Safest African Country for a first Safari

[Muledeerchaser]

Well time is running out, I will be 69 this Christmas and have yet to hunt Africa….. So, I have decided to start to plan a trip for 2024 or 2025. Can anyone give me some advise as to which Country they consider traveling to that is SOMEWHAT safe….. I would be especially interested in hearing from hunters that have visited the dark Continent within the last few years….
Thanks, advise much appreciated.

 

[YancyW]

I felt very safe in Namibia.

 

[375Fox]

Go to Namibia if you want that peace of mind it’s safe. Also, I think it’s the best location for a first safari because of the quality of hunting and quality of outfitters. However, for hunting South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia are all very safe for hunting with a PH.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Tanzania
Namibia

 

[BnC 04]

In my opinion RSA, Namibia, Zim, Zambia, Moz and Tanzania are all equally "somewhat" safe. Go with a reputable outfitter and they will ensure your not caught in the bad areas at the wrong times.
That being said, anything can happen in any location but all we can do is mitigate the odds in our favor.
Start planning and enjoy the ride!

 

[YancyW]

The safety aspect come along with choosing an outfitter you trust. I've been to SA several times, I was with people trusted and never worried for a minute, they knew what they were doing.

 

[gillettehunter]

@YancyW has it right. Pick a good operator and you’ll be fine. I’ve been 8 times in the last 15 yrs. No significant problems. Namibia is great. No issues with Zambia. So. Africa is fine with good companies. Tanzania is a great destination. I hear good things about Botswana and Zimbabwe. Any of those and you’ll have a great experience.
Bruce

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

The only safety issues that we have here in Zimbabwe “our roads”.

 

[pacific]

You’re 69 and if you can afford it then just go to Tanzania. You will get the best of everything there.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Zimbabwe, but fly into your destination. The roads are not so much unsafe as uncomfortable, and wht waste a day of your precious safari getting in and out.

 

[John Telford]

Safe as in leave your wallet full of cash next to your bed lamp or safe as in not having to shoot your way out of an ambush?

 

[Sideshow]

Namibia reason it’s safer. In the dry season less mosquitoes. Also smaller population so less crime.
Botswana also a good one for less crime and good government.
We used to say though…..once you cross the Zambizi that’s where you where back into real Africa!
Mind you above Etosha it’s very old school Africa and obviously Zim has some great spots around Kariba.
Guess it all depends on what you’re interpretation of safe is?
I always get asked “Did you carry a gun when driving over-landing safari“! answer is always “God NO I’d have used it on the passengers”!!

 

[Sideshow]

That‘s why I recon the PH have the best job…..there armed if they don’t like a client…..oh that lion ate em….but seriously they only have to put up with us for a short time.
I had to be nice (my nice and your nice we can agree to disagree on) for 3 months at a time lol.

 

[Sika98k]

Namibia. Great hunting to be had. It’s very easy importing a firearm. After/before your hunt you could hire a 4x4 and do a bit of touring.
we did that this year.
My only regret is that I haven’t done the same on my previous trips to Namibia.

 

[ActionBob]

Tanzania. Nice people, good operators, never felt unsafe..
Well except for the lion tracks everywhere

 

[Daveboone]

We went to the Eastern Cape of SA spring of 22. From the airport on arrival to departure, we felt totally safe at all times. We were greeted in the airport by our hosts (Afton House), assisted with our luggage and delivered to and from Afton to the airport, and assisted to our departure lines. Your outfitter should ensure you are never in an area of concern. We actually did a private tour of Soweto and Johannesburg, and likewise...never had a concern. Dont dress flashy, leave the expensive jewelry/watches at home so as not to draw attention. Dont flash a lot of cash. There will be plenty of panhandlers, and in the airport there will be many "stewards" looking to help you for a tip. Keep a handful of small bills in your pocket, and a couple ones in your shirt pocket for this. We will happily return.

 

[WAB]

I have hunted all over Southern Africa and have never felt unsafe. (Well there was that elephant charge…) Probably the most politically stable countries with the lowest crime rates are Namibia and Botswana (I haven’t looked up stats so please don’t berate me if I am off) However, I would advise you to go where you will get the experience you are looking for without concern for safety. Western Africa is another story altogether. I was considering a trip to Burkina Faso when it came apart. That is an absolute no go country at this point.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Everyone has their favorites and some have hunted more than one country and in my opinion have a better perspective on "safe". As others have posted, go with a reputable outfitter in the countries already mentioned and there likely won't be a problem. If cost is a factor, South Africa plains game hunts give more bang for the buck.

 

[Philip Glass]

We’ll time is running out, I will be 69 this Christmas and have yet to hunt Africa….. So, I have decided to start to plan a trip for 2024 or 2025. Can anyone give me some advise as to which Country they consider traveling to that is SOMEWHAT safe….. I would be especially interested in hearing from hunters that have visited the dark Continent within the last few years….
Thanks, advise much appreciated.

After nearly 20 trips to Africa and including 5 different countries safety has never been a concern. I was just in Namibia, South Africa (EC), and Zimbabwe this summer and I never once felt unsafe. None of us would ever recommend a place that was not inherently safe to others here on AH. That said, Namibia would be my choice for you to feel most at ease on your safari. There is also no problem with most of South Africa outside of the big cities. 2024 will be pretty full now for the top outfitters so don't delay if you want to go next year.

 

[YancyW]

The only safety issues that we have here in Zimbabwe “our roads”.

I really didn't see many when I was there...