About Tanzania Africa’s major cities are still sometimes judged by outdated stereotypes. In reality, many urban centers across the continent have low crime rates, a visible police presence, advanced surveillance systems, and well-maintained public spaces that create an atmosphere of stability and order comparable to that of some European capitals. To identify where travelers and residents can feel most secure, the editorial team at Altezza Travel analyzed the latest safety rankings, crime statistics, and independent reports to compile this list of the safest cities in Africa for 2026.
How this ranking was compiled
When preparing this article, we relied not only on city safety indices but also on country-level indicators. Otherwise, the list would have been significantly longer, with many entries requiring substantial disclaimers. For this reason, for example, the popular tourist destination of Cape Town, South Africa, is not included. While there are neighborhoods where visitors can feel safe even after dark, there are also areas to avoid even during the day. The country itself frequently appears in rankings of the continent's most dangerous countries – something that cannot be overlooked.
In compiling the ranking, we relied on:
- Crime Index by City. Compiled by the Numbeo project, it ranks cities by levels of street crime, including assaults, theft, and car theft.
- Safety Index. An analytical report by Global Residence Index evaluating the quality of life and safety in cities and countries for residents and visitors.
- Safe Cities Index. Produced by Economist Impact, this comprehensive global ranking evaluates personal safety as well as healthcare systems and infrastructure.
- UN Office on Drugs and Crime report. A statistical country profile with data on violent crime rates, armed robbery, and related indicators.
- Rule of Law Index. Compiled by the World Justice Project based on surveys of experts and citizens. It evaluates the effectiveness of the judicial system, protection of human rights, overall security, and more.
- Global Peace Index. A major analytical study by the Institute for Economics & Peace. It considers internal and external conflicts, political stability, crime levels, and militarization.
Safest cities in Africa
Port Louis
- Population: 145,000
- Country: Mauritius
The capital of Mauritius, like the country as a whole, has consistently ranked among the leaders in numerous safety ratings.
In the Global Peace Index, this small island nation ranks 26th, above the United Kingdom, Norway, Italy, and Sweden. In the Global Terrorism Index, Mauritius is classified among countries with a score of 0.000 – a result rarely achieved even by developed nations.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the homicide rate is 2.27 per 100,000 people. For comparison, in US cities the rate is 5.76, and in Brazil it is 19.28. Violent crime in Port Louis is rare. The most common offenses are petty theft and fraud, including scams involving drivers in airport and tourist areas.
Travelers are advised to follow standard precautions: keep an eye on personal belongings, avoid walking alone at night, and use official taxi services.
The high level of safety is the result of effective law enforcement, a stable judicial system, and overall economic development. One such initiative is the “Safe City” program: around 4,000 surveillance cameras have been installed across the island, with footage monitored in real time by police. The project aims to reduce street crime and improve road safety.
Mauritius ranks first on the list of the “Most stable and developed countries in Africa”: it is a democracy with no unrest or civil conflicts, and the authorities invest in AI development and the establishment of international research centers.
Rabat
- Population: 2.1 million
- Country: Morocco
Rabat is the capital and administrative center of Morocco. Unlike tourist-focused Marrakesh or business-oriented Casablanca, Rabat is home to many key state institutions: the Royal Palace, parliament, government ministries, and the headquarters of the national police and intelligence services. Such a concentration of government institutions requires strict security standards.
According to the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), violent crime decreased by 10% last year, while the crime clearance rate reached 95%. The latest Numbeo index also ranks Rabat as the safest city in Africa.
Authorities continue to strengthen the country’s security infrastructure. In December 2025, the began operations, and in the second half of 2026, a new central headquarters of the national police is scheduled to open in the capital. These steps, along with the implementation of modern technologies, are part of a large-scale modernization of the security system ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Alexandria
- Population: 5.9 million
- Country: Egypt
Alexandria is often referred to as Egypt’s second capital. Compared to Cairo, it has a smaller population and a more relaxed, coastal atmosphere, as it is located on the Mediterranean Sea.
In the Numbeo index, Alexandria ranks second for safety in Africa, behind only Rabat, and 10th for quality of life. In both rankings, it outperforms Cairo.
International organizations often assess Egypt within the broader North African context, where regional tensions in the Middle East influence overall security perceptions. Travel advisories from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States frequently mention regional instability. However, this does not prevent Egypt from being regarded as one of the safest countries on the continent. In practice, safety conditions in major Egyptian cities are comparable to those in many other popular global tourist destinations.
The risk of violent and serious crime in Alexandria is relatively low. More common are pickpocketing in crowded areas, vehicle theft, and scams, including those involving drivers. Visitors are advised to monitor their belongings, avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night, and agree on taxi fares in advance.
Windhoek
- Population: 528,000
- Country: Namibia
Windhoek’s calm atmosphere stands out among African capitals. A key factor is the “Smart Policing” program, which focuses on proactive crime prevention. Officers patrol neighborhoods, work with informants, build trust with residents, and install surveillance cameras in higher-risk areas.
As a result, Numbeo ranks Windhoek sixth for safety and third for quality of life on the continent.
In the Rule of Law Index, Namibia ranks 45th globally, ahead of Croatia, Greece, and Montenegro. Its strongest areas include order and security, government transparency, and respect for human rights. In the Global Peace Index, the country ranks 50th, above the UAE, Serbia, Cyprus, France, China, and the United States.
At the same time, property crimes, including street theft, car theft, and burglary, remain widespread, according to the US Overseas Security Advisory Council. Travelers are advised to follow standard safety precautions.
Cairo
- Population: 23.5 million (including suburbs)
- Country: Egypt
Cairo is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. In recent years, it has consistently ranked among the five safest cities in Africa according to Numbeo.
Until 2018, the United Nations recorded a homicide rate of 1.31 per 100,000 residents of Egypt – comparable to France (1.34) and Canada (1.98). However, updated UN homicide statistics for Cairo have not been publicly available in recent years.
In the 2026 Safety Index, Cairo ranks 99th out of 181 cities, ahead of New York, Bangkok, Moscow, Los Angeles, and many others. Egypt’s relatively strong performance in global indices also indirectly supports Cairo’s standing. In the Global Peace Index, the country ranks ahead of India and the United States, and in the Global Terrorism Index, it performs better than Germany, Thailand, the Philippines, and Kenya.
The risk of violent crime in Cairo is relatively low. A large tourist presence, hotel security measures, and a dedicated tourist police force help maintain public order. However, petty theft and scams remain common.
Tunis
- Population: 2.6 million
- Country: Tunisia
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia. In the Numbeo index, it ranks third for safety and seventh for quality of life in Africa. The city is located in northern Tunisia, on the coast of the Gulf of Tunis.
According to the UK government, this region is considered a relatively safe “green zone,” unlike border areas near Libya and certain provinces near Algeria.
However, a state of emergency has been in effect in the capital since 2015. President Kais Saied extended it until the end of 2026. This includes enhanced police patrols and increased security in tourist and administrative districts. Authorities are also expanding surveillance systems and implementing license plate recognition technologies.
In the Safety Index, Tunis ranks 98th – ahead of New York, San Francisco, Boston, Athens, Bangkok, and other major cities. Tunisia ranks 81st in the Global Peace Index, just seven positions behind France and ahead of Thailand, China, India, the United States, and Turkey.
Casablanca
- Population: 4.1 million
- Country: Morocco
Casablanca is Morocco’s economic center. Although it ranks below Rabat in safety statistics, it remains safer than many large cities across Africa, Latin America, parts of Asia, and the Middle East.
According to Numbeo data, the likelihood of becoming a crime victim in Casablanca is lower than in Nairobi, Windhoek, or Cape Town.
In the Safety Ranking, Casablanca ranks 93rd — just behind Brussels and ahead of many major US cities. The primary risks involve petty street crime and pickpocketing. Violent crime remains relatively rare, accounting for approximately 6% of total offenses, according to the DGSN.
Kigali
- Population: 1.4 million
- Country: Rwanda
Kigali is often overlooked in international safety rankings, despite being widely regarded as one of the most orderly capitals in Africa.
According to Gallup data, 78% of Rwandans, including Kigali residents, report feeling safe walking alone at night – the highest figure on the continent. This level is comparable to that of several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
In the “Order and Security” category of the Rule of Law Index, Rwanda ranks 28th out of 143 countries, ahead of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Croatia, the United States, Belgium, Spain, and France.
According to the national police, crime decreased by 15.7% in 2025 compared to the previous year. In Kigali, this is reflected in regular patrols, improved road safety measures, and close cooperation between law enforcement and residents.
Dar es Salaam
- Population: 9 million
- Country: Tanzania
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and its economic and cultural center, although the official capital is Dodoma. In the Safety Index, Dar es Salaam ranks 154th out of 184 cities – above Miami, Chicago, and Rio de Janeiro.
Public order is maintained through national security policies and local police operations, including targeted actions against street crime. In recent years, police have conducted raids resulting in the arrest of more than 30 members of youth criminal groups involved in robberies and assaults.
Additional measures include increased patrols, cooperation with local communities, expanded surveillance systems, and the development of digital police infrastructure. The main objective is to prevent crime in business and tourist districts.
Tanzania is considered one of the safer countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index, it ranks ahead of France, Tunisia, Morocco, China, Egypt, the United States, and many other countries. In the Rule of Law Index, Tanzania ranks 83rd out of 143 countries under the “Order and Security” indicator, with crime described as effectively controlled.
Residents and visitors should follow standard precautions typical for large cities: avoid walking alone at night, keep personal belongings secure, and use licensed taxi services.
Visits to Dar es Salaam are often combined with travel to Tanzania’s national parks, which are considered among the best in the world. These include Serengeti, famous for the Great Migration; the Ngorongoro, home to a unique volcanic crater ecosystem; Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds; and Mkomazi, known for its black rhino sanctuary.
Tanzania is also home to Africa’s highest mountain – Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet). Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro typically takes about seven days, though shorter trekking options are also available for those who want to experience the mountain hiking to high-altitude camps along its slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safest cities in Africa?
The safest African cities in 2026 are considered to be: Port Louis (Mauritius), Rabat (Morocco), Alexandria (Egypt), Windhoek (Namibia), Cairo (Egypt), Tunis (Tunisia), Casablanca (Morocco), Kigali (Rwanda), and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).
What are the most dangerous cities in Africa?
According to Numbeo’s early 2026 report, Pietermaritzburg (South Africa), Pretoria (South Africa), and Johannesburg (South Africa) rank among the most dangerous cities on the continent.
What are the safest countries in Africa?
Based on a combination of indicators, Mauritius, Ghana, Zambia, Namibia, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Tanzania, Seychelles, and Rwanda are considered among the safest countries in Africa.
All content on Altezza Travel is created with expert insights and thorough research, in line with our Editorial Policy.
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