15 Most Dangerous Cities in Africa You Should Know About
Africa is a continent full of incredible landscapes, rich cultures, and life-changing experiences. But let’s face it—like any other region, it has its fair share of safety concerns. If you’re a travel enthusiast, Geography nerd, or just someone curious about the world, it’s important to know about cities where safety might be a serious concern.
Numbeo’s 2025 rankings show six of Africa’s ten most dangerous cities are in South Africa, with Pietermaritzburg leading at a 82.0 crime index. Here’s a closer look at 15 cities across Africa with high crime rates or significant security challenges.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Pietermaritzburg holds the dubious distinction of being Africa’s most dangerous city, with a staggering crime index of 82.2 according to Numbeo’s 2025 rankings. This capital of KwaZulu-Natal province grapples with alarmingly high rates of violent crime, including murder, assault, and robbery. In 2024, the city recorded the highest number of reported murder cases in South Africa, with residents facing a 1 in 33 chance of being a victim of violent crime.
Pietermaritzburg’s safety index stands at a mere 18.0, reflecting the severe challenges in maintaining public safety. The city’s crime rates have been exacerbated by high unemployment, with nearly 40% of its working-age population jobless, contributing to social instability and criminal activities.
Pretoria, South Africa
Pretoria ranks as the second most dangerous city in Africa, with a crime index of 82.0, according to Numbeo’s 2025 data. The administrative capital of South Africa has been plagued by high rates of violent crime, including armed robberies, carjackings, and home invasions. In 2024, Pretoria reported over 20,000 cases of aggravated robbery and more than 500 murders, highlighting the severity of its security challenges.
The city’s Central Business District and surrounding areas have become hotspots for criminal activities, with a reported 30% increase in street crimes over the past year. Despite efforts to improve security, Pretoria’s residents continue to live with a constant threat to their safety, with only 12% feeling safe walking alone at night.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg stands as the third most dangerous city in Africa, with a crime index of 80.8 according to Numbeo’s 2025 rankings. Known as the economic powerhouse of South Africa, Johannesburg paradoxically suffers from rampant crime, with an average of 189 reported robberies per day in 2024. The city’s murder rate remains alarmingly high, with 68 homicides per 100,000 residents, significantly above the national average.
Hillbrow and Berea in Johannesburg have high crime rates, with violent crimes up 25% in the past year. Despite more police and community efforts, organized crime and gang violence keep the city on edge.
Durban, South Africa
Durban ranks fourth among Africa’s most dangerous cities, with a crime index of 80.5, according to Numbeo’s 2025 data. This coastal city, known for its beautiful beaches, is marred by high rates of violent crime, including a significant increase in gang-related activities. In 2024, Durban reported over 1,500 murders and more than 30,000 cases of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
The city’s Central Business District and surrounding townships have become hotspots for criminal activities, with a 40% increase in reported carjackings over the past year. Durban’s residents still face daily safety threats, with only 22% feeling safe walking alone at night, despite more police presence.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa
Port Elizabeth holds the fifth position among Africa’s most dangerous cities, with a crime index of 78.1 according to Numbeo’s 2025 rankings. This major port city in the Eastern Cape province has been grappling with escalating crime rates, particularly in violent offenses. In 2024, Port Elizabeth reported over 800 murders and more than 15,000 cases of aggravated robbery, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year.
The city’s Northern Areas, including Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp, have become notorious for gang-related violence, with police reporting a 30% rise in gang-related crimes over the past two years. Port Elizabeth still faces high unemployment at 35%, fueling crime despite community policing and more law enforcement.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, despite its stunning beauty, grapples with alarmingly high crime rates that place it among Africa’s most dangerous cities. According to Numbeo’s 2025 data, Cape Town has a crime index of 73.7, making it the sixth most dangerous city in Africa. The city’s residents face a “very high” level of crime, with 84.41% reporting serious concerns about safety.
Only 14.72% of Cape Town’s inhabitants feel safe walking alone at night, highlighting the pervasive fear of crime. The city still struggles with gang violence, drug crimes, and property offenses, despite ongoing crime-fighting efforts.
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
Goma stands as a stark example of a city plagued by conflict and instability. In early 2025, the city witnessed a devastating surge in violence, with at least 900 people killed and around 2,880 injured in recent fighting. The conflict has led to the destruction of displacement sites, leaving countless civilians vulnerable and without shelter.
Goma’s residents face violence and disease, with overwhelmed health facilities struggling to treat the injured. The city’s crisis underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and a resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Bamako, Mali
Bamako, while not as notorious as some other African cities, faces significant security challenges that place it among the continent’s more dangerous urban centers. According to Numbeo’s 2025 data, Bamako has a crime index of 47.92, indicating a moderate level of crime. The city’s residents express particular concern about property crimes, with 54.17% worried about home break-ins and thefts.
Corruption remains a major issue, with 75% of respondents identifying it as a significant problem. Bamako remains relatively safe for daytime activities, with 68.75% of residents feeling secure walking alone in daylight.
Mogadishu, Somalia
Mogadishu continues to be one of Africa’s most dangerous cities, grappling with ongoing conflict, terrorism, and humanitarian crises. The city regularly experiences terrorist attacks, primarily carried out by Al-Shabaab, targeting government buildings, security forces, and civilians alike. In 2024, Mogadishu reported over 90,000 street crime incidents, marking an 11.11% increase from the previous year.
The city houses approximately 600,000 displaced people, most living in informal camps lacking basic amenities. Mogadishu’s residents face daily security threats, with limited protection from overstretched and infiltrated security forces.
Juba, South Sudan
Juba remains a city fraught with danger, reflecting the broader instability of the world’s youngest nation. In January 2025, the city experienced sporadic gunfire and looting across major areas, highlighting the fragile security situation. Juba faces a high risk of serious crimes such as robbery and assault, particularly at night and on public transport.
The city’s residents must navigate numerous armed checkpoints, which often become sites of extortion and abuse. Juba remains dangerous for locals and aid workers, with ongoing kidnappings and violence against humanitarian staff.
Khartoum, Sudan
Khartoum, once a bustling capital, has descended into a dangerous warzone since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. According to a UNICEF report from February 2025, over 3 million people have fled Khartoum State, with more than 103,000 internally displaced within the state itself. The city faces indiscriminate shooting, looting, and forced displacement, with families separated and children missing or abducted.
In January 2025 alone, at least 13 children were killed and 15 injured in various localities of Khartoum. The ongoing violence has severely disrupted access to healthcare, with 70 to 80 percent of health facilities rendered non-functional, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.
Tripoli, Libya
Tripoli continues to grapple with high crime rates and instability, ranking as the second most crime-prevalent city in the Arab world. According to the Global Crime Index for 2023, Tripoli’s crime rate stands at a staggering 60.2 out of 100, placing it 28th globally in terms of crime prevalence. The city’s residents face daily threats of kidnapping and murder, with armed militias operating unchecked in many areas.
In 2024, Libya recorded a 60.5% crime rate, which is considered high, while its safety rate was only 39%. In early 2025, reports showed 787,000 migrants in Libya facing extreme violence and limited healthcare.
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos, Africa’s largest city, continues to battle high crime rates despite efforts to improve security. Between September 2024 and January 2025, the Lagos State Police Command arrested 2,176 suspects for various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The city’s crime levels remain high, with violent crimes such as assaults and armed attacks frequently committed against both locals and foreign nationals.
Lagos’s bustling markets and transport hubs are particularly vulnerable to criminal activities. The city’s rapid growth and economic disparities contribute to its ongoing security challenges, making it a complex urban environment for residents and visitors alike.
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, while a vibrant economic hub, grapples with persistent crime issues that place it among Africa’s more dangerous cities. Numbeo’s 2024 crime index ranks Nairobi 9th most unsafe in Africa and 65th globally, with a crime index of 59.2 and a safety index of 40.3. The city recorded a total of 730 criminal incidents in December 2024 alone, marking a 9.28% rise in crime rate compared to the previous month.
Burglary, housebreaking, and stealing are reported as the most common crimes in Nairobi, with car theft rated as the third-highest crime at 50.08 based on the index. Nairobi’s crime rates remain a major challenge for residents and authorities, despite security improvement efforts.
Kano, Nigeria
Kano, a major commercial center in northern Nigeria, faces significant security challenges that place it among Africa’s more dangerous cities. In 2024, the Kano state police command arrested a total of 2,425 criminal suspects, highlighting the persistent crime issues in the city. Among those arrested were 189 armed robbers, 34 kidnappers, and 58 drug dealers, indicating the diverse nature of criminal activities in Kano.
The city reported 18 major security incidents, making it one of the top dangerous spots for security incidents in Nigeria. Kano’s crowded markets and busy transport hubs are frequent targets for theft and other security concerns, posing risks to both residents and visitors.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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