safest and most dangerous African countries

[tulia simba!]

The most dangerous countries in Africa at this time are---

1. Democratic republic of Congo (It really is as grizzly as you can imagine, but once safe, it will be an incredible opportunity for adventurous travellers)

2. Nigeria----poor reputation for street crime and carjackings.
Religious tensions bubble under the surface, and mass unrest isn't uncommon - keep your ear to local news sources

3. Somalia--Somalia remains one of the world's most dangerous destinations

4. Niger--Due to the presence of bandits and militias, travellers should avoid the border areas with Algeria, Mali, Libya, Nigeria, Chad and Mali

5. Burundi--fighting is not un common here

6. Sudan---Military activity in the Darfur region is ravaging Sudan, with more than two million people displaced by the conflict so far. Avoid Sudan at all costs.
The safest--

1. Tanzania. (With the exception of caution for malaria or various other tropical
diseases. Tanzania is a very safe and peaceful country. Recommended for an introduction to Africa. The people are charming and the land is magical.

2. Zambia---just avoid democratic republic of congo border.

3. Swaziland

4. Ethiopia (Ethiopia has recovered well from its harrowing past and is a land of beauty and enchantment) but stay away from the Eritrean border.

[WildinTanzania]

I don't think it is fair to include war zones in the list of countires - only the death seeking insane go there for a holiday. Why not consider where you might actually go for a holiday.

I would add Uganda, Kenya and South Africa to the dangerous list of countires you may actully wish to visit at the moment. This is because of the crime rate in the cities and the current political climates. I reckon Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia are all fairly stable and safe at the moment.
_________________
Roy J.Hinde M.Sc.
http://www.wildthingsafaris.com
http://www.mksafaris.com

[Kodak64]

I assume this thread was started with the view to countires in African that are most dangerous for tourists and not for people who live in those countries.

Therefore Roy is correct you can not include countries at war as no one in their right mind would visit them and if they did they would know they are dangerous.

When the word dangerous is used are we talking about murder, rape, mugging violent robbery etc etc.

What about disease (malaria, HIV etc), standard of driving, aircraft maintenence, the list can go on and on.

I have driven the road from Entebbe to Kampala on a friday evening ,really scary but nothing happened to me, no accident. My friend was killed on a quite road in South Africa when he was hit by the only other car on the road, which one is more dangerous?

I think it is all relative, every country has good and bad you can be in a safe country and have a bad experience then as far as you are concerned that is not a safe country.

Country (A) has 100,000 visitors and 200 get murdered, raped or die in car accidents or by disease.

Country (B) has 10,000 visitors and 50 get murdered, raped or die in car accidents or by disease.

Which one is more dangerous?

This applies to all coutries throughout the world not just Africa

I think countires in Africa are as safe or as dangerous as countries in the rest of the world
_________________
Ian

[ashbairstow]

I plan to do a trip from Cape Aghulas in South Africa to Ras Ben Sakka via Nigeria (southern most tip to northern most tip) on a motorcycle. Mainly along the west coast of africa. could anyone tell me the best way or website to find out the least safe areas or countries as to avoid them on my trip.

thank you.

[eetvblog]

Good thread.... Helps a lot

[wendy]

I'm planning on visiting Khartoum in December. Does that make me crazy? I will not enter the war zone.
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Wilp Gybuu (Wolf House) Bed and Breakfast http://www.tofinobedandbreakfast.com

[travelbugz]

I'm new to this so you guys will have to bare with me! I have been travelling the world for 3 years and am set to head off again in December and am looking to spend 3-4 months in Africa, as I am yet to visit. For me I came to this site to get a little and varied perspective on travelling through Africa. I have to say that this forum surprised me.As most have said, how can you judge a place on it's safety/danger when you are at risk wherever you go? I believe that common sense is a major factor when travelling somewhere new or even somewhere familiar as you are always at risk. Something I have learnt on my travels is to be cautious but not too cautious and to always keep your wits about you. If you enter a place expecting the worst it will almost likely find you. Be confident and careful but most of all enjoy the experience. If you fear the place you travel then why travel at all, as to really travel a country you must explore all it has to offer, you cannot avoid a country because of someone else's experience. If you feel uncormfortable when travelling a certain place surely that is when you judge your safety? I know there are areas I will certainly avoid as danger is imminent but for the most part I cannot wait to explore all the beauty of the country, both people and places.

[Lara]

[travelbugz]

Thanks

[Malcolmc]

To be honest I live in Cape Town and would say its not the most dangerous city in Africa .

Yes there is crime here but I think if you stay in the normal areas and dont go to the rough areas you will be fine.

Regards

Malcolm
_________________
Malcolm
Cape Town Tours

[Qeijo]

[bubiscooper]

Gambia is the safest place in africa...with population of under 2 million people ,Gambia has never been in any kind of war in its history and they are blessed with nice people and natural resources like good weather,beaches etc etc..and hence they call it the smiling coast of Africa.

[Tribaluganda]

I hate lists like this, but to put some dots on the i:

1. Dont compare war countries with other ones.
2. Get facts straight. Uganda was mentioned above, as well as Burundi. Give me a break! Streat crime??
_________________
Go gorillas in Uganda
http://www.tribaluganda.com
Wooha!

[wetnoselooneytoon]

Understanding that this conversation has not had a post for five years, I believe with the interest in the World Cup it should be revisited. For a person to suggest that South Africa should be on the list of "The Safest" countries in Africa to visit, is and was irresponsible, even in 2005.

South Africa is the most murderous country in the world, experiencing tens of thousands of murders each year. The ANC is so embarassed by this that under reporting is rampant and international agencies monitoring the situation agree that the actual numbers reported by the government (which are outrageously high even on their face) could be nearly twice what they are.

Beyond murder, violent and non-violent crime are off the charts in South Africa. It is the responsibility of any travel related news or information dissemination group to point this out to those who may be planning a trip and had once heard of the "great" cities of South Africa. Formerly a world reknown place of modern society coupled with natural beauty, Johannesburg is now totally out of control. Violence and crime have taken the top spot in the minds of residents here, black and white alike. Capetown and the southern part of the country is not quite as bad as Johannesburg but crime there is catching up.

In the case of South Africa, getting out of the cities is no solution for avoiding crime. For the last decade, murder against white farmers has been steadily rising, the number is now believed to be in excess of 3000 murders.

Although not a political forum, I must make this comment: what did white South Africa think was going to happen? Hundred of years of repression has rebounded on them and they are suffering severly for it. That said, the behaviour of those commiting these dispicable acts and especially those who incite this violence is unacceptable.

We in the US have our fair share of racial problems and crime. In fact, our crime rates are embarassing. Why travel to such a beautiful continent, only to face the issues you left behind in the US for a couple of weeks? Choose another country in South Africa, there are several that are very safe, beautiful and culturally stimulating from which to choose. I am not qualified to point these out, just to insure that tourist do understand: South Africa is NOT a safe place.

[WildinTanzania]

SA should definitely be on the dangerous list.
_________________
Roy J.Hinde M.Sc.
http://www.wildthingsafaris.com
http://www.mksafaris.com