Searching for the safest places to visit in Africa for 2027 or 2028? Start by comparing specific destinations, current travel advice and the activities you want to enjoy. Africa offers island holidays, guided wildlife safaris, desert landscapes and cultural journeys, but safety conditions differ between countries and regions.
This guide presents ten destinations to consider rather than a guaranteed safety ranking. It uses official travel advice available in October 2026 as a starting point. Conditions may change before your departure, so check your own government’s advice when booking and again before travelling.
Safety also depends on your itinerary. A guided wildlife trip, a remote self-drive journey and a city break involve different practical considerations, even within the same country.
Use the ideas below to narrow your choices, then research the actual route, accommodation and transport arrangements.
How We Selected These Places to Visit in Africa
The destinations below currently carry overall U.S. travel advisory levels of either Level 1: Exercise normal precautions or Level 2: Exercise increased caution. These categories provide useful context, but they are not a complete measure of safety or a prediction for 2027/2028.
U.S. advisories are written for U.S. travellers. Other governments may assess destinations differently, and individual areas can carry stronger warnings than a country’s overall level.
The list combines this initial screening with different holiday interests. Its order is editorial, not a ranking from safest to least safe.
1. Seychelles: Island Scenery and Coastal Adventures
Seychelles is an option for travellers who want beaches, island scenery and a holiday combining relaxation with outdoor activities.
You can consider a stay on one island or divide your time between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Keep the programme manageable rather than filling every day with transfers.
Current advisory context: Seychelles appears at U.S. Level 1 in the reviewed advisory list.
Activities to consider
Beach time, nature walks and organised boat excursions can form part of your itinerary. Choose activities according to your swimming ability, fitness and local conditions.
Practical planning tip
A beautiful beach is not automatically suitable for swimming. Ask your accommodation about currents, seasonal conditions and recommended swimming areas.
Check boat arrangements before paying, including the operator, safety equipment and cancellation procedures if weather changes.
Read the latest Seychelles travel advice before booking.
2. Mauritius: Beaches, Walking and a Flexible Holiday
Mauritius can suit couples, families and travellers who want an island stay with opportunities to explore beyond their accommodation.
A balanced holiday might include beach days, organised sightseeing and a guided walk. Leave time between activities so your trip remains comfortable.
Current advisory context: Mauritius is listed at U.S. Level 2, with crime identified as a concern.
Activities to consider
Discuss walking routes, coastal excursions and cultural visits with local providers. Select experiences that match your interests rather than assuming every visitor needs the same island tour.
Practical planning tip
Use established transport and secure valuables when visiting public places. For water activities, ask about conditions and supervision.
Weather can affect excursions, so keep important activities flexible and understand the provider’s cancellation terms.
Review Mauritius travel advice for updated information.
3. Botswana: Guided Wildlife Experiences
Botswana is worth considering if wildlife is your main interest. An itinerary can focus on areas such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe, depending on your dates and budget.
Choose how much travelling you want to do. A smaller number of well-planned stays can provide more time to enjoy each area.
Current advisory context: Botswana is listed at U.S. Level 2 because of crime.
Activities to consider
Guided game drives and water-based wildlife activities may be available according to the location, season and operator.
Practical planning tip
Ask how remote accommodation handles medical assistance and emergency transport. Confirm baggage restrictions if small-aircraft transfers are included.
Follow your guide’s instructions around wildlife and your camp’s procedures after dark. A staffed safari setting still requires sensible behaviour.
Consult Botswana travel advice before finalising your itinerary.
4. Namibia: Desert Landscapes and Wildlife Viewing
Namibia offers a different style of adventure, combining wide landscapes, desert scenery and wildlife destinations such as Etosha.
Long distances are an important part of planning. Decide whether you want a guided journey or have the experience needed for the proposed self-drive route.
Current advisory context: Namibia is listed at U.S. Level 2, with crime and health concerns noted.
Activities to consider
A route may combine desert sightseeing, wildlife viewing and time around coastal towns. Check the driving schedule carefully before adding another stop.
Practical planning tip
If self-driving, confirm vehicle suitability, insurance, fuel planning and assistance arrangements. Avoid planning days that depend on covering excessive distances.
Remote travel needs preparation for communications and unexpected delays. Share your route with the relevant accommodation or operator.
Read Namibia travel advice and discuss the exact roads in your itinerary.
5. Zambia: Safari Travel and Victoria Falls
Zambia can suit travellers who want wildlife viewing or a visit to Victoria Falls from the Livingstone area.
The best itinerary depends on your priorities. A waterfall-focused holiday and a remote safari require different transfers, accommodation and activity planning.
Current advisory context: Zambia appears at U.S. Level 1 in the reviewed list.
Activities to consider
Consider guided wildlife activities, approved waterfall viewpoints and other organised excursions suited to your ability.
Practical planning tip
River-based activities need their own assessment. Ask about seasonal conditions, required experience and the provider’s safety procedures.
Walking safaris should be arranged through an appropriate operator. Follow the guide’s instructions throughout the activity.
Check Zambia travel advice before booking.
6. Cabo Verde: Beaches and Island Walking
Cabo Verde offers several island experiences, so choose your destination according to the holiday you want.
A beach stay and a walking holiday may require different islands, accommodation and transport. Avoid assuming you can combine everything easily within a short visit.
Current advisory context: Cabo Verde appears at U.S. Level 1, although crime remains an identified consideration.
Activities to consider
You might focus on a coastal holiday or enquire about guided walks on an island suited to hiking.
Practical planning tip
Check connections before booking accommodation on multiple islands. Leave room for delays between flights or ferries.
For hiking, confirm the route difficulty and use local guidance where appropriate. For swimming, follow advice about the specific beach.
Review Cabo Verde travel advice.
7. Ghana: History, Food and Cultural Learning
Ghana is an option for travellers interested in history, local food and cultural experiences.
A route can combine time in Accra with selected coastal or inland destinations. Plan transport carefully and give each visit enough time.
Current advisory context: Ghana is listed at U.S. Level 2, with crime, health and other concerns identified.
Activities to consider
Guided historical visits, markets and food experiences can help you understand the places you visit.
Some historical sites address slavery and other difficult subjects. Allow time to listen and reflect rather than treating them as quick photo stops.
Practical planning tip
Read regional advice before choosing destinations beyond your main route. Arrange reliable transport and check whether travel after dark is appropriate.
Ask permission before photographing people and agree on guiding fees in advance.
Consult Ghana travel advice.
8. Morocco: Cities, Mountain Routes and Desert Trips
Morocco can suit travellers who want to combine city sightseeing with a guided mountain or desert experience.
Choose a route that fits your available time. A distant desert excursion may involve much more road travel than the package title suggests.
Current advisory context: Morocco is listed at U.S. Level 2 because of terrorism concerns.
Activities to consider
Explore historic city areas, discuss a guided mountain walk or compare desert itineraries with realistic transfer times.
Practical planning tip
Confirm your guide and transport arrangements before the activity. For mountain travel, ask about weather, terrain, equipment and evacuation procedures.
In busy areas, keep belongings secure and understand prices before accepting services.
Check Morocco travel advice, including guidance relevant to your planned region.
9. Senegal: Coastal Travel and City Experiences
Senegal can appeal to travellers who enjoy city life, coastal scenery and cultural learning.
An itinerary might include Dakar and selected destinations reached through a planned transport route. Research the places individually rather than relying on a country-wide label.
Current advisory context: Senegal appears at U.S. Level 1, with crime and other concerns identified.
Activities to consider
Guided city visits, historical sites and coastal stays can provide a varied holiday.
Practical planning tip
Review advice for any journey into Casamance or near borders before booking. Use recognised transport and avoid demonstrations.
Keep plans flexible if local conditions affect roads or activities. A local guide can help with logistics, but official advice should inform the route.
Read the Senegal safety and security guidance.
10. São Tomé and Príncipe: A Slower Island Adventure
São Tomé and Príncipe is an option for travellers interested in a quieter island journey, nature outings and time away from a packed schedule.
Plan the trip around confirmed accommodation and transport. Remote excursions deserve particular attention to logistics.
Current advisory context: São Tomé and Príncipe is listed at U.S. Level 2 because of health concerns.
Activities to consider
Discuss guided forest walks, coastal excursions and local visits with established providers.
Practical planning tip
Check medical access and insurance arrangements before departure. Confirm how assistance would be organised during a remote activity.
Ask about the condition of walking routes and transport connections. Keep spare time for changes rather than planning tight onward connections.
Review São Tomé and Príncipe travel advice.
Comparing the Safest Places to Visit in Africa
The table below helps compare holiday interests. It does not rank destinations by safety.
| Destination | Holiday interest to consider | Planning priority |
|---|---|---|
| Seychelles | Islands and coastal activities | Swimming conditions and boat arrangements |
| Mauritius | Beaches and varied outings | Transport, valuables and weather flexibility |
| Botswana | Guided wildlife travel | Remote assistance and camp procedures |
| Namibia | Desert routes and wildlife | Driving distances and vehicle preparation |
| Zambia | Safari and waterfall visits | Activity-specific guidance |
| Cabo Verde | Beaches or island walking | Connections and route suitability |
| Ghana | History and cultural learning | Regional advice and transport |
| Morocco | Cities, mountains and desert | Regional guidance and qualified providers |
| Senegal | City and coastal experiences | Route-specific security advice |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Nature and slower island travel | Medical access and remote logistics |
How to Plan Your 2027/2028 Adventure
Start with the experience you want, then assess the actual itinerary.
Check your government’s travel advice, including regional restrictions. Read the full destination page rather than only the headline level.
Next, confirm accommodation, transfers and activity providers. Ask about emergency arrangements for remote areas and make sure your insurance covers the activities you intend to undertake.
Your personal circumstances also matter. Health needs, mobility, nationality and local laws may influence which destination or route is suitable.
Useful official resources include:
- UK foreign travel advice.
- U.S. travel advisories.
- Australian Smartraveller advice.
- CDC destination health information.
Recheck advice before making non-refundable payments and again closer to departure.
Considering an East Africa Safari?
If your main interest is East African wildlife, review Tanzania and Kenya separately using current official advice. Their inclusion in a safari itinerary should follow a route-specific assessment rather than a claim that all tourist areas are safe.
You can explore Tanzania safari options or a Kenya and Tanzania migration itinerary with Eddy Tours & Safaris.
Ask the team to explain the proposed route, transfers, accommodation and practical arrangements. Confirm that these fit the advice applicable to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which African destination is the safest?
There is no single answer for every traveller. Safety depends on location, activity, current conditions and personal circumstances.
Does Level 1 mean a destination has no risks?
No. It means normal precautions are advised under that government’s system. You still need to read the full guidance.
Can a guided tour guarantee safety?
No. A guide can help manage logistics and explain local conditions, but cannot eliminate every risk.
Are these confirmed safety ratings for 2027/2028?
No. They reflect information reviewed in October 2026 and must be checked again before travel.
Should I choose only by advisory level?
No. Also assess regional warnings, health requirements, transport, activity standards and emergency access.
Choose Your Adventure With Clear Information
Use this shortlist to explore the beaches, wildlife, landscapes and cultural experiences that interest you. Then make your decision using current advice and a clearly planned itinerary.
For Tanzania or an East Africa safari enquiry, contact Eddy Tours & Safaris with your dates, interests and budget.
Email: sales@eddytours-safaris.com
Alternative email: eddytoursandsafaris@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +255 711 906 664