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Visiting Africa is a new and exciting experience for many. The continent is made up of 54 vastly different nations, including spectacular safari destinations like South Africa, Mauritius, Botswana, and Zambia – all of which rank among the 10 safest countries in Africa to visit.
While some countries don’t always get the attention they deserve due to safety concerns, there are peaceful countries that are perfectly safe to visit. In this article, we’ll look at the safest countries in Africa according to the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) to make planning your African safari a stress-free experience.
The Safest Countries in Africa in 2025 (GPI)
Here’s the full list of the 10 safest countries in Africa as of the 2025 GPI, including position changes since 2024:
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Mauritius
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Botswana
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Namibia (up four places)
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The Gambia (up four places)
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Sierra Leone (down two places)
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Madagascar
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Ghana (down three places)
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Zambia (up one place)
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Senegal (down four places)
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Liberia
Mauritius is the Safest Country in Africa
A total of 163 countries are featured in the GPI report, which ranks each country’s level of safety or danger based on 23 indicators. These indicators include the number of internal and external violent conflicts, distrust, and political instability, among others. The lower the score, the higher the nation is ranked in terms of safety.
According to the GPI, Mauritius is the safest country in Africa. The Indian Ocean island is also ranked the 26th safest country globally as of 2025 GPI data. Here, island ease meets polished hospitality – ideal for honeymoons and families who want a blissful beach finale to a safari. Think warm lagoons, reef-sheltered swimming, and service that anticipates your needs.
How Safe is Mauritius?
This tropical, multicultural island nation is seen as family-friendly and secure. According to the ranking, Mauritius has a very low crime rate overall, and the little crime that occurs tends to be non-violent, such as petty theft.
Mauritius attracts thousands of tourists each year with its outstanding beaches and lagoons. The white-sand beaches are popular drawcards, as is what lives below the surface of its crystal-clear blue waters. Be enthralled by a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and coral reefs. Sea turtles, rays, and dolphins can also be seen while snorkelling along Mauritius’ shore.
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Perfect Pairings: End a Kruger or Botswana safari with beach downtime; consider a dedicated Mauritius honeymoon.
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Good to Know: Mauritius is a year-round destination, but the least rain is experienced between May and October.
On land, adventure seekers will adore the “seven-coloured earth” of the Chamarel and lush forests filled with wildlife. The Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark with its red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow hues is an iconic destination on the island. Go on a hike down to the base of Chamarel Waterfalls; here, take a dip in the pool and gain a different perspective of these magical showers. Visit the Tortoise Park to get acquainted with members of the Aldabra species, one of the largest species of tortoise in the world.
As an island paradise, you can expect spectacular accommodation options during a holiday in Mauritius. Picture magnificent suites with every luxury taken care of, the beach just a few steps away, private sunset dinners overlooking the ocean, and world-class spas.
How Safe is Botswana?
Botswana is the second safest African country. Ranked at position 43 on the GPI, Botswana is highly favoured for its conservation initiatives and safaris.
Drawcards for Botswana safaris include Chobe National Park, with its stunning elephant population, and the wildlife-rich waterways of the Okavango Delta. What also sets this southern African country apart is its exclusivity: Botswana adopts a low-volume, high-value model for its tourism sector, which makes for uncrowded safari experiences.
Botswana is home to a wide array of safari experiences for travellers. Whether you want to go on a Big Five safari, travel pristine waterways, visit more remote routes during mobile camping, or see mesmerising desert landscapes, Botswana has a spectacular adventure waiting for you.
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Don’t Miss: The watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta, classic elephants-by-sunset in Chobe National Park, and the predator-rich channels of Moremi (see our Okavango Delta guide).
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When to Go: May-Oct for peak game viewing; Nov-Apr for green-season value and birding.
How Safe is Namibia?
Namibia, the third safest African country, also ranks 50th in the GPI. This surreal country continues to be a firm favourite for travellers looking for a safari with a difference.
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a vast, scenic desert on the other, Namibia offers attractions that include scenic beaches and mountains, towering dunes perfect for sunrise photos, and some of the world’s least light-polluted skies for stargazing.
A Namibia safari features a range of quintessential moments that will become lifelong memories. From the Etosha National Park to see the world’s largest black rhino population and the Skeleton Coast’s surreal beauty of vast beach and whale bones to the luxury of truly remote desert escapes, a Namibian adventure is a story you’ll love creating and looking back on.
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Don’t Miss: The cinematic dunes of the Namib Desert and classic wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park.
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When to Go: Year-round, with crisp winter skies (May-Sep) for photography and easier wildlife viewing.
How Safe is Zambia?
Zambia is the eighth safest country in Africa and ranks as the 65th safest in the world. Home to spectacular waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, Zambia is a prime safari destination. With its wonderfully secluded parks and reserves, it does see far fewer crowds than more popular destinations, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
While the majesty of Victoria Falls is often the main drawcard to this region, a Zambia safari will delight for a range of reasons. Picture soaking up the sun while travelling along the Zambezi River, watching elephants playing in the water along the shore, and exploring the bush on foot in South Luangwa National Park, the birthplace of walking safaris. If you’re dreaming of raw and immersive safari experiences, Zambia is definitely one of the safest countries in Africa to consider.
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Don’t Miss: Victoria Falls from the Zambia side; classic game viewing in South Luangwa and Kafue.
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When to Go: Jun-Oct for peak wildlife; shoulder months bring value and fewer visitors.
A Safe Perspective
It’s important to be mindful of safety, and it’s equally important to embrace the incredible experiences available across these world-class destinations in Africa. By taking common-sense precautions, travellers can enjoy a worry-free holiday.
General Safety Tips:
- Stay Vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places. Avoid displaying valuables like expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash.
- Transportation: Use reputable services for getting around. Discover Africa only partners with trusted providers.
- Accommodations: Choose well-reviewed hotels and lodges in safe areas. Trusted accommodations often have better security measures in place.
- Outdoor Activities: When hiking or visiting beaches, follow local advice. Main beaches with lifeguards are the safest for swimming, and guided tours are recommended for exploring unfamiliar areas.
- Consult Experts: Booking through reputable travel agencies like Discover Africa can provide added security. We offer tailored itineraries and expert advice. When you book with us, our advisors are available to you 24/7, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
How to Use the GPI When Planning
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Treat it as a compass, not a rulebook. It’s a country-level measure of peacefulness, not a site-by-site “tourist safety” score.
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On-the-ground nuance matters. Safari regions are typically remote, professionally managed, and far from urban flashpoints.
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Lean on expert advice. Our Cape Town-based planners combine the GPI with real-time, local knowledge to steer you towards the right places at the right times.
If you’re considering an African adventure for your next holiday, know that some of the safest countries in Africa are just waiting to be explored, ranging from the pristine beaches and luxurious settings of Mauritius to the safari paths of Zambia. Not only will you be safe, but you’ll be surrounded by astounding natural landscapes and have experiences that you’ll look back on with joy forever.
Design your journey with planners who live and breathe Africa. We’ll match the right destinations and seasons to your interests, then handle the logistics end-to-end – so you can relax into the experience.
Written by Micky Baker
• Travel Writer
Verified by Adelle Bell
• Safari Travel Planner
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Written by Micky Baker
• Travel Writer
Verified by Adelle Bell
• Safari Travel Planner