The Most Dangerous Cities in Africa

Africa is a diverse and fascinating continent with a wealth of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an attractive destination for travelers and investors. However, many of its major cities are also plagued by crime, violence, political instability, and poverty, posing serious risks to the safety and security of residents and visitors alike.
In this article, we will rank some of the most dangerous cities in Africa based on their crime index scores, which are calculated by Numbeo.com using various factors such as the level of crime, the feeling of safety, the law and order situation, and the threat of terrorism.

We will also discuss the main causes and consequences of the high crime rates in these cities, and provide some tips on how to stay safe while traveling in Africa.

6. Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, and the hub of its economy and politics. It is also a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of attractions such as wildlife parks, museums, cultural centers, and shopping malls. However, Nairobi also suffers from a high crime rate, which the US Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) rates as “critical”. According to Numbeo.com, Nairobi has a crime index score of 78.49 out of 100 as of March 2024.

Some of the common crimes in Nairobi include armed carjackings, home and business burglaries, kidnappings, pickpocketing, muggings, snatch-and-grab thefts, grenade attacks, and terrorism. The city has also witnessed several deadly attacks by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, which has targeted hotels, malls, universities, and public transport. Cybercrime and credit card skimming are also on the rise in Nairobi, affecting both locals and foreigners.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Nairobi, travelers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance, especially at night and in crowded areas. They should also avoid carrying valuables, wearing flashy jewelry, or displaying signs of wealth. They should also use reliable and secure transportation, such as licensed taxis or private cars, and avoid public buses or matatus. They should also be aware of the local laws and customs, and respect the cultural and religious sensitivities of the Kenyan people.

5. Luanda, Angola

Luanda is the capital and largest city of Angola, and the center of its oil and diamond industries. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the world, due to the high demand and low supply of goods and services. However, Luanda also has a high crime rate, which OSAC rates as “critical”. According to Numbeo.com, Luanda has a crime index score of 76.39 out of 100 as of February 2024.

Some of the common crimes in Luanda include carjackings, assaults, homicides, muggings, armed robberies, rapes, and kidnappings. These crimes are often driven by poverty, unemployment, inequality, and corruption, which affect a large segment of the population. The city also faces the threat of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and civil unrest, which are remnants of the country’s long and bloody civil war that ended in 2002.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Luanda, travelers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance, especially at night and in isolated areas. They should also avoid carrying valuables, wearing flashy jewelry, or displaying signs of wealth. They should also use reliable and secure transportation, such as licensed taxis or private cars, and avoid public buses or motorcycles. They should also be aware of the local laws and customs, and respect the cultural and religious sensitivities of the Angolan people.

4. Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and the economic and cultural hub of the country. It is also a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, offering a variety of attractions such as museums, art galleries, theaters, markets, and nightlife. However, Johannesburg also has a high crime rate, which OSAC rates as “critical”. According to Numbeo.com, Johannesburg has a crime index score of 75.87 out of 100 as of March 2024.

Some of the common crimes in Johannesburg include murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, carjackings, hijackings, and kidnappings. These crimes are often fueled by poverty, inequality, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence, which affect many of the city’s neighborhoods. The city also faces the threat of xenophobic attacks, which target foreigners and immigrants, especially those from other African countries.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Johannesburg, travelers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance, especially at night and in high-crime areas. They should also avoid carrying valuables, wearing flashy jewelry, or displaying signs of wealth. They should also use reliable and secure transportation, such as licensed taxis or private cars, and avoid public buses or trains. They should also be aware of the local laws and customs, and respect the cultural and racial diversity of the South African people.

3. Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Port Elizabeth is the fifth-largest city in South Africa, and a major port and industrial center. It is also a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of attractions such as beaches, wildlife reserves, historical sites, and sporting events. However, Port Elizabeth also has a high crime rate, which OSAC rates as “critical”. According to Numbeo.com, Port Elizabeth has a crime index score of 75.64 out of 100 as of March 2024.

Some of the common crimes in Port Elizabeth include murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, carjackings, hijackings, and kidnappings. These crimes are often driven by poverty, inequality, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence, which affect many of the city’s neighborhoods. The city also faces the threat of xenophobic attacks, which target foreigners and immigrants, especially those from other African countries.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Port Elizabeth, travelers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance, especially at night and in high-crime areas. They should also avoid carrying valuables, wearing flashy jewelry, or displaying signs of wealth. They should also use reliable and secure transportation, such as licensed taxis or private cars, and avoid public buses or trains. They should also be aware of the local laws and customs, and respect the cultural and racial diversity of the South African people.

2. Durban, South Africa

Durban is the third-largest city in South Africa, and a major port and tourist center. It is also a multicultural and multilingual city, offering a variety of attractions such as beaches, amusement parks, botanical gardens, and cultural festivals. However, Durban also has a high crime rate, which OSAC rates as “critical”. According to Numbeo.com, Durban has a crime index score of 74.98 out of 100 as of March 2024.

Some of the common crimes in Durban include murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, carjackings, hijackings, and kidnappings. These crimes are often motivated by poverty, inequality, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence, which affect many of the city’s neighborhoods. The city also faces the threat of xenophobic attacks, which target foreigners and immigrants, especially those from other African countries.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Durban, travelers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance, especially at night and in high-crime areas. They should also avoid carrying valuables, wearing flashy jewelry, or displaying signs of wealth. They should also use reliable and secure transportation, such as licensed taxis or private cars, and avoid public buses or trains. They should also be aware of the local laws and customs, and respect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the South African people.

1. Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa, and the seat of its government and diplomatic corps. It is also a historical and cultural city, offering a variety of attractions such as monuments, museums, parks, and gardens. However, Pretoria also has a high crime rate, which OSAC rates as “critical”. According to Numbeo.com, Pretoria has a crime index score of 74.88 out of 100 as of March 2024.

Some of the common crimes in Pretoria include murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, carjackings, hijackings, and kidnappings. These crimes are often influenced by poverty, inequality, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence, which affect some of the city’s neighborhoods. The city also faces the threat of corruption, which undermines the effectiveness and credibility of the local police and justice system.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Pretoria, travelers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance, especially at night and in high-crime areas. They should also avoid carrying valuables, wearing flashy jewelry, or displaying signs of wealth. They should also use reliable and secure transportation, such as licensed taxis or private cars, and avoid public buses or trains. They should also be aware of the local laws and customs, and respect the cultural and racial diversity of the South African people.