Africa is a vast continent - some destinations are cheap, others luxury safari only. Here are the 10 cheapest African countries to visit.
Top 10 Cheapest Destinations
1. Ethiopia ($30-40/day)
Cradle of humanity. Lalibela rock churches. Cheap injera meals.
2. Madagascar ($35-50/day)
Lemurs + baobabs. Cheap when you avoid lodges.
3. Egypt ($40-60/day)
Pyramids + Nile cruises. Best value for ancient history.
4. Morocco ($45-60/day)
Marrakech + Atlas + Sahara. Best North African value.
5. Tunisia ($40-55/day)
Mediterranean coast + Carthage ruins + Sahara.
6. Kenya ($60-80/day)
Safari + Maasai Mara + Mt Kenya. Budget-end safari possible.
7. Tanzania ($65-85/day)
Serengeti + Zanzibar. Budget safari with smaller groups.
8. Ghana ($45-60/day)
Cape Coast slavery history. Cheapest West Africa.
9. Senegal ($45-60/day)
Dakar + Goree Island. French heritage.
10. Uganda ($60-80/day)
Gorilla trekking ($700 permit) + Lake Victoria.
Budget Travel Tips
Hostels: Use Hostelworld for $5-20/night dorms or private rooms.
Local food: Eat at local markets + street food + dhabas/tascas. Skip tourist restaurants.
Public transport: Always cheaper than taxis. Multi-day passes for unlimited rides.
Free activities: Walking tours (tip-based), free museum days, parks, beaches, religious sites.
Travel insurance: Don't skip - medical issues abroad cost thousands.
The big-ticket costs your daily budget does not cover
The per-day figures above hold up for transport, food and beds, but several signature African experiences sit completely outside that math, and underestimating them is how a cheap trip stops being cheap. Gorilla trekking is the clearest example. A single permit in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park runs around USD 800 for foreign non-residents, while the same hour with gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park costs about USD 1,500. That is one activity, one morning, more than a fortnight of Uganda's $60-80 daily budget.
Safari parks work the same way. Entry to Tanzania's Serengeti is roughly USD 83 per adult per 24 hours before you have paid for a vehicle, guide or camp, and multi-day game drives stack those fees fast. Plan these as separate line items, not as something your daily allowance absorbs.
- Reserve permits early. Uganda and Rwanda cap daily gorilla visitors, so the cheaper Uganda permits sell out in peak months and force you toward pricier dates or countries.
- Budget internal flights apart from your day rate. Hopping between distant parks or islands often means a domestic flight, since overland routes can eat a full day.
Visa-on-arrival fees and the East Africa Tourist Visa covering Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are smaller but real. Decide which marquee experiences you genuinely want, price those first, then let the daily budget cover the gaps between them rather than the headline moments themselves.
FAQ
How can I travel even cheaper in cheapest africa?
Stay in hostels ($5-15 dorms). Eat where locals eat ($1-5/meal). Use public transport. Visit shoulder seasons. Walk everywhere possible.
Is cheap travel safe?
Most budget destinations are safe with standard precautions. Hostels are often safer than budget hotels (more travelers, staff). Avoid sketchy neighborhoods at night.
How much should I save for a 2-week trip?
$700-1,000 minimum for cheapest destinations (Asia, parts of Latin America). $1,500-3,000 for budget Europe. Plus flight cost.
What's the cheapest month to travel?
Generally low season for each destination - off-peak weather seasons. Avoid Christmas, New Year, Easter, summer holidays. Mid-week flights cheapest.
Should I get travel insurance for budget trips?
Yes - travel insurance is even MORE important for budget trips. $50-100 saves thousands if things go wrong. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000+.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheapest Places To Travel Africa worth visiting?
Yes. Cheapest Places To Travel Africa offers unique experiences for travelers willing to explore. The combination of local culture, food, and landscapes makes it a rewarding destination.
How many days do you need in Cheapest Places To Travel Africa?
Most travelers find 3-5 days sufficient for the highlights. Extend your stay if you want a deeper, more relaxed experience of the area.
What is the best time to visit Cheapest Places To Travel Africa?
Shoulder season typically offers the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Check seasonal details in the guide above for specific recommendations.
Do I need travel insurance for Cheapest Places To Travel Africa?
Travel insurance is recommended for any trip. It covers unexpected medical expenses, cancellations, and lost luggage, giving you peace of mind while traveling.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.