On a continent where expats can have the adventure of a lifetime but where some regions are best avoided, these are the safe African countries to visit.
“Africa is dangerous” – that’s what mainstream news would have you believe. What you don’t read in today’s headlines is that Mauritius outranks Great Britain in safety. Or that Rwanda’s capital Kigali has a lower homicide rate than Denver, and that Botswana hasn’t seen a civil war since disco was cool.
You rarely hear of safe African countries to visit – but the truth is that expats and travelers have plenty of exciting and perfectly safe countries in Africa to choose from.
The continent that was once the cradle of human life is rich in cultures, cuisines, and climates. Here, you’ll find both exciting tourist destinations and some of the safest places with thriving expat communities.
So what countries in Africa are safe to visit and make for exceptional expat living? Our list of 5 safe African countries to visit and call home are ranked for global safety standards and expat living standards, combining data from the Global Peace Index and other indices with metrics that measure real quality of life.
Because safety goes beyond statistics – it’s streetlights that work, doctors who answer, and police who patrol instead of extort.
Read on to discover the safest countries to travel to in Africa.
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Contents
- What African Countries Are Safe to Visit and Move to? 5 Expat Destinations Ranked
- Mauritius: Africa’s Peaceful Island Powerhouse
- Botswana: A Diamond in the Kalahari
- Ghana: West Africa’s Golden Gateway
- Tanzania: Safety, Safaris, and Swahili Soul
- Rwanda: An African Utopia That Embraced Change
- How We Ranked These Safe African Countries to Visit and Live
What African Countries Are Safe to Visit and Move to? 5 Expat Destinations Ranked
Most travelers dream of visiting Africa. The continent is home to ancient cultures and the Big Five, the Kilimanjaro and Serengeti, the Pyramids and the Victoria Falls. But let’s look beyond the tourist destinations and safari tours. Instead, let’s look at Africa’s regional stability before we find safe African countries to visit and settle.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the world’s least peaceful region, according to 2024’s Global Peace Index (GPI). Sub-Saharan Africa is its second-least peaceful. Yet calling Africa as a whole unsafe is wholly unfair.
In the MENA region, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt (ranking 73th, 78th, and 105th globally) continue to attract plane loads of tourists. Sub-Saharan Africa might harbor hotspots of conflict and political unrest, like South Sudan and Burkina Faso (161st and 149th), but it’s also home to peaceful island nations Mauritius and Madagascar (22nd and 44th), and beacons of stability like Botswana, Ghana, and Zambia (50th, 55th, and 57th).
Scott Brills, co-founder of Pamoja Safaris, has had the good fortune of traveling to nearly half of African countries, living and doing business in quite a few of them. In his experience, “some of the safest, smoothly operating countries are located in East Africa.”
Brills especially recommends the neighboring countries of Rwanda and Tanzania. “After years of doing business in both Tanzania and Rwanda, I can confidently say that either one makes a wonderful entry point for one’s first (or fifth) time in Africa. The people are extremely welcoming and friendly, the cultures are diverse, and the wildlife and landscapes are unparalleled.”
Karsten Aichholz, founder of ExpatDen, points to Africa’s islands as some of the safest places to go in Africa. “Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Cape Verde each benefit from being an island nation that doesn’t easily get drawn into regional conflicts, avoiding the instability, economic cost and other risks associated with that.”
Aichholz further points out that “Most countries have good laws on paper. What sets them apart is how they’re enforced.”
Brills and Aichholz’ expert observations reveal a crucial truth: Africa’s safest destinations aren’t just about peace rankings and the absence of violent crime – they’re about functioning societies and thriving communities. Africa’s safest destinations surprise first-time visitors with low crime rates, robust institutions, and a unique lifestyle.
The safe African countries to visit that made it into our rankings each offer their own blueprint for successful expat living. From Angola to Zanzibar, we picked the most exceptional destinations for a peaceful stay in Africa:
Mauritius: Africa’s Peaceful Island Powerhouse
Mauritius promises visitors more than a sunny beach holiday. Holding the twenty-second spot in the GPI index, Mauritius is the most safe country in Africa and trumps many European countries in terms of safety and prosperity. It’s more peaceful than Spain and Norway!
This lush island nation has one of Africa’s lowest crime rates with only 2.1 homicides per 100,000 people, according to its government. That might be more than Iceland, Europe’s safest country for expats, but it’s well below the OECD average of 2.6.
Overall offence rate is low at 46.6 per 1,000 people, with minor infractions accounting for most offences. Police presence is robust, and prison occupancy low. Neighboring nothing but the Indian Ocean’s tropical waters, Mauritius is so peaceful it has no need for a standing army.
This impressive safety record isn’t just due to the country’s geographical isolation but due to its political stability, too. Mauritius gained independence from the UK in 1968 and has seen peaceful democratic transitions since. Last year’s elections sparked some debate over wiretapping – a rare controversy in an stable democracy.
Why Expats and Visitors Love Mauritius
A peaceful island paradise with 1.3 million inhabitants where you can feel safe as a solo traveller or expat – how can Mauritius possibly get any better? How about adding prosperity to peace?
An enviable geographical position in the Indian Ocean and political stability make for prosperous economies. “The Seychelles and Mauritius draw their wealth from industries that require stable governance and safety: Service industries like tourism, banking, and booming tech scenes that attract international talent,” Aichholz comments.
Healthcare is another area that sets Mauritius apart from most African nations. The country scores 50% higher than the African average on the Universal Health Coverage Index, meaning medical care is never far away on the island. The new National Cancer Centre, inaugurated in 2024 and equipped with advanced nuclear medicine technology, positions Mauritius as a regional medical hub.
Other key areas are free healthcare for residents and world-class international schools for expat families. The icing on the cake? Low income tax rates between 10-15%, benefits for retirees, and investment incentives for individuals and companies. And not to forget, the serene beaches, tropical waters, waterfalls, and rainforests that attract so many tourists.
Notable cities for expats and visitors are are:
- Grand Baie: The island’s heart of tourism mixes leisure with amenities, pristine beaches with modern commerce, and has a vibrant community to boot
- Tamarin: This relaxed town on the island’s west coast attracts surfers and nature seekers, who enjoy tranquility without sacrificing amenities
Of the safest African countries to visit for Americans and expats from around the world, Mauritius is in a league of its own. Here, safety and prosperity go hand in hand with tropical island living. Does that translate to steep property prices in prime locations? Sure, but the trade-off is a peaceful paradise in the Indian Ocean.
Botswana: A Diamond in the Kalahari
For stability and African safaris, look no further than Botswana.
Bordering Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, this landlocked nation of 2.5 million people boasts Africa’s longest-running democracy and tops fiftieth on the Global Peace Index. That’s continental Africa’s best rating and on par with safe countries like Argentina and South Korea.
Botswana is a success story of an African nation that transformed diamond wealth into social and political stability. Botswana has steadily waved the flag of democracy since gaining independence in 1966. Even in 2024, when opposition leader Duma Boko won the presidency after the ruling party was in power for 58 years – a powerful show of democracy.
Botswana’s criminality rates are among Africa’s lowest on the Organized Crime Index. The country in Southern Africa has seen a decline of 7.8% in the overall crime rate in 2023, the Botswana Daily News reported. Most Botswanans (80,7%) never feared violence in their neighborhood, a UNESCO survey revealed.
Why Expats and Visitors Love Botswana
Beyond the safety statistics lies a unique experience for expats. “Traveling through Botswana feels like traveling through Chile – few people, lots of and and somehow an unexpected first-world feel where visitors from the US and Europe might not have expected it.”
Botswana’s abundant diamond reserves, which Karsten Aichholz tells us were only discovered after the country gained independence, translate into real-life benefits for its residents. The country has made significant investments in healthcare infrastructure to provide free medical services across the country. For instance, Botswana is the region’s first to provide universal free HIV treatment.
And then there’s the tourism industry around Botswana’s national parks. Botswana has the land size of France of which 17% is designated national park or game reserve. Visitors of this sparsely populated country are treated with wildlife encounters in Chobe National Park, camping excursions in the Okavango Delta, and cultural exchanges with the San Bushmen.
Notable cities for expats and visitors are:
- Gaborone: Botswana’s capital combines urban amenities with African charm and quick access to nature. It’s also home to most expat communities and businesses
- Maun: The country’s tourism capital and home of many of its tour operators, Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. It’s the place to go for a safari experience
In a sometimes misunderstood continent, Botswana shatters misconceptions – offering safety and stability in the heart of East Africa. One of the safest tourist destinations in Africa, expect to enjoy first-world amenities alongside world-class safari experiences. A small footnote: Healthcare can become expensive so its best visitors get an expat health insurance.
Ghana: West Africa’s Golden Gateway
Disclaimer: Ghana’s reputation for peace has done better. The country dropped to 55th place in the 2024 Global Peace Index, down from 40th in 2022. Yet the West African nation remains Sub-Saharan Africa’s second-most peaceful continental nation and is one of the most safe places in Africa to travel.
The Republic of Ghana maintains one of West Africa’s lowest crime rates. Only 1.83 homicides occurred per 100,000 people in 2022, according to data from the United Nations. Violent crimes are generally low, too – so what’s up with the lower GPI ranking?
Ghana has seen increased electoral violence, contributing to a third of all violent incidents in the Accra region in the third quarter of 2024 and leading up to the general elections, non-profit Fosda found. The elections that happened in December left 46 injured and six dead, the Ghana News Agency reported, leaving a bad mark on an otherwise safe and stable country.
Why Expats and Visitors Love Ghana
Ghana is West Africa’s premier expat choice. Healthcare is accessible and readily available, the country’s Universal Health Coverage now reaching 55% of the population through the National Health Insurance Scheme, with plans to cover 20 million people by 2026. Education options are ample in the capital, with several American and British international schools.
Ghana also makes a strong case for a touristic visit, whether it’s for surfing at empty beaches along the Gulf of Guinea or spotting elephants in Mole National Park.
Notable cities for expats and visitors are:
- Accra: The cosmopolitan capital combines modern amenities with traditional charm, hosting most international businesses and over 30 major festivals annually
- Kumasi: The second city and cultural heart of Ghana is full of unique experiences, from the famous Kejetia Market to remnants of the Ashanti Empire
Ghana might be facing the democratic hiccup around its elections but expats and visitors need not worry. Safe, affordable, and vibrant, the Republic of Ghana welcomes newcomers with open arms. Just be ready to face the occasional transportation challenge and culture shock.
Tanzania: Safety, Safaris, and Swahili Soul
From Ngorongoro Crater to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a must-visit for anyone serious about seeing Africa – but is it safe? The answer is yes. Ranking sixty-fifth on the Global Peace Index, Tanzania isn’t just one of the more safe places to visit in Africa but it’s also way ahead of countries like Thailand and France.
Tanzania’s GPI ranking is even more impressive considering it jumped up eleven spots in one year. The country’s democracy and international relations have improved since 2021, when female Vice President Hassan assumed power after the former president had unexpectedly passed away, the Transformation Index from think tank BTI notes.
Scott Brills points out that, “One of the largest hurdles facing the country today is the lack of gainful employment for younger people, which leads to petty theft by those who are trying to survive and support their families.”
Why Expats and Visitors Love Tanzania
Visiting Tanzania for its natural splendor is a no-brainer. Bordering the Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park is a vast savannah plain where the Big Five and the Maasai people live. And then there’s the exotic Zanzibar Archipelago, and Mount Kilimanjaro. But beyond the safaris and beach holidays, does Tanzania hold up as a safe expat destination?
Scott Brills thinks so. “Tanzania has seen a peaceful coexistence with its neighbors and has been one of the more stable countries in the region for decades,” notes Brills. “Crime is relatively low and rarely targets foreigners. And, as Scott previously mentioned, “The people are extremely welcoming and friendly.”
What’s more to like about Tanzania? Living costs are low, the tourism industry is robust, and the country launched Universal Health Insurance in 2024.
Another perk is Tanzania’s great location as a launchpad for African adventures.Tanzania shares borders with eight countries: Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Republic of Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. Additionally, it has a coastline along the Indian Ocean to the east.
Notable cities for expats and visitors are:
- Dar es Salaam: The commercial capital has coastal charm, modern highrise, international business, and plenty of expat communities
- Arusha: This Northern city is your entrypoint to several resources, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Tanzania is an amazing option for expats and travelers, with some of the most breathtaking natural parks in all of Africa. Certain regions require caution, particularly near the Mozambique border, but Tanzania’s blend of safety and adventure count for pretty much the rest of the country.
Rwanda: An African Utopia That Embraced Change
Rwanda’s story of change is remarkable. Since the genocide of 1994, the country has turned its narrative around. “Rwanda has undergone an amazing pace of change in a relatively short time, becoming one of the safest, conflict-free, prosperous countries in Africa,” notes Scott Brills.
Rwanda might only rank 92nd globally in the 2024 Global Peace Index, but the small landlocked country is much safer than this ranking might suggest. The country has prioritized security, poverty reduction, education, and infrastructure development. The result?
The World Justice Project rates Rwanda highest in order and security of all African nations. Rwanda also scored second-safest country for female solo travellers on a BBC Travel ranking, the Rwanda New Times reported. The capital, Kigali, is among the safest cities in Africa.
Why Expats and Travelers Love Rwanda
Rwanda’s turnaround applies to much more than safety. The country launched an ambitious 4X4 healthcare reform in 2023, aiming to quadruple medical professionals within four years.
The East African nation is a forward-looking country on many levels, Aichholz notes. “I’ve been to plenty of places that frown upon plastic bags,” Aichholz shares. “Rwanda was the only one where they checked my suitcase on arrival, removed every single plastic bag and offered me paper bag replacements.”
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park also happens to be home to mountain gorillas. With gorilla trekking in the Congo and Uganda far less safe, Rwanda is the prime destination to see these gentle giants.
- Kigali: The spotless capital is a well-run, safe, vibrant city with a modern skyline and a growing local economy
- Musanze: Nestled in the Rwanda’s green heart, Musanze is where tourists come for gorilla trekking, offering both tourism infrastructure and authentic culture
Rwanda in East Africa looks forward. It’s as safe as African countries come – albeit at the price of strict rules. As Aichholz notes, “It’s one of the weirdest, least corrupt, most oppressive and safest places in Africa – and all of that at the same time.” And he means that in a good way.
How We Ranked These Safe African Countries to Visit and Live
In determining safe African countries to visit and move to as an expat, we combined safety rankings, quantitative crime data, and insights from expats and regional experts. We mainly looked at the 2024 Global Peace Index, accounting for internal stability, crime rates, and militarization.
Healthcare accessibility played a big role, too as did other expat-specific factors. A country’s unique culture and wildlife elements certainly played a large part besides safety factors. Why visit otherwise?
Several countries often mentioned in travel guides didn’t make our list despite their appeal. Madagascar (44th on the GPI) and the Seychelles (not in the GPI) have pristine beaches and are safe destinations but don’t have the same expat appeal as nearby island nation Mauritius. Namibia beckons with Etosha National Park and is a relatively peaceful country (62th). It could have easily made it onto our list, were it any longer.
South Africa might have a thriving expat community and attractions like Cape Town (the safest city in South Africa), but ranks 127th globally due to high crime rates and societal unrest. Ethiopia, despite rapid development, struggles with regional conflicts. Gambia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone show promise but lack consistent safety records.
There are dangerous and safe African countries to visit. No destination can guarantee absolute safety, yet these five nations demonstrate that Africa offers far more security and stability than newspaper headlines show.
Thinking of visiting Africa? Make sure you’re covered for the unexpected. ExpatDen helps expats and retirees find and settle into their new country, with specialist advice on travel insurance, healthcare, and more.
