8 Cheap African Countries to Visit
One of the reasons why Africa is becoming more and more interesting to foreign tourists is its affordability. Considering that tourism contributes considerably to the GDP of African countries and that more solid infrastructure is being built rapidly, it’s not too hard to understand why the demand for many African destinations is at an all-time high mark.
Travelers are in many cases motivated by shared language, so visitors from France are highly interested in French-speaking African countries, for example.
Even budget-conscious travelers can have a premium experience in Africa while saving on hotels, food, souvenirs, and many other expenses.
That’s more than enough to offset the cost of air transportation and motivate thrill-seekers of all generations to try a different vacation.
All things considered, it’s a savvy idea to schedule a short stay in one of the cheap African countries to visit this magnificent part of the world.
What to know before traveling to Africa
For people who don’t have any experience with traveling to Africa, the Big Continent can be intimidating at first.
Scorching hot temperatures and high humidity, presence of “dangerous” animals close to human habitation, peculiar cultural norms – all those things can scare off potential visitors.
That’s why it’s essential to do some research about the particular country you are interested in and find a location that won’t be too demanding or too expensive for a casual traveler.
That’s the smartest way to identify cheap African countries to visit that could be realistic options for your holiday.
8 Awesome Budget-Friendly African Countries to Visit
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Egypt
Egypt is conveniently located on two seas – the Mediterranean and the Red Sea – and it is full of amazing ancient cultural monuments located along the Nile Valley.
The country is attracting a huge number of international visitors every year, not the least because the hotels and tour trips are so affordable!
Local expenses are also quite low, as you can dine for less than $5 and spend as little as $15-20 per day if you already have a hotel deal that includes meals.
Since Egypt belongs to the list of safe African countries, there is no reason to worry about security.
TIP: Consider wearing hemp clothing to help you stay comfortable in the heat while being covered.
Where to stay
Hilton Alexandria Corniche – This hotel is located just steps from the Mediterranean Sea, and it provides guests with a lot of comforts.
It has free Wi-Fi and a nice on-site restaurant, while the guests can take advantage of an outdoor pool and fitness center to stay in shape during their stay. In short, this is a perfect place to enjoy a luxurious vacation in Egypt on a small budget.
Morocco
This gorgeous country is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa and has a coastline that touches on the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
Morocco has a rich heritage stretching back to Roman times, but today it is known as one of the more developed African nations. Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fes are the most important cities, although there are many other sites to visit.
Most importantly, you can explore them on a budget as restaurants and other establishments have very friendly prices.
TIP: Try planning a few days in Gibraltar before catching a cheap flight to Morocco.
Where to stay
The Oberoi, Marrakech – As a part of a luxurious chain of hotels, the Oberoi is a great choice for any visitor to Morocco that wants to vacation in style and still save money.
This is a five-star establishment surrounded by olive groves and citrus orchards, located in one of the greatest cheap African countries to visit. It offers a choice of luxurious rooms and villas, most of which have their own outdoor pools or gardens.
South Africa
It is often said that South Africa is a land of many contrasts, and this fact is reflected in its tourist offer. While this is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, large parts of the population are struggling economically which keeps most prices low.
The cities of South Africa are very modern and can offer a lot of luxury to foreign guests, while the coastline is long and very diverse.
As an added bonus, the climate in this part of Africa is milder than in most other countries on the continent.
Where to stay
Dio Del’Amore – This charming guesthouse is an excellent base for exploring the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Situated in Jeffrey’s Bay, it is very close to marvelous beaches and is a great starting point for a range of sightseeing and wildlife tours.
Built in traditional Italian style, this beautiful property is furnished with all modern amenities you might need, from free internet and air conditioning to a swimming pool and a golf course.
Ghana
This West African nation is one of the cheap African countries to visit that isn’t yet a mainstream tourist destination. You can vacation here for less than $50 per day for accommodation, food, and all other expenses combined.
Therefore it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a truly different vacation.
Very culturally diverse and rich in terms of environmental wealth, Ghana consists of several geographic zones that are all worth seeing in person.
With a tropical climate and a long coastline, this lovely country has a lot to offer including the Kakum National Park and the historic Cape Coast Castle museum.
Where to stay
Twitter Paradise – This beachfront property is worthy of its name – it is located on the peaceful patch of the coast surrounded by forest, so you can actually hear the birds every morning.
Sitting between the cities of Cape Coast and Elmina, it’s a great destination for travelers who want to make the most of their time spent in one of the best African countries to visit. On-site restaurant and bar serve local food and drinks.
Mozambique
If you rank African countries by GDP, Mozambique doesn’t rank very high. Affordable tourism is one of the healthy sectors of the economy, buoyed by prices that go as low as $40-60 for food and a place to stay.
Despite having a low GDP for African countries, this nation has a lot of natural beauty and can offer tourists a combination of amazing wildlife and picturesque beaches.
That’s why Mozambique is increasingly recognized as one of the most charming cheap African countries to visit by tourists from around the world.
Where to stay
Bilene Lodge – Visitors to one of the poorest African countries can expect solid accommodation at a negligible price at this seaside resort.
Bilene Lodge offers air-conditioned rooms with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for whole families. Its location near the sea makes it suitable for numerous outdoor activities such as kayaking in the lagoon or bird watching, so you will never get bored here.
Tanzania
Widely known as one of the safest African countries, Tanzania is a leading tourist destination with lots of untapped potentials.
The prices of accommodation and daily expenses are quite modest, yet the country can offer modern amenities that will satisfy even the most demanding visitors.
However, the main attractions such as Mt. Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro conservation area are located away from the urban areas, so Tanzania provides a fantastic backdrop for a tropical adventure in nature!
Where to stay
Kibo Home Bed & Breakfast – This 3-star hotel in Moshi offers fantastic bed and breakfast deals that let you explore Tanzania with minimal spending. It is conveniently located within a one-hour drive from the international airport, with Kilimanjaro National Park close by.
The rooms come with standard amenities as well as incredible views of nature, while extracurricular activities involve hiking, golfing, or shopping at the local market.
TIP: For more wildlife adventures consider a trip down the Zambezi River.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the largest sub-Saharan African countries with a population of over 100 million.
Its location near the Horn of Africa and the fact that the country is so rich with historical heritage explain why it’s one of the best cheap African countries to visit. A lunch for two people in a nice restaurant doesn’t cost more than $10 for example.
Dotted with monuments, archaeological sites, and nature reserves, it represents a unique African destination that deserves to be seen in person. Of course, the most famous site is the Cradle of Mankind, the location where some of the oldest hominid fossils were found.
Where to stay
Ethiopian Skylight Hotel – Situated just minutes from the airport in Addis Ababa, this hotel has all the necessary facilities to welcome holidaymakers as well as business guests.
With a range of luxury suites, spacious conference halls, and an indoor gym, it is perfectly equipped to provide the modern traveler with complete peace of mind. The area is very secure, so you can venture out into the town on your own.
Zanzibar
While Zanzibar is officially a semi-autonomous region in Tanzania, its illustrious history and magnificent natural resources deserve special mention.
Since it’s located in one of the safe African countries to visit, foreign tourists are flocking to the sandy beaches of this gorgeous archipelago.
You can swim and snorkel in the coral-rich, azure waters of the Indian Ocean, or visit the historical Stone Town in the capital city on the island of Unguja. You can do all this on a tight daily budget, as $10 is enough to eat, have a coffee, and pay for local transportation.
Plus, if you’re looking for budget-friendly things to do in Zanibar, there are a number of walking tours of Stone Town. One of which is free!
Where to stay
Pwani Silver Sand Beach Hotel – If you are looking for a room with an ocean view, this hotel is the right place for you. Its location in Pwani Mchangani on the Northeast Coast provides tourists with quick access to several incredible beaches.
The rooms have mosquito nets and complimentary Wi-Fi, so the level of comfort you can expect here greatly outweighs the price.
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