Is it safe to go on safari?
Why your African safari will be the safest adventure of a lifetime
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
Every year, millions of tourists safely enjoy African safaris from all over the world. American, European, and Australian tourists, and countless others from around the world, have Africa on their bucket lists because of the high-quality adventures, luxury accommodations, and often breathtaking experiences available on the continent.
Because of this high demand, Africa's safari industry has evolved into one of the world's most professional tourism sectors.
Are African safari tours safe? Absolutely. As Africa Geographic's extensive safari experience confirms, you'll spend most of your African holiday in relatively remote wilderness areas where crime of any sort is extremely rare, if not non-existent. Following the guide’s instructions and keeping a respectful distance from the wildlife is also recommended for a seamless experience.
How do we keep you safe on safari?
For some, the isolation in the bush is a dream world, but for others, this image is fear-evoking, and understandably! The Big 5 animals roam free, and that includes some pretty incredible predators (always an epic sighting).
Your guides are wildlife whisperers, and risk management is second nature. Their wilderness first aid and evacuation training ensures they're prepared for any scenario.
You may also be wondering: Is it dangerous to travel on safari in an open vehicle? Not at all. These specialised vehicles are designed especially for wildlife viewing, with elevated seating that provides excellent vantage points while maintaining safe distances from animals. Additionally, animals in many conservation areas and reserves are used to the sounds and shapes of vehicles and view them as non-threatening.
The only thing you'll need to worry about is dressing appropriately for the weather and guarding against the blazing African sun. Luckily, we have just the guide for you to help you plan for what outfits and items to bring along for your African safari.
Smart safari planning: maximising your investment
Urban planning: Are Africa's cities safe?
Is Africa different from other destinations? Not really. Africa is no different from the rest of the world when it comes to city precautions. If you plan to spend time in a city, take the same precautions you would in your home country.
The areas where you'll spend your safari time are probably as far away from any trouble spots as the Middle East is from London. While petty theft can occur in cities (as it does worldwide), physical attacks on tourists are extremely rare.
Quick city wisdom:
Use hotel safes for valuables, just like you would in Paris or New York
Dress casually and blend in with locals
Ask your hotel about the best areas to explore
Use discretion with expensive electronics (standard travel practice anywhere)
The good news? You'll quickly leave urban areas behind for the real magic of Africa's wilderness.
Safest safari destinations
Every destination and experience recommended by Africa Geographic is not only safe but also spectacular, as you can see from our many 5-star reviews. However, for travellers anxious about safety, there are some countries that are particularly low risk.
Botswana
Botswana stands as possibly the safest country on the entire African continent when it comes to crime. Botswana is consistently rated as one of the continent's most stable democracies. This country’s approach to high-value, low-impact tourism means you'll enjoy exclusive experiences in pristine wilderness areas, supported by world-class infrastructure.
Namibia
Namibia ranks #50 on the Global Peace Index 2025, making it one of the world's most peaceful nations. This sparsely populated country offers conservation models that are copied worldwide, with community conservancies that have revolutionised wildlife management. The result? Abundant wildlife in landscapes so dramatic they'll leave you speechless.
South Africa
With over 100 years of refined safari hospitality, South Africa offers private reserves that exceed European luxury standards. The excellent healthcare infrastructure provides additional peace of mind, while seamless logistics connect international airports to remote bush lodges effortlessly.
Kenya
Kenya consistently ranks as one of Africa’s safest safari destinations, particularly in its established wildlife regions. The country benefits from a well-developed tourism infrastructure, highly trained guides, and private conservancies that prioritise visitor safety. With stable political conditions in key safari areas and robust emergency protocols, travellers can focus on unforgettable wildlife experiences, from the Great Wildebeest Migration to intimate Big 5 encounters, without unnecessary concern. Kenya’s dedication to high-quality, responsible tourism ensures both safety and peace of mind throughout your journey.
Are African safaris safe for Americans?
Yes, African safaris are safe for American travellers when booked through trusted operators. South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, and Tanzania are among the top destinations that cater extensively to U.S. visitors, with strong tourism infrastructure and well-trained guides who prioritise guest safety.
In South Africa especially, safari lodges and camps are located in secure, privately managed reserves or national parks, far from urban crime areas. Most guides and staff speak fluent English and are accustomed to hosting American guests, ensuring clear communication and comfort throughout your stay.
Health and security protocols are also taken seriously, from airport transfers and private drivers to 24-hour lodge security and access to nearby medical facilities. As long as you follow your guide’s instructions and basic travel precautions, a safari in Africa is a safe and rewarding experience for Americans.
Expert guidance, personal connection
Our team comprises more than travel professionals – we’re Africa specialists who understand that your safari investment deserves meticulous attention to both experience and impact. Many hold advanced degrees in natural sciences, bringing academic rigour to practical journey planning.
During your extended planning process, your safari expert becomes your window into Africa's conservation landscape. Post-safari, we facilitate ongoing engagement with the projects you've discovered, transforming a holiday into a lifelong connection with Africa's wild places.
Wildlife safety
Is Africa's wildlife safe for travellers to visit? When you understand that you're entering the animals' home territory with expert guidance, wildlife encounters become incredibly rewarding. As our safari experts at Africa Geographic emphasise, wild animals deserve respect and caution – this respect is what creates the magic of authentic wildlife experiences.
These animals are genuinely wild, not theme park attractions or Disney characters. Even the smallest antelopes possess survival instincts that have kept them alive in Africa's challenging natural environment for millennia. This wildness is precisely what makes your encounters so extraordinary.
Download the AG packing guide
Planning your safari? Our downloadable checklist covers everything from clothing layers to camera gear, organised by category for easy packing.
Wildlife encounters: the thrill of respectful adventure
The art of wildlife photography
Through our annual Photographer of the Year competition, we know the ins and outs of excellent, ethical and safe wildlife photography.
Never attempt to attract an animal's attention through sounds, hand clapping, or object throwing. Your guide's expertise lies in predicting natural behaviours and positioning you for incredible shots when animals naturally look your way or interact with each other.
The most memorable photographs come from patient observation of authentic animal behaviours, not forced interactions. Your guide will help you capture these genuine moments that tell the real story of African wildlife.
Special wilderness experiences
Walking safaris provide intimate encounters with smaller species and detailed ecosystem education. These specialised guides undergo additional training and carry comprehensive safety equipment, allowing you to experience the African bush on foot safely.
Evening programmes might include guided night walks within camp boundaries, where you can appreciate the sounds of the African night while remaining in secure areas. Many lodges offer elevated viewing platforms or safe outdoor spaces for sunset drinks and stargazing.
Why Africa Geographic makes the difference
As safari experts since 1991, Africa Geographic has built relationships with service providers who don't just meet international standards – they set them. Our experiential travel approach ensures your safari makes a real difference in Africa while providing you with the adventure of a lifetime.
We understand that international travellers expect premium experiences comparable to luxury European destinations. That's why we work exclusively with operators whose standards exceed those expectations, where professional excellence comes standard and conservation success creates the backdrop for your incredible encounters.
The statistics speak for themselves: millions of international visitors return home each year with nothing but extraordinary memories, stunning photographs, and stories that will captivate friends and family for years to come. This isn't by accident – it's the result of professional standards that rival any luxury tourism sector worldwide.
Trusted by thousands of satisfied travellers
✔️ 4.9 Star Trustpilot Rating ✔️ 5,000+ Safari Trips Completed
✔️ 34+ Years of Experience ✔️ 2025 Conde Nast Travel Specialist Award Winner
“I have been travelling with Africa Geographic for more than a decade... Amateur photography is my hobby, and each trip has been unique, well-planned, and fulfilled my purposes whether it was a tent camp in Zambia to see the bat migration, to visit Ethiopia, or, as on this trip, with my family of 11 including five children (7-18 yrs) to introduce them to the gorillas and chimpanzees of Uganda, the golden monkeys in the Volcano NP in Rwanda, or the migration in the Serengeti, the details of the trip, met our needs and desires ... Trust and enjoy.”
“Our second trip using Africa Geographic. This was a 12-day itinerary including Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay, Brandberg, Etosha, and Okonjima. Excellent planning, communication, information package, and advice. Accommodation absolutely as we expected. The private guide was superb, and the vehicle was excellent. Fabulous experience. Highly recommended.”
“Benjamin knocked it out of the park! We are the DIY type and have never used a travel agent before, so we were kind of sceptical. Ben took the time to ask all the right questions and tweaked the plan based on our feedback until it was perfect (we didn't make it easy on him!). The trip was all we dreamed of and more! I can't recommend this company enough for a once-in-a-lifetime trip."
Some of our top-rated African safaris
Our safari experts have chosen these as their favourites based on extensive travels all over Africa for many years. Many of our guests use these as inspiration when curating and tailor-making their holiday with one of our safari experts.
Start planning your dream safari
When will Africa entice you with her magic? Your transformation awaits – let our conservation experts craft a journey that matches your values with your dreams of Africa. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!