Africa is a diverse and fascinating continent awash with a surplus of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an exciting destination for US travelers.
Although the potential for exciting adventures is enough for many eager travelers to book a flight, you need to know a few important things before traveling to certain African cities.
Below, we provide an overview of 10 of the most dangerous cities in Africa.
Then, we’ll discuss what makes these cities so dangerous and provide five safety tips for traveling in Africa.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Africa
The most dangerous cities in Africa can be found in each part of the continent.
In many cases, the drivers of danger in each city are related to the following factors.
- High Crime Rates
- Political Instability
- High Poverty Rates
- High Rates of Economic Inequality
Below is a summary of 10 of Africa’s most dangerous cities based on instances of violent crime and property crimes reported by African officials, local police departments, and data supplied by the United Nations.
The following African cities have reported above-average or extremely high crime rates per 100,000 residents.
#1. Pretoria, South Africa
It may surprise you to find the city of Pretoria on the list of Africa’s most dangerous cities.
That makes sense, as most of the city is considered safe.
However, there are small pockets of high-crime areas in Pretoria where high levels of drug abuse, economic inequality, and police corruption are the norm.
High levels of corruption in Pretoria’s local police force make it difficult for officials to prosecute criminals who are often in cahoots with local authorities.
Pretoria also has neighborhoods filled with gang violence where gang members participate in violent crimes and even murder.
Latest Population Estimate: 2.8 million
#2. Durban, South Africa
The South African Police Service reports that along with having one of the highest crime rates in the region, the city of Durban is also known for violent gang activity, drug trafficking, and a politically unstable climate.
Factors that contribute to rising crime include raging inequality, high unemployment, and limited access to fair housing and public services.
Latest Population Estimate: 2.981 million
#3. Johannesburg, South Africa
According to local reports, the following factors are driving the high murder rates in Johannesburg, making it one of the most dangerous South African cities.
Johannesburg is rife with both violent and property crimes.
When these high crime rates collide with local drug-related crime, gang activity, and murder rates are sky-high.
One of the most recent reports from the South African Police Service reports Johannesburg’s murder rate at around 77 murders per 100,000 residents.
Latest Population Estimate: 5.87 million
#4. Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Port Elizabeth in South Africa has been known for its extremely high levels of violent crime and civil unrest before and after the Apartheid era.
Port Elizabeth’s unusual demographic includes many informal settlements made of reclaimed materials and formed into neighborhoods of poorly-built shacks that can house up to 40,000 residents.
One example of such an impoverished, crowded, and overpopulated area where scores of poorer residents live is the Joe Slovo informal settlement that houses tens of thousands of residents with no essential services, including water, electricity, and sanitation.
Latest Population Estimate: 1.3 million
#5. Cape Town, South Africa
The population of Cape Town is second only to the larger city of Johannesburg is one of the most dangerous cities in Africa and the world.
Cape Towns’ large population living in poverty is one of the primary contributing factors to its higher-than-normal crime rates.
This port city also attracts high numbers of drug traffickers and is well known as a major drug hub in the region.
Like many other South African cities, Cape Town has a history of violence spilling over from the apartheid era.
Latest Population Estimate: 4.89 million
#6. Windhoek, Namibia
With a population just shy of a half million, Windhoek in Central Namibia is known for being a commercial hub, the largest city in Namibia, and also as a hotbed of crime.
The city has seen more than its fair share of property crimes in car thefts and personal robbery.
Instances of murder and assaults are also extremely high.
Overpopulation, poverty, civil unrest, and overt drug trafficking contribute to Namibia’s title as one of the most dangerous cities in Africa.
Latest Population Estimate: 431,000
#7. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos is Nigeria‘s most densely populated city and the second largest in Africa.
It has a population of over 20 million residents.
Along with being known for a high rate of violent crimes per 100,000 residents, the city of Lagos is also home to a wide variety of scams and confidence games that trick millions of unsuspecting victims out of their hard-earned money each year.
Scam artists in Nigeria specialize in gaining their target’s confidence and executing physical violence, assault, blackmail, and romance scamming.
Latest Population Estimate: 24 million
#8. Tripoli, Libya
There has been a steady state of chaos and high crime in Tripoli, at least since the fall of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
The city is rife with violent crime, property crime, and a constant state of chaos that renders local law enforcement virtually ineffective.
This area is known for harboring violent militia groups whose behavior resembles street gangs in the US as they vie for territory and power in the region.
Latest Population Estimate: 1.18 million
#9. Harare, Zimbabwe
While many of the cities in Africa make the list of the most dangerous because of high levels of violent crime and property crime, the city of
Harare makes the list for extremely high instances of theft, fraud, and drug trafficking.
The other difference between Harare and other dangerous cities within Africa’s borders is that the entire city isn’t a hotbed of crime.
Latest Population Estimate: 2.13 million
#10. Nairobi, Kenya
Like many of the other dangerous cities in Africa, a history of violence, ethnic tensions, and an unstable political climate are driving factors that contribute to high crime rates in Nairobi.
Property crime is high in Nairobi, and residents in unsafe neighborhoods regularly fall victim to robbery, theft, carjackings, and petty crime.
There are a few areas of Nairobi that are considered safe.
However, researching the area in advance is wise to avoid becoming a victim of a heinous crime while traveling in Africa.
Latest Population Estimate: 4.7 million
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Africa
Now that you know where to find some of the most dangerous places in Africa, the following are five tips to help you stay safe.
#1. Research Your Destination in Advance
Spend time researching the rules and regulations for the cities you plan to visit in Africa.
Also, take time to learn about local customs and research crime statistics for local neighborhoods in and near your travel destination.
#2. Save Important Contact Information
Save the numbers for the closest United States Embassy and local law enforcement in your cell phone before you travel.
It will be easier to contact local authorities in case of an emergency.
#3. Respect Local Customs
One of the best ways to blend in with the locals is to respect local customs.
Educate yourself about the customs and traditions of the African cities and towns you want to visit before you travel.
Wear appropriate attire when traveling and visiting local sites.
#4. Have an Exit Strategy
Register with the United States Embassy toon gain access to consular services while traveling abroad.
The US Embassy is a great resource to keep US travelers informed about potential dangers and alerts in their country of travel.
They can also help US citizens replace lost or stolen documents such as passports and birth certificates when traveling abroad.
#5. Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While traveling, getting caught up in the African continent’s sights, sounds, and natural beauty is easy.
However, it is also crucial for US travelers to remain vigilant to stay safe. Study local maps in advance to get an idea of where safe places in your city are located.
Avoid using unfamiliar travel services and stick to prescheduled rideshare services and travel destinations already included in your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contribute to high crime rates in African cities?
Many African cities share the issues of overpopulation, poverty, and extremely high rates of corruption that contribute to local crime.
What are some safety tips for traveling in Africa?
The most important safety tip for traveling in Africa is to do your research on the areas you plan to visit in advance.
Secondly, registering your trip with the US Embassy can provide you with help and support when traveling abroad.
What makes some African cities so dangerous?
Heated political climates, corruption, and injustice contribute to unusually high rates of violent crime and property crime in Africa’s most dangerous cities.
Avoid becoming a victim of robbery or assault by staying tuned in to your surroundings when traveling in Africa.
