This GPI report is drafted and released by the IEP Institute for Economics and Peace. A highly esteemed international panel of experts on peace consults to create the final rankings and report.

These experts come from peace think tanks and institutes to work with data gathered and compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit. This index became initially launched back in the year 2009. Since then, the reports have been released once per year. The first year saw only 121 countries and territories compared.

RELATED: GPI Reveals World’s 7 Most Dangerous Countries You Don’t Want To Travel To In 2023

How Does the GPI Work?

The way the GPI index works is through carefully quantifying peacefulness on a national and regional scale. GPI researches to what extent the country in question is enmeshed in continuing international and domestic violence. It looks to consider the harmony level in a given country versus its level of discord.

They utilize ten separate indicators to assess the security and safety of society. It is inferred that fewer terrorist acts, lower crime rates, fewer violent demonstrations, stable politics, good relations with neighboring states, and a low number of displaced citizens will indicate that a country is peaceful.

The index has broadened its scope to include 23 separate indicators by the 2017 edition to determine the peaceful score of all nations and territories assessed. These indicators undergo review from the experts’ panel each year. Every indicator yields a score of from one to five.

Eight primary peaceful pillars underpin the GPI rankings. These include the following:

• Stable business environment
• Capable government
• Acceptance of human rights
• Free-flowing information
• Sound international relations with neighboring states
• Lower corruption levels
• Higher levels of human capital
• Fair distribution of national resources

The most important of these pillars in nations that are suffering from violence include lower corruption levels, effective government, good international relations, and accepting the rights of others in society.

Which African countries are the most dangerous?

Somalia, South Sudan and Central African Republic are considered as the most dangerous countries in Africa in 2020, according to the Global Peace Index. The rank is based on current economical, political, governmental situation and crime statistics. Traveling in these countries on your own is not recommended and you should be guarded by local police guide.

Next, we will consider the eight most dangerous countries within the continent of Africa in 2020. Sadly, most of these nations sit at the very bottom of the GPI index rankings when compared to all of the other countries in the world. 

South Sudan – 159 (Most Dangerous)

South Sudan is considered the most dangerous country in Africa and 5th most dangerous in the world in 2022, according to GPI rank.

Recent news & updates:

May 3: South Sudan’s conflicts are not just between communities – Amnesty International

The UN Security Council will soon review the implementation of the arms embargo in South Sudan, which expires on May 31, 2023. Violence in South Sudan is often linked to human rights abuses and crimes under international law and contributes to the dire humanitarian situation in the country. 

The government denies its involvement in much of the violence, calling it “inter-communal” and downplaying its role in conflicts caused by political power struggles and competition for resources.

This account ignores the fact that the root of conflict in South Sudan lies in interethnic political maneuvering and competition among elites for control of power and financial resources. This behavior is fueled by a “winner-takes-all” mentality, which is essential to prevail in a zero-sum political system.

January 19, 2023: No quick fix: The challenge of local peacebuilding in South Sudan (Source: thenewhumanitarian.org)

January 17, 2023: Sudan-South Sudan border crossing shut over attacks (Source: sudantribune.com)

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South Sudan is the newest country in Africa is South Sudan which broke away successfully from Sudan back in 2011. The biggest city and capital is Juba. A referendum (supported by the international community) for the independence of South Sudan received 98.83 percent support.

Unfortunately, the nation has experienced first ethnic violence and then a civil war from year 2013 until February 22nd of 2020. At this point, the two rival claimants Riek Machar and Salva Kiir agreed to a unity compromise that saw them form a coalition government together.

With 12 million people who are primarily Nilotic tribes, the nation is also among the youngest nations demographically on earth. About half of the population is less than 18 years of age. Most of the people are Christians with a small minority of traditional African tribal religions also present in South Sudan.

Somalia – 156

Recent news & updates:

January 20, 2023: Somalia, extremists claim over 100 killed in intense battle (Source: abcnews.go.com)

January 18, 2023: Study: Somali People ‘Highly Traumatized’ After Years of Conflict (Source: voanews.com)

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Somalia and its 15 million inhabitants have been called the most homogenous country culturally on the continent. Approximately 85 percent of the citizens claim to be ethnically Somali. A few minorities mostly live in the south of Somalia. The two national languages of Somalia prove to be Somali and Arabic. The majority of the population adheres to the Islamic faith as Sunnis.

In 1969, the Supreme Revolutionary Council grabbed power to set up the Somali Democratic Republic. This fell around 22 years after the fact in year 1991. The Somali Civil War destroyed it. This civil war caused the majority of its regions to go back to religious, traditional law.

By the onset of the new millennium, many federal administrations became established. The insurgents suffered the loss of the majority of their territory (that they had managed to seize over the past decades) by 2012 mid-year. An attempt to set up democracy ensued. August of 2012 saw the passage of a provisional constitution. The Federal Government of Somalia arose that same month and year.

Mogadishu the capital then became rebuilt after over two decades of fighting. Somalia’s economy today is highly informal. It relies heavily on livestock, telecommunications, and overseas Somalis remitting money back home to their families.

Central African Republic – 155

The Central African Republic attained its independence in 1960. It then suffered through a variety of dictatorial rulers that included a brief attempt at monarchy. In the 1990s, the clamor for democracy caused the country to undergo its initial multiple-party elections in the year 1993. The first democratically elected president was Ange-Felix Patasse. He later fell to General Francois Bozize during a 2003 year coup.

The following year, the Bush War erupted in the Central African Republic. Although peace treaties were signed first in 2007 then in 2011, the civil war began afresh by 2012. Per the year 2020, the CAR suffers still from that civil war that has not seen a conclusive ceasefire since it began in the year 2012.

The nation is well-endowed with substantial valuable minerals and resources like crude oil, diamonds, gold, uranium, lumber, cobalt, and hydropower, along with significant amounts of arable land, yet it remains one of the ten most impoverished nations on earth. Its GDP per capita ranked by purchasing power parity is the lowest in the world per year 2017.

The Human Development Index shows it to be the second worst-ranked out of 189 nations too per year 2019. Finally, the CAR has the dubious dual honors of being the least healthy nation on earth and the worst place to live like a young person.

Sudan – 154

Recent news & updates:

May 3, 2023: Fighting intensifies in Sudan’s capital as US warns of new sanctions (Source: Guardian)

January 19, 2023: How young Sudanese are still fighting for democracy (Source: economist.com)

The current conflict in Sudan explained:

The core of the conflict revolves around two individuals: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military ruler and head of the army in Sudan, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti), the deputy leader and commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in the country.

In the past, the two men worked together closely to overthrow the former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and played a significant role in the military coup in 2021.

However, tensions emerged during talks aimed at integrating the RSF into the country’s military as part of a plan to re-establish civilian rule. The main point of contention was the question of who would hold a position of subordination under the new hierarchy.

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According to 2018 national estimates, Sudan counts a population of 43 million and is the third biggest nation by territory on the continent. It is also the third largest of the Arab world. Until a few years ago, Sudan enjoyed the status as largest nation in both Africa and the Arab world before the secession of South Sudan in 2011.

Sudan gained its independence in 1956. It has suffered the rule of numerous unstable military regimes alternating with parliamentary democracies since then. The country went under strict Islamic Sharia law in 1983 under the leadership of Gaafar Nimeiry. It only made tensions reach a boiling point between the Islamic north and Christian south. The rivalries between religious beliefs, language, and political power burst into a violent civil war between the National Islamic Front-backed government armies and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-backed southern rebels. This only ended when South Sudan gained full independence from the north back in 2011.

Up till 2019, Sudan suffered from a 30 year duration military dictatorship under the leadership of Omar al-Bashir. His governing choices led to a Darfur Region war in 2003. The leader has been accused of performing ethnic genocide. In the end, the army killed between 300,000 and 400,000 locals. A successful coup overthrew Bashir on April 11th of 2019.

Libya – 151

Recent news & updates:

December 20, 2022: Security Council Press Statement on Libya (20 December 2022) (Source: reliefweb.int)

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The fourth-biggest country territorially in Africa is Libya. The Islamic country is also the 16th biggest on the planet by land. Libya is blessed with the tenth biggest proven oil reserves on earth as well. Its capital and largest city is Tripoli on the northwest coast. More than a million of the six million inhabitants of Libya call Tripoli home. The country’s second city is called Benghazi, found in the northeast of the country.

The nation gained independence from Italy back in 1951. It existed as a kingdom under King Idris I from 1951 to 1969. At this point, Muammar Gaddafi overthrew the king in the “bloodless coup.” He presided over the Libyan Cultural Revolution during the year 1973 up to the point he died in the Libyan Civil War in year 2011.

Sadly for Libya, the nation has not known real peace since the Libyan Civil War erupted. A second civil war began between the two rival governments in Tripoli backed by the West and the Tobruk of the east. It has been made more savage by the participation of numerous Islamic and tribal militias. The talks to end the second civil war continue to this day.

Mali – 150

Mali is the large landlocked nation found in West Africa. This eighth biggest state of Africa has a population of only 19.1 million and a capital at Bamako. A high 67 percent of the national population was under 25 years of age back in 2017.

The national economy is built upon mining and agriculture. Among the national resources of great value are gold and salt. In fact, Mali is the third greatest gold producer on the continent to this day.

Mali has been beset by armed conflict since January of 2012. That year, the Tuareg rebels seized control of a northern territory in Mali. By April they had declared their own nation called Azawad. The struggle became more severe because of a corresponding military coup in March of the same year.

Fighting erupted between the Tuareg and various other rebel factions. Mali appealed to its former colonial masters the French for help. France dispatched a military expedition under the name of Operation Serval by January of 2013. It took only a month for the French-led Malian national forces to retake the majority of the northern rebel territory. On July 28th of 2013, the country went to the polls and finished its run-off second election on August 11th. They also engaged in legislative elections on November 24th and December 15th of the same year.

Ethiopia – 149

Ethiopia has a level 3 travel advisory (Reconsider Travel) by the U.S. government. 

According to the officials, travelers should reconsider travel to Ethiopia “due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas.”

Travelers must not visit:

• Tigray region and border with Eritrea due to military clashes, civil unrest and crime.
• Amhara region due to armed conflict and civil instability
• Afar region due to armed conflict and civil instability
• Border area with Somalia due to the possibility of terrorism, kidnappings, and land mines.
• Border areas with Sudan and South Sudan have been closed due to crime, kidnappings, civil unrest, and ongoing fighting between numerous armed groups.
• Border areas with Kenya because of the possibility of terrorism and racially motivated conflict.
• Wollega zones in the Oromia region have been affected by violence and civil instability.

Keep in mind that U.S. officials have very limited consular access to U.S. citizens detained by Ethiopian authorities.

Nigeria – 148

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a state in West Africa. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. With over 225 million inhabitants, it is the sixth most populous country in the world and the most populous country in Africa. It has a total area of 923,769 square kilometers (356,669 sq mi).

Nigeria has a Level 3 advisory, reconsider Travel by the U.S. government. 

This is due to the prevalence of violent crime in the nation, which includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, abduction, hostage-taking, banditry, and rape. Kidnappings for ransom usually target American people who look wealthy as well as dual nationals who have visited Nigeria recently. On interstate routes, kidnapping groups have also stopped victims.

In Nigeria, terrorists are still planning and executing out assaults. Targeting malls, markets, hotels, houses of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, public buildings, transit hubs, and other locations where large groups congregate, terrorists may launch attacks with little or no advance notice. It is well known that terrorists collaborate with nearby gangs to broaden their influence.

Burkina Faso – 146

According to the Canadian Government, Travelers should avoid all travel to Burkina Faso, especially in the northern area and border region as follows.

Northern region

Due to the proximity of Mali and Niger, where criminal and terrorist groups are active, the threat of kidnapping remains in Burkina Faso’s northern region. If you intend to visit these areas despite the warning:

• maintain constant vigilance
• use a variety of unpredictable routes and itineraries
• use an armed security force as an escort

Border regions

Terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping are all prevalent in Burkina Faso’s border regions, particularly along its borders with:

• Benin
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Mali
• Niger
• Togo

In certain areas, states of emergency may be declared. When a state of emergency is declared, security forces have expanded their authority to undertake searches, seizures, and detentions of persons of interest. Some civil liberties, such as the right to protest and hold large gatherings, may be suspended.

Curfews may also be imposed by local authorities without notice.

Democratic Republic of Congo – 111

The biggest nation of sub-Saharan Africa and second biggest on the continent is the DRC. This Congo (formerly called Zaire) is also the 11th biggest territorially on earth. The population amounts to 84 million, earning it the spot of largest French speaking nation and fourth-biggest nation by population on the continent. The DRC is also the 16th highest populated nation in the globe. There has been a continuous military struggle in the eastern region of Kivu dating back to 2015.

The large territory of the DRC is based on the Congo River Basin. This country boasts vast natural resources but has not been able to capitalize on them because of poor infrastructure, political instability in government, severe corruption, and little development despite several hundred years of colonial exploitation and theft by the Belgians and their imperialist King Leopold.

The three largest cities are capital Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Mbuhi-Mayi, the latter two of which are mining cities. The biggest single export from the DRC is raw minerals, over half of which went to China in 2012. The appalling level of conditions is evident in their poor national 176 ranking (out of 187 total) on the Human Development Index.

Per 2018, approximately 600,000 native Congolese had immigrated from conflicts in the east and center of the nation to neighboring states that are more peaceful. There are a shocking two million children at risk of starvation, while the conflict has forced the displacement of over 4.5 million inhabitants.

The post 10 MOST DANGEROUS Countries in Africa 2023 – [GPI Rank] appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The world’s second-largest continent has much to offer to adventure-seeking tourists worldwide. Choosing a country to visit within Africa can also be quite confusing, especially considering every place has something unique to offer.

However, for most, the thought of visiting Africa rarely comes to fruition and in most cases, it is because one can get easily intimidated by an alien land. The issue is further exacerbated when a handful of the countries in the continent also report some of the highest crime rates in the world which also affects the image of the safer countries in the continent.

That is not to say that all of Africa in plagued with crime. In fact, most of Africa isn’t, and this article will dispel the myth entirely as we list the safest countries in Africa that one can visit.

RELATED:
– 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Africa by GPI Rank

We have ranked the countries below in terms of their global peace score (Source: Wikipedia) (a lower score indicates more safety). Purely based on peace index, it turns out that Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Senegal are safer than South Korea.

“Each indicator’s results are then merged to create a single unified GPI value for each country. The lower the GDI score, the more peaceful—and by extension, the safer—the country is considered to be.”

Safest Countries in Africa to Visit in 2023

1. Mauritius (1.570) – Safest Country in Africa

According to the current GPI ranking, Mauritius is the safest country in Africa and the 28th safest country in the world.

Mauritius is a cosmopolitan tourist paradise with beaches and lagoons, coral diving, water activities, the “Seven Colored Earth” of Chamarel and beautiful forests full of wildlife.

The overall crime rate in Mauritius is quite low and the crimes that do occur are mostly non-violent, such as petty theft.

Mauritius offers a wonderful combination of cultures, friendly people, varied cuisine, and a diverse ethnic community. There are activities for all types of travelers in this natural wonderland. Honeymooners often enjoy sunbathing on the beach or going out on the town in the evening.

2. Ghana (1.759)

Ghana is pretty much located in the centre of the world map. Although Ghana does not host too many of the other attractions that its African counterpart countries host – like Safaris, Wildlife, Eco-tours and more. It does have a lot in the way of cultural heritage that dates back to the 18^th century. The capital city – Accra has negligible instances of crime reported and the city is always bustling with locals and tourists alike. 

There are a few attractions that one can indulge in Ghana. Surfing in the beaches of Accra, discovering Jamestown, Cape Coast Castles and visiting a few national parks here and there are a few of the activities that make Ghana a great visit.

3. The Gambia (1.792)

Tourism in The Republic of The Gambia is booming, and it’s easy to understand why. The Gambia is known for its hospitality, sunny beaches, and diverse wildlife. Inexpensive safari tours give travelers a unique opportunity to observe leopards, monkeys, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and rare birds in their natural habitats, and world-renowned Kotu Beach is the perfect place to unwind after a long day spent exploring Banjul, the Gambian capital city.

Fishing, boating, and horseback riding are all popular beach activities in The Gambia.

The Gambia is one of the safest travel destinations in West Africa. Violent crimes in The Gambia are rare. The biggest threats are pickpockets and Bumsters. Bumsters approach tourists and offer to be their guide or promise to introduce them to The Gambia social scene. Some Bumsters target older women, offering romance in exchange for a new life in America or Europe. These men are con-artists, and they should not be trusted.

Fraud and scams are also common in The Gambia. Travelers should be wary of any unsolicited investment opportunities.

All in all, these countries are a standing testament that not all of Africa is riddled with crime. These countries remain unexplored by the international community largely due to inherent misconceptions but are a haven for adventure-seeking tourists worldwide.

4. Botswana (1.80)

Botswana was the safest country in Africa in 2021 but it has moved down to 4th position in 2022. A 1.676 Global Peace Index score makes it safer than the UK or Spain.

The land of the Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert & the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana is one of the hidden Jewels in Africa and is known not just for the flourishing wildlife but also the extraordinary views that each of the destinations has to offer. 

Crime in Botswana is at an all-time low, the popular towns Francistown, Gaborone & Maun rarely experience any instances of serious crime. 

If you’re really concerned about safety in Africa, Botswana should be the number one pick. Safaris to Botswana tend to more expensive than a regular African Safari trip, so you may want to keep an eye on the prices.

5. Sierra Leone (1.803)

This tiny coastal country (at 71,740 Sq. km) is another haven for tourists who have Safety as their topmost concern. However, unlike the other countries mentioned previously, Sierra Leone does have a bit of a crime problem. 

Over 60% of the country’s population live below Poverty Line and as the saying goes “poverty breeds crime”. Sierra Leone is known for its nightlife and parties especially during occasions like Christmas and Easter & the urban areas is where most of the crime takes place, the rest of the country is relatively crime-free. 

As per the Government of UK, most trips to Sierra Leone are relatively risk-free, however there have been few instances of tourists being robbed at Gun Point. If you’re visiting the country for a short duration, make sure that you avoid strolls after 10 PM & ensure you’re always traveling in groups. Traveling with a local is an added safety measure. Source (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sierra-leone/safety-and-security)

6. Zambia (1.841)

The US department of state in its annual report on Travel Advisory has marked Zambia at level 1 for traveler safety. Which means, travelers ought to exercise regular precautionary measures and need not go overboard with the panic. 

A few areas in Zambia like the Copperbelt and Lusaka province do experience higher rate of crime than usual but none of them are considered “unsafe” as per international standards. 

The Victoria falls, Kafue National Park & the lower-Zambezi National Park are must-visits during your visit to Zambia, all of them are relatively crime-free. A Zambia Safari is notoriously “wild” with very few traces of modernity, even the number of Safari Camps in Zambia is fairly limited. 

7. Equatorial Guinea (1.8638)

Equatorial Guinea is the ninth safest country in Africa, ranking 62nd on the Global Peace Index for 2021. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 1 travel warning in April 2022.

These islands are known for their beautiful blue waters, sandy beaches, and densely forested interiors. They are accessible by ferries departing from the capital Conakry.

Monte Alen National Park, a 2,000-square-kilometer (772-square-miles) park with lush rainforest vegetation, lakes and waterfalls, and animal species ranging from gorillas to elephants, is one of Equatorial Guinea’s most popular destinations.

8. Liberia (1.88)

Liberia offers travelers the chance to experience West Africa’s vibrant culture firsthand. The bustling capital city of Monrovia is home to dozens of markets where artisans sell their finest handcrafted wares, and the Liberia National Museum provides insight into the history of Africa’s oldest republic.

Surfers from around the world flock to Liberia’s palm tree-lined beaches to catch the perfect wave, and the inland jungles are home to leopards, elephants, chimpanzees, and the pygmy hippo. Liberia may sound like a dream vacation destination, but there are safety concerns to take into consideration before applying for a Liberian Tourist Visa.

Petty and violent crimes are common throughout Monrovia, especially in densely populated neighborhoods. Most crimes in Liberia are crimes of opportunity. Pickpockets frequent known tourist attractions, and armed carjackings often take place in broad daylight. It’s wise to make travel arrangements through a reputable taxi company instead of hailing a cab on the street. Foreign tourists have reported being robbed by their taxi drivers.

Women travelers are especially vulnerable to crime in Liberia. Traveling to unsafe neighborhoods and walking alone at night is strongly discouraged.

Visiting Liberia can be a safe and memorable experience, but only if travelers take the proper precautions. There are always risks associated with foreign travel, and African countries like Liberia are working to improve upon safe travel policies.

9. Malawi (1.895)

Malawi, the eighth safest country in Africa in 2021, has a GPI rank of 59, placing it between France (55) and Greece (66). Malawi was included in Lonely Planet’s list of top ten countries for 2022 for its “lakes, scenery, wildlife and culture.”

Crime is generally minimal in Malawi. The biggest risks are handbag snatching and petty theft.

The country is known for its friendly, smiling inhabitants. It boasts an exceptional freshwater lake that dominates this landlocked country. The pristine waves and peaceful islands make for an ideal beach vacation.

9. Namibia (1.908)

Namibia’s rugged landscapes contribute greatly to the country’s uniqueness. Namibia is home to some of Africa’s most amazing natural sites, including the world’s highest dunes and the stunning Fish River Canyon.

Namibia offers space, tranquility and the opportunity to get away from it all: It is the second least densely populated country in the world, with only two people per square kilometer.

You can drive for hours under bright blue skies without seeing another vehicle, surrounded by landscapes so vast and barren that sometimes you feel like you are on the edge of the earth. There are not many places left in an overpopulated world where you can immerse yourself as deeply in the remote wilderness as you can in Namibia.

Namibia is a relatively safe country to visit. However, it does have a high crime rate. Crime is a serious problem in Namibia’s capital Windhoek and in other parts of the country. Muggings and pickpocketing are common, especially in places frequented by foreigners.

10. Madagascar (1.912)

Apart from the recent uptick in crime in the urban areas due to rising unemployment and political instability, Madagascar is considered one of the safer countries in Africa. The island nation has many friendly residents and the nation’s rich, natural bounty makes it a very lucrative destination for vacationers.

The Avenue of the Baobabs – a huge trail of Baobab trees is a strong candidate for becoming one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa. Tsingy de Bemaraha national park & the Ranomafana national park are among the few destinations in Madagascar that one can visit without worrying too much about safety. 

Apart from this, the Ile Saint Marie & Ifaty are popular beach destinations are popular beach destinations that are regular for tourists. Crime rates here are also negligible and these places also host some unique activities. You can fancy a boat trip to spot humpback whales in the Indian ocean once you’ve seen too much of land animals in its many National parks.   

Other relatively safe countries in Africa

Senegal (1.916)

Senegal does experience some petty crime and few instances of violent crime – most commonly mugging and robbery at gunpoint. But these instances are quite uncommon and at 1.883, the country fares better than France when it comes to country-wide safety. 

Speaking of France, safety will most likely be the last of your concern since some of the biggest issues the tourists face has to do with language – which is almost exclusively French, few locals do speak broken English but it would be a great idea to hire a tour guide who is fairly adept at English. 

Additionally, Senegal has a ton of attractions that tourists can fearlessly indulge in since these tourist attractions are not riddled with crime. The pink lake of Senegal is a tourist hotspot so is the town of Casamance where tourists can unwind and relax. 

Birdwatchers will certainly enjoy places like Madeleine Island, Lagoon La Somone and the national park of DjouDJ.

Steer clear or remain extra cautious of places like Dakar and avoid late night walks in the beaches. Also, keep an eye out on the newspapers before your travel, Senegal is known to have a lot of protests and while most of them are peaceful, some of them do get ugly and result in riot police having to use aggressive tactics.

Rwanda (1.94)

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers unique experiences in one of the most amazing countries in Africa, thanks to its breathtaking surroundings and warm, hospitable people. It has a remarkable biodiversity with incredible wildlife native to the mountains, highland forests and vast plains.

Rwanda is committed to preserving the lives of several iconic species in its four national parks.

They work tirelessly to ensure that we can all live in sustainable harmony with the environment, with a clean and green mindset. In 2008, plastic bags were banned, and thanks to community initiatives, Rwanda’s soils are probably the cleanest in all of Africa.

Ten percent of the revenue from gorilla, safari and other visitor permits and park fees is invested in working with local communities to improve people’s livelihoods.

Rwandans are warm and pleasant, but they are also polite, thoughtful, and fundamentally committed to the idea of change.

From the ancient kingdom to modern times, innovation is valued, whether through traditional dances, unique buildings or works of art.

Morocco (1.96)

Morocco‘s delights include vibrant marketplaces, desert hikes, climbing to distant waterfalls, and beach days. Surfing on the seaside, sipping mint tea in the medina, and exploring the ruins dispersed throughout its numerous cities are all options.

Morocco is very diverse in terms of landscape, so the climate varies depending on the destination. There is no bad time of year to visit this beautiful country, but spring and fall attract the most visitors, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 23°C.

The summer months from June through August face high temperatures reaching up to 45°C in the Sahara. However, cities such as Marrakech and Fez average about 32°C, which is great for spending time at your riad’s pool. November through February are the winter months and typically bring cooler, chilly weather with rain, but the cities will always be bustling, as warmer temps remain throughout the day in the northern part of the country.

Morocco is known for being one of the most tolerant of the Arab nations. The country is relatively safe, peaceful and stable. Moroccan people, both Arabic and Berber, are also noted for their warm hospitality and friendly nature.

Gabon (1.97)

Gabon, located in west central Africa and on the equator, has the potential to become one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world.

Currently, Gabon is one of the richest nations in Africa, thanks to its oil and mineral deposits as well as its small population. However, the late President Bongo recognized that Gabon’s reliance on oil had become too great and in 2002 set aside more than 10% of the country for national parks, recognizing that Gabon’s other natural resources would be critical to the country’s economic future.

Amazing wildlife such as lowland gorillas and chimpanzees can be found here, while the pristine Atlantic coast is home to endangered turtles and whales. Although there is still a lot of infrastructure work to be done, it is a promising place for ecotourism and adventure travel.

Angola (1.98)

The breathtaking beauty of nature is one of the main reasons to visit Angola. It could be noted that the country is lucky to have such a magnificent environment. There are many different types of landscapes there, including whitesand beaches, green hills, tropical jungles, sandy deserts, magnificent waterfalls and much more.

Angola is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Angola host more than 8,000 plant species, 275 animals, 78 amphibians, 227 reptiles, 915 bird species and more than 300 insect species. The African elephant, black sable, African lion, leopard, hippo, chimpanzee, rhinos, gorilla, antelope, sea turtle, whale, dolphin and shark are among the other creatures that can be seen here. Besides the friendly Angolans, the most important reason to visit is the natural beauty of the country.

Tanzania (2.00)

Tanzania is the hotspot for an African Safari at the moment. The country offers the most diverse experiences in Africa. From Safaris in the Serengeti to Treks in the Kilimanjaro Mountains. From Wildlife and bird watching in the Ngorongoro to relaxing beach vacations in the Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania has it all, and travel to the country has been made simple due to policy initiatives by the Government. 

When it comes to safety, Tanzania is generally considered safe. The country has had close to 1.8 million tourists visiting the country during 2019 and very few of the tourists have reported any crime. 

However, while Tanzania is a safe country overall, it would pay to be extra cautious in the below-listed crime hotspots of the country

Arusha Town: The Gateway town between the Kilimanjaro Mountains and the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manayara). Arusha is a fairly populous town and is also a layover town for tourists visiting the Northern Circuit– It is advised that tourists should not wear manifestly expensive attire/accessories and should avoid strolling out of the hotel area after dark. 

Stone Town: The centrepiece of the Zanzibar archipelago also reports few instances of crime especially after dark during night-time parties. Tourists are advised to stay clear of this town during after hours

However, most of the tourists hardly ever spend any time in any of these places. Most victims of crime in Tanzania are locals are tourists hardly ever face any trouble. Tourists tend to linger around popular attractions like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro Mountains & the Zanzibar islands. All of these places are relatively crime-free. 

As a bonus, Tanzania is not as expensive a safari destination as most of the other countries in this list. Most of the safaris are layered into different types and you can choose one based on your requirement. For more details, click here for details on Tanzania Safari costs.

Recent Safety News Updates in Africa

January 08, 2023: East Africa states fair badly in global peace index (Source: thecitizen.co.tz)

January 18, 2023: Africa: Organised Crime Is Ahead of the Game (Source: allafrica.com)

Malaria in Africa

What countries are the most affected and some basic prevention methods

The estimated number of malaria deaths in 2021 was 619.000. The burden of malaria is disproportionately high in the African region, with 96% of malaria deaths and 95% of cases concentrated in this region in 2021. Approximately 80% of all malaria deaths in the region were in children under five years of age.

Nigeria (31.3%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (12.6%), the United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%), and Niger (3.9%) accounted for slightly more than half of all malaria deaths worldwide.

How can I prevent malaria? 

First of all, take an antimalarial drug and second of all prevent mosquito bites. 

Malaria-carrying mosquitoes sting between sunset and sunrise. Stay indoors to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes during this period. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a cap if you must be outside. Only apply insect repellent to skin that is exposed;  do not use under clothing.

Antimalarial drugs How and where can I obtain antimalarial drugs? 

Visit a medical professional 4-6 weeks prior to departure, depending on your trip plans and medical background, to obtain a prescription for an antimalarial medication. In the US, antimalarial medications are only available with a prescription. Last-minute travelers can still gain from seeing their doctor before traveling since some antimalarial medications can be started the day before travel.

The post 10 Safest Countries in AFRICA to Visit in 2023 – [GPI Rank] appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Music is very much like water. It is part and parcel of our daily lives, whether we like it or not.  Just like water flows everywhere in the world and is somewhat different from place to place, music is present and varies from place to place. Music festivals are one of the greatest ways to test uncharted waters. So go and explore in the name of fun and happiness, I dare you.

Just like water, music heals as well. Even the loneliest of hearts can be cured by simply listening to the right kind of music, at the right time and place. It also stimulates dopamine – a neurotransmitter that sends reward-motivated behavior signals to your brain. When you are stressed out and cannot bring yourself to think straight – reward yourself for working hard with good-sounding music. It might just inspire more greatness! 

Be it a day of jazz in the sun, a Balkan party in a forest or a night of Electronica in some concrete jungle, South Africa caters for it all!!  Want to get your musical thirst quenched or your heart soothed in the most southern tip of Africa? Here are some of the best music festivals the country has to offer. There are so many that we will only list the top 10 and in alphabetical order. Enjoy!!

UNDER THE AFRICAN SKY

If you’re a fan of psychedelic trance and progressive music, Under The African Sky takes place at the start of September and is conveniently located just 25 minutes from Cape Town.

Powered by Funktion-One sound and taking place at the prestigious Hillcrest Quarry venue, this is a full-throttle 1-day experience. For the next event, the team is going all out with an African-inspired stage, visual mapping, performers, and more.

AfrikaBurn (by Burning Man)

If you are guessing that this festival has something to do with the Burningman festival in the US, you are more than right! It’s an official regional version of it happening in the North of South Africa since 2007.

Unfortunately, due to Coronavirus it was canceled in 2020. The next one will happen in 2021 as always, in the end of April at the new location, Quaggafontein.

Afropunk Johannesburg

• Outdoor Festival
• International acts
• Inclusive of all cultures

Afropunk is an alternative music festival that takes place in five different cities over three continents. The United State of America, as the originator of the festival naturally, hosts the event in New York where it was founded and in Atlanta. In Europe, you can catch the festival in London and in Paris. 

Johannesburg is the first and only African city to host this international party thus far. Having started in 2017/18, it happens over new years’ and the next Afropunk festival to be hosted in Jozi Maboneng will be it’s third.

So if you are more into music that generally hardly ever receives airplay on radio stations and you happen to be in the country over the next New Year’s, then you must do yourself the honor and check out Afropunk in Jozi!! 

Follow FB link to find out more.

Bushfire Festival

• Camping available on site
• Outdoor and Indoor shows
• Supports charities

Okay sure, this festival is in a country that is situated in southern Africa and not South Africa per se, where the other festivals take place, but you know what? Swaziland is situated within South Africa and shares very similar cultures. So for the sake of this article, we’ll pretend it’s in South Africa. 

Sponsored by MTN (a continental cell phone company), this festival happens in Swaziland typically over three days. As much as it has a very Swazi feel, with all arts and crafts and stalls being local, the line-up is always more international. 

In order to cater to all its masses, the organizers have put together four stages, namely; the Amphitheatre, the Barn, the Firefly and the Main Stage. You can either stick to the genre that best suits your music taste buds, or sage hop through performances. Either way, check it out when in the south of Africa next time and willing to get your groove on!

If you are a solo traveler don’t worry about meeting people turning into a thing; rather visit Once in Joburg. A hotel and hostel that helps travelers attend festivals and events in Southern Africa.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

• All indoors
• Music workshops/masterclasses
• Free Community Concert

The year that everyone thought the world would be coming to an end is the same year this festival was founded. It seems to be going against the grain was the best thing the organizers could have done for themselves. Twenty years later, the event is considered to be the biggest international festivals in sub Saharan Africa!

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival happens in three days, with the first day dedicated to giving the masses a free show. Every year it fills up all its five stages and is believed to host up 37000 people!!

So far it’s known to take place within the first half of the year. So if you missed it this year and are looking to catch the next; join the CTIJF for its 21 years of existence in 2020 and celebrate it reaching adulthood ;)!! 

Rocking The Daisies

• Outdoor
• Fun activities
• Next to a Lake

If you missed the first half of the fun festivities in South Africa don’t worry! Rocking The Daisies has you covered as they will only be blessing masses with music, art, and activities in October. Because there is no way you can have flowers in your title and not embrace the spring season!!

Situated on the Cloof Wine Estate, it’s no wonder that there is a lake conveniently located within the venue. A great refreshing addition to a very hot Spring festival! And whilst cooling off to the heat of the day or enjoying nocturnal feels, you can also rest your eyes on the art sculptures which often embody the theme of the party!!

Splashy Fen

• All age groups welcome
• Transportation available
• Fun activities

This year 2019 marks the 30th edition of Splashy Fen and took place between the 18th – 22nd of April. Don’t fret if you missed, it will be back next year! All you have to do to secure a ticket is visit their website frequently enough to catch the next dates or join their newsletter as they have not been released yet. 

Dubbed as the friendliest festival of them all in the country, it only makes sense that it is the biggest and longest-running festival in South Africa. 

With a location like the Drakensberg, there is one way of receiving the music and art on offer and that to bask in it all and celebrate with the people around you!!

And for the sake of saving some money in these times, the festival offers camping on site!

Grahamstown National Arts Festival

• Indoor and Outdoor shows
• All arts inclusive
• Educational (Lectures and Workshops)

The Grahamstown Festival is held for 11 days and is the biggest festival in all of South Africa. It celebrates most art forms known to man; from music to sculptures and drama. Any lover of art would feel at home at this event.

Established in 1820, it obviously has a very rich history. So rich, that the festival is known to pull in numbers up to 200 000 of attendees from all over the world, every year.

With contributions estimated at $27,15m it’s no wonder that the communities of Makhanda and the Eastern Cape thrive every time the event is hosted.

Dates for 2020 are yet to be affirmed.

Klein Karoo National Arts Festival

• All arts inclusive
• Aims to uncover new works
• All age groups welcome

Situated in the more arid parts of South Africa, this festival is the furthest thing from being void of entertainment and inspiration through the arts. Nor is it lacking in freshness because every year, new artists are sourced locally and nationally. And every year, awards are handed over to the best “newcomer” in all genres. 

This year the festival which takes place on an Ostrich farm every year marked its 25th birthday since its inception this year! It is probably important to note that the festival is an Afrikaans festival meaning the main, if not only, language used in all art forms will be Afrikaans.

Conclusion

In all of Africa, South Africa is considered the number one festival venue to different types of festivals. When it comes to music, the country has vast genres to choose from. Whether you are looking for a uniquely South African sound or would like to find out how international live music is received in these parts of the world, you will not be disappointed at the options presented to you.

No matter what the season, the city or the vibe; South Africa will have you dancing, shining and smiling! With these top Music festivals and so many more outdoor parties that are held in superb and spectacular venues across the expanse of what is the beauty of South Africa, there is really a plethora of choice – so much so, that one would really need to buckle down and decide which genre truly tickles one’s’ fancy. 

So, check it out for some quality fun, thirst-quenching and soul rejuvenating awesomeness!! Because, if there’s one thing a South African can do better than the rest, it is to lay back and enjoy the good times, each and every time!

We hope you got hooked! There is amazing stuff going on in SA and you should definitely attend some of these festivals during your visit. If you have any other suggestions, please submit in the comment section below. Thank you.

The post 10 Coolest FESTIVALs in South Africa To Check Out in 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Travelers found positive after screenings or testing at the airport will need to go into quarantine for 10 days.

Many countries have suspended travel operations with South Africa and/or travelers who have been to South Africa recently so it can be difficult for foreigners to find a flight back home. Within the country restrictions are being lifted following a descent in the number of cases.

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South Africa Reopening – Latest Updates

July 5 – South Africa likely to extend travel restrictions on July 11 due to a “significant rise in Covid-19 cases”

Due to a new rise in coronavirus infection rate, South Africa might extend its adjusted level 4 regulations on July 11, warned Economists at the Bureau for Economic Research (BER), earlier today.

According to data collected by the group, South Africa saw more than 24,000 new infections only on Friday and Saturday, reads a research note issued on July 5. 

“Unfortunately, given the progression of the third wave since the measures were announced, we think it is likely that most, if not all, of the current restrictions will be extended.”

The country was moved to a level 4 lockdown at the end of June and it might remain like this until the end of July.

(Source: BusinessTech)

June 12 – South Africa extended the State of Disaster through July 15

South Africa approved the extension of the national state of disaster through July 15 2021, said acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni at a press conference on Thursday. 

The government has utilized the State of Disaster Act to enforce a variety of lockdown restrictions to contain the spread of the Covid-19 infections.

The latest extension follows an increase in positive patients nationwide. Only on Wednesday, the country reported 8,881 new cases. 

“The extension enables SA to continue with the non-pharmaceutical interventions against Covid-19, whilst also vaccinating the population”.

Source: BusinessTech

May 30 – South Africans will be welcome back to the Seychelles from June 1 

Most countries worldwide have banned tourists from South Africa due to concerns linked to the so-called South African COVID-19 variant that appears to spread more easily than the others. Also, because vaccines might be somewhat less effective against the virus. 

But after a 5-month ban, the Seychelles is ready to accept South African travelers back as part of their economic recovery plan. Visitors are not required to be vaccinated or undergo mandatory quarantine. 

On the other hand, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will not resume flights with South Africa at the beginning of June as it was scheduled. Virgin Atlantic now plans to start flights on 10 June and British Airways on 23 June.

(Source: Business Insider)

April 4 

As of today, South Africa is the most isolated country in the world. Travel from more than 120 countries has been from partially to totally forbidden. Multiple airlines have reportedly refused to accept South African passport holders. 

These massive travel bans have had a devastating impact on the country’s tourism and other industries. And while the world expects to see a country implementing severe restrictions to try to contain the spread of the so called South African variant, the country has instead started to ease restrictions.

For the current holidays, South Africa has decided to ease restrictions on indoor religious gatherings. As of yet, up to 250 people can get together for indoor religious services and up to 500 outdoors.  

March 13

While restrictions tighten outside its borders, South Africa has decided to ease some of the harsher measures imposed to contain the virus. Curfews have been reduced, businesses are reopening and public and private gatherings are allowed again.

Foreign governments will likely continue to extend their travel bans on flights originating in the African country until the variant B.1.351 is no longer a case of concern.

The Government of South Africa is confident that an aggressive vaccination plan and basic biosafety measures will help the nation out of this crisis. 

After a setback in their early vaccination rollouts the country is finally catching up. So far they have reported 138,014 administered doses among their healthcare professionals. Next in line are elderly residents and at-risk individuals. (Source)

COVID-19 situation in South Africa

As of July 5, South Africa has reported 2,062,896 positive cases and 61,840 deaths.

Is it safe to visit South Africa during COVID-19?

Visiting South Africa during COVID-19 is not recommended. The US government has banned all flights and the CDC has ranked South Africa at a risk level 4, the highest possible. (CDC.gov)

Can American tourists travel to South Africa?

Yes. All visitors are currently welcomed, including American tourists.

Tourism in South Africa

The country implemented strong lockdown measures, only to lift them in July 2020, which is believed to be responsible for the country’s surge in COVID-19 cases.

Indeed, many tourism attractions opened immediately after the country’s lockdown was lifted. This includes common outdoor attractions like parks and beaches.

Many tourism-related industries have shifted their focus from international to internal tourism. This has proven to be a somewhat successful effort in some countries, and South Africa is looking to duplicate the success of these nations.

This is being done via the creation of a formal marketing campaign, “It Is Your Country, Enjoy It,” which is geared explicitly towards improving domestic tourism. This is particularly the case for Cape Town, one of the largest international tourist places in the country.

The post South Africa is open for tourism but likely to extend restrictions from July 11 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.