Africa is a continent often overlooked as a travel destination. However, this beautiful continent offers many experiences and adventures for people willing to explore it. You can easily find top cheapest African countries to visit. One major advantage this continent has is that most people are highly hospitable.
There have been several misconceptions about traveling costs on this continent. Several people have wrongly assumed that exploring Africa would be expensive. This is very wrong. You must know that many African countries are affordable to explore.
The Top 10 Cheapest African Countries to Visit
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These countries not only offer budget-friendly travel options but also provide a unique glimpse into Africa’s diverse cultures and landscapes. So, whether you’re a budget traveler or just looking for a new adventure, read on to discover the most affordable African destinations that won’t disappoint.
1. Morocco
This is one of the first countries that should come to your mind if you are looking for a list of top cheap African countries to visit. Morocco is located in North Africa and is a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and history. It is also one of the cheapest African countries to visit, making it an excellent destination for your pocket.
You do not have to spend much on accommodation, as hotels cost as little as $5-10 per night. There are also mid-range hotels that you can book for around $20-30 per night. Food and drink prices in this country are also affordable. You can buy food on the street for $1-2 per meal, and restaurant meals average around $10. You should try the local mint tea, as it costs just a few cents.
There are different transportation options in this country. They include buses, trains, and shared taxis. The buses and trains are reliable and affordable, while shared taxis can be more expensive. There are also different popular tourist attractions and activities in Morocco. They include visiting the ancient city of Marrakech, exploring the Sahara Desert, hiking in the Atlas Mountains, and visiting the seaside town of Essaouira.
Visitors from many countries, including the United States and Canada, do not need a visa to enter Morocco for stays of up to 90 days. Visa requirements change often. It is advisable that you apply for a visa if there is one to avoid problems with the police when you arrive.
Morocco is generally safe for travelers, but you should take normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings. The local culture is rich and diverse, with Berber, Arab, and European influences. You can expect beautiful architecture, intricate tilework, and colorful markets selling everything from spices to textiles. This country will give you all the fun and adventure you desire without straining your pocket.
2. Egypt
This is another affordable country in Africa. Egypt is located in North Africa. It is known for its ancient history and landmarks, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
There are different accommodation options in this country. Hostels can cost as little as $5-10 per night, while more developed ones charge around $20-30 per night. Food and drink here are also affordable, with local street food costing $1-2 per meal. Restaurant meals usually cost around $10.
Egypt’s transportation options include buses, trains, and taxis. Buses and trains are reliable and affordable, while taxis may cost more. There are different tourist activities you should try. They include visiting the ancient city of Luxor, exploring the Pyramids of Giza, and taking a Nile River cruise.
You need a visa to enter Egypt. Visa requirements vary depending on your country and the length of your stay. Egypt is generally a safe country as there are few security threats to travelers. The local culture is rich and diverse, as you will often find Arab and African influences. You can expect beautiful mosques, bustling markets, and taste delicious Egyptian cuisine.
3. Tunisia
Tunisia is another country you should visit. This North African country is known for its Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and desert landscapes. It is also one of the cheapest African countries to visit.
You can easily use buses, trains, or taxis in this country. Popular attractions and activities in this country include visiting the ancient city of Carthage, exploring the Bardo Museum, and relaxing on Hammamet beaches. Accommodation, on the other hand, is also highly affordable. A night at a comfortable hotel ranges from $5 to $20, depending on the location. Food and drink are affordable, costing as little as $1-2 per meal. Classic restaurant meals cost around $10, depending on location and amenities.
If you come from the United States or Canada, you do not need a visa to stay there. This is if it is a brief stay. You will need a visa if you come from another country. This country is generally safe for travelers and residents. A mix of Arab and Mediterranean cultures dominates this country. Like other Arab countries, you can expect beautiful mosques and Roman ruins and taste delicious Tunisian cuisine.
4. Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa and is located in North Africa. It is also one of the cheapest African countries that you can visit. Several affordable hotels in this country cost $5-10 per night. The mid-range hotels, on the other hand, go for around $30-40 per night. You can get street meals for as low as $2, while restaurant meals cost as low as $10. You should try local tea and coffee as it is a morning routine in this country.
You can always use trains, buses or taxis to get around this country. There are also interstate flights. Popular attractions and activities include visiting the ancient Roman ruins at Timgad. You should also explore the Algiers Casbah and trek in the Sahara Desert.
You do not need a visa from the United States or Canada. However, you will need one, which can be obtained upon arrival or through the Algerian embassy if you are from another country. Algeria is known for its safety, so you do not have to worry about security. There are also different local cultures you will see and experience here. They include Arab culture, French culture, and even the American culture. When you visit this country, you will enjoy beautiful mosques and taste delicious Algerian cuisine.
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty and is also one of the cheapest African countries to visit. It is located in the northeastern part of the country. Accommodation in this hotel is pretty affordable as they cost $5-10 per night. You can also get hotels with more amenities for $30-40 per night. You can enjoy a tasty meal for $5. Do not forget to try delicious Ethiopian cuisines such as Injera, Tibs, Doro Wat, and Azifa.
This city has different modes of transportation, with buses and minibuses being the most common modes. There are also different popular attractions and activities in Ethiopia that would intrigue you. They include visiting the ancient city of Lalibela, trekking in the Simien Mountains, and exploring Addis Ababa.
While visitors from countries like Canada and America do not need a visa to enter Ethiopia for stays of up to 90 days, you need a visa if you are from another country. Depending on your country, the application often takes 30 to 90 days to process.
Ethiopia is generally safe, but it’s always wise to take normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings. You will see a different mix of cultures and individuals of different races in this beautiful country. Ethiopia offers an exciting and affordable travel experience that is unforgettable.
6. Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is popular for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. Different things make this country ideal to visit. The cost of accommodation is one of them. Hotel accommodation in this country for foreigners can cost as little as $10 to $60 per night, depending on the amenities you want. You can also get a tasty meal in a classic restaurant for $10.
There are different transportation options in Uganda. They include taxis, buses, and minibusses. However, buses and minibusses are the most common transportation methods. There are many popular tourist attractions and activities you can try in Uganda. They include trekking with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They also include exploring the Nile River and Murchison Falls National Park and visiting Kampala.
Unlike some African countries, you need a visa to enter Uganda. This visa can be obtained upon arrival or through the Ugandan embassy. This country is generally safe for travelers and everyone. Also, there are different types of culture you will experience here, as this country has over 40 different languages. While exploring, try their traditional cuisines like ugali, mandazi, and muchomo. The taste is magnificent.
7. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is located in Southern Africa. This country is also one of the cheapest African countries you can visit. No matter your country, you need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. You can get a visa upon arrival or through the Zimbabwean embassy in your country.
You will find accommodation in this country quite affordable as hotels cost as little as $10 to $100 per night. You can also buy food and drinks for $2 to $5. In this country, bars are great places to relax and hang out. Some many local beers and teas are reasonably priced.
There are different transportation options in Zimbabwe. They include buses, minibusses, bikes, and taxis. There are also popular attractions and activities to try in this country. They include visiting Victoria Falls, exploring Hwange National Park, and touring Harare.
This multicultural country is suitable for tourism as you will meet people with different cultures and backgrounds. There are also popular tasty dishes like sadza, gango, and Maheu. You will find their taste remarkable. There is a lot of fun and adventure in this city.
8. Tanzania
Tanzania is another East African country. This country is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. It is also one of the cheapest African countries to travel to. There are different budget-friendly accommodation options in this beautiful country. Depending on your desired amenities, you can get a hotel that costs as little as $5 to $60 per night. You can also get cheap food for $2 per meal. Food is affordable in this country.
Generally, buses and minibusses are this country’s most common means of transportation. There are also airplanes and taxis if you intend to travel interstate. Tanzania is one of the countries in Africa with many global tourist attractions and activities. You can visit or explore the Serengeti national park, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or enjoy Zanzibar beaches.
You need a visa if you want to enter this country. To get the visa, you can obtain it upon arrival at the airport. However, I advise you to apply for a visit to the embassy before traveling. Tanzania is a relatively safe country, with no reports of insecurity. You can also expect a different mix of African and Arab influences when exploring this city. Do not forget to try their local cuisine, including ugali, wali wa nazi, sukuma wiki, and more. The taste of these dishes is marvelous and unique.
9. Ghana
Ghana is an affordable country perfect for tourism. This country is located in West Africa and is known for its rich cultural heritage, friendly people, and beautiful beaches. One unique thing about this country is that you do not need a visa to explore it.
In this country, there are a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options. You will find hotels for $5 per night. You can also get more classy hotels for $30 per night. The food here is remarkably cheap, costing as little as $2 on the street. On the other hand, you can eat in a restaurant for $10. There are different local bars and hangout spots where you can unwind.
Ghana has different transportation options, including buses, tro-tros (minibusses), and taxis. Taxis are more expensive, but they offer greater flexibility in terms of destination and movement than other modes of transportation. There are many tourist attractions in this beautiful country. You can easily visit the Cape Coast castle, explore the popular Accra market, and even relax on the beaches of the central region.
There is nothing to worry about safety, as Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. You will get to explore different tribes and cultures, such as ewe, akan, Dagbani, and a lot more. There are also different traditional Ghanaian dishes you can try. They include keleweke, banku and tilapia, groundnut butter soup, and more. These meals will make your visit to this country an unforgettable one.
10. Kenya
Kenya is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. This country is among the countries you should explore if you are looking for affordable countries to visit in Africa. The accommodation options in this country are relatively cheap as you can get a hotel for $5 per night. Several more classic hotels cost as low as $30. The food and drinks are also affordable; you can get an excellent meal in a restaurant for $10.
There are different transportation options in this country. They include taxis, buses, minibuses, and airplanes. You can use these transport options to get to different places and states. Kenya has a lot of fun and tourist activities, including visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve, climbing Mount Kenya, and exploring the beaches of Mombasa.
You need a visa to enter and explore this beautiful country. You can get this visa upon arrival at the airport or apply at the Kenyan embassy in your country. There are different tribes in this country. Some popular tribes and cultures include Luo, Kamba, Kikuyu, and more. The country has tasty traditional dishes like irio, matuke, and more. Visiting this country will be a great experience for you.
Factors to Consider When Planning a Budget-Friendly Trip to Africa
There are several things to consider if you want to plan a budget-friendly trip to Africa. Here are some of the things below.
- Accommodation: This is the first thing you should consider if you want to travel to Africa. Accommodation is often one of the biggest travel expenses. Consider alternative options such as hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb to save money. These options are cheaper than hotels, and you can also cook your meals in some cases.
- Food and drink prices: Before traveling to Africa, you should confirm food and drink prices. Food and drink expenses often add up quickly if you’re eating out in restaurants or cafes. To save money, look for local markets, street vendors, and small restaurants that offer affordable options. You can also try local specialties.
- Transport: You should consider transportation expenses, especially when taking taxis or renting a private car. If you want to visit many places, consider using public transportation or shared taxis. If it’s safe and feasible, you can save money by walking or cycling.
- Attractions and activities: Visiting attractions and participating in activities is the highlight of your trip. However, they can be quite expensive. Look for free or low-cost activities like visiting public parks, attending local festivals, or exploring markets. Research free days at museums and cultural sites.
- Visa requirements: You must research visa requirements for your destination country before your trip. While some countries require visas on arrival, others require visas beforehand. Make sure to factor in visa costs when budgeting for your trip.
- Safety and security: This is one of the most relevant factors. Take your time to research the safety and security situation in the country or region you plan to visit. Ensure you Stay up-to-date on travel advisories and take necessary precautions such as avoiding unsafe areas, using common sense, and keeping valuables hidden.
Conclusion
There are quite a number of cheapest African countries to visit. Africa is an amazing continent with many beautiful countries you can visit on a low budget. We have discussed some of these countries in this article. We have also discussed different factors you should consider, such as transportation costs, food, and more.
You should not hesitate to visit any of the countries in this article. You will have fun exploring these countries. While at it, do not forget to relate to the locals as much as possible, as it allows you to learn a lot about their history. The adventure promises to be worthwhile.