7 Safest Destinations in Africa for Solo Travelers
May 15, 2020
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No matter the destination, traveling alone is quite an adventure on its own.
By embarking on a solo adventure in Africa, however, you are bound to enjoy one of the most outstanding trips you’ll ever have the pleasure of experiencing.
That said, negative representations of Africa on mass media have resulted in many travelers being afraid to travel to certain places on the continent, especially if they are traveling alone.
This is the reason why, in this article, we are sharing with you some of the safest destinations in Africa for travelers – including those planning to travel solo. These destinations will undoubtably make you fall in love with all that Africa has to offer.
Here we go!
Tanzania
Tanzania is known for some iconic features including being home to Serengeti and the tallest mountain in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro.
While the country is considered relatively safe to travel to and within, it’s recommended to take normal precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas, especially at night.
Tanzania is a country where all kinds of African cultures merge to create a lovely environment for traveling.
Visiting Serengeti National Park is high on any traveler’s bucket list, but Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara are also incredibly gorgeous and not to be missted!
Thankfully, there are different kinds of safaris that you can do around here that satisfy various preferences and budgets!
Kenya
Kenya is hands down one of Africa’s most popular countries. Travelers – whether seeking to join a safari or not – flock to this beautiful and impressive destination.
This beautiful country offers amazing hospitality and is always enthusiastic when welcoming foreign visitors.
Coming to Kenya as a solo traveler is quite safe. There have been political conflict and issues along the cost in recent years, but, overall, the country remains stable. Even when you are traveling in its capital, Nairobi, it’s unlikely that you’ll run into issues but it’s always best to be cautious.
The reason why most travelers head to Kenya is to witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara. However, the country offers a lot of other interesting places to check out. Make sure to add Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, and some time to relax on the beach to your Kenya trip itinerary.
Ethiopia
You may not be completely aware of how beautiful and stunning this country is until you visit it and change the way you see it.
It is true that the famine many years ago brought on unfavorable problems that have lasted for an extended period. However, it is now completely safe to travel to Ethiopia. Even in its capital, Addis Ababa, serious crime is rare and the rate of petty crime is low.
Head into the Simien Mountains and be in awe of the spectacular landscape. Travelers come here to learn about ancient religious sites and to be marveled by rare and unusual animals like the Gelada baboon, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolf.
A great bonus to traveling to Ethiopia? Their cuisine is worth trying – it’s extremely delicious!
Ghana
A great country to visit year-round, Ghana is safe and has a stable political climate. It is good to know that, just like in any major city around the world, it’s best to avoid walking alone at night in Accra.
The gem of West Africa is home to breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and the gorgeous coast. But it has not yet been touched by mass tourism which helps a lot with keeping your experience authentic.
Make sure to visit Kakum National Park where you can enjoy a rainforest home to a large variety of endangered species. Feeling adventurous? Don’t miss the canopy walk which features 7 rope bridges suspended 39.6m(130 ft) above the ground.
Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the most visited destinations in Africa, especially for travelers who love a good nature and wildlife trip.
Incidences of violence and crime are very low making Rwanda the safest country to visit in Africa. Plus, the incredible tropical forest you can visit here is going to leave you speechless.
One of Rwanda’s must-do activities is to tour the Nyungwe Forest National Park, in the South-Western part of the country. There, you can hike and trek through thick forests and perhaps spot primates along the way as there 13 different species of primates that you can find in the area.
Namibia
A very popular country for self-drive safaris, Namibia is home to vast deserts, enchanting stargazing, and great wildlife.
Few travelers have issues in Namibia as it’s considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. Most of them head to safe destinations outside of cities, thus avoiding the potential petty crime. The crime rate is low; and the political climate is stable.
Home to a quarter of the world’s cheetahs and a healthy black rhino population, Etosha National Park is where wildlife enthusiasts should be heading.
And don’t leave the country before you get a chance to camp under the stars. The Namib Desert is the perfect place to do so: there isn’t moisture and other (man-made) lights to pollute the view!
Botswana
Botswana is a country where inspiration is in abundace.
It’s rare for travelers to experience crime largely due to political stability. Maun, the gateway into the Okavango Delta, also has low levels of crime.
Botswana is known for its large elephant population. There are around 110, 000 in the country, the largest population of these majestic animals in Africa. Impressive, right?
The Moremi and Chobe National Park are great choices for indulging in adventure activities like camping and hiking, while the Tsodilo Hills shelter some amazing cave paintings. Imagine how cool it would be to see all of these in real life!
From the bottom of our wanderlust, we encourage you to indulge in local authentic experiences when traveling the world, especially in Africa.
This is a continent that surely will leave a lasting impression. Joining a safari in Africa will allow you to get close up close and personal with wildlife and even make some new friends that share the same passion for outdoor activities.
This is what makes Africa so special. It is the place that you’ll always want to go back to.
Looking to go on your first African adventure? Why not begin your journey by going on a Big Five safari?