Cost to Travel to Africa: A Detailed 6-Month Budget Breakdown

Calculating the Cost To Travel To Africa is often challenging, leading to frequent questions like: “Is it expensive to travel in Africa?”, “Can I travel Africa on a budget?”, and “How much do I need to go backpacking in Africa?”.

My honest answer is that the cost truly depends on your travel style and what you want to do. However, sharing a detailed breakdown of what I spent during my 6 months in Africa will provide a solid framework to help you estimate your potential expenses and determine the budget you might need for your own adventure.

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania with hot air balloons, showing safari cost implication

Is it Expensive to Travel in Africa?

It can be, and costs vary significantly between destinations. However, travel in Africa doesn’t have to be expensive. While it might not be as cheap as some other regions globally, numerous options exist for budget travelers. Countries like Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia are particularly good choices for budget backpacking.

The most significant expenses are typically activities and safaris. Entrance fees for national parks and the logistical challenges of reaching remote locations often drive up costs.

But it’s crucial to understand that you don’t need to spend thousands on a short safari. Many excellent, ethical, and ecologically responsible safari options are available at a fraction of the cost of high-end luxury safaris. There are safaris to suit almost every budget.

Often, the high price of expensive safaris is primarily due to the luxury or all-inclusive services, the complex logistics of operating in remote areas with limited infrastructure, and sometimes, unfortunately, supporting operations built on land from which local communities were displaced. Expensive doesn’t automatically equate to ethical or superior.

Can You Travel to Africa on a Budget?

Absolutely! Despite popular belief, an African vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.

You can significantly reduce costs by utilizing local transportation, camping or staying in hostels, eating local food, and limiting the number of expensive activities or safaris you partake in. A budget-conscious backpacker could realistically travel on $30 – $50 per day, or even less. If you eat locally, food and water could cost less than $5 daily. Camping or dorm beds outside national parks are usually inexpensive, ranging from $5 – $10 per night. Local transport is also very affordable.

However, experiencing the unique activities and sights on offer is a major part of the adventure for many travelers, myself included. This is where costs rise quickly.

How Much Do You Need to Go Backpacking in Africa?

While you might be looking for a simple, definitive number, the truth is that your Africa travel budget will fundamentally depend on what you choose to do and how you choose to do it. I have known backpackers who traveled through Africa on incredibly small budgets.

My personal style balances cost-saving measures with experiencing highlights. I enjoy safaris, activities like white-water rafting, and occasionally splurging on a nice meal. I offset these by using public transport and eating locally on other nights. This approach offers a well-rounded view of the countries I visit.

Joining an Africa group tour can be a good way to manage costs, as many expenses are predetermined. Traveling solo can make budgeting trickier, and you might pay more if you can’t share costs like transport or accommodation. Conversely, traveling alone offers flexibility; you might find last-minute deals or share rides with others, potentially saving money. It’s less predictable.

My Africa Trip & Travel Style

Your trip will undoubtedly differ from mine, but understanding my spending can provide a valuable benchmark for your own calculations regarding the Cost To Travel To Africa. On my first long trip in 2009, I wasn’t an extreme budget traveler, but I was traveling long-term and needed to be mindful of spending. Today, I spend about half the year traveling and running flashpacking tours in Africa.

My initial 6-month journey included two volunteering placements (in Zambia and Tanzania), an extensive 3-day trip on the Tazara train, a trek up Kilimanjaro, a 2.5-month overland safari covering nine countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa), and a 2-week road trip along South Africa’s Garden Route.

The two largest individual expenses were:

1. Climbing Kilimanjaro: This is inherently expensive, even at the lower end of pricing.
2. Volunteering with the Book Bus: The placement fee was significant, and while cheaper volunteer options exist, this experience was invaluable for long-term opportunities, including leading expeditions and eventually starting my own tour company.

Note: Prices mentioned in this breakdown have been updated to reflect costs as of April 2020.

Pre-Trip Costs

These costs vary widely based on individual circumstances and are not included in my final daily budget calculation, but here’s a breakdown of what I spent beforehand.

Flights

Flight costs depend entirely on your departure point and destination. I typically use Skyscanner to find the best deals, utilizing their multi-destination search for open-jaw trips. Planning travel can be complex, whether considering best places to travel to for thanksgiving or a long-term African adventure.

Vaccinations/Medications

Costs here depend on your existing immunizations and what your doctor provides free of charge. I received Hep B, Hepatitis A/Typhoid, and Diptheria/Tetanus/Polio free from my doctor. I paid £12 for a Meningitis prescription (jab was free) and £42.50 per shot for Rabies (3 shots). Yellow Fever cost £60.30.

Antimalarial costs vary by type. I usually take Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), which costs around £2.30 – £2.60 per daily tablet. Generic versions are cheaper than branded GSK Malarone. Online services like Dr Fox and Superdrug offer convenient postal options without a prescription. For comprehensive health advice, consult your doctor and resources like the NHS Fit for Travel website. Nomad Travel also offers various vaccinations.

Clothing/Equipment

As this was my first extended backpacking trip, I spent a fair amount on new gear. Looking back, I would spend less and travel lighter now. Investing in essentials like good shoes, a quality backpack, and a decent camera (with good zoom) is recommended. Other items can often be borrowed, hired, or simply aren’t necessary. The less you buy upfront, the more you have for experiences during your trip, impacting the total cost to travel to Africa.

You can find a comprehensive Africa Packing List online for guidance.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable for a trip to Africa, where medical care is not free. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, potential injuries, and activities you plan to undertake. I recommend providers like World Nomads, Outbacker, or InsureandGo. Some bank accounts offer travel insurance, so check if you’re already covered. I paid around £70 at the time; costs are higher now, and insuring US citizens is typically more expensive than Europeans. Factor in coverage for valuable electronics if needed.

In-Africa Costs

This section details expenses incurred while in Africa, including food, transport, accommodation, visas, and pre-paid tours/excursions.

Visas

Total = £284

Visa costs differ based on nationality. For my trip through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, the costs for single-entry visas for British passport holders (in USD) were:

• Kenya: $50 (East Africa Visa for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda: $100)
• Uganda: $50 (as above)
• Rwanda: $30 (as above)
• Tanzania: $50 (Most nationalities), $100 (US citizens)
• Malawi: $75
• Zambia: $50 (KAZA visa also available for Zambia/Zimbabwe entry)
• Botswana: Free
• Namibia: Free
• South Africa: Free

Visas are paid in US dollars; bills should be clean and dated after 2009. As I visited Tanzania and Zambia twice, my total visa cost based on today’s prices would be $355 (£284). Visiting each country once would cost $275. Resources like Project Visa and Wikipedia are helpful for visa information. Always contact local embassies for the most accurate, up-to-date requirements and remember some require advance application.

Volunteering Project 1 (Zambia)

Total = £1,850

I spent 4 weeks volunteering with the Book Bus in Livingstone, Zambia. While not cheap, it’s a worthwhile project supporting extracurricular activities for children without displacing local workers. Livingstone offers numerous adventure activities, so budget some spending money here.

• Volunteering (£1,600): Covered 4 weeks, including in-country support, transfers, food, accommodation (tents), and project costs.
• Weekend Food & Drinks (£200): Food was provided weekdays; weekends required purchasing meals and drinks in town.
• Activities: Adventure activities like white-water rafting, jet-boating, and trips to Chobe National Park cost extra (included in the activities section total).
• Other (£50): Souvenirs, local SIM, taxis for meals.

While volunteer program specifics and costs may have changed, this provides an estimate. Free volunteering options exist, but thorough research is vital to ensure they are ethical and not taking local jobs.

The Tazara Train – Zambia to Tanzania

Total = £369

This epic overland journey between Zambia and Tanzania was chosen for the experience over potentially cheaper flights.

• Bus from Livingstone to Lusaka: £13
• Dorm Accommodation in Lusaka x 2 nights: £20
• Bus from Lusaka to Kapiri Mposhi: £7
• Tazara Train from Zambia to Tanzania: £36
• Food/Drink: £20. Limited options are available onboard; bringing your own food is recommended.

Volunteering Project 2 (Tanzania)

Total = £763

I volunteered for over 4 weeks at the Baobab Home in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, running a summer club. This was a chance to experience a less touristy side of Africa. I spent very little initially, but costs have risen.

• Taxi from Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo: £45 (Minibus is cheaper at approx. £2 currently).
• Volunteering: £0 initially (I fundraised). Fees may apply now.
• Volunteer Visa: £160 ($200). A Resident Permit ($550) is needed for stays over 2 months.
• Accommodation: £336. Costs for recommended guesthouses/hostels near the current location are $15 – $25/night.
• Food/Drink: £150. Eating local food is cheap.
• Transport: £20. Walking was common; local transport (dala dala, piki piki, bajaji) for longer distances. Transport costs ($4-$10/day) would be higher now if staying off-site.
• Other: £50. Includes local activities like a Bagamoyo tour ($20).

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Total = £2,227

This was the most expensive part of my trip but incredibly rewarding. I’ve climbed Kili twice and shared tips for reaching the summit. Climbing alone is more expensive; joining a group significantly reduces costs.

• Coach to Dar es Salaam to Arusha: £13 (36,000 TSH). Taxi from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi: $30-$50.
• Kilimanjaro Climb (Machame Route, 6 Days): £1,700. Covered park fees, guides, porters, food, water, and 2 nights’ accommodation pre/post-climb. Solo climbs typically cost £1700 – £2,000. Longer routes cost more.
• Tips: £360. Tipping is standard on Kilimanjaro. Costs are lower in a group.
• Additional Accommodation: £50.
• Shuttle Bus from Moshi to Nairobi: £16 ($20).
• Food/Drink: £40. Moshi offers nice places to eat post-climb.
• Equipment Hire: £28 ($35) for walking poles and waterproof pants.
• Other: £20. Snacks and drinks on the mountain are expensive but can be necessary fuel!

Overland Safari (Nairobi to Cape Town)

Total = £4,860

Being new to Africa, I chose a 2.5-month overland safari with Absolute Africa, known for being relatively affordable. Overlanding can be cost-effective compared to entirely independent travel, offering built-in transport and companions. My experience traveling central and south america previously helped inform my approach to long overland journeys.

Overlanding involves participation – helping with cooking, cleaning, and setting up tents – but it’s a great adventure that simplifies logistics. The trip covered Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa (the route now includes Zimbabwe).

• Trip Cost: £2,425 + $1,260 (local payment). Covered most meals and transport on the truck, accommodation (mostly camping, some dorms/rooms), and some activities. Excluded meals/accommodation when off the truck (e.g., Okavango Delta, Zanzibar). The cost has significantly increased since my trip (£990 + $1,300).
• Accommodation: £100. Stayed in private room in Nairobi pre-trip and dorm in Cape Town post-trip. Cheaper options were available.
• Spending Money: £1,325 (approx.). Absolute Africa suggests $1,500 – $1,800 for additional food, drinks, transport, souvenirs, internet, excursions, and tips over the 73 days.

South Africa Road Trip

Total = £1,150

My trip concluded with a 2-week road trip from Cape Town down the Garden Route with my boyfriend and friends. We opted for private rooms rather than strict budgeting.

• Accommodation: £500. Primarily stayed in backpacker hostels but in private en-suite rooms.
• Car Hire/Petrol: £150 (my half). For an economy car with insurance and two drivers. Car hire is reasonably priced in South Africa.
• Food/Drink: £500. South Africa has excellent food and drink options across all price points. We mixed budget and more expensive choices.
• Activities: Not included above; covered separately. Having a car allowed for many free sightseeing opportunities. Understanding budgeting for different types of travel, like planning the best time to travel to sweden or a road trip in South Africa, requires tailored approaches.

Activities

Total = £1,500

Africa offers a vast array of activities. Budgeting means prioritizing as fitting and funding everything is usually impossible. Many overland tours include some activities; this total is for additional ones I paid for.

My major activity expense was gorilla trekking, which cost $500 in Rwanda at the time (now $1,500 in Rwanda, $700 in Uganda). Hot air ballooning is another significant cost ($450 – $550).

For a 2.5-month overland trip like mine, budgeting £800 – £1,400 for extra activities is reasonable, depending on what’s included in the tour price. I spent about £1,000 during the overland portion and the rest during the other 4.5 months of my trip. Considering career paths related to travel, one might look into a travel coordinator salary in texas as a way to fund adventures.

My Total 6-Month Africa Budget

My total expenditure for 6 months was approximately £11,653 / $14,530 based on April 2020 prices, averaging around £70 / $86 per day.

This figure is notably higher than the actual £55/$70 per day I spent in 2009 due to inflation. Could I have spent less? Absolutely, especially by focusing solely on backpacking. Could I have spent more? Easily. A single 4-day luxury safari in the Serengeti could cost £3,000 alone.

For this cost, over 6 months, I covered over 17,000 km, completed two volunteering projects, trekked Kilimanjaro, participated in a 2.5-month overland tour across nine countries, took an epic train journey, and went on eleven safaris. This included incredible wildlife encounters with mountain gorillas, elephants, giraffes, sharks, cheetahs, and lions, while making lifelong friends and countless memories. Looking for destinations based on time of year can also impact budget, such as finding warm travel destinations in november.

Despite the significant cost, the experience was undeniably worth every penny. Now, it’s time to start saving for your own adventure!

I hope this detailed breakdown helps you plan your own Africa travel budget.