Overview
Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, spans 54 nations and delivers experiences found nowhere else on Earth — the Great Migration across the Serengeti, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the pyramids of Egypt, the dunes of Namibia, and the diverse cultures of over a billion people. Safari tourism in East and Southern Africa is the biggest draw, but the continent offers far more: ancient history in North Africa, stunning beaches in Mozambique and Zanzibar, vibrant cities like Cape Town and Marrakech, and adventure sports from Victoria Falls to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Costs vary enormously: North Africa (Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia) can be done for $30-$60/day; West Africa is affordable but less touristed; East Africa safari costs run $150-$400/day depending on luxury level; and Southern Africa offers the best-value safaris, especially in South Africa where self-drive options cut costs dramatically. The US dollar is widely accepted as a reference currency across the continent.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget ($30-$80/day): Stay in hostels, campsites, or guesthouses ($10-$40/night), eat at local restaurants and street food stalls ($3-$12/day), use matatus and local buses ($0.50-$5), and visit free markets, beaches, and cultural sites.
Mid-Range ($100-$250/day): Book lodges or 3-star hotels ($50-$150/night), dine at restaurants ($15-$35/day), join group safaris ($100-$200/day), and add cultural tours and activities ($20-$80).
Luxury ($300-$800+/day): Reserve luxury safari lodges and tented camps ($200-$800+/night all-inclusive), enjoy fine dining and bush dinners ($40-$100/day), book private safari vehicles and guides ($200-$500/day), and arrange gorilla trekking and hot air balloon safaris ($300-$700).
How to Save Money in Africa
- Choose South Africa for self-drive safaris in Kruger National Park — a fraction of the cost of East African guided safaris ($25 entrance + car rental).
- Visit Morocco and Egypt where $30-$60/day covers excellent accommodation, food, and sightseeing.
- Join group safaris rather than private ones for 40-60% savings on daily rates.
- Camp at national park campsites instead of staying in luxury lodges ($10-$30 vs $200-$800/night).
- Travel overland between destinations using local buses — cheap, authentic, and adventurous.
Worth the Splurge
- A safari in the Serengeti or Masai Mara during the Great Migration — millions of wildebeest crossing the plains ($200-$500/day).
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda — encountering these gentle giants in the wild ($800 Rwanda permit, $700 Uganda permit).
- A hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at dawn ($400-$600).
- Cape Town’s Table Mountain cable car and wine tasting in Stellenbosch — world-class at South African prices ($15 cable car + $5-$15 per tasting).
