The 9 Cheapest Countries to Travel in Africa

Correct me if I’m wrong, but many people hold a strong perception that traveling in Africa is inherently cheap.

Perhaps this stems from an assumption linking economic disadvantage in some countries with lower tourist costs. However, it’s important to clarify that this isn’t always the reality. Many travelers are surprised by the expenses involved in African travel. Factors like limited infrastructure, remote locations, lower tourist numbers in certain areas, higher risks, and at times, corruption, can all contribute to elevated prices.

This doesn’t mean you can’t travel affordably in Africa, especially by adopting local ways like using buses and eating local food. But if you wish to partake in more tourist-oriented experiences – such as hotel or lodge stays, safaris, or adrenaline sports – your budget can quickly escalate.

As an avid traveler with adventures across 16 nations on this continent (with more planned!), I have a good grasp of the actual costs involved. Based on that experience, I’m sharing a list of the Cheapest Countries To Travel In Africa. Here are my top 9:

1. Morocco

Chefchaouen, Morocco with blue buildings and mountains in the background

We kick off this list in North Africa, which tends to be the most budget-friendly region for many tourists. Claiming the top spot is Morocco, a perennial favorite among budget travelers.

Situated near the Mediterranean, Morocco is easily accessible from Spain, making travel relatively inexpensive via budget flights or a ferry journey from Europe. This accessibility is the first factor contributing to Morocco’s affordability.

The cost savings continue once you arrive. Dorm beds in hostels across the country can be found for as little as £5 / $6 USD, often including free breakfast. Local meals in restaurants and cafes, like a delicious vegetable tagine, typically cost around 40-80 Dirham (£2 / $3 USD). A refreshing mint tea or coffee is even cheaper, usually under a pound or dollar (5-10 Dirham).

Getting around is also affordable, with efficient and inexpensive trains and local buses connecting different parts of the country. Even car rental is reasonably priced, allowing for easy exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and ancient cities. Cultural experiences are also accessible on a budget; museum entries and local hammam experiences cost only around 10-20 Dirham.

Costs can increase with tours, such as excursions to the Sahara or the Atlas Mountains. To keep your expenses low, consider joining budget group tours, utilizing local transport whenever possible, and practicing your haggling skills, especially when purchasing souvenirs. Finding inexpensive exotic places to travel can often involve countries like Morocco.

Morocco Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £30 / $40 USD

2. Tunisia

El Djem Amphitheatre, Tunisia – a large Roman amphitheater

Continuing our journey through North Africa, we move slightly east to Tunisia, another strong contender for the title of Cheapest Countries To Travel In Africa.

Tunisia has long been a popular package holiday destination for Europeans but has faced civil and political unrest in recent years, deterring traditional tourism. While unfortunate, the resulting slump in the industry means travel to and within Tunisia is currently extremely cheap. Budget travelers can explore the nation’s beautiful landscapes and deserts without breaking the bank.

Cheap flights from Europe are readily available, and ferry services to Sicily offer a low-carbon travel option. Budget guesthouses can be found for as little as £10 / $12 USD per night for a double room. Meals at local eateries are incredibly affordable, costing around £1-3 / $2-4 USD.

Historical site visits offer great value; for instance, entrance to the impressive El Jem costs just £6 / $5 USD. Traveling around the country is easy and cheap using local shared minibuses, known as louage, for just a few dollars. To maintain a low budget, it’s advisable to avoid more expensive organized tours that often involve private drivers, which can cost upwards of £100 / $130 USD per day. Instead, consider hiring local guides for specific attractions for around £15 / $13 USD. Tunisia definitely deserves its spot on a list of affordable places to travel.

Tunisia Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £30 / $35 USD

3. Egypt

Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt

Further east, we arrive in Egypt, undeniably one of the cheapest countries to travel in Africa, and arguably one of the most budget-friendly globally.

Egypt stands out as a true bargain destination. Even private rooms in hostels and budget guesthouses are available for as little as £6 / $7 USD. Long-distance train journeys between major cities like Luxor and Cairo are incredibly cheap, costing only £11 / $13 USD even for a first-class seat.

While Egyptian cuisine might not be everyone’s favorite, it is certainly inexpensive. The national dish, Koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, macaroni, and tomato sauce), can be enjoyed for just £2 / $3 USD.

The main draw, of course, is the sightseeing. Visiting iconic historical treasures is surprisingly affordable. Entrance to sites like the Pyramids costs only £5 / $6 USD – it’s hard to believe you can access such significant historical locations for so little. Another reason Egypt is one of the cheapest countries to travel in Africa is that you often don’t need expensive tours or guides. For some sites like Abu Simbel, entry might even include guidance. If you prefer a day tour for tombs and temples, they can be booked for as little as £13 / £15 USD. Experiences like a Nile cruise or scuba diving in the Red Sea can also be surprisingly cheap if you find the right deals.

Egypt Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £25 / $30 USD

4. Sudan

Pyramids in Karima, Sudan at sunset

Journeying south from Egypt, we arrive in Sudan. Traveling overland between these countries is possible, and based on past experiences and reports from other travelers, Sudan remains incredibly safe and cheap for visitors, seriously rivalling Egypt for the title of the cheapest country to travel in Africa, if not the world.

Prices in Sudan are exceptionally low, reflecting the country’s challenging economic situation. Finding guesthouses with beds for £0.75 / $1 USD is possible. The national dish, ful (beans with bread and peanut oil), costs less than $1 everywhere and is a staple for vegetarians.

Buses in Sudan are comfortable and remarkably cheap, with journeys of several hours costing just a few dollars. While trains exist, they are generally slower and less clean for a similar price. Many visitors come to see the stunning Nubian pyramids, which are free to enter and scattered semi-abandoned in the desert. There’s no need for a tour to visit them.

Many budget travelers exploring Sudan stick to spending on essentials like food, coffee, water, accommodation, and buses, with the occasional camel ride. There are few other expenses, as alcohol is illegal under Sharia law. Sudan is potentially the absolute cheapest destination on this list.

Sudan Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £10-20 / $13-25 USD

5. Kenya

Three cheetahs standing on a dirt track in the Masai Mara, Kenya

Moving further south into East Africa, we find the dynamic country of Kenya. With immense diversity, Kenya is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors to the continent, offering mountains for hiking, incredible national parks, abundant wildlife for safaris, and beautiful beaches.

Recent political events led to a slump in Kenya’s tourism, resulting in lower prices. This makes it one of the cheapest countries for a safari experience, with fabulous parks like Amboseli, Nakuru, and the world-renowned Masai Mara. Three-day, two-night safari trips to these popular parks can be found for around £350 / $410 USD. This price often includes food, game drives, guides, park entrance fees, and budget accommodation, frequently in camping setups.

For travelers not camping and basing themselves in cities or towns, dorm beds cost around £8 / $10 USD per night. This is particularly good value at the coast, where budget options sit near more expensive resorts in beautiful locations like Diani Beach.

Eating cheaply on the street or from small shops in Kenya can cost around £10-15 / $15-20 per day. Local buses and boats are even less expensive. Budget flights are also available domestically, for example, between Nairobi and Mombasa for around £35 / $45 USD. Within smaller cities and towns, tuk-tuks or motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) offer very cheap transport for just a few Kenyan shillings. Kenya is definitely one of the cheapest countries in Africa, especially if you aim for affordable places to travel in August or other shoulder seasons.

Kenya Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £45 / $55 USD – activity dependent

6. Uganda

Mountain gorilla eating in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Adjacent to Kenya is Uganda, another incredible safari destination that can also be one of the cheapest countries to travel in Africa, particularly for experiencing amazing wildlife and landscapes.

Uganda’s pricing for accommodation, food, and transport is similar to Kenya’s. Your budget heavily depends on the number, duration, and style of activities you choose. The most budget-friendly way to arrange safaris to famous parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls is often by arranging them from the capital, Kampala, although this requires flexibility with dates. A typical three-day, two-night safari excursion might cost around £300-350 / $430-500 USD. Self-drive safaris are another option to keep costs down.

Jinja, the adventure sports hub of East Africa, is another key area for activities. Located at the source of the Nile River, Jinja offers white-water rafting, horseback riding, and quad-biking. These activities can significantly increase travel costs in Uganda, ranging from £35 / $40 USD per hour to £110 / $140 USD for a full day. Careful selection of activities is key to keeping Uganda one of the cheapest countries to travel in Africa.

For many, the ultimate Ugandan activity is gorilla trekking. Uganda is widely considered the most affordable (and safe) place in the world to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. While still a significant expense, the permit cost is lower here than in neighboring countries. If you are looking for cheap places for students to travel, Uganda offers unique wildlife experiences that are relatively more accessible here than elsewhere.

Uganda Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £55 / $70 USD – activity-dependent (higher with gorilla trekking)

7. Malawi

Local life on the shores of Lake Malawi

Moving further south, we reach Malawi, often called the Warm Heart of Africa. This long, thin country borders Southern and East Africa and is dominated by the vast Lake Malawi. It’s an excellent destination for relaxing and also ranks among the cheapest countries in Africa.

Malawi’s economy faces challenges, which is evident upon arrival. However, this economic situation does not reflect the warmth and friendliness of its people. Local food and bus transport are extremely cheap. Accommodation costs are among the lowest in this region, with budget backpacker hostels available even around the lake.

Lake Malawi offers opportunities for affordable activities like scuba diving (around £35 / $45 USD per dive), boat rides, and fishing trips. There are also hiking trails in the surrounding mountains. Beyond this, the main draw is simply relaxing and embracing the local pace of life. Malawi is not primarily a safari destination with numerous national parks, which helps keep costs down as you won’t be spending heavily on game drives.

Focusing on relaxation and local experiences makes Malawi certainly one of the cheapest countries to travel in Africa.

Malawi Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £30 / $35 USD

8. Mozambique

Staying with the theme of water, we arrive at the coastal paradise of Mozambique, another country firmly on the list of the cheapest countries to travel in Africa. Mozambique offers a taste of tropical paradise at a surprisingly low cost.

Still recovering from a long civil war, Mozambique’s economy and tourism industry are still developing. For those who visit, the reward is stunning ocean views, excellent swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and even the chance to spot whale sharks, all at very affordable prices.

The southern coast is a popular area, home to backpacker hotspots like Tofo. Here, a dorm bed costs around £8 / $10 USD, and meals at local cafes range from £3-7 / $4-9 USD. Local buses from the capital, Maputo, to Tofo are incredibly cheap, costing only around $3 USD. Water activities typically start from around £35 / $45 USD. As you can see, Mozambique is clearly one of the cheapest countries to visit in Africa, offering stunning coastal experiences on a budget. For those looking for cheapest places to solo travel, the backpacker scene in Tofo provides a good balance of affordability and social opportunity.

Mozambique Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £30 / $35 USD – activity-dependent

9. South Africa

Clifton Beach in Cape Town, South Africa with people relaxing on the sand

Finally, we reach the last entry on this list and perhaps the most well-known African country to travel in: South Africa. As a more economically developed nation compared to others on this list, it might seem surprising to include it. However, South Africa makes the cut as one of the cheapest countries to travel in Africa due to its popularity and well-established infrastructure for backpacking and independent budget travel.

The mature tourism infrastructure in South Africa means there is significant competition among hostels, transport providers, activity operators, and other services, which helps keep prices relatively low. Cape Town is likely the most expensive city, despite its beauty, but even here, a dorm bed typically costs only around £12 / $15 USD. Exploring cities like Cape Town independently is easy and affordable using services like Uber for getting around cheaply.

Long-distance travel across this vast country is inexpensive thanks to services like Greyhound buses and budget airlines. Sticking to buying food in supermarkets and cooking yourself can keep your daily food budget around £15 / $20 USD. When it comes to tours and activities, particularly safaris (which are very popular here), the ability to rent a car and self-drive in many parks, like Kruger National Park, makes them much more affordable than guided tours in some other countries.

South Africa Estimated Daily Budget for Shoestring Traveller: £40 / $50 USD

Essential Tips for Budget Africa Travel

Traveling Africa on a budget requires smart planning and local insights. Here are some key tips derived from extensive experience across the continent:

When to Visit

Africa is immense, with varying climates. North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt) is best visited during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather. West Africa’s high season is generally December to February, offering lowest rainfall. East Africa’s long dry season (July-September) is ideal, coinciding with the Great Migration; the short rainy season (November-December) is also an option. For Southern Africa, May to October is cooler and less humid in places like Namibia and Botswana, while Cape Town is popular November to February.

Getting Around

Local transport is key to budget travel. Shared minibuses (like Tunisia’s louage), local buses (comfortable in Sudan), trains (great value in Egypt), and even domestic budget flights (available in Kenya and South Africa) are far cheaper than private transfers or organized transport. Within towns, tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis offer very low-cost rides.

Activities and Tours

While some major attractions or activities (like gorilla trekking) require permits or tours, many sights can be visited independently, especially in countries like Egypt and Sudan. In Kenya and South Africa, self-drive safaris are often a budget-friendly alternative to guided tours. For activities like water sports, shop around and compare prices. If you plan extensive activities across multiple countries, budget overland group tours can sometimes be more economical as they leverage group discounts on safaris and activities.

Food and Drink

Eating local is almost always the cheapest option. Seek out small cafes, street food vendors, and local markets. Buying groceries from supermarkets and cooking your own meals, especially if your accommodation has facilities (common in hostels), is another excellent way to save money. Avoid tourist-focused restaurants unless necessary.

Packing Essentials

Packing smart helps. Essential items for budget travel in Africa often include lightweight clothing, swimwear (for coastal or lakeside destinations), insect repellent (especially for malaria areas), appropriate power adapters (as types vary widely), and a reliable camera to capture memories. Comfortable and durable sandals are also indispensable for getting around.

Managing Your Money

Using travel money cards that offer favorable exchange rates and low or no international transaction fees can save a significant amount compared to traditional bank cards. Carrying a mix of cash and card is advisable, especially in more rural or less developed areas. Be aware of ATM availability and fees in different countries.

Conclusion

Traveling Africa on a budget is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. By focusing on countries known for their affordability and adopting savvy travel practices like utilizing local transport, eating local food, and choosing activities carefully, you can experience the diverse wonders of this vast continent without spending a fortune. The countries listed – Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa – offer unique experiences while being among the cheapest countries to travel in Africa, proving that incredible adventures don’t always come with a high price tag.