Africa is calling, and you don't need a fortune to answer. While the continent has long been associated with expensive safari packages and luxury lodges, the reality is quite different. Many African destinations offer incredible value for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters without breaking the bank.
Daily travel expenses in the cheapest African countries can range from as low as $20 to $60 per day, making Africa far more accessible than most travelers realize. Whether you're dreaming of ancient pyramids, pristine beaches, or witnessing the Great Migration, this guide reveals the most affordable destinations across the continent.
Why Africa is Perfect for Budget Travelers
Africa offers unique advantages for budget travel. Many countries have favorable exchange rates for Western currencies, affordable local transportation options, and inexpensive street food that rivals the quality of expensive restaurants. Additionally, camping safaris and budget accommodations have improved dramatically in recent years, providing comfortable experiences at fraction of traditional costs.
The key to budget travel in Africa is knowing where to go and how to spend wisely. While some countries cater primarily to luxury tourists, others have developed thriving backpacker scenes with hostels, shared tours, and budget-friendly infrastructure.
Top 10 Cheapest African Countries to Visit
1. Ethiopia – The Hidden Gem
Ethiopia stands out as one of the cheapest African countries to visit, with daily budgets as low as $20. This East African nation offers rich history, unique cuisine, and stunning landscapes at unbeatable prices.
Daily Budget: $20-35
Why It's Affordable:
- Street food and local restaurants serve meals for just $2-4
- Budget hotels and guesthouses cost $10-15 per night
- Public buses connecting major cities are extremely cheap
- Most historical sites have minimal entrance fees
Don't Miss:
- The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
- Simien Mountains National Park for hiking
- The ancient city of Axum
- Traditional coffee ceremonies in Addis Ababa
2. Egypt – Ancient Wonders on a Budget
Egypt offers accommodations for as low as $12 in major cities and meals at local restaurants for around $4. This North African treasure proves you don't need wealth to explore one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations.
Daily Budget: $25-40
Why It's Affordable:
- Incredibly cheap public transportation, including trains and buses
- Abundant budget accommodations, from hostels to budget hotels
- Entry fees for ancient sites are surprisingly low, with pyramid access costing around $6
- Street food is delicious and costs pennies
Don't Miss:
- The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
- Temples of Luxor and Karnak
- Cruises along the Nile River
3. Morocco – North African Charm
Travelers can explore Morocco for between $35-60 per day, with Moroccan street food costing between $3 and $5 per meal. This gateway to Africa offers incredible value with its medinas, mountains, and deserts.
Daily Budget: $35-60
Why It's Affordable:
- Well-connected public transport system including trains and buses
- Affordable riads and hostels throughout the country
- Free-to-explore medinas, souks, and historical sites
- Budget-friendly flights from Europe
Don't Miss:
- The blue streets of Chefchaouen
- Marrakech's bustling medina and markets
- Sahara Desert tours
- The Atlas Mountains
4. Kenya – Budget Safari Capital
Kenya offers the cheapest African safari options, with budget group tours starting at $150 per day during off-season periods. While safaris add to costs, Kenya remains surprisingly affordable for budget travelers.
Daily Budget: $40-60
Why It's Affordable:
- Competitive safari market means good deals
- Affordable accommodation in Nairobi and Mombasa
- Local matatus (minibuses) are extremely cheap
- Three-day safari packages including food, drives, and camping can be found for around $410
Don't Miss:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Amboseli National Park with views of Kilimanjaro
- Beaches of Diani and Mombasa
- Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
5. Malawi – The Warm Heart of Africa
Malawi offers accommodations for as low as $10 per night, making it one of Africa's true budget gems. This small nation centers around the stunning Lake Malawi.
Daily Budget: $25-35
Why It's Affordable:
- Among the cheapest accommodation in Africa
- Local food and transport cost almost nothing
- Lake activities are reasonably priced
- Friendly locals who welcome budget travelers
Don't Miss:
- Lake Malawi's beaches and water activities
- Scuba diving in crystal-clear freshwater
- Liwonde National Park
- Cape Maclear
6. Tunisia – Mediterranean Meets Desert
Tunisia is experiencing near-collapsed tourism prices, making travel extremely cheap right now. This North African country offers diverse landscapes from beaches to deserts.
Daily Budget: $30-45
Why It's Affordable:
- Cheap flights from Europe
- Recovered tourism industry means competitive prices
- Affordable Mediterranean cuisine
- Budget accommodations throughout
Don't Miss:
- Ancient ruins of Carthage
- The Sahara desert town of Douz
- Medina of Tunis
- Beach resorts of Hammamet
7. Ghana – West African Welcome
Ghana offers daily budgets of $25-40 for travelers. Known for its friendly people and rich culture, Ghana provides excellent value in West Africa.
Daily Budget: $25-40
Why It's Affordable:
- Local "chop bars" serve affordable traditional meals
- Shared trotros (minibuses) are very cheap
- Guesthouses offer budget-friendly stays
- Cultural sites often have low entrance fees
Don't Miss:
- Cape Coast Castle
- Kakum National Park canopy walk
- Vibrant markets of Accra
- Mole National Park
8. Tanzania – Safari and Beach Paradise
Tanzania offers budget travel options from $40-60 per day, with opportunities for both wildlife safaris and beach relaxation.
Daily Budget: $40-60
Why It's Affordable:
- Group safari options reduce costs significantly
- Budget lodges and campsites available
- Affordable street food in cities
- Zanzibar offers budget beach accommodations
Don't Miss:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Mount Kilimanjaro (viewing or climbing)
- Zanzibar's beaches and Stone Town
9. Mozambique – Tropical Beach Escape
Mozambique has managed to remain relatively inexpensive, offering great value for beach lovers. This Portuguese-speaking nation offers pristine coastlines at budget-friendly prices.
Daily Budget: $30-50
Why It's Affordable:
- Low accommodation costs outside peak season
- Fresh seafood is incredibly cheap
- Public transport options available
- Less touristy than neighboring countries
Don't Miss:
- Beaches of Tofo and Vilankulo
- Bazaruto Archipelago
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Maputo's markets and street art
10. Namibia – Self-Drive Adventure
Namibia offers budget-friendly travel through camping, with costs manageable through self-drive adventures. The country's excellent infrastructure makes it ideal for independent travelers.
Daily Budget: $40-70
Why It's Affordable:
- Well-maintained roads perfect for self-driving
- Abundant campsites throughout the country
- Supermarkets for self-catering
- Free-to-view natural attractions
Don't Miss:
- Sossusvlei dunes in Namib Desert
- Etosha National Park wildlife
- Fish River Canyon
- Skeleton Coast
Budget Safari: Making Wildlife Dreams Affordable
Safari experiences don't have to cost thousands. Here's how to experience the cheapest safari options across Africa:
Choosing the Right Country for Budget Safari
Kenya offers budget group tours starting at $150 per day, while Tanzania provides affordable options from $180 daily. South Africa offers excellent self-drive safari opportunities in Kruger National Park.
Best Budget Safari Destinations:
Kenya: Three-day camping safaris to major parks like Masai Mara can cost around $350-410, including accommodation, meals, and game drives.
South Africa: Budget safaris can start around $100-200 per day for basic accommodations and shared game drives, with self-drive options reducing costs further.
Tanzania: Group camping safaris offer affordable access to world-class parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Money-Saving Safari Tips
1. Join Group Tours Group safaris are budget-friendly options where you share transport, guides, and accommodations with other travelers. This can reduce costs by 40-60% compared to private safaris.
2. Choose Camping Accommodations Camping safaris significantly reduce costs while providing authentic bush experiences. Most include all equipment, meals, and experienced guides.
3. Travel During Low Season Traveling in shoulder or low seasons can save 30-50% on accommodations and safari packages. Wildlife viewing may be slightly more challenging, but animals are still abundant.
4. Book Multi-Day Packages Longer safari packages often offer better per-day rates. A five-day safari may cost less per day than booking individual day trips.
5. Self-Drive Options In countries like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, self-drive safaris in your own or rented vehicle dramatically reduce costs while offering flexibility.
Essential Money-Saving Tips for African Travel
Transportation Hacks
Use Local Transport: Local minibuses, shared taxis, and motorbike taxis cost far less than tourist transport. Matatus in Kenya, dala-dalas in Tanzania, and trotros in Ghana are authentic and affordable.
Book Overland Tours: For multi-country adventures, overland truck tours offer incredible value, often costing $60 per day including accommodation, transport, and most meals.
Consider Train Travel: Where available, trains provide scenic and affordable transport between cities.
Accommodation Strategies
Camp When Possible: Camping dramatically reduces accommodation costs across Africa, with sites often costing $5-15 per night.
Stay in Hostels: Major tourist cities now have thriving hostel scenes with dorms costing $10-20 per night.
Book Guesthouses: Family-run guesthouses offer authentic experiences at lower prices than hotels.
Food and Dining
Eat Local: Street food and local restaurants serve authentic cuisine at fraction of tourist restaurant prices. Meals often cost $2-5.
Shop at Markets: Buy fresh produce at local markets for self-catering options.
Avoid Tourist Areas: Restaurants away from main tourist zones typically charge half the price.
Activities and Attractions
Free Attractions: Many of Africa's best experiences are free – beaches, hiking trails, markets, and cultural neighborhoods.
Negotiate Everything: Prices at markets and bazaars are negotiable, and polite negotiating can cut costs by 30-50%.
Book Directly: Avoid tour company markups by booking activities directly with operators when possible.
Your Budget African Adventure Awaits
Africa's reputation as an expensive destination is outdated. The cheapest African countries offer daily travel costs from $20 to $60, making the continent accessible to budget-conscious adventurers. From Ethiopia's ancient churches to Kenya's wildlife spectacles, from Egypt's pyramids to Mozambique's beaches, affordable African travel is within reach.
The key is choosing the right destinations, traveling like locals, and prioritizing experiences over luxury. Whether you're seeking the cheapest safari experience, cultural immersion, or beach relaxation, Africa delivers incredible value for travelers willing to venture beyond five-star resorts.
Start planning your budget African adventure today. The continent's warmth, diversity, and natural wonders await – and they won't cost you a fortune to experience.
Cheapest African Countries to Visit FAQs
What is the cheapest African country to visit overall?
Ethiopia is one of the cheapest African countries to visit, with daily budgets as low as $20, including accommodation, food, and local transport. Egypt and Malawi are close competitors.
Can you really do an African safari on a budget?
Yes! Kenya offers budget group safari tours starting at $150 per day during off-season, while camping safaris in Tanzania and South Africa can be even more affordable. Self-drive options in Kruger National Park, South Africa, can cost as little as $120 per day including accommodation.
What is the cheapest time to visit Africa?
Low season (typically rainy season) offers the best prices, with savings of 30-50% on accommodations and tours. For East Africa, April-May and November are cheapest. North Africa is most affordable in summer months.
How much should I budget per day in Africa?
Budget travelers can comfortably explore most African countries on $25-60 per day, covering accommodation, food, local transport, and basic activities. Safari days will increase daily costs to $150-400 depending on the country and safari type.
Is it safe to travel Africa on a budget?
Yes, budget travel in Africa is generally safe. Most featured countries have established backpacker routes with good safety records. Standard travel precautions apply: avoid displaying wealth, stay in reputable accommodations, and use registered transportation.
What is the cheapest way to get between African countries?
Overland buses and overlanding tours offer the cheapest international travel within Africa. Regional budget airlines like FlySafair and Fastjet also provide competitive prices. Land border crossings are typically straightforward for most nationalities.
Do I need vaccines and travel insurance?
Yes to both. Yellow fever vaccination is required for many African countries. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for certain regions. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and typically costs $50-100 for extended trips.
Can I drink tap water in these countries?
Generally no. Bottled water is inexpensive (around $0.50-1 per liter) across Africa. Some travelers use water purification tablets or filters to reduce costs and plastic waste.
What is the best way to access money in Africa?
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Notify your bank before traveling. Carry some US dollars for emergencies and visa payments. Mobile money systems like M-Pesa in East Africa are incredibly useful.
How far in advance should I book?
For budget travel, 2-3 months advance booking secures better flight prices. Accommodation and activities can often be booked 1-2 weeks ahead, or even walk-in during low season. Popular safari periods require 3-6 months advance booking.