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Best places for budget travelers in Africa

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Egypt
Ancient wonders meet desert landscapes
8.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak
  • 🏊‍♂️ Float effortlessly in Siwa’s salt lakes
  • 🌅 Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza
Ethiopia
Ancient cultures meet diverse landscapes
5.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Hike in the Simien Mountains and spot grazing gelada monkeys
  • 🔥 Stand at the edge of the Danakil Depression, one of Earth’s hottest places
  • ⛪ Explore the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
Malawi
Africa's warm heart with lakes
7.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏔️ Hike to the summit of Mount Mulanje for stunning views
  • 🦁 Spot elephants and lions on safari in Liwonde National Park
  • 🤿 Snorkel or dive in the crystal waters of Lake Malawi
Morocco
Where desert meets Mediterranean magic
7.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Sip mint tea on a rooftop overlooking Chefchaouen’s blue streets
  • 🐪 Ride a camel across the golden dunes of the Sahara
  • 🕌 Wander through the colorful souks of Marrakech’s Medina
Mozambique
Pristine beaches meet vibrant culture
5.7
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail on a traditional dhow along Mozambique Island
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Tofo Beach
  • 🐠 Dive among vibrant coral reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago
Senegal
Where desert meets tropical savanna
6.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk across historic Faidherbe Bridge in Saint-Louis
  • 🦜 Explore Parc de la Langue de Barbarie wildlife reserve
  • 🏝️ Visit [translate:Île de Gorée] and the House of Slaves
Tanzania
Wild safaris meet tropical beaches
7.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐘 Explore wildlife in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  • 🦁 Go on a safari in Serengeti National Park
  • 🗻 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak
Tunisia
Mediterranean charm meets desert adventure
6.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the sandy beaches of Hammamet
  • 🏘️ Stroll through the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Roman amphitheatre at El Jem
Uganda
Pearl of Africa's diverse landscapes
7.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🦓 Take a safari across the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • 🐘 Watch hippos and elephants along the Kazinga Channel
  • 🦍 Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to meet mountain gorillas
Zambia
Wild safaris meet thundering waterfalls
7.1
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Drift along the Zambezi River on a sunset cruise
  • 🦁 Take a safari in South Luangwa National Park
  • 🌊 Experience the thunderous spray of Victoria Falls up close
Zimbabwe
Wild safaris meet ancient ruins
6.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit the ancient stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe
  • 🦓 Go on a safari through Hwange National Park
  • 💦 Admire Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side’s best viewpoints
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