The safest countries to visit on an African safari

“But is it safe to travel?” This is an all-too-common question asked by travellers thinking about heading to Africa for their first wildlife safari. Many countries on the continent are far safer than you might imagine, with political stability, low crime rates and friendly locals who will welcome you with open arms. Safari tourism is well-established in many destinations, meaning you’ll have a hassle-free experience from the moment you touch down.

So where are the safest countries to visit on an African safari? Read on to find out and start planning an adventure you’ll never forget!

Tanzania

When you consider around one million tourists visit Tanzania every year, the country’s safety record must be pretty good. It’s renowned for legendary wildlife reserves such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, as well as being home to the “Big Five”, incredible birdlife and some of Africa’s best chimpanzee viewing.

While pick pocketing and petty theft are not uncommon in Tanzania’s big cities, the chance of anything bad happening on an organised safari is highly unlikely. The biggest threat to you out there is the majestic wildlife, which is why it’s essential that you always listen to the instructions of your guide and follow all park rules. Never leave your vehicle while out in the wilds (unless your guide says it’s safe to do so) and never approach animals, no matter how tame or friendly they might appear.

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania’s dry season extends from June through to October, which is also the best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in action. The Northern Circuit can get incredibly busy during this period, so opt for a wet season safari if you want to avoid the crowds or experience Tanzania’s birdlife.

Rwanda

While your image of Rwanda may still be linked to the 1994 genocide, this landlocked nation is now (arguably) the safest in Africa. The charming capital, Kigali, is relaxed and easy to navigate independently, with plenty of security around to give you peace of mind. In addition to its safety record, Rwanda was also one of the first countries in Africa to ban the use of plastic bags and is playing a leading role in phasing out the use of petrol motorcycles (in favour of e-motos) to help improve air quality.

Nicknamed the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda has garnered a reputation in recent years for its mountain gorilla trekking in the easily accessible Volcanoes National Park. But aside from this, you can also come face-to-face with chimps in Nyungwe Forest National Park or spot big game species on the savannah of Akagera National Park.

When is the best time to visit Rwanda?

Rwanda is best visited between December and March or June through to September during the country’s two dry seasons. Not only are the mountain gorilla trails much more manageable to negotiate outside of the rainy months, but the reduced vegetation in the country’s savannah reserves makes wildlife easier to spot.

Botswana

As one of Africa’s most politically stable countries, Botswana is among the safest countries to visit on an African safari. It’s emerged as somewhat of a high-end destination, with exclusive lodges and camps offering crowd-free wildlife experiences in the breathtakingly beautiful Okavango Delta.

Other highlights include tracking black-maned Kalahari lions in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and spotting elusive leopards in the sprawling Kalahari Desert, which is also home to the San people who’ve retained their ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Botswana’s tourism industry is highly organised and the guides are outstanding, which all adds up to a safe and hassle-free experience.

When is the best time to visit Botswana?

The dry season from May through to October is considered the best time to visit Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. The delta swells to three times its permanent size between June and August, attracting one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. If you want to witness the zebra migration through the Makgadikgadi Pans, then plan to visit between December and March.

Namibia

Politically stable and with a low crime rate, Namibia is one of southern Africa’s safest countries to visit on safari. It encompasses vast desert landscapes that are sparsely populated, except for the unique, desert-adapted wildlife that has made this dramatic country its home. Thrill-seekers will find no shortage of opportunity to get their adrenalin pumping, however, with everything from sky diving to quad biking on offer in the adventure sports hub of Swakopmund

Aside from self-driving through Etosha National Park and watching wildlife come and go from its illuminated watering holes, you can explore the otherworldly landscapes of Namib-Naukluft National Park and Damaraland. Bird enthusiasts should head to the wetlands of the Caprivi Strip while cultural encounters with the ochre-adorned Himba people await in the wilderness of Kaokoland.

When is the best time to visit Namibia?

Namibia is a year-round destination, although temperatures are at their mildest during the dry season from June to October. Bird watchers should plan their trip during the wet, summer months from October through to April when migratory species arrive.

Zambia

While petty theft is reported in major hubs such as Lusaka and Livingstone, Zambia remains one of the safest countries for safari travellers to visit in Africa. It’s politically stable, with little conflict in recent times, and boasts one of the richest concentrations of wildlife on the continent in South Luangwa National Park. Zambia also shares access to Victoria Falls with neighbouring Zimbabwe and seeing the “Smoke that Thunders” is not to be missed.

Zambia proudly holds the title of being the “birthplace of the walking safari”, with up-close encounters with big-game species a highlight of any safari here. You can come face-to-face with leopards in Kafue National Park and see island-hopping buffalo in Lower Zambezi National Park or escape to remote North Luangwa National Park.

When is the best time to visit Zambia?

The best time to visit Zambia is during its dry season from May to October when large numbers of big-game species congregate along the banks of its rivers. Victoria Falls tends to be at its best from June to September while many of the country’s safari lodges and camps close down altogether during the wet season (November to April) when roads become impassable.

Kenya

With its outstanding tourism infrastructure and some of the continent’s best safari lodges and camps, it’s understandable why Kenya remains a popular choice of destination for first-time visitors to Africa. While you might have seen news reports of unrest in the country in recent years, it has the most established safari industry in Africa and remains safe to visit for organised tourism. There are travel warnings associated with some regions, but provided you steer clear of these areas, you’re unlikely to encounter any problems.

More than one million people visit Kenya every year, many to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration that arrives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve around August. The country is also home to incredible birdwatching along the shores of Lake Nakuru and iconic elephant encounters in Amboseli National Park, not to mention an idyllic stretch of Indian Ocean coastline for a post-safari beach break.

When is the best time to visit Kenya?

Between June and October is considered the best time to visit Kenya’s wildlife parks and reserves, with the dry conditions ideal for being out wildlife spotting. Kenya’s rainy season transforms its landscapes a lush green and attracts migratory birdlife, although you should avoid late-March to May when the downpours are at their heaviest.

Bonus beach break destination:

Seychelles

Comprising more than 100 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is one of Africa’s most alluring destinations for a post-safari beach break. It’s considered very safe for travellers, with little crime experienced, particularly if you’re staying in one of the luxurious resorts that overlook its idyllic beaches.

The Seychelles offers endless days sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling on coral reefs, with the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park waiting for those who want to be more active. Giant Aldabra tortoises also call the islands “home”, as do several endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth.

When is the best time to visit the Seychelles?

The dry season months of April/May and October/November are the best time to visit the Seychelles, with sunny skies for enjoying the beaches and underwater visibility at its best.

Need a help planning a safe African Safari? Get in touch with one of Vencha Travel’s safari experts today and start planning your dream African adventure.