Africa
Traveling to Africa is an exciting and diverse experience, as the continent offers a wide range of cultures, landscapes, activities, and places to explore. There are many things to consider when planning a trip to Africa. Travel on this continent may be a bit more unfamiliar than traveling within the US, Europe, or Australia. Here are some of the most important tips and considerations when planning your trip:
- Visas – Before traveling to any African country, it’s important to check the visa and entry requirements for the specific country you plan to visit. These requirements can vary widely from one country to another, so make sure you have the necessary visas and paperwork in order before your trip.
- Vaccinations – Many African countries require travelers to have certain vaccinations or prophylactic medications due to the prevalence of diseases like yellow fever and malaria. Make sure to consult with a travel clinic or your healthcare provider to determine the specific vaccinations and health precautions you’ll need for your destination. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are some commonly recommended vaccines.
- Safety – Safety can vary by country and region in Africa. Some areas may have travel advisories due to political instability, crime, or health risks. Research your destination’s current safety situation and follow any advice provided by your government’s travel advisory department.
Bucket List Experiences in Africa
See the Pyramids of Giza - Egypt
Safari in Serengeti NP - Tanzania
Get lost in the medina - Morocco
Trek with Gorillas - Uganda
Victoria Falls - Zambia/Zimbabwe
Visit a Maasai Village - Kenya
Glamping in Sahara Desert - Morocco
Dive with Great Whites - South Africa
Visit La Digue - Seychelles
Typical Costs When Travelling
The average cost of traveling per day in Africa can vary significantly. It depends on several factors, including the country you’re visiting, your travel style, and your personal preferences. Generally, Africa offers a wide range of options to cater to different budgets, from backpacker hostels to luxury safaris. Here’s a rough breakdown of daily travel costs for various budget levels:
Accommodation –
Budget Travel: $30 – $50 USD per day
- Stay in budget hostels or guesthouses.
Mid-Range Travel: $50 – $150 USD per day
- Stay in mid-range hotels, Airbnbs, or lodges.
Luxury Travel: $150 USD and above per day
- Stay in luxury hotels, lodges, or resorts.
- Most safaris (even the cheaper ones) usually cost at least $150 per day
Food –
African countries have some of the most affordable food we’ve come across during our travels. While it’s definitely possible to eat at upscale restaurants, many countries have an abundance of street food stalls and cheap local restaurants. Make sure to try the local dishes of the country you’re visiting.. it’s all part of the experience!
Transportation –
The way you get around will depend on driving safety of the country you’re visiting, as well as your budget. Renting a car in Morocco was great for us! It was affordable ($35/day), we were able to drive from destination to destination easily, and we felt safe. On the other hand, we would not recommend renting a car in Egypt because the traffic is crazy in the cities and there are quite a few police checkpoints from place to place. We hired a private driver in Egypt to take us from Aswan to Abu Simbel (4 hours each way) and that cost $100. Do your research about renting a car and public transportation options before your trip.
Mid-range suggested daily budget – 40-70 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a mid-range hotel or Airbnb, eating out at affordable restaurants or street stalls, and using local transportation if possible. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
1
Don't be afraid of the street food Trying the street food is a way to dive into the local culture, experience new flavors, and save money.
2
Take local transport if possible Do research before your trip to check whether local transport (bus, trains, subways) is common and safe in your destination. As of now, Uber is available in 6 African countries as well.
3
Visit outside peak season Avoid high season, especially if you're going on safari. This can save a lot of money in countries like Tanzania and Kenya.
4
Use Worldpackers You can save loads of money by volunteering in an exchange program. Typically you work around 4 hours a day in exchange for free accomodation and food. Some ideas for volunteer programs in Africa might be teaching English, working at a hostel, creating content for a local company, or helping out on an organic farm.
My Must Read Guides For Traveling Africa ↓
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November 2, 2023
