Are you dreaming of an African adventure but worried about your wallet? The cheapest countries in Africa to visit offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank. Many travelers think Africa is expensive, but that’s just not true. With smart planning, you can explore amazing cultures, see wildlife, and create memories for much less than you’d expect.
People often believe African travel costs a fortune because they only hear about luxury safaris and high-end resorts. The truth is, local transport, street food, and budget accommodations make Africa very affordable.
What makes a country budget-friendly? We look at four main things: where you’ll sleep, what you’ll eat, how you’ll get around, and what you’ll do for fun.
Table of Contents
How We Selected the Cheapest Countries in Africa to Visit
Criteria for Budget-Friendly Destinations
We picked the cheapest countries in Africa to visit based on real costs that matter to travelers. Daily budget needs vary, but we focused on places where $20-50 per day goes far. Accommodation costs include everything from hostels to guesthouses. Local transport covers buses, shared taxis, and trains. Food expenses include street food, local restaurants, and market shopping.
Cost of Living Index Comparison
We compared living costs across African nations using international data. Countries with lower costs for basics like food and transport made our list. This helps travelers understand where their money stretches furthest.
Tourist Infrastructure Development
Good infrastructure means easier, cheaper travel. Countries with decent roads, public transport, and budget accommodations rank higher. This balance of affordability and accessibility is key for budget travelers.
Exchange Rate Advantages
Currency exchange rates can make or break your budget. Many African currencies are weak against the US dollar, which means great value for American travelers. Timing your visit when exchange rates favor your home currency can save hundreds of dollars.
USD to Local Currency Benefits
The US dollar often goes very far in African countries. One dollar might buy a full meal in Ethiopia or a bus ride across town in Ghana. This purchasing power makes travel incredibly affordable.
Economic Factors Affecting Travel Costs
Economic conditions in each country affect prices. Countries recovering from economic challenges often offer better value for tourists. Political stability and tourism development also play roles in keeping costs reasonable.
Top 10 Cheapest Countries in Africa to Visit
1. Morocco
Morocco tops our list of cheapest countries in Africa to visit with daily budgets starting at $25. You can sleep in riads for $10-15, eat tagines for $3-5, and take buses between cities for under $10. The country offers incredible value with its mix of culture, history, and landscapes.
Marrakech Budget Travel Guide
Stay in the medina’s budget riads for authentic experiences. Eat at local food stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Use city buses instead of taxis. Many attractions like the Bahia Palace cost under $3 to enter.
Atlas Mountains on a Shoestring
Trek the Atlas Mountains with local guides for $30-40 per day including meals and basic accommodation. Group treks reduce costs significantly. Pack your own gear to avoid rental fees.
Coastal Cities for Less
Essaouira and Casablanca offer budget beach experiences. Coastal buses cost $5-8 between cities. Seafood from local markets costs half the price of restaurant meals.
2. Egypt
Egypt offers amazing value with daily budgets from $20-35. Accommodation ranges from $5 hostels to $15 budget hotels. Local food costs $2-4 per meal. Transport between cities runs $5-15 depending on distance and comfort level.
Cairo Budget Accommodation
Downtown Cairo has numerous budget hotels and hostels. Expect to pay $8-12 for dorm beds or $15-20 for private rooms. Many include breakfast and WiFi.
Nile Valley Budget Tours
Join group tours to Luxor and Aswan to split costs. Three-day Nile cruises start at $150 per person. Train travel between Cairo and southern cities costs $10-20.
Red Sea Budget Destinations
Dahab offers budget diving and beach time. Accommodation starts at $8 per night. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood for $5-8. Snorkeling trips cost $15-25.
3. Tanzania
Tanzania makes our cheapest countries in Africa to visit list despite having expensive national parks. Budget safaris, local food, and backpacker accommodations keep costs down. Expect $30-45 daily budgets outside national parks.
Serengeti Budget Safari Options
Join budget camping safaris for $200-300 per person for 3-4 days. Cook your own meals to save money. Visit during shoulder seasons for better prices.
Zanzibar Island Budget Guide
Stay in Stone Town’s budget guesthouses for $10-15. Eat at local restaurants for $3-6. Use public transport instead of taxis. Many beaches are free to access.
Mount Kilimanjaro Budget Climbing
Choose budget operators for $1,200-1,500 climbs. Bring your own gear when possible. Join group climbs to split guide and porter costs.
4. Kenya
Kenya offers great value with daily budgets of $25-40. Nairobi has excellent budget accommodations. Local food is cheap and delicious. Public transport connects major destinations affordably.
Nairobi Budget Neighborhoods
Stay in neighborhoods like Kilimani or Westlands for budget options. Expect $8-15 for hostels and $20-30 for budget hotels. Local restaurants serve meals for $2-5.
Maasai Mara Affordable Tours
Budget group safaris cost $150-250 per person for 2-3 days. Camp instead of staying in lodges. Visit during off-peak times for better deals.
Coastal Kenya Budget Beach Access
Mombasa and Malindi offer budget beach experiences. Guesthouses cost $10-20 per night. Local seafood restaurants charge $5-10 for meals. Public transport to beaches costs under $2.
5. Ghana
Ghana stands out among the cheapest countries in Africa to visit for its safety and friendliness. Daily budgets run $20-35. Accommodation is affordable, food is cheap, and transport is reliable.
Accra Budget Attractions
Most of Accra’s attractions cost under $5 to enter. Stay in budget hotels for $15-25. Eat local dishes like jollof rice and fufu for $2-4.
Cape Coast Castle Budget Tours
Castle tours cost $3-5. Budget accommodations near the coast run $10-18. Local tro-tro transport between towns costs $1-3.
Northern Ghana Cultural Experiences
Northern regions offer even lower prices. Traditional accommodations cost $5-10. Cultural experiences and local guides charge $10-20 per day.
6. Ethiopia
Ethiopia offers rock-bottom prices making it one of the cheapest countries in Africa to visit. Daily budgets can be as low as $15-25. Food is incredibly cheap, and accommodation is very affordable.
Addis Ababa Budget Stays
Budget hotels in Addis cost $8-15 per night. Injera meals cost $1-3. Local buses within the city cost under $0.50.
Lalibela Church Tours for Less
Church entrances cost $50 but last for days. Budget accommodations run $10-20. Local guides charge $15-25 per day.
Danakil Depression Budget Expeditions
Group tours to this unique landscape cost $300-400 for 3-4 days. Camping keeps accommodation costs low. Bring your own water and snacks.
7. Uganda
Uganda offers budget-friendly experiences with daily costs of $25-40. Accommodation is affordable, food is cheap, and transport is reasonable. The country provides great value for wildlife experiences.
Kampala Budget Accommodations
Hostels and guesthouses cost $8-15 per night. Local restaurants serve meals for $2-5. Boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) rides cost $1-2 within the city.
Bwindi Forest Budget Permits
Gorilla permits cost $700 but budget accommodations and local food keep other costs low. Community walks cost $15-20 per person.
Queen Elizabeth Park Budget Safaris
Budget safari options start at $150 per person for 2 days. Camping reduces accommodation costs. Game drives cost $30-40 per vehicle.
8. Senegal
Senegal combines affordability with accessibility among the cheapest countries in Africa to visit. Daily budgets run $25-40. The country offers great value for cultural experiences and beach time.
Dakar Budget City Guide
Budget accommodations cost $15-25 per night. Local restaurants serve thieboudienne for $3-5. Public transport costs under $1 per ride.
Goree Island Budget Day Trips
Ferry tickets cost $15 round trip. Island tours are free or very cheap. Pack your own lunch to save money.
Casamance Region Budget Travel
Southern Senegal offers lower prices than Dakar. Accommodations cost $8-15. Local transport and food are very affordable.
9. Madagascar
Madagascar offers unique experiences at budget prices. Daily costs run $20-35. The island’s isolation means everything is local and affordable.
Antananarivo Budget Base
Capital city accommodations cost $10-20 per night. Local restaurants serve meals for $2-4. City transport costs under $1.
Avenue of the Baobabs Budget Tours
Entry to see the famous trees is free. Local guides charge $10-15. Camping nearby costs $5-8 per night.
Andasibe National Park Budget Access
Park entrance costs $15-20. Budget accommodations run $10-15. Local guides charge $20-30 per day.
10. Zambia
Zambia rounds out our cheapest countries in Africa to visit list with great value, especially for Victoria Falls visits. Daily budgets run $25-45 depending on activities.
Livingstone Budget Accommodations
Hostels and guesthouses cost $10-20 per night. Local restaurants serve meals for $3-6. Shared taxis to the falls cost $2-3.
South Luangwa Budget Safaris
Budget camping safaris cost $100-150 per person per day. Self-drive options reduce costs further. Community campsites charge $10-15 per night.
Lake Kariba Budget Activities
Boat trips cost $20-40 per person. Budget accommodations run $15-25. Local fishing experiences cost $15-30.
Money-Saving Tips for Traveling Africa on a Budget
Accommodation Strategies
Smart accommodation choices can cut your costs in half. Hostels offer beds for $5-15 across most African countries. Guesthouses provide private rooms for $10-25. Camping costs even less at $3-8 per night where available.
Booking Platform Comparison
Use local booking sites when possible as they often have better prices than international platforms. Hostelworld works well for hostels. Contact accommodations directly for better rates on longer stays.
Negotiation Techniques for Better Rates
Ask for discounts for stays over 3 nights. Negotiate during low seasons. Pay in cash for better rates. Book multiple nights upfront for discounts.
Off-Season Accommodation Deals
Prices drop 30-50% during rainy seasons and off-peak times. Research weather patterns to find the best deals. Shoulder seasons offer good weather with lower prices.
Transportation Hacks
Transport costs can eat your budget quickly. Public buses cost 50-80% less than private transfers. Shared taxis split costs between passengers. Walking and cycling are free options in many cities.
Matatu and Shared Taxi Systems
Learn local transport names like matatus in Kenya or dala-dalas in Tanzania. These shared vehicles cost $1-5 for most journeys. They run frequently and go everywhere locals need to go.
Border Crossing Budget Tips
Use public transport to borders instead of private transfers. Walk across borders when possible to avoid vehicle fees. Change money at official exchanges for better rates.
Regional Flight Deals and Alternatives
Book flights directly with African airlines for better prices. Consider overland travel which costs less but takes more time. Group bookings sometimes offer discounts.
Food and Dining
Food represents your biggest potential savings. Street food costs $1-3 per meal. Local restaurants charge $2-6. Cooking your own meals saves even more money.
Safe Street Food Selection Guide
Choose busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits. Stick to thoroughly cooked items. Follow where locals eat for the safest options.
Local Market Bargaining Tips
Start at half the asking price. Walk away if prices don’t drop. Buy multiple items for better deals. Shop where locals shop for real prices.
Budget-Friendly Local Dishes to Try
Each country has cheap, filling local dishes. Ethiopian injera, Ghanaian fufu, Moroccan tagines, and Egyptian ful all cost under $3 and fill you up.
Best Time to Visit These Budget Africa Destinations
Seasonal Price Variations
Timing your visit can save hundreds of dollars. High season prices can be 2-3 times higher than low season. Weather should factor into your decision, but don’t let rain scare you away from great deals.
Rainy Season Travel Pros and Cons
Rainy seasons offer the lowest prices and fewer crowds. Roads might be challenging, but many attractions remain accessible. Pack rain gear and enjoy empty beaches and parks.
Wildlife Migration Budget Planning
Plan around wildlife migrations for better prices. Visit just before or after peak migration times. You’ll see animals with fewer crowds and lower costs.
Festival and Event Planning
Cultural events add value to your trip but can increase costs. Plan around festivals for cultural experiences. Book accommodation early during festival times to avoid price spikes.
Religious Holiday Price Impacts
Major religious holidays like Ramadan or Christmas can affect prices and availability. Research local holiday calendars when planning. Some attractions may close during religious observances.
Music and Cultural Festival Budgeting
Festival tickets usually cost $10-50. Accommodation prices triple during major events. Consider camping or staying further away during festival times.
Sample Budget Breakdowns
7-Day Itinerary Costs
Understanding daily costs helps you plan better. Ultra-budget travelers can survive on $15-25 daily by camping, cooking, and using public transport. Mid-range budget travelers spending $30-50 daily can stay in guesthouses and eat at local restaurants. Comfortable budget travelers at $60-80 daily can enjoy private rooms and some tourist activities.
Backpacker Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: $5-10 (dorms/camping) Food: $5-8 (street food/cooking) Transport: $3-5 (public transport) Activities: $2-5 (free attractions/hiking) Total: $15-28 daily
Solo Traveler vs Group Travel Costs
Solo travelers pay full accommodation costs but have more flexibility. Group travelers split accommodation and transport costs. Tours cost less per person in groups. Choose based on your travel style and budget.
Couple Travel Budget Considerations
Couples save on accommodation by sharing rooms. Food costs stay similar per person. Transport costs can be split. Activities often have couple discounts. Budget $40-80 daily for couples traveling comfortably.
Safety and Health Considerations for Budget Travelers
Essential Vaccinations and Health Precautions
Budget travel doesn’t mean skipping health preparations. Yellow fever vaccination costs $200-300 but prevents serious illness. Malaria prevention costs $50-100 but protects your health and travel investment.
Yellow Fever and Malaria Prevention Costs
Yellow fever vaccination lasts 10 years, making it cost-effective for multiple trips. Malaria pills cost $2-5 daily but prevent expensive medical treatment. Mosquito nets cost $10-15 and last for years.
Budget Travel Insurance Options
Basic travel insurance costs $30-50 for short trips. Compare coverage levels carefully. Some credit cards include basic travel insurance. Don’t skip insurance to save money – medical costs abroad can be enormous.
Medical Kit Essentials for Africa
Pack basics like bandages, pain relievers, and stomach medicine. These items cost more in Africa. Include water purification tablets and rehydration salts. A basic kit costs $30-50 but prevents expensive pharmacy visits.
Safety Tips for Solo Budget Travelers
Budget accommodations require extra safety awareness. Research neighborhoods before booking. Stay in well-reviewed hostels and guesthouses. Keep valuables secure and maintain emergency contacts.
Solo Female Traveler Safety Tips
Choose accommodations with good female traveler reviews. Dress modestly in conservative areas. Trust your instincts about situations and people. Connect with other female travelers when possible.
Avoiding Tourist Scams and Overcharging
Learn common scam tactics in each destination. Always negotiate prices upfront. Use registered tour operators for activities. Keep small bills separate for purchases to avoid showing large amounts.
Emergency Contact and Communication Plans
Keep embassy contact information handy. Share your itinerary with someone at home. Consider buying local SIM cards for cheap communication. Know emergency numbers in each country.
Planning Your African Budget Adventure
Visa Requirements and Costs
Visa costs vary widely between countries. Some offer free entry, others charge $50-100. E-visas often cost less than embassy applications. Research requirements early as some visas take weeks to process.
E-Visa vs Embassy Application Costs
E-visas typically cost $20-50 and process in days. Embassy applications cost more and take longer. Some countries require embassy applications for certain nationalities. Check requirements for your specific passport.
Multi-Entry Visa Benefits
Multi-entry visas cost more upfront but save money on multiple visits. Some regional visas cover multiple countries. East African visas work for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Plan your route to maximize visa value.
Visa-Free Countries for Budget Travel
Many African countries offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival. Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa allow extended stays without advance visas. Research current policies as they change frequently.
Booking and Preparation Tips
Smart booking saves money throughout your trip. Compare prices across multiple platforms. Book accommodation for your first few nights but leave flexibility for the rest. Pack light to avoid extra airline fees.
Flight Booking Strategies for Africa
Book flights 2-3 months in advance for best prices. Consider African airlines which often cost less than European carriers. Multi-city tickets sometimes cost less than round-trip plus domestic flights.
Packing Light to Avoid Extra Fees
Airlines charge $50-200 for extra bags. Pack versatile clothing suitable for various climates. Bring copies of important documents. Leave space for souvenirs by packing minimally.
Essential Gear for Budget African Travel
Good walking shoes last throughout your trip. A reliable backpack prevents replacement costs. Water bottles save money on bottled water. Headlamps work better than flashlights and cost the same.
Conclusion
The cheapest countries in Africa to visit offer incredible experiences without draining your savings. From Morocco’s bustling souks to Ethiopia’s ancient churches, from Kenya’s wildlife to Egypt’s pyramids, budget travel opens doors to amazing adventures. These destinations prove that African travel doesn’t require luxury budgets.
Don’t let cost fears stop you from exploring Africa. With daily budgets starting at just $15-25, you can experience cultures, see wildlife, and create memories that last a lifetime. The continent welcomes budget travelers with open arms and incredible value.
Ready to start planning your African adventure? Pick one of these budget-friendly destinations, research current visa requirements, and book that flight. Your affordable African adventure awaits – and it’s going to be amazing!