Can I go to any African country on a budget? Of course, you can! I’ve always said it and would continue to stand on the ground that you do not have to break the bank before traveling to a desired country, especially an African one. Here are the 20 cheapest African countries to visit from Nigeria or anywhere in the world.
One of the most typical mistakes I’ve noticed with many people is that they tend to ignore their region or immediate environment. Many people express their love for traveling and wish they could travel worldwide. Why don’t you start with Africa?
African countries are one of my favorite countries to visit! These countries keep giving, and you would want to continue paying return visits.
Some people may want to argue with me when I say traveling to some African countries is cheap. So, I have come with receipts. After you read this piece, you should start planning your travel itinerary for the year and ensure that you have visited at least one African country at the end of the year! You can check out our list of the most beautiful places to visit in Africa to add to your bucket list.
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Africa is the republic of Benin. I love this country because it has so many fun things to do. My recent visit to the most popular city, Cotonou. Check out my post on fun things to do on your visit to Cotonou, republic of Benin.
20 Cheapest African countries to visit
Some of the cheapest African countries to visit are:
1. Ghana
By all standards, Ghana is one of the cheapest African countries to visit, especially as a Nigerian. It has one of the most affordable international flights from Nigeria. If you are on a tight budget, you can even travel by road to this country. It is one perk that comes with it being a neighboring country.
Accommodation in Ghana is also less expensive than one would imagine. Interestingly, depending on your desired standard, you can get hotels in this country for as low as $5.
Getting around the country is also relatively inexpensive, as a bus ticket costs less than $1. So if you’re looking for a cheap African country to visit, Ghana should be at the top of your list.
Click here to book a guided tour of Ghana
2. Benin Republic
Benin Republic is another country that shares a border with Nigeria and is one of the cheapest African countries to visit. At one point, I wondered why many Nigerians were opting to attend school in this country. However, after my research, I realized that they had some excellent university options in this country that come at an affordable rate than even some of the private universities in Nigeria.
They also have a unique and diverse culture that you can enjoy at a low cost. I especially loved visiting their markets and even haggling prices with the traders. I was shocked at the number of things I got from markets in the Benin Republic at a low amount.
3. Cote d’Ivoire
The beautiful country of the Ivory Coast is one that everyone should explore if given the opportunity. Unfortunately, I’ve come across people that feel that traveling to this country is expensive. But did you know that you can use a bus to get to this country? Well, now you know!
I loved how the locals of this country were super receptive and ready to help. They will lead you to the best accommodation options and markets if you return their friendly energy. Also, sightseeing with a local makes it more affordable as they would help with the cost since they understand the language better.
4. Morocco
One thing about Morocco is that it has a lot to offer to foreigners. So there is something about this country that keeps drawing you.
I resisted visiting this country for the longest time as I felt it would be expensive. So, I postponed my trip until I had ‘enough money.’ But getting to Morocco changed my perspective of the country as I saw that I could get things for a cheap amount. From clothes to foodstuff, to souvenirs and more. I was in awe of the prices of various items.
With about $20, I could eat like a king in the local spots. As I write this now, I am salivating at the thoughts of Moroccan foods.
Click here to book a tour in Morrocco
5. Malawi
Although I have not visited Malawi, I have heard much about the country. One thing that draws me to Malawi is the fact that it is a small country. However, it is well-vested in terms of tourism. Therefore, this country is on my list of places to visit this year.
As someone who has been doing background checks on Malawi, I can tell you that it is one of the cheapest African countries to visit. In addition, it presents more accommodation options to people than depending on only hotels. So if you’re on a tight budget, you can opt for a hotel dorm.
The country’s tourist sites are also free, or you have to pay a small fee.
6. Cameroon
Some people joke that they can trek into Cameroon from Cross River state. Yes, one of the easiest ways to get to Cameroon would be by using a boat from Bakassi LGA in Cross River.
I’ve often wondered why many people have yet to go to Cameroon, as it is a neighboring country. And this country has a lot in terms of tourist sites. If you’ve always heard about Ouidah, you should know that it draws its roots and origin from Cameroon.
The art and craft in this country are cheap, and they share similarities with Nigeria. Being in this country feels like a home away from home.
7. Gambia
Have you been to the Gambia before? If you have not, I can tell you that you’ve been missing out on this country’s exciting offers. Many of us have been sleeping in this country, and I hope it changes. It is one of the most beautiful yet cheapest African countries to visit.
I thoroughly enjoyed shopping in this country as I saw many things that caught my eye. At a time, I got carried away with shopping and almost used up all the money. However, I enjoyed myself as the prices were highly affordable.
I returned home with lots of goodies for myself, my family, and my friends. It was a fulfilling trip!
8. Zambia
Guys, why is it that people do not have Zambia on their list of African tourist locations? Understandably, many people feel that this country is expensive, especially as it plays host to Victoria Falls.
Aside from visiting Victoria Falls, there is no other thing that would cut your budget while in Zambia. Getting to the falls could cost a bit. However, other tourist sites in the country are affordable.
Accommodation in the country is also inexpensive, and it is easy to get around in the city. It is possible to spend less than $50 daily in Zambia, which is considerably affordable.
9. Namibia
Did you know that Namibia classifies as one of the safest countries to visit in Africa? It was one thing that endeared me to the country. I love the peace that comes with visiting this country. I didn’t feel like leaving after my trip to Namibia.
Asides the safety, it is one of the cheapest African countries to visit on a budget. So, if you need a safe yet cheap African country to visit, visit Namibia.
I loved the road trips I enjoyed while in the country. If you ever find yourself in Namibia, take road trips to exciting places with locals and fellow tourists. It is also less expensive than you would think.
The accommodation options in Namibia are also cheap. So, you’re spending little as a tourist in this country.
Click here to book a tour in Namibia
10. Mozambique
The fact that Mozambique shares a border with South Africa makes people think that Mozambique is an expensive place to visit. However, Mozambique is one of the cheapest African countries to travel to.
If you’re on a budget and looking to visit a country in the southern region of Africa, consider Mozambique. It gives you all the feels of an African country and helps you appreciate the African culture.
The meals in this country are also affordable. Thus, feeding would not be an issue.
11. Uganda
The beautiful country of Uganda presents itself as one of the best places to visit, especially if you are a lover of nature and wildlife. It has many places to explore, and you do not need to pay a high entrance fee to these tourist sites.
The cabs in this country are one of the most affordable you can get anywhere. Even the tour guides are relatively inexpensive to get. The meals and drinks in this country are also cheap, especially the local meals. These are things you would enjoy in the country.
Click here to book a tour of the city of Uganda
12. Algeria
Algeria is another country to visit if you’re looking for a cheap African country. This small country offers a lot to tourists, and I assure you that you will enjoy your stay.
It also comes in handy that the standard of living in this place is low compared to other places. So, you can get things for low prices when you are in Algeria.
13. Togo
Togo is one of the countries that get the interest of tour companies due to its affordability. And it was one of the first places I visited. I have taken an individual trip to this country and been there as a group.
Both instances were super fun, and I am always gassed to visit Togo. As a Nigerian, Togo is one of the most affordable countries to visit in Africa, and you can go there by bus.
14. Sudan
Understandably, there are many controversies surrounding Sudan. So, people do not add it to their list of African tourist attractions. However, it is one of the cheapest African countries to travel to.
This country has more pyramids than Egypt, and I hear they also have some of the best local spices on the continent. One of the downsides for a tourist is that accommodation in this country is slightly expensive. But if you can look past it, you will have a swell time.
15. Tunisia
What is there not to love about Tunisia? From the people to the culture, the foods, the tour sites, etc. It is a dream tourist destination for anyone to visit. Definitely add Tunisia to one of the lists of the cheapest African countries to visit on a budget.
The prices of things at this place are also low, which endears the heart of foreigners. The country’s people are welcoming, and you may not want to leave when visiting Tunisia.
Click to book a tour of Tunisia craft market
16. Guinea
You can decide to use a flight or road when traveling to Guinea. But, of course, I know those on a tight budget would prefer to use the road. Traveling to Guinea by road would take about three days at most.
Using the road to reach Guinea makes it more affordable, and you also experience things you may have missed if you used air transportation. Hence, Guinea qualifies to be part of the cheapest African countries to visit.
The prices of things in this country would shock you as you would see that it is cheaper than your home country. Therefore, you do not need a high budget when visiting Guinea.
17. Burundi
Burundi is another of the cheapest African countries to visit on a budget. The cost of living in the country is also lower than in most places globally. The aura in the country is warm, and the accommodation options are inexpensive.
Getting to Burundi is either by plane or by car. Both are viable options that are also not so expensive.
18. Lesotho
I didn’t know what to expect when my friends dragged me to visit Lesotho. However, I was happy that I obliged them as it was indeed an experience. Lesotho is one of the cheapest African countries to visit you need to add to your must-see places in Africa.
Lesotho is a country you need to visit with an open mind. I went there ready to enjoy myself, and it happened as expected. It beat all the expectations I had in mind.
Also, the cost of living was cheap, as I spent less than $50 daily. So, Lesotho is one of the most affordable African countries to visit.
19. Niger
Going from Niger Republic to Nigeria can take one hour if you’re using a flight. But the cheapest option would be to use a bus and spend long hours on the road. In addition, using the road allows you to see vegetation and nature at its best.
In all terms of comparison, life in Niger is overly cheap. Sometimes, you would even doubt the prices due to their cheapness. Food items are at their cheapest in the Niger Republic.
The overall cost of living in Niger republic is quite cheap. Hence, it has to be added to our list of cheapest African countries to visit and live in.
20. Botswana
One of the things I loved about Botswana was its visa cost. You can use less than $100 to get a Botswana visa.
Now, things may not be as cheap as you think in this country. But it is way more affordable than you would get in other places. Also, the country is neat and beautiful, and you would have a swell experience.
Happy New Year, my people! Hopefully, this is the year that we will tour Arica! Check out our list of what to pack for a trip to Africa and other travel resources you’d need below.
Travel resources you’d need to visit or travel to Africa.
- Travel insurance: Get your insurance ready from Insubuy
- Flight tickets: Book cheap flight tickets from Trip.com
3. Book your stay in any hotel of your choice. Get the best deal with Trivago.
4. Opt for hotel alternatives by booking your stay in a hostel. Network and have a fun trip by booking a hostel using hostelworld.
5. Solo traveler? I have you covered. Plan your trip with the best tour group for a fun-filled time in Africa. Book your tour using GetYourGuide. You can get a tour for as low as $30.
Have a fun trip to Africa. Feel free to comment below on other cheap African countries to visit. I’ll love to know them. xoxo.