Cheapest Places In Africa To Travel To

Africa has long captured the imaginations of travellers worldwide with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and incredible wildlife. While travelling in Africa is not cheap,  it might please you to know that you don't need the most massive budget to experience the magic of the continent. Whatever the purpose of your trip, Africa offers budget-friendly travel destinations.

Let's look into the cheapest places in Africa where you can have rich experiences and make your travel dreams a reality.

Some of the cheapest places in Africa to travel to

Morocco

Morocco stands out as one of Africa's most affordable destinations, where travellers can manage daily budgets between $35-$60. As a North African gem, it offers a blend of ancient medinas, stunning mountain ranges, and the vast Sahara Desert, all without breaking the bank.

Street food from roadside vendors costs around $2, while museum entries and traditional hammam experiences run just $1-$2. Accommodation is equally affordable, with budget hostels and guesthouses starting at approximately $10 per night. The country's well-connected transportation system includes trains, buses, and shared taxis that cost far less than renting a private car. Many of Morocco's best attractions, the colourful souks, historic medinas, and architectural wonders, have minimal or no entry fees.

Egypt

Egypt ranks among the cheapest countries to visit in Africa, with daily budgets as low as $20-$25. This makes it possible to explore one of the world's most historically significant destinations without emptying your wallet.

Dorm beds can cost as little as $7 per night, first-class train tickets around $13, and local meals less than $3. The activities themselves are surprisingly affordable. Visiting the ancient pyramids costs approximately $6, with tours starting at $15. You can explore the city along the Nile on foot for free, allowing you to soak in millennia of history at your own pace. Egyptian street food like tagine, couscous, and harira soup costs between $3-$5 per meal.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia offers one of the continent's lowest daily budgets at just $20, which makes it a paradise for travellers. Ethiopia boasts incredible cultural wealth and natural beauty.

Street food stalls and local restaurants serve hearty meals for just a few dollars, while transportation via buses and trains between major cities is very cheap. Traditional Ethiopian coffee costs as little as $0.50, minibuses and shared taxis cost less than $1 per ride, and guesthouses start at $10 per night. Ethiopian cuisine, particularly the delicious injera served with various stews, offers exceptional value. Traditional Ethiopian cuisine is known as one of the most delicious in the world, with everyone eating communally by dipping injera in spicy stews.

Ghana

Ghana is known for its rich history and friendly locals, and it allows travellers to manage on $25-$40 per day. It offers a perfect introduction to West Africa’s vibrant culture and colonial history.

Dining at local "chop bars" provides affordable meals, while shared minibuses known as "trotros" offer budget-friendly transportation. Guesthouses provide comfortable accommodation without the premium price tag. Ghana's welcoming atmosphere and English-speaking population make it particularly accessible for international travellers, including those visiting from the diaspora or working remotely from the continent.

Tanzania

Tanzania proves that world-class wildlife experiences and tropical paradise don't have to cost a fortune. Tanzania is one of the most affordable destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers who can be flexible with transportation and accommodation.

Dishes like Ugali and Nyama Choma cost $2-$6 per meal, with some items as low as $0.50. Tanzania offers cheaper safaris than many other African countries, particularly in Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar provides affordable beachside guesthouses. Tanzania delivers unforgettable experiences like watching the Great Migration in Serengeti, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or relaxing on Zanzibar's pristine beaches at prices that won't shock your budget.

Malawi

Malawi offers accommodations for as low as $10 per night. It is centered around the stunning Lake Malawi and provides a peaceful, affordable retreat. Lakeside hostels and campsites provide budget stays, local markets offer inexpensive meals, and minibuses handle transportation affordably. The country's main attraction, Lake Malawi itself, is mostly free to enjoy, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on golden beaches.

Mozambique

Mozambique is certainly one of the cheapest countries to visit in Africa, with daily budgets around $30-$35. It offers stunning coastline, delicious seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere.

You should stay in guesthouses rather than resorts, feast on fresh seafood at local markets, and use "chapas" (minibuses) for getting around. The Quirimbas Archipelago and Bazaruto Islands offer tropical paradise experiences without the Caribbean price tags.

South Africa

While not the absolute cheapest, South Africa deserves mention as one of the cheapest countries to travel in Africa because of its popularity, ease, and brilliance as a backpacking destination.

Well-established tourism infrastructure creates huge competition over hostels, buses, activities, and services that keep prices low. Even in pricey Cape Town, dorm beds typically cost only $12-$15. South Africa is one of the most affordable African countries with many attractions, and things are relatively cheap once you arrive, especially considering the quality.

Kenya

Kenya often surprises travelers with how affordable it can be outside of peak safari season. While Kenya has a developed tourist industry, budget travelers can manage on around $59 per day, making it accessible for those watching their spending.

Local restaurants offer plenty of affordable, tasty options, with three-course dinners at lodges costing around $15-$25 per person. Street food is even cheaper and generally safe. Campgrounds outside protected areas can cost as little as $5 per night, while hostels and guesthouses in Nairobi start at around $10-$15 per night. Public transportation via matatus (shared minibuses) keeps travel costs low between cities. For safari enthusiasts on a budget, local travel agents can find last-minute deals during low or shoulder season at half the expected cost.

Rwanda

Rwanda might surprise you as a budget-friendly destination. Budget travelers spend around $18-$24 per day on average, making it one of the most affordable countries in East Africa, especially if you skip the famous (but pricey) gorilla trekking.

Hostels and guesthouses in Kigali cost $10-$15 per night, while budget hotels outside the capital range from $20-$40. Rwanda's efficient transport system and well-maintained roads make independent travel surprisingly straightforward. Free attractions include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Center with its art exhibits, and relaxing on Lake Kivu's beaches. If you’re seeking adventure, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest costs $90, while Akagera National Park entry is $50, both significantly cheaper than gorilla permits.

How to make your money go further for you

Embrace local transportation

Avoid expensive taxis and rental cars; use public transportation instead. Local buses, shared taxis, and minibuses offer authentic cultural experiences while saving you significant money.

Eat like a local

Skip tourist restaurants and head to local markets, street food vendors, and neighbourhood eateries. You'll enjoy more authentic cuisine at a fraction of the cost.

Book strategically

Travel during shoulder seasons (just before or after peak times) to find better deals on flights and accommodations. Be flexible with your dates to take advantage of lower prices.

Consider longer stays

Many accommodations offer discounts for extended stays, and it’s perfect for digital nomads and remote workers who can work from anywhere.

Managing your money while traveling

When traveling across Africa or sending money to support family back home, managing finances efficiently is key. Pesa is an invaluable app for you as a budget-conscious traveller, as it offers you a seamless way to manage cross-border transactions without the hefty fees traditional banks charge through competitive rates and transparent pricing.

It is particularly beneficial for:

• Remote workers and freelancers managing income across different countries
• Expats supporting families back home while exploring the continent
• Students studying abroad who need reliable money transfers
• Travellers who want to avoid unfavourable exchange rates at airports and tourist areas

Conclusion

It is the best-kept secret that travelling in Africa is affordable. Exploring the continent offers extraordinary experiences that won't drain your bank account. These budget-friendly destinations prove that meaningful travel experiences don't require unlimited funds, just curiosity, flexibility, and a spirit of adventure.

Start planning your African adventure today, and discover that you don’t need to break the bank to have some of the world's most memorable experiences.