5 Friendliest Countries in Africa for Tourists

Which are the friendliest countries in Africa? This is a question which every traveller asks themselves when planning a trip to Africa. Sometimes called the ‘Mother Continent”, Africa is an extraordinary destination with over a billion people and some 56 countries. It is a place worth exploring considering the numerous incredible hiking opportunities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and welcoming people. If you are planning your first trip to Africa, you might find the number of options daunting. So, we have decided to make work a bit easier for you by lining up the top five friendliest countries in Africa for first-timers.

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Friendliest Countries in Africa

1. Rwanda

Rwanda, also called The Land of a Thousand Hills is one of the friendliest countries in Africa. The small landlocked country in the middle of Africa has worked hard to reinvent itself as a thriving society in the last two decades. As of now, it is a dream destination for many travellers and is considered one of the safest countries in Africa. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is very beautiful and is known for having low crime rates. The capital boasts vibrant nightlife, restaurants, cafes and galleries.

Several current and former PSG players have visited Rwanda. Photo/Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Outside the capital, there are several amazing tourist destinations, including Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes are a large area of preserved wilderness that is home to wildlife such as mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In Kigali, you’ll feel at home quicker than you thought you would.

2. Ghana

Ghana is one of the friendliest countries in Africa for tourists. It is also among the safest African countries and one of the most rewarding destinations to visit. The Ghanaian people are known for being welcoming, easy-going, helpful and on “African time”. European influence has influenced Ghana hence you won’t feel everything is strange. According to the UK Government, about 90,000 Britons visit Ghana every year. Some of the attractions in the West African country include Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Castle and Mole National Park.

Ghanaian people are friendly to visitors. Photo/ African Budget Safaris.

3. The Gambia

Gambia might be the tiniest mainland country in Africa; however, it offers a lot to tourists, including safety. The geography of Gambia is based around River Gambia, which is what most visitors come to see. The river takes up a large portion of the country’s length, hence a boat trip will enable you to see a lot in Gambia. Apart from the eponymous river, there are plenty of options for a safari in the Gambia. In particular, the small West African country is famous for being a birdwatcher’s paradise. There are over 500 species of birds that can be seen in the Gambia.

4. Botswana

Botswana is a key tourism destination in Southern Africa because of the scenic beauty and rich wildlife resources it sustains. On top of that, it is a haven for tourists and hence ranked among the friendliest countries in Africa. The Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pan are among the leading tourist attractions in Botswana. It’s quite common to spot wild animals such as lions and cheetahs taking a dip in Okavango Delta. The region was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

5. Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the friendliest countries in Africa for first-time travellers. Besides that, it is also a leading tourist destination with numerous attractions. If you are a serious hiker, you must have heard about Mount Kilimanjaro, which is one of the most famous natural wonders in Africa.

Kilimanjaro Mountain aerial view during scenic flight. Photo/ ABC7 New York.

Apart from Mount Kilimanjaro, other destinations in Tanzania include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park. Remember to reward yourself by spending a few days in Zanzibar before leaving the East African country.