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My top 7 Safest African Countries for Solo Female Travellers

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For my sins, I am part of several solo traveller Facebook Groups, and without fail, the most asked question is ALWAYS, “What is the safest destination for solo female travellers?” The region of the world that seems to instil the most fear is Africa, my favourite continent! Why are people so afraid of the land of smiles yet don’t think twice about walking alone through the streets of London? For this reason, I have decided to share with you my personal experience of travelling through Africa and what I believe to be the safest African countries for solo female travellers based on the places I have visited.

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Growth starts when we leave our comfort zone

Solo travel is an exhilarating experience that offers a unique opportunity to discover the world on your own terms. For female travellers, this adventure comes with the added bonus of empowerment and personal growth. Africa, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, is increasingly becoming a popular destination for solo female travellers, yet for many, it feels far too daunting to explore alone. What I’ve learned from my travels though, is that the media is rarely right, that bad things can happen anywhere, and that the world is full of wonderful people. 

Hanging out with Hadzabe women in Tanzania

What is safety?

This might seem obvious, but the feeling of safety is subjective, and different people have different tolerances based on their past experiences (or lack thereof). During my last trip to Sierra Leone, one girl was terrified of the children who approached our minibus to sell us nuts. I, on the other hand, was delighted! I was hungry and wanted a snack! We were on the same bus, experiencing the same event, yet we had opposing reactions.

When choosing a destination, you may wish to look at crime rates or cultural attitudes towards women to determine whether a country is safe or not, but I don’t think they are a good indicator. EVERYWHERE has nice people. And everywhere has bad people, too. The attitude of locals towards local women vs. foreign women can also vary significantly, so just because a destination has high gender-based violence doesn’t mean you will necessarily be subject to it.

My drink was spiked in Dublin. I was pick-pocketed in Barcelona. An armed criminal gang in the Cotswolds targeted my ex-husband. I was mugged at knifepoint in Exeter (England). None of these destinations come with a warning (well, maybe Barcelona) because most visits are incident-free. We don’t think twice about taking our kids to Orlando despite there having been 28 mass shootings there in 2023.

Why am I telling you this? Because no country is guaranteed to be safe, and you need to take precautions, but just because something bad has happened at some point doesn’t mean you should write it off!

To some this is dangerous, to others it is their highlight

Safest African countries for solo female travellers based on my own experience

1. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but it is steadily gaining recognition among solo female travellers. Known for its warm hospitality, Sierra Leone boasts a relatively low crime rate compared to other regions. The country’s focus on women’s rights and programmes promoting gender equality fosters a positive environment for female travellers.

I’ve been to Sierra Leone 3 times now and have explored the country solo and with Street Child. I also organise Cultural Immersion Tours there for intrepid travellers who want to enjoy this wonderful country but don’t fancy navigating it on their own.

Find out more about our Sierra Leone Tours

What was my experience like in Sierra Leone?

Sierra Leone was my first-ever solo trip (unless you count moving to Ireland when I left home). I still remember the bewilderment when I landed into the chaotic old airport. Everyone was trying to get my attention by shouting “SIM CARD!”, “MONEY EXCHANGE!”, WATER TAXI!”. A shiver of trepidation rushed through my body as I thought “, What am I doing here? I’m out of my depth”.

But shortly after that thought crossed my mind, I met my first Sierra Leonean friend—a young man with a warm smile who helped me navigate the chaos. This generosity continued throughout my trip. While I waited for the water taxi, a young guy called Sherry sat with me, teaching me my first words of Krio. Every year, he has been waiting for me at the airport, ready to give me a big hug when I arrive.

When I decided to walk to the shop alone, a man approached me to ensure I was OK. Seeing this, another man approached to make sure the first man wasn’t harassing me. By the time I reached the supermarket, I had ten people walking with me, making sure I was safe! This sums up Sierra Leone, the locals really want you to have a good experience here!

The wonderful smiles of Sierra Leone

Safety considerations

When I think of Sierra Leone, I think of big smiles and fist bumps, but it is also important to be alert. It is a developing country, and many people see foreigners as a means to make money. Begging is common (often masked as friendship), and it is not unusual for people to ask for your number, which will eventually result in them asking you for money to cover medical bills, get a new phone, or buy a laptop.

Like in any country, you need to have your wits about you. Don’t flash valuables, wear a money belt, and don’t walk alone at night. Nothing bad has ever happened to me, but opportunistic theft is common, so stay alert. Most importantly, though, be respectful. Your iPhone costs more than most people’s annual wage! Think twice before flashing it about!

Sierra Leone Articles you might find helpful:

Useful contacts to help you plan your trip

My love for Sierra Leone runs deep!

2. Tanzania

Tanzania, home to the iconic Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, is an adventurer’s paradise. The country has made significant strides in improving safety for tourists, and its crime rate remains moderate compared to global standards.

I’ve been to Tanzania three times: once on safari with my ex-husband, once while hosting a group tour, and more recently solo. As well as enjoying a solo safari, I also lived like a local in Arusha for a couple of weeks, mingling with the locals, using public transport, and even going on a date!

The reason most people visit Tanzania – to go on safari!

What was my experience like in Tanzania?

Firstly, it is worth noting that Tanzania is a huge country, and my experience is based on spending time in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. I loved Arusha and particularly loved spending time as a “local” there. I had no issues using public transport, and just like in Sierra Leone, I was met with kindness and generosity.

Most people who visit Tanzania do so to go on safari. That is a very curated experience, and you should have no concerns as a solo female traveller as long as you have booked with a reputable safari company. I was lucky to find a rough diamond, having put all my trust in a stranger I met on Instagram! Malaki, from Migration Tanzania Safaris, had been a guide for 15 years, but I was his first-ever customer under his new business. We arrived as strangers but left with a brother from another mother. Thanks to him, I now have a home in Arusha.

I now work with Malaki arranging group trips (want to join us next September?!), and following my divorce, I spent a month with him and his family. But it’s not just Malaki and his wife who have made Tanzania special for me. It is all the other wonderful people I’ve met while there.

Join me in Tanzania September 2025!

Tanzanian Wedding

 While staying in Arusha, my Airbnb host invited me to join her at a party. She gave me 5 minutes to get ready and failed to tell me it was a wedding! Everyone else was in ball gowns while I rocked up in jeans! Needless to say that despite feeling hugely out of place, I was welcomed with open arms, and everyone made sure I felt at home, even on the dance floor where my moves most certainly didn’t belong! It was the kind of travel experience I had only ever read about in books, and it is one that I will remember forever!

Another equally memorable encounter was with a fisherman called Hassan on Lake Manyara. He offered to take me out on the lake in his dug-out canoe. Hassan was a lively guy who was full of the cheer of life. He spoke no English, and my Swahili is very limited, but we were managing to communicate. “Bea, teach me English song” he said. And so this is how I found myself singing “If You Are Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands” with a random fisherman in the middle of Lake Manyara.

Hassan the fisherman!

Safety considerations

The primary safety concerns in Arusha are the same as those everywhere in the world: opportunistic theft! Keep your valuables out of sight, wear a money belt and don’t flash your expensive phone about. If you are using local transport like boda boda (bikes), be aware that other motorbikers might come up and snatch your bag, so make sure it is slung over both shoulders. You may also experience light fingers in the minibuses. I personally had no problems and experienced nothing but kindness. Everyone was keen to greet me, and as soon as I replied in Swahili, their faces lit up.

I wouldn’t recommend walking alone at night, but then there are very few places in the world where I would. I certainly would consider Tanzania, or at least Arusha, one of the safest African countries for solo female travellers, as long as you are sensible.

Tanzania Articles you might find helpful:

Useful contacts to help you plan your trip

Exploring Tanzania on bike with a modern Maasai Warrior

3. Kenya

Kenya offers a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and adventure. Known for its vibrant cities and stunning national parks, Kenya is a safe choice for solo female travellers. The country’s tourism industry is well-developed, with numerous women’s safety initiatives in place.

I went to Kenya for the first time last year as part of a group tour with Indy Escapes but spent a few extra days exploring on my own without any issues. I am returning in October 2024 to host my own tour (want to join?) and will spend the remainder of the month exploring further afield.

Find out more about the Kenya trip

What was my experience like in Kenya?

I had no issues in Kenya, and just like in Sierra Leone and Tanzania, I was met with nothing but friendliness. One of the most memorable encounters was with Paul, an Uber driver, who invited me to his family home to join them for a goat BBQ. I met his wife and two daughters and enjoyed a wonderful evening of generous hospitality.

I also met a lovely man while buying a local SIM card. We got chatting, and after asking him where the craft market was, he offered to drop me off. I know, I know… don’t get in cars with strange men! But true to his promise, he dropped me off and left me with his number should I ever need help. And this is my story of Sub-Saharan Africa: kindness and generosity!

Meeting the Maasai in Kenya

Safety considerations

I felt safe at all times in Nairobi. As part of the tour with Indy Escapes, we visited a couple of slums, and I also went on a tour of Downtown Nairobi with Nai Nami. Both of these experiences were incredible, but I don’t recommend doing them solo.

Quite recently, there have been some protests that have turned violent, but these again have been isolated to specific areas. As we have seen in the UK even more recently, it can happen anywhere! It’s important to keep abreast of the situation though!

My advice for Kenya is the same as that for other countries: do your research so you don’t end up in the wrong place, don’t tempt opportunistic theft, and learn some Swahili; it will transform your interactions with locals.

Kenya Articles you might find helpful:

Useful contacts to help you plan your trip

Exploring downtown Nairobi with “King”

4. Uganda

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and friendly locals. The country has remained stable with a low crime rate, making it an attractive destination.

Disclaimer! I did not travel to Uganda alone; I was with my ex-husband at the time. I have included this information because I would not hesitate to go back alone.

We met a few wonderful people while in Uganda, one of whom travelled all the way to Tanzania to see me when I was last there (a 24-hour bus ride!). The theme of Uganda was the same as everywhere I have described so far: big smiles and warm welcomes!

Meeting the Batwa community

My personal experience in Uganda?

My trip was divided into three parts: time with Street Child visiting a refugee camp, time exploring Kampala on our own, and time on safari, the highlight of which was trekking with gorillas.

Two people stood out for me during this trip. The first was Derrick. He was our driver during our trip with Street Child. I loved hanging out with him, and we had some excellent chats during our long drives. At the end of the trip, he offered to spend the weekend with us and took us to the source of the Nile in Jinja with no expectation of being paid.

The second person was Dennis, a young, newly qualified guide on the same gorilla trek as us. We talked the whole way up and back down the mountain again. Dennis made the 24-hour trip to come and see me in Tanzania!

Dennis after arriving in Tanzania post a 24 hour bus ride

Safety considerations

The safety considerations are the same as those already mentioned for Kenya and Tanzania. Beware of your belongings, respect local culture, don’t flash expensive items, and learn some Luganda words.

However, there is one thing I would mention about Uganda, and that is bribery. We saw a lot more of that than in Tanzania or Kenya. It didn’t impact us, but it is something to be aware of. Derrick was caught speeding and pulled over by the police. He got out of it by handing over a note to the police officer (so it’s not always bad!).

Uganda Articles you might find helpful:

Useful contacts to help you plan your trip

Highlight of Uganda – spending time with gorillas

5. South Africa

South Africa is a diverse and dynamic country that offers a myriad of experiences for solo travellers. While certain areas require caution, many regions are safe for solo female adventurers.

I spent six weeks exploring South Africa without incident and at no point felt unsafe. I stayed for a week in Hoedspruit, explored the Greater Kruger Area, did various self-drive safaris in Kruger and Hluhluwe Imfolozi, drove the extent of KZN and stayed in Cape Town for a week hiking Lion’s Head and Table Mountain solo.

Looking over Blyde Canyon

What was my experience like in South Africa?

I had a wonderful time! I was only meant to go there for two weeks but stayed for six! That should tell you how much I liked it. Unlike the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, it is very Westernised but still has a sprinkle of Africa.

I met some truly wonderful people during my travels. In Hoedspruit, I was hosted by Anouk and Dennis at Ubuntu Luxury Villa. They are a Dutch couple making a life for themselves in Hoedspruit. When my luggage went missing, they went out to buy me some clothes and toiletries ready for when I arrived so I could feel instantly comfortable. When the luggage got delivered at the gate while we were out, one of their friends collected it and held it for me without even being asked, because they realised I would probably be desperate for it!

Also, while in Hoedspruit, I met Curtis Roberts, a very inspiring young man who dreams of becoming the next David Attenborough. We went for breakfast and spent four hours nattering about the world—one of my highlights.

My wonderful hosts – Anouk and Dennis

Don’t be afraid of speaking to strangers

In Cape Town, I hiked Lion’s Head and Table Mountain solo, meeting a fellow hiker on Table Mountain with whom I chatted the whole way down. I had been told not to speak to “strange men,” but I could hardly avoid it since we were walking at the same pace! He was a sweetheart, and it was lovely to have some company!

In KZN, Evan from Nala Africa Safaris hosted me at his family’s game reserve in Eland Lake. Evan was instrumental in helping me organise my South Africa trip; I could not have stayed as long without him.

I have so many stories of kindness, not all of which I can fit in this post. But hopefully, if you get one thing from it, it is that South Africa is full of wonderful, kind, and generous people!

Just because you travel solo, doesn’t mean you are alone

Safety concerns

You can’t ignore safety in South Africa; the stats don’t lie. But that doesn’t mean something bad is going to happen to you; you just need to be vigilant. I certainly would not walk anywhere alone at night (or indeed with someone), and I was extra careful driving to make sure none of my belongings were on show, as snatch-and-grabs at traffic lights (especially in cities) seem to be quite common.

I will admit that I was more vigilant in South Africa than I have been anywhere else, but that doesn’t stop me from recommending it as a place to visit as a female solo traveller. Is it the safest country in Africa? No. Should it be avoided? No.

I did the one thing you are told NEVER to do: I picked up a hitchhiker! I was lucky, and John was a sweetheart, but even he asked me never to stop again! However, I learned a lot about hitchhiking in South Africa during that ride, which you can read about in my “Driving in South Africa” blog post.

Although I felt safe at all times, there was one thing that did bug me in South Africa, and that was the racial tension that is still palpable. It didn’t affect me personally, but it did disturb me.

Self-drive safari Kruger National Park

South Africa Articles you might find helpful:

Useful contacts to help you plan your trip

6. Lesotho

Lesotho, the “Kingdom in the Sky,” is a small country known for its striking mountainous landscapes. Its low crime rates and community-driven safety initiatives make it a peaceful destination for solo female travellers. The Basotho people are known for their hospitality, adding a layer of warmth to your visit.

I was in Lesotho for 4 days and have given Lesotho the title of “friendliest country” out of all 40 countries I have visited!

These two young boys came up to me while I was enjoying the scenery to request a photoshoot!

What was my experience like in Lesotho?

Outside of the capital, Lesotho is very sparsely populated. I drove the length of the country on its beautiful, open, windy roads through the highlands. Aside from the odd pothole, the conditions were great, and I didn’t pass a single person who didn’t wave at me.

I did get stopped by the police on my way to Semonkong. I thought it was a routine check. They asked me where I was going, and when I replied, they said, “Great! Do you mind giving us a ride?”. Well, I never expected I would be picking up hitchhiking police officers! Apparently, this is quite common as not all police have cars, so they go from community to community by catching rides!

My time in Semonkong was particularly wonderful. I joined a local for a horse ride to a nearby waterfall and ended up racing him back across the escarpment. It will forever remain one of my top travel memories. As we galloped past small settlements, the locals stood up and started cheering! Once we pulled up, a couple cantered over to us to high-five me and to ask me if I was a local, “as I rode like one!”. What a compliment from a nation that lives on horseback!

I loved Lesotho and its people, and I can’t wait to return during the rainy season so I can see it while it’s green!

Enjoying a the countryside on horseback in Lesotho

Safety considerations

I received many warnings from people about how dangerous Lesotho is. The crime statistics suggest that it has one of the highest murder per capita rates in the world. I wonder if the capital, Maseru, is more dangerous. I certainly did not feel unsafe at any point during my trip.

Personally, I feel the best way to explore Lesotho is with a hire car. I loved driving there and found it easy, but it is worth noting that certain roads have lots of potholes. Aside from the main roads, you are predominantly on dirt tracks. People also commented about how “difficult” the mountain passes were, but I must say they were easy compared to driving in places like Maderia.

Lesotho Articles you might find helpful:

I am still writing my Lesotho articles, so make sure you sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss them when they are published!

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Useful contacts to help you plan your trip

The beautiful landscapes of Lesotho

7. Eswatini

Eswatini, previously Swaziland, is a hidden gem offering rich culture and stunning scenery. With its low crime rates and cultural respect for women, Eswatini is an appealing choice for solo female explorers. The country’s friendly atmosphere and community efforts to support tourism enhance the overall experience.

I spent a week in the Kingdom of Eswatini, and I found it to be an incredibly peaceful experience. Everything is orderly, people are polite, the driving standards are high, and most importantly, I found Eswatini to be the most inclusive of all the African nations I have visited.

What was my experience like in Eswatini?

The start of my time in Eswatini wasn’t the best. I was following Google blindly from my final stay in South Africa to my accommodation for the night in Eswatini. I didn’t question it when it started to take me down a dirt track because my descent from the border with Lesotho had also been on a similar road. But as I continued following this ever-increasingly bumpy track, I started to consider that I may be in the wrong place! I stopped to ask a local who laughed and said, “You can follow this track, but you are heading to an illegal crossing!”. So, having wasted an hour, and with no signal, I retraced my steps until I was finally able to pick up the right road to a border crossing, which was much further away.

The same issues with Google persisted in Eswatini, which meant I arrived at my destination, which was, in fact, not my destination at all! Luckily, there was a ranger there who offered to hop in the car with me and take me to the right gate and all the way to my lodge for the night.

But aside from Google letting me down, I can’t fault the people of Eswatini. I had a fantastic time horse riding, zip-lining and quad biking.

Eswatini Articles you might find helpful:

I am still writing my Eswatini articles, so make sure you sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss them when they are published!

Don’t miss out! Sign up for my newsletter!

Practical Tips for Solo Female Travellers

I have written at length before about how to stay safe when exploring developing countries. I recommend reading the guide as it is relevant to female solo travellers exploring Africa.

However, if you are reluctant to click away, below is a summary of my safety tips:

Markets in Sierra Leone – photo courtesy of Street Child

Ready to Explore?

Are these the safest countries in Africa for solo female travellers? I don’t know because I haven’t yet visited all 54 countries to make that comparison. What I can tell you is that I visited 8 countries, and I felt safe in the 7 I mentioned above. But remember, safety is subjective, and my comfort levels may well be very different to yours.

If you love the sound of these countries but are wondering whether you are ready to explore them alone, why not join me on a group tour? In 2025 I will be hosting tours in Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, and I would love for you to join me!

Join me on an adventure!

Don’t forget your travel insurance!


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