The large majority of travelers to Africa return home without encountering any serious problems. That said, be aware of potential problems by checking country details on SafeAround. Nearly all tourist attractions on the African continent are far from conflict zones.

Some countries like Central Africa Republic, Sudan, Somalia or Libya are among the world’s most dangerous because of conflicts, crime and terrorist attacks; and should be avoided at all costs. The Central Sahara region is now partly controlled by Al Qaeda : in northern Mali (near the Nigerian border) and Mauritania several kidnappings have occurred, as well as a couple of suicide bombings in Nouakchott.

In other regions, common safety advice should be followed:

• Carry as little cash as you can
• Don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket
• Beware of individuals who act strangely and who try to divert your attention in order to steal your belongings.
• Pay special attention while seating on restaurants and café terraces, when you are withdrawing money from ATMs or near tourist attractions
• Never keep your mobile phone or wallet on the table of a café or restaurant.
• Don’t wear expensive jewellery in an ostentatious way
• If an attacker tries to snatch your bag, don’t try to stop them as you will risk being injured
• Protect your personal belongings at all times, especially your ID and passport. Petty crime, like bag snatching and pick pocketing, is a serious problem around touristic areas and on public transport.

For more details, see country specific advice or take a look at our travel articles.

Below is a  danger  / safety map for African countries (in French)

Yellow: Stay Alert
Orange: Not Recommended unless for specific reasons
Red: Strongly Not Recommended