An African visit, whether it’s your first or second, is always filled with excitement. This is largely due to the incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and excellent accommodations. However, the top 10 cleanest cities in Africa also stand out as major attractions for tourists.
It’s unlikely you’d want to visit a place overrun with garbage and filth. A clean environment exudes a sense of comfort and responsibility, making you feel safe—something that is essential for any visitor.
Aware of this, African governments are dedicated to maintaining their cities in pristine condition, not just for tourists but also for their citizens. With that in mind, these top 10 cleanest cities in Africa should definitely be on your travel list.
1. Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is recognized as the cleanest city in Africa. This cleanliness is the result of a collaborative effort between the government and its citizens. The government allocates a significant portion of its budget to maintain the city’s cleanliness, and major cleaning companies in this East African city operate around the clock to ensure the job is done effectively
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town ranks among the top 10 cleanest cities in Africa and is one of the most picturesque places you’ll find on the continent. The city boasts an exceptional solid waste management system.
Moreover, Cape Town has consistently maintained its cleanliness over the years, thanks to the combined efforts of both the government and its citizens[irp]
3. Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis, the capital and largest city of Tunisia, is the cleanest city in North Africa. The city’s cleanliness is primarily maintained by the city council. Additionally, community programs promoting the use of electric vehicles and bicycles help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
4. Port Louis
Port Louis is the largest capital city in Mauritius and also one of the top 10 cleanest cities in Africa. Breathtaking waterfalls dot the capital
The Municipal City Council handles Port Louis’ cleanliness. The government releases significant money every year to maintain Port Louis’s cleanliness. Tropical plants around the city contribute heavily to its immaculate nature.
5. Johannesburg
Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, ranks among the cleanest cites in the continent. The mayor of Johannesburg leads numerous public cleaning activities in an effort to drive awareness among the people.[irp]
The city has a masterly recycling program, which contributes to its cleanliness.
6. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. It is ranked as the greenest city in Africa and among the top 10 cleanest cities in Africa. Most of the people in Nairobi play a role in ensuring that the city is clean. Recycling and composting waste are some of the sound solid waste management practices they undertake.
7. Kumasi, Ghana
Kumasi is located in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The city has several social cleaning organisations, ensuring it keeps its prestige as a clean city.
Moreover, the status quo challenge between Accra and Kumasi makes the latter work extra hard to gain a foothold.
8. Gaborone, Botswana
Gaborone is one of the most peaceful and cleanest cities in Africa. There is real work done in Gaborone regarding garbage disposal.
The municipal council ensures the city all garbage is collected in good time. There is also a recycling plant which handles waste loads.
9. Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is the largest and cleanest city in Tanzania. The government plays a key role in ensuring the city’s environmental conditions are in order. Organizations like water.org help in the sanitation of the city.
10. Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city, is among the cleanest cities in its region. The city is very innovative in seeking ways of maintaining its cleanliness.
Which Country is the Cleanest in Africa in 2024?
Rwanda is the cleanest country in Africa. The East African country has been on top of the list for several years.
Research done by Yale University based on the Environmental Performance Index revealed that Rwanda was the leading African country with an EPI score of 46.7%.
What is the Nicest City in Africa?
Cape Town is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This South African city captivates visitors with its stunning natural scenery and inviting atmosphere.
Cape Town also boasts stylish hotels, excellent restaurants, and a wealth of cultural attractions
Which Country is the Neatest in Africa?
Rwanda is the cleanest country in Africa, driven by its ambitious environmental goal of increasing forest cover to 30% of its total land area. The government has made significant investments in tree planting and reforestation efforts.
