Countdown Cheapest Places in The Mysterious Africa
Intro
One of the most diverse and unexplored destinations in the world, known for its wildlife and conflicts, however, is a place where you can see, learn, and change a lot about yourself, offering a wide range of travel experiences.
With plenty of affordable places where you can go and enjoy stunning landscapes, mysterious cultures, and unplanned adventures, you have the opportunity to know a side you never experienced before. Don’t you worry, Africa has everything from vibrant cities and relaxing beaches to wildlife safaris. What is different is the people and their culture and food.
Here, where you plan to start, discover the cheapest destinations and safety tips because it is worthy to visit. Africa has something for every traveler, especially if you want to know yourself and other aspects of the planet.
10 Africa Cheapest Destinations Start Here:
Morocco The Gateway to Africa
On the western edge of Africa, Morocco, a tiny country with plenty of fantastic experiences, has a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, without forgetting a budget-friendly spot.
We must plan wisely on our food budget here, because the food is surprisingly amazing. Street food is not what you are used to, from hot, flaky msemen to flavored tagines and fresh local beverages. Well, the budget here depends on how much you ordered, because I promise you’re going to eat a lot, so don’t extend the food budget to not get more fat. Meals can cost on average from $1 to $10. You can enjoy and try different dishes and flavors without spending much at all.
For accommodations, hostels and guesthouses are common and very budget-friendly; generally, a bed in a shared dorm costs between $10 and $20 per night, and they are available across almost all cities, like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, and Fes. The great thing here is you can start your morning with a free traditional breakfast.
Budget hotels are available too, and “Riads,” which are Moroccan-style guesthouses, are also easy if you like to learn more about the Moroccan culture and tradition experience.
Morocco is safe for tourists, especially in popular areas. Just keep your belongings safe in crowded markets. well , there are some areas like Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakesh can have higher crimes after dark. For the record, Maroccan borderes with Algeria is closed, so you should avoid passing there, due to military activity and smuggling.
For visas, the US, Canada, the EU, and several other countries can enjoy hassle-free travel to Morocco for up to 90 days. The currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and for 1 USD is about 10.00 MAD in April 2025.
Egypt, Ancient Wonders on a Budget
Plan wisely, and Egypt is yours; it literally can be more than affordable if you choose the right stay, food, and transportation. The daily budget can reach a maximum of $30 for accommodation. It is preferred to stay at hostels and guesthouses, which cost from $10 to $20 for one night and are everywhere near tourist attractions where you have to be. Everything will be close to you, so you don’t need transportation for almost all your stay there, and some hostels offer tours to the pyramids, temples, or the Nile River.
Let’s talk about the food now. A wide range of street food, like falafel, koshari, shawarma, and the king’s food, “the grilled pigeons,” don’t you ever say I don’t eat pigeons in Egypt, is something fundamental there because it simply tastes like heaven. Not only delicious but also very budget-friendly, for one meal may cost around $2 to $6 per meal. Cairo and Aswan are famous cities where many local restaurants and food stalls provide traditional dishes at low prices.
For tourists like you, Egypt is a great destination, where the real Egypt is in its food and pyramids, which are the most tourist attractions you should look for to enjoy your trip there. So be safe when visiting Cairo or Giza, and stay away from north Sinai Peninsula and the borders with Libya and Sudan.
Egypt offers a 30-day e-visa, which is great and costs about $25 to $30, depending on your nationality. For 1 USD ≈ 50.82 Egyptian Pound (EGP).
Kenya, Safari Dreams for Budget Travelers
Check your bucket-list and add Kenya If you didn’t, this land you cannot miss, seriously speaking, is on your budget; that’s why you’re here. This magical country, known for its safari and grilled fresh meat, fills your soul, mind, and stomach, yet keeps your wallet.
Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nairobi are where you should be. Local food such as chapati and nyama choma, the grilled meat we mentioned before, usually costs from $2 to $6. Snacks at local markets are so delicious and perfect for long-distance walking; local flavors are the origins, making energy without spending much money.
Budget hostels, eco-lodges, local guesthouses, and even hotels offer a somewhat comfortable stay from $10 to $30 per night. The breakfast is included in most of them, with beautiful views perfect to start your morning. Tours too, some provide affordable cruises and are easy to find, especially around popular spots like Naivasha or the Masai Mara.
For safety, it is safe for travelers, especially in tourist-known areas. However, like any unknown place, caution is a priority, especially at night. Keep you eyes open in north east cities like Garissa, Mandera, Wajir and near the borders with Somali, South Sudan and Ethiopia. Some Parts of Nairobi in Eastleigh at night.
E-visas are available for most of the countries; you just have to look for yours, which costs about $50 for 90 days. With its wildlife, landscapes, and rich culture, Kenya gives you a big adventure without a heavy bill. The currency is Kenyan Shilling (KES) and 1 USD ≈ 129.47 KES.
Tanzania, Where Budget Meets Bucket List
Safari origin starts from here; wildlife, mysterious culture, incredible nature, and stunning rivers and waterfalls can’t be on your bucket list. How to stay wisely in this beautiful land,
First, go for hostels and guesthouses from $10 to $20 per night. In areas such as Zanzibar, Arusha, and Moshi, the hostels there are charming and affordable too, and close to the major tourist attractions like the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Stone Town.
Second, eat at stalls; try local dishes like ugali, stew, or chapati with vegetables, which usually cost around $3 to $5. Snacks are on the roadside with a fresh fruit variety.
Third, for safety, it is safe in general for tourists; in popular travel zones you can feel more comfortable. Since your first visit, for a better experience, book your activities through verified local guides. Stay away from borders with Mozambique and Burundi.
Fourth, almost all nationalities can get their visa on arrival or online. The cost is usually around $50 for a single-entry visa. The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) and 1 USD ≈ 2,686.44 TZS.
South Africa, Big Adventures, Smart Spending
South Africa is a country, and it’s a land of safaris, mountains, coasts, and a nation of modern cities, all packed perfectly together, creating a very unique experience. Yes, it is a modern country, but still on our budget; more importantly, it is worthy to visit.
Basically, for daily costs, you can run for $40 per day, including meals ranging from $4 to $6. Stick to traditional food, like bunny chow, boerewors rolls, or pap and stew. Sometimes it’s better to do fast cooking yourself to save even more.
Guesthouses and hostels again are the best choices; one night can cost around $10 to $25 or even $30 in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. A little far from the cities, eco-lodges or camping are great budget-friendly options too; hikers or thrill seekers would make the right decision, closer to nature.
It’s perfectly made for tourists and a strategic place for crimes, especially downtown Johannesburg or Cape Flats, but don’t you worry, safety is excited in tourist areas and national parks. In general, look up for a guide, and be careful alone at night. Well, just to keep in mind, there are areas:
Johannesburg: Keep away from Hillbrow, Yeoville, and parts of the Central Business District; stick around Sandton.
Cape Town: Nyanga and Khayelitsha and Cape Flats, it’s good to be around Waterfront.
Durban: Some parts of Umlazi and KwaMashu have higher crime rates; be around Uganda as much as possible.
Pretoria: Parts of the Central Business District (CBD) can be unsafe. Just don’t panic when you find yourself accidentally in one of the dangerous areas; just keep cool and you’ll be alright.
No visa is required for most nationalities, up to 90 days; the only hassle here is the long distance, which may take up to 15 hours of flight. The currency is South African Rand (ZAR) and for 1 USD ≈ 18.63 ZAR.
Uganda, Budget-Friendly Safari and Adventure
Hikers and adrenaline lovers, this spot offers incredible wildlife and landscapes that will blow your mind. Keep close to the local people while discovering their wealthy culture, no doubt one of the best destinations in Africa, and it is one of the cheapest places too.
Always for accommodation, go for guesthouses and hostels, especially places with landscapes and stunning nature like this beautiful country. In cities like Kampala and Entebbe, it usually costs from $10 to $30 for one night; you can negotiate, of course, if you’re staying a bit longer.
Matoke, ugali, street food like samosas, rolex (Ugandan wrap), and Ugandan beans, surprisingly delicious local meals, cost between $2 and $6.
Uganda is generally safe. Urban areas are catching and peaceful, yet keep in mind your surroundings. Some places you should be careful with:
Northern Uganda (with the Sudan border)
South Sudan is in regional conflicts, so it can occasionally experience instability.
Parts of the Karamoja Region (Northeast Uganda)
Areas of Karamoja, Kidepo Valley National Park, it’s not that dangerous, but taking a local guide could be much better.
Certain Areas in Kampala (Capital City)
Some neighborhoods at night, like Katwe and Kisenyi, should be avoided.
E-visa for almost everybody, about $50. Pay it if you want to see gorillas or hike Mount Rwenzori; Uganda’s nature is something spectacularly amazing. Head to thebank and exchage some Ugandan Shilling (UGX), keep in mind 1 USD is approximately 3,800 UGX.
Ethiopia, A Journey Through Time Without Breaking the Bank
In short long speaking, Africa is the place where history, mountainous landscapes, and vibrant culture meet perfectly on an affordable budget, and Ethiopia is a land closer to exploring the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, hiking Simien Mountains, or sipping the famous Ethiopian coffee, Ethiopia offers a deep, budget-friendly adventure or more to be one of the cheapest places in Africa, daily costs can’t reach $30 per day.
So, for meals cost you around $2 to $5 at local restaurants or food stalls , for traditional food like injera, shiro, and doro wat (spicy chicken stew), never head to one of African country and not try the meat, generally it’s goat or camel meat, it’s melted like butter and the taste I suppose you guessed, just be prepared, eating with bare hands, and there is a raw meat option which call siga, you can’t miss. Snacks available too if you want to try everything along, you’re walking through markets, like sambusas, the Ethiopian Pride, or kebab. Don’t miss the Ethiopian coffee, it’s its origin country and they make the luxurious coffee less than $2.
Ethiopia has all options, we always recommend to go for guesthouses or hostels, on budget hotels too, all can run around $10 to $20 per night in cities like Addis Ababa or Lalibela. Remote areas offer even more budget-friendly eco-lodges and hostels, where you easily meet an elephant or a zebra.
As a muslim country, Ethiopian people are so kind and trusty, so it is generally safe for tourists. Rural areas can be calm and safe too. Like always avoid being alone at night, since there isn’t much lighting anyway.
E-visa or visa on arrival for $50. Always confirm with your home embassy. The currency is Ethiopian Birr (ETB) and for 1 USD ≈ 131.29 ETB.
Zambia and Zimbabwe, A Hidden Gem for Wildlife and Adventure
This continent is everything about thrilling safaris and wildlife adventures, has the top destinations and the cheapest places to enjoy explore and learn about these abandoned zones, which hide a the most mysterious and diverse wildlife and culture and how the both are strongly connected.
Zambia is one of the place where budget-friendly options is available for travelers seeking affordable trips, in the same time can enjoy the wildlife and the food there without checking every second their wallet and account. Food in both countries can be really cheap, Nshima with beans, a Zambian dish that can be found around $3 to $6 at locals. There are plenty of variety of food for sure, but stick to the cheapest and the non-familiar if you’re risk thriller in your voyage, samp also can be a good choice which is made with corn, and meat skewers too, Sadza with corn (a Zimbabwean dish) everything basically is around $1 to $7.
Budget-friendly staying at hostels or guesthouses starting from $10 and around $25 per night, there are hotels offering reasonable prices for travelers too in Lusaka or Livingstone. Eco-lodges and camping options are available near nature almost near the major national parks, for instance, South Luangwa Park and Lower Zambezi Park.
Zambia could very safe, for instance, The Victoria Falls area, is a popular and safe place for travelers, in general be cautious in urban areas and border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Zimbabwe in the other side, is generally safe for tourists too, though it’s always wise to be cautious in urban areas, especially in Harare or Bulawayo and rural border with Mozambique. Stick to well-lit areas at night and use trusted transportation.
$50 on arrival visa for most countries, and there is a possibility from some places to apply for e-visa. Prepare some Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) and for 1 USD ≈ 27.93 ZMW and for Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) and for 1 USD ≈ 67,225.4 ZWL.
Malawi, The Warm Heart of Africa on a Budget
Warm Heart of Africa, is Malawa what is known as, beautiful nature, friendly people, extraordinary food, and safe even in rural areas, and yes, for sure, it’s budget-friendly.
Malawi is incredibly affordable, starting from accommodation which typically cost from $10 to $25 per night in cities like Blantyre. Seek for where you can experience more nature and wildlife, you can camp near Malawi lake or go for eco-lodges, options near nature it’s real game changer, your trip can’t be anything else, very precious and special.
Noriture is cheap and delicious, almost made from corn and meat, such as Nsima, chibwabwa, samosas, fish since the country has lakes, and the cost is between $1 and $5.
Since Malawi is known for its safety comparing to other African region near it, it considered safe. However, precautions are crucial in every travel, stick to well-populated areas.
Well visa can be a bit expensive, $75 on arrival, yet, when you know you won’t be spending too much later, you’ll pay it anyway. E-visa online available almost for all countries. For 1 USD ≈ 1,862.20 Malawian Kwacha (MWK).
Tunisia, A North African Gem for Budget Travelers
A mediterranean county need only the name to be worth visit, and Tunisia is specialized in food, you haven’t taste before, with its warm people and vibrant culture, a trip their costs a million dollar for honestly speaking.
Lucky for us, Tunisia offers a very affordable and budget-friendly travel, not only affordable with delicious food, also beautiful beaches and rich history. Starting from $2 to $7, Couscous, Brik (pastry), and oh the bomb, Harissa (very spicy sauce), Sfiha (meat pastry) or kebab, all foods at streets you smell, you can eat and order for more.
When you done with food budget, there is the accommodation, very affordable too, from guesthouses hotels are on every corner from $10 to $20. However, in coastal regions or historical spots, Carthage for example, the price will slightly g up.
Perfect destination for solo women traveler, other expression for it is safe don’t take the hustle looking where to not be roped, but, but still you have to be careful at night, there are bad guys everywhere you go. Some areas in the dsert Areas such as Kasserine and Gafsa, it’s better not be around.
US and EU nations can get their visa up to 90 days free. And the currency is Tunisian dinar, and 1 USD ≈ 2.98 TND.
Algeria, Majestic Landscapes and Low-Cost Adventures
The biggest African country, it is more to be like Tunisia and Morocco, but its more diverse in people, nature and its famous for its spacious Sahara (desert). With a wealthy history, culture and customs, Algerian people look very casual, but in real there is a lot in the back scenes.
Starting from food, which is the cheapest and most delicious food you can eat. Everything is literally around $1 to $3, both traditional meals like couscous, mechoui (roast meat), to street foods like fish and fries or Karantika (corn gratin) or the Algerian pizza “Pizza Carre” which literally means square pizza and it is a square pizza which much flavor, honestly not expected.
Accommodation varies, affordable hotels cost from $15 to $25 per night in coastal cities like Algiers the capital or Oran. Hotels can be inexpensive too, if you want a little bit of special care, everyone does sometimes.
Worth to visit? Timgad, Djemila, Sahara Desert and ride on camel and grilled fresh meat at night, Askram in Tassili National Park, couscous with chicken and pizza carre? Yes, it is.
Algeria is generally safe, don’t stay alone at night that’s it. Stay away from southern Sahara unless with a guide and borders with Libya, Mali and Niger.
Algerian visa is required before arrival, and it costs around $70. The currency is Algerian Dinar (DZD) and 1 USD ≈ 132.41 DZD.
Conclusion:
Pack light, to Africa the destination where you don’t spend money on luxury but feel the real you and explore about our amazing planet, its diversity keep you questioning, from stunning landscapes, warm people, adventures and Safaris, food and history, AND affordable and cheap, Africa is a huge continent with an amazing variety hides in it, is the time you need to go, afraid of nothing, don’t forget you boots and umbrella, can rain in any moment. From the deserts of Algeria to the jungles of Kenya, unforgettable venture on budget-friendly travel, Africa speaking here.
By picking up the country you feel more want to see, apply for your visa, and buckle up. Camping below the stars, eating on street food for just a few dollars, safe travel choices, Africa can be one of the cheapest places to visit and rewarding continents.
