Africa

Africa is one of the most rewarding continents for budget travelers — but where you go changes your daily budget dramatically. East Africa (Uganda, Ethiopia) and the Balkans of the continent — Egypt, Morocco, and parts of West Africa — remain some of the cheapest places to travel anywhere in the world, often $20–35 a day for backpackers. Southern Africa (South Africa, Zambia, Malawi) sits in the middle, with well-developed tourism infrastructure that still keeps costs manageable if you travel smart. Popular first-timer destinations like South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Botswana, and Namibia combine reliable roads and accommodation with genuinely low costs.

The classic budget route through Africa is the overland trail from Kenya to South Africa, passing through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique — a backpacker favorite for wildlife, beaches, and adventure without blowing your budget. Hostel dorms, guesthouses, local minibuses, and street food keep daily spending low across most of the continent, and a little research into visa rules and permit requirements (needed in a few countries like the DRC) goes a long way.

For a full country-by-country cost breakdown — daily budgets, sample itineraries, and money-saving tips — see our Cheapest Countries to Travel in Africa guide, with more country-specific guides coming soon.