of visiting Africa rarely comes to fruition and in most cases this is because one can easily become intimidated by a foreign country. The problem is further compounded when a handful of countries on the continent also report some of the highest crime rates in the world, which also tarnishes the image of the safer countries on the continent.
That does not mean that all of Africa is plagued by crime. In fact, for most of Africa that is not the case, and this article will dispel the myth completely by listing the safest countries in Africa to visit.
We ranked the countries below based on their global peace score (Source: Wikipedia) (a lower score indicates more safety). Based the peace index shows this to be the case Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Senegal are safer than South Korea.
“The results from each indicator are then combined to create one uniform GPI value for each country. The lower the GDI score, the more peaceful – and by extension, the safer – the country is considered.”
The 2025 Global Peace Index map
Safest Countries in Africa to Visit in 2025
10. Tunisia (74/163)
Located in North Africa along the Mediterranean coast, Tunisia has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. According to the 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI), Tunisia ranks 74th out of 163 countries, making it the most peaceful nation in the Maghreb.
These rankings reflect Tunisia’s efforts in promoting a safe environment for both residents and visitors.
Despite these positive indicators, certain areas in Tunisia require increased vigilance due to security concerns. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to specific regions, including the Chaambi Mountains National Park and designated military operations zones near the Algerian border, as well as areas within 20 kilometers of the border with Libya.
9. Angola (73/163)
Angola, located on the southwestern coast of Africa, has made remarkable progress in improving its safety and security landscape. The 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI) reflects this progress and ranks Angola 73rd out of 163 countries, an improvement of 18 positions from the previous year.
This progress underlines the country’s efforts in political stability and peacebuilding. However, sporadic incidents of violence, including reports of rape, murder and kidnapping, continue to occur in certain regions, particularly Cabinda Province (excluding Cabinda City). The UK government is therefore advising against all but essential travel to these areas. (GOV.UK)
8. Liberia (69/163)
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.
Petty and violent crimes are common throughout Monrovia, especially in densely populated neighborhoods. Most crimes in Liberia are crimes of opportunity. Pickpockets frequent well-known tourist attractions and armed carjackings often take place in broad daylight. It is wise to arrange your trip through a reputable taxi company, rather than hailing a taxi on the street. Foreign tourists have reported being robbed by their taxi drivers.
7. Sierra Leone (1,792)
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 UK 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)
6. Tanzania (65/163)
Tanzania is generally considered one of the safer destinations in East Africa, although travelers should remain aware of certain risks. According to the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI), Tanzania ranks 65th out of 163 countries, making it one of the more peaceful countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
This ranking reflects relative political stability and low levels of violent crime compared to neighboring countries. Popular tourist areas such as the Serengeti, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro are generally safe and well monitored, with tourism playing a crucial role in the country’s economy. However, urban centers such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha require greater vigilance, as petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are more common in crowded areas.
5. Namibia (62/163)
Namibia’s rugged landscapes contribute greatly to the country’s unique character. Namibia is home to some of Africa’s most amazing natural areas, including the highest dunes in the world and the beautiful Fish River Canyon.
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.
4. Zambia (57/163)
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.
3. Ghana (55/163)
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.
2. Botswana (50/163)
Botswana, the land of the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, is one of the hidden gems in Africa and is known not only for its flourishing nature, but also for the extraordinary views that each of its destinations offer has.
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 (22/163) – 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.
