Best places for budget travelers in Africa
Best places for budget travelers in Africa
Affordable base camps and budget travel hubs in Africa
Africa contains some of the world's most affordable travel alongside some of its most expensive safari experiences and knowing which half of the continent you're in makes an enormous difference to a budget trip. North Africa and parts of East Africa, where currencies have weakened significantly, can be remarkably cheap for food, transport and accommodation.
The destinations on this list range from backpacker hubs along established overland routes in East and Southern Africa to North African cities where a strong dollar or euro stretches unusually far. Shared transport keeps costs down considerably compared to private transfers or organised safaris.
Avoiding pre-packaged safari pricing is usually the single biggest budget lever on the continent. Travelling overland and booking activities directly rather than through international operators can cut costs dramatically.
Lists by region
Country
Morocco
Where desert meets Mediterranean magic
Morocco has good buses and trains and low prices that make it easy to travel cheaply. Hostels and small riads offer beds at modest prices in every major city. The country is compact so trips between cities are short. Local markets and cafes keep daily costs low.
Country
Egypt
Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes
Egypt has low local prices and an easy tourist trail that suits travellers on a budget. Hostels and simple hotels are common in Cairo and along the Nile. Overnight trains and cheap buses cover long distances while saving on lodging. Entrance fees to ancient sites are the main cost.
Country
Tunisia
Mediterranean charm meets desert adventure
Tunisia is one of the cheapest countries on the Mediterranean and lies close to Europe. Hotels and guesthouses cost little outside peak season. Shared taxis, trains and buses connect cities at low fares. Beaches, old towns and desert edges all sit within short journeys of each other.
Country
Zimbabwe
Wild safaris meet ancient ruins
Zimbabwe has budget lodging and simple local restaurants around its main sights. Hostels near Victoria Falls give backpackers a base for low cost trips. Long distance buses link major cities at modest fares. Visitors should carry small US dollar notes because cash is widely used.
Country
Senegal
Where desert meets tropical savanna
Senegal is a relatively easy and affordable country in West Africa. Small guesthouses and local restaurants keep daily costs low. Shared taxis and minibuses link the main towns at low fares. Travellers can enjoy beaches, colonial towns and lively music scenes without spending much money.
Country
Tanzania
Wild safaris meet tropical beaches
Tanzania is famous for expensive safaris but its cities, coast and islands are affordable. Guesthouses and hostels keep lodging costs low. Local minibuses and buses connect towns at modest fares. Travellers who choose camping trips and beach stays can enjoy the country on a tight budget.
Country
Uganda
Pearl of Africa's diverse landscapes
Uganda has low local prices and a friendly backpacker scene. Hostels and guesthouses are easy to find in the main towns. Minibuses and motorbike taxis link places at low fares. Wildlife permits for gorillas cost more but many other activities such as river trips and hikes stay affordable.
Country
Zambia
Wild safaris meet thundering waterfalls
Zambia has a network of backpacker hostels and campsites around its main sights. Local buses and minibuses link towns at modest fares. Travellers can find cheap meals in markets and small restaurants. National park fees add up but walks and river views along the Zambezi cost little.
Country
Ethiopia
Ancient cultures meet diverse landscapes
Ethiopia keeps daily costs low for food, lodging and local transport. Simple hotels and guesthouses are found in every town. Minibuses and buses link cities and highlands at modest fares. Travellers can stretch a budget while visiting some of Africa's oldest churches and mountain villages.
Country
Mozambique
Pristine beaches meet vibrant culture
Mozambique has a long tropical coast where prices for lodging and food stay low. Hostels and campsites are common in beach towns along the shore. Minibuses called chapas connect most places at low fares. Snorkelling and beach time make it easy to enjoy the country on a small budget.
Country
Malawi
Africa's warm heart with lakes
Malawi is a small and friendly country where prices for lodging and food stay low. Backpacker lodges along Lake Malawi offer dorm beds and camping beside the water. Minibuses and buses link the main towns at low fares. Swimming and snorkelling in the lake cost nothing.
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