Regional Guide
Tourist Scams in Sub-Saharan Africa — Safety Guide 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa has 198+ documented tourist scams across 19 destinations in 13 countries. Scam activity is rated high overall. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, other scams.
Overall risk
High
Scams documented
198+
Destinations
19
Countries
13
All 19 covered destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa
Most common scam types in Sub-Saharan Africa
Street Scams
43 reports
Tour & Activities
36 reports
Other Scams
31 reports
Money & ATM Scams
26 reports
Taxi & Transport
25 reports
Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa travel safety questions
Is Sub-Saharan Africa safe for tourists?
Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the world's most-visited travel regions and is generally safe with proper preparation. Our database documents 198+ tourist scams across 19 destinations in 13 countries. Scam activity is rated high overall. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, other scams scams. Reviewing specific warnings for your destination before travel significantly reduces your risk.
What are the most common tourist scams in Sub-Saharan Africa?
The most frequently documented scams across Sub-Saharan Africa are Street Scams, Tour & Activities, Other Scams, Money & ATM Scams, Taxi & Transport. Durban has the highest documented scam count in the region with 13 reported incidents. Scam operators typically target tourists near transit hubs, major attractions, and busy markets.
Which destination in Sub-Saharan Africa has the most tourist scams?
Durban (South Africa) has the highest number of documented tourist scams in Sub-Saharan Africa with 13 recorded incidents in our database. Other high-risk destinations include Livingstone, Zambia and Johannesburg, South Africa.
How can I stay safe from scams in Sub-Saharan Africa?
The most effective protection in Sub-Saharan Africa is knowing the specific scams used before you arrive. Key precautions: use app-based transport instead of street taxis, verify prices before agreeing to any service, keep valuables secured in crowded areas, and be cautious of unsolicited help or attention near tourist sites. Review the detailed warnings for each destination you plan to visit.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for Sub-Saharan Africa are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Read our methodology →
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