Safest Country In Africa To Visit Right Now (Botswana)

When I started planning my first trip to Africa, I was overwhelmed by how many people asked me if it was safe. I get it. Africa is often portrayed through extremes—wildlife adventures or political unrest. But after traveling across several regions, I can tell you this: safety varies greatly by country, and there are places that feel just as safe (if not safer) than many Western destinations. If you’re wondering about the safest country in Africa to visit, I’ve got some real-world insights to help you figure it out.

Whether you’re dreaming of African safaris, exploring vast African savannas, or just want a peaceful escape with welcoming locals, I’ve been there—and I want to help you make informed decisions like I would for a close friend.

Safest Country in Africa to Visit: My Top Pick

For me, the safest country in Africa to visit is Botswana. I’ve traveled solo, with friends, and even tagged along on group safaris—and Botswana consistently stood out as a place where I felt completely at ease. It’s politically stable, has low crime rates (especially against tourists), and has a strong reputation for safety and conservation.

You’ll find incredibly well-organized safaris in Botswana, especially in places like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. It’s also worth noting that Botswana has made sustainable tourism a priority—so there’s a strong infrastructure in place to support travelers while preserving wildlife habitats.

And honestly, I didn’t just feel safe. I felt welcomed. Locals were kind, helpful, and genuinely proud of their country. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply peaceful—perfect for travelers who want to enjoy nature without feeling on edge.

Key Points

• Botswana is the safest country in Africa to visit, with low crime rates and a reputation for political stability
• Well-organized safaris and lodges make it easy to travel comfortably without stress
• The warm hospitality of locals and commitment to sustainable tourism create a relaxed and respectful atmosphere

Why Botswana Feels So Safe

Before I ever stepped foot in Botswana, I did my homework—probably more than I’ve done for any other trip. I read every government travel advisory I could find, scoured message boards, binge-watched YouTube travel vlogs, and asked people in online forums who had been there recently.

I even made spreadsheets comparing crime rates and safety indexes for countries like Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, and Rwanda. I wanted to be sure I was making the right call, especially since I was planning parts of this trip solo.

Botswana just kept coming up over and over again in safety conversations—in a good way. Friends who had been there told me they never once felt uneasy. And it wasn’t just anecdotal—the statistics backed it up too. Low crime rates, stable government, and a tourism system that’s been developed with sustainability and structure in mind.

Once I arrived, I could feel the difference almost immediately. Most visitors fly into Maun or Kasane, and from there, you’re typically whisked away straight to the lodges or safari camps. There’s not a lot of time spent navigating chaotic cities or unfamiliar urban areas. Instead, you’re immersed in the wilderness. I remember sitting in the back of a safari vehicle on my first game drive, watching the sun rise over the delta, and thinking how peaceful everything felt. It wasn’t just a lack of danger, it was an overwhelming sense of calm.

And when I say the safaris are well-organized, I mean it. Compared to the most dangerous safaris in Africa, Botswana’s tours are structured and thoughtful. The guides I met were knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly professional. You could tell they were trained not just in wildlife tracking, but in hospitality and safety protocols too. It made a huge difference in how relaxed I felt throughout the trip.

What About Other Safe African Countries?

Botswana might be my top pick, but I’ve also felt genuinely safe in Namibia, Rwanda, and Mauritius, and each of those countries has something special to offer depending on the kind of trip you’re after.

Namibia blew me away with its surreal landscapes and the sense of open space. With such a low population density, it’s one of the few places where you can drive for hours through rugged desert terrain and barely see another car. That solitude might sound intimidating, but I found it peaceful and grounding. The road conditions are surprisingly good, and self-driving felt simple and secure, especially for someone like me who enjoys flexible travel.

Rwanda surprised me in the best way. I knew about its history, but I wasn’t prepared for just how clean, organized, and forward-thinking the country has become. Security was visibly present but never intrusive, and I had some of the warmest interactions with locals there. Kigali is easily one of the most welcoming cities I’ve explored in East Africa, and venturing into the countryside to see the famous mountain gorillas was an experience I’ll never forget. I felt completely at ease the entire time.

Mauritius, on the other hand, is a totally different vibe. It’s an island nation with a much more resort-style atmosphere, but if you’re looking for a trip that’s all about relaxing in beautiful surroundings without a hint of worry, it’s perfect. The infrastructure is great, people are friendly, and it feels very approachable—even if you’ve never been to Africa before. Technically part of Africa, but it often feels more like a tropical getaway.

That said, every destination has its own flavor and rhythm. If you’re leaning more toward wildlife and immersive game drives, you might want to look into other African safari countries like Kenya or Tanzania. I’ve had amazing trips there too—but it’s essential to research specific regions and pick well-reviewed guides and accommodations to ensure both safety and comfort.

Planning Your Safari in Botswana

If you’re leaning toward Botswana (and I’d highly recommend it), there are a few ways to structure your trip. Some folks go for all-inclusive African safari vacations, others book stays in top-rated African safari hotels, and some plan custom tours that start from nearby hubs like Cape Town. In fact, African safaris from Cape Town are a solid option if you want to combine South Africa’s city life with Botswana’s wilderness.

If you’re not sure where to go, here’s a handy guide I wrote on the best places to go on safari in Africa. It breaks down the different parks and what types of wildlife you’ll see in each one.

Costs and Expectations

One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: safaris aren’t cheap. But they’re worth every penny if you plan right. I broke this down in my article on how much safaris cost. Botswana is on the higher end, but that’s because it leans toward low-impact, high-value tourism—which actually enhances the safety and quality of the experience.

If you’re wondering what kind of animals you might see, check out my African safari animals list. And if big cats are your thing (they definitely are mine), here’s a look at the wild cats of Africa you might spot on a game drive.

Ideal Trip Pairings

I’ve had friends combine their Botswana safari with a romantic African safari honeymoon, and they still talk about it like it was the most unforgettable trip of their lives. The lodges are tucked away in remote settings, often with private decks overlooking the bush, candlelit dinners, and nighttime game drives. It’s the kind of experience that feels intimate and adventurous at the same time.

Other friends have used their safari as part of a larger adventure into the African savannas, exploring different ecosystems across several parks and even combining countries in one itinerary. One couple I know started in Botswana, then moved on to Namibia’s desert dunes, and ended with a few days in South Africa’s wine country. That kind of flexibility is one of the things I love about African travel—you can shape it around your style.

Whether you’re going for something rustic and wild—like sleeping in a canvas tent under the stars—or you want a luxury lodge with plunge pools and gourmet meals, Botswana offers both ends of the spectrum. You can really personalize your experience based on your comfort level, your budget, or the kind of atmosphere you want each day to feel like.