Travel Alert Issued for this African Country According to a New Report, Here’s Where to Go Instead

Nigeria is the place travellers go when they want to dance in the streets, wonder at the beauty of butterflies, and see where the magic happens in the Nigerian film industry, aka Nollywood.
It’s a great place to spend Christmas, too, especially in places like Lagos, known as the entertainment capital of Africa. The shows, the food, and the beaches have a non-stop festive air.

However, a travel alert has been issued by the US State Department to US travellers thinking of journeying to the West African country, according to Tunde Oso of AllAfrica.
This is due to the Hamas’ terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the ongoing global tension and local violence. Warnings are that there is potential for other violent attacks against American citizens.
Of course, it’s not only Americans who need to be cautious. It’s important that we all give the area a wide birth at this time.
But if you have your heart set on spending time in Africa, here’s where to go instead:

Mauritius
Mauritius is a stunning island floating in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. It’s listed as being the safest country in Africa by the Global Peace Index (GPI).
More importantly at the moment, it’s far from the Middle East. Its remote location makes you feel like the rest of the world has faded away.
You should visit not only for safety reasons though. You’ll get to experience spectacular beaches and incredibly friendly locals. You should also try to attend a winter horse race or two, and stroll through the Mauritius National Botanical Gardens.
And if you happen to be here in November, be sure to catch a couple of Mauritius’s epic festivals. The Festival Reggae Donn SA and the Beach Humour Festival even sound fun!

Botswana
You won’t find any good snorkelling here – and might run into a hippo or crocodile if you try. But Botswana is the second safest country in Africa, and it’s a good distance from the violence further north.
It’s also a treasure trove of sights and adventures.
Botswana is an amazing place for a wildlife safari. There is an enormous variety of ecosystems to explore from the Kalahari Desert to the Okavango Delta.
See the lions in the Delta, judged to be the largest due to the great supply of prey and the muscles they build while swimming to get around.

The Kalahari is full of everything from elephants to aardwolves. You can even take a trip to the Nxai or Makgadikgadi Pans and hang out with the Meerkats.
There’s no match for spending the morning watching these little carnivores interact with each other and argue over food, all while keeping a sharp eye on the sky for signs of birds of prey.

Wherever you’re headed, you’ll most likely spend a little time in Maun. Known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, Maun is a big town with a small-town feel.
You’ll find everything you need here for a great safari, and it’s a great hub for exploring the area.
Madagascar
Madagascar is a mysterious land that gained attention thanks to DreamWorks, but it still remains off the radar for many tour companies. Located off the coast of Mozambique in East Africa, it’s a unique and interesting destination.
There are many reasons to visit Madagascar, whether you prefer beaches, wine, or adventure. Though flights to the island can be expensive, it’s budget-friendly once you arrive.

The affordable food and accommodations might make you consider a longer stay. And for a taste of a cosmopolitan city in Africa, visit the capital, Antananarivo, often compared to New York City.
One of the main things that come to mind when Madagascar is mentioned is the lemurs. There are more than 100 species of lemurs to be found on Madagascar, and you can search for them through the exotic Rainforests of Atsinanana.
The island nation is far from the current violence in Israel. And as a bonus, it’s high on the list of peaceful African countries.
Read more:
20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Namibia
34 Fun & Interesting Facts About Botswana
Namibia
Sitting at a safe distance on the southwestern coast of Africa, Namibia is another of Africa’s more peaceful countries. It’s a great place for a road trip, with wide open roads, decent infrastructure, and a lot to see.
From the Fish River Canyon in the south to the Caprivi Strip in the north, Namibia is packed with sights and adventures. There is even excellent wildlife viewing, especially in Etosha National Park in northern Namibia.
And for wildlife of an aquatic sort, Namibia is home to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. One of the largest Cape Fur Seal Colonies in the world, the reserve is home to an estimated 100,000 seals; more than double that during breeding season.

And if you’re hoping to find wild Africa, Namibia has that for you, too. The Caprivi Strip can provide an amazing experience in a place where you can still feel like you’re the only person on the planet.
The Strip is home to iconic lions and elephants, as well as critically endangered African wild dogs and the rare semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope.
It’s also the perfect entryway to visit Victoria Falls. A breathtaking spectacle any time of year, the falls are generally at their best during July and August.
But Be Alert
Wherever you decide to travel, it’s a good idea to take a few safety precautions. Keep up to date with travel advisories.
Whenever you have an internet connection, find out what you can online. A good resource is Travel-Advisory.info, which updates daily on global advisories.
As well, different countries often have their own travel advisory websites. Here are a few examples:
โฆ UK: Foreign Travel Advice
โฆCanada: Travel Advice and Advisories
โฆU.S.: Travel.State.Gov
Also, be sure you have travel insurance coverage in case your travel plans need to be changed, and be aware of the location of your home country’s nearest consulate.
It’s important to strike a healthy balance between being smart and remaining alert to any danger, and realizing that you’ve done what you can do to stay safe so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
Read more:
Namibia Trip Planner: the Ultimate Self-Drive Guide 2023
Christmas in Africa: This is the Year!
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