The cheapest countries in Africa to visit present a chance for intending visitors to have a taste of the continent without going broke. They are also interesting places for Africans to go when they want to experience a different corner of the continent than the one they were born in.
This information will no doubt be very welcome to those who have somewhat tight budgets, and whose budgets may restrict them from travelling. These are some of the nicest places with the most welcoming people, and the best part is that the small budget does not impact on the quality of the visit.
Top 20 Cheapest Countries In Africa To Visit
1. Mozambique
Mozambique is a southeastern African country; one that shares a common border with South Africa. However, what most people know about Mozambique is that it is a poor country. However, people often forget that things are quite cheap in poor countries- otherwise the local people could not survive.
People looking for cheap places to visit should look no further than Mozambique; it has an extensive coastline due to its strategic location on the eastern coast of the continent. The coast is also quite protected; on the other side of the coast is Madagascar; which is separated from the country by the body of water called the Mozambican Channel.
Aside from the beaches, there are several nature reserves you can explore; and then the markets are also great; you can see the people in their true element. They are quite friendly, and although language may present a challenge, the people are quite patient.
2. Malawi
Malawi is a country which is also located in southeastern Africa; in fact it has a common border with Mozambique listed above. However, this country is a lot smaller; it only has a land area of 118,434km2.
However, that small land has plenty to offer in terms of sights to see, and experiences to be had. In fact, most of the sights are outdoor and in the open, which explains why they are not expensive.
For example; there are prehistoric rock art sites, which people often visit to get a taste of the mankind’s evolutionary journey so far. There are no beaches but you can visit the riversides, the area around Lake Malawi. There are also 5 national parks in the country, and you can pay a small fee to go around, and to see the various types of plants and animals.
3. Ghana
Ghana is a small but very important country in West Africa; it is one of the most culturally significant places in Africa. In Ghana you can see an African country which has been in contact with the Arabs and Europeans since antiquity, but which did not lose its self-identity.
Ghana has many traditional celebrations to behold. At these traditional occasions, visitors can get to see African tradition at its fullest; dress, singing, dancing, drumming, traditional food, and drinks.
After the dancing during the day, you still check out more dancing during the nights- nightlife in Ghana can be quite exhilarating. From the standpoint of a European or American, this fun can be quite cheap; you can have a lot of fun for just $5.
Ghana also has many beaches, castles, and national parks. There are so many things that one should see in this country, and the costs are quite modest.
4. Benin Republic
Benin Republic is another small West African country; they speak French in this country. Benin Republic shares a border with Nigeria; and Nigerians generally like to go there for shopping, to study, or just to have a good time.
There is no doubt that this is a beautiful country to visit; for example, there are many beaches to visit. There is a distinct party atmosphere at these beaches, and although communication could be a problem, the people are friendly.
The people of Benin republic love to party; and they have so many clubs and discos scattered across the country that it is impossible make a pick on which ones to visit. In fact, the discos are present even in the rural areas; and the people congregate to party till dawn.
Aside from the clubs and discoes; the festivals in the country can be quite interesting, especially for anyone who is interested African history or culture. For example; there is the Voodoo Festival which happens in January every year.
5. Cote d’Ivoire
Ivory Coast is one place that everyone must visit if given the chance; it is the best of both worlds-the best of the modern, Europe-like lifestyle, and at the same time the best of African culture. Ivory Coast is called the capital of French West Africa because this is where you can find French influences the most.
For example; the nightlife is great; there are so many clubs and discos to attend, and then there is the ease of attending these parties. The capital city Abidjan never sleeps; people move about just as freely in nighttime as they do during the day.
They have great beaches as well, and the amazing diversity in the people you see in the beaches of Ivory Coast make it all worth it. Of course you have to be prudent so you don’t spend above your budget; but this is a great country to visit.
6. Morocco
Morocco is one of the countries that keep coming up wherever tourism is discussed. Morocco has something for everyone; whether you can desert sand, or snow, or snow on desert sand; this is the place to be.
In this context Morocco is great for tourists that don’t want to spend a lot of money because most of its attractions are outdoors; which means you don’t need to spend money on gate fees.
For example; the ancient city of Marrakech is a popular attraction; it has castles, mazes, walls, mosques and medinas. The most important attraction is the people who live in this ancient city; and who uphold the ancient traditions.
There is also the desert; it is a great place to visit because you can live (temporarily) with the desert tribes; drinking their tea, eating their food, and riding their camels.
7. Cameroon
Cameroon is a country in central Africa; one that is in many ways similar to Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin- all of which are in West Africa. Cameroon is a French speaking country; and as the pattern goes; there is so much night time activity to be done in this country; especially in the major cities of Yaoundé and Douala where prostitution is a serious problem.
Aside from the nighttime activities; there are great beaches to see, and the people are also very friendly as with most other French speaking African countries.
There are some mountain top villages to see as well; in fact, the mountains are some of the biggest attractions to this country; and then you can find many national parks where animals of different types live in peace.
8. Gambia
The Gambia is a beautiful country; what that means is that as the country is so small, and so beautiful because there is no place left to be ugly. The Gambia is almost completely surround by Senegal; the only part that is not surrounded by Senegal is the side that meets the Atlantic.
This small country attracts visitors with its beaches, markets, and nice hotels. There are many keep sakes to take home from this country; and the best part is that they are quite cheap.
9. Zambia
Zambia is a country in east Africa; and the country is famous for the Lake Victoria; which is one of the biggest lakes in the world; and which cumulates in the Victoria Falls; which is also one of the biggest water falls in the world.
People come in from all over the world to see these wonders of nature; and as a result the country is well tuned for tourism. The roads are good, the people are friendly, and there are many well maintained national parks where you can see wildlife. There is even a national park adjoining the Victoria Falls.
10. Namibia
Namibia is a country in southern Africa; in fact it is near the southernmost part of Africa. This country has cultural and economic similarities to South Africa; and that means you can expect the country to be quite well managed.
That means the country is safe and secure, and there are many cheap places to visit; such as the beaches, the desert, and the national parks, where you can find big animals like buffaloes, elephants, rhinoceroses, and giraffes.
The following are other cheap countries to visit in Africa.
Rank | Country | Location |
1 | Ghana | West Africa |
2 | Benin Republic | West Africa |
3 | Cote d’Ivoire | West Africa |
4 | Morocco | North Africa |
5 | Malawi | East Africa |
6 | Cameroon | Central Africa |
7 | Gambia | West Africa |
8 | Zambia | Southern Africa |
9 | Namibia | Southern Africa |
10 | Mozambique | Southern Africa |
11 | Uganda | East Africa |
12 | Algeria | North Africa |
13 | Togo | West Africa |
14 | Sudan | North Africa |
15 | Tunisia | North Africa |
16 | Guinea | West Africa |
17 | Burundi | East Africa |
18 | Lesotho | Southern Africa |
19 | Niger | West Africa |
20 | Botswana | East Africa |
Related:
- Most Protected Presidents In Africa
- Most Expensive Cities In Africa
- Most Intelligent Countries In The World
Closing
The cheapest countries to visit in Africa are also some of the easiest countries to visit on the continent; it is simplicity with which the people live that makes it easy for foreigners to come in for a taste of that simple life.
While it is easy to confuse this cheap lifestyle for poverty; it is important to note that this has nothing to do with poverty. Morocco, Namibia and Tunisia are not poor countries; the people just do not live in extravagance.