Not all can afford a prestigious vacation or trip to Africa. The hefty price tags on organized Safari tours can be a turn-off for most regulars who want to travel cheaply. If you’re determined to go, however, don’t let cost stand in your way.

As a foreigner, you already have one advantage; the currency swap rates greatly favor you. In fact, most students and tourists traveling to African destinations find it affordable due to this one factor alone.  

There are also other practical ways to plan your African safari on a budget, although you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of that 5-star comfort you relish. Here are some expense areas you can streamline to travel to Africa on a cheaper budget.

Practical Ways to Travel Cheap in Africa

Whether you want to go and see the Big Five or explore the beautiful scenery, here are some of the tips to assist you in planning your African safari on a budget.

1. Pack light

You can reduce costs simply by packing light. Be selective and pack only the essential things to carry for your African trip. If you are planning to book a flight, pack a carry-on suitcase only to avoid checked bag fees at the airport. Not only does it help you save money on your trip, but it also assists you in moving around easily while using local transportation. Also, you won’t have to move with a lot of things if you’re changing accommodation in your travel destination. 

2. Opt for budget-friendly accommodation

Many resorts and hotels already provide great deals for budget-conscious visitors. If you don’t want any of that, you can shop for affordable accommodation deals via staycation rental platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com. Leverage travel apps and websites to find cheap flights, accommodations, and local activities.

Also, you can opt for midrange accommodations like guesthouses or hostels. Some African safari camps have wilderness sites and public facilities where you can set up your tent, which is an inexpensive option for lodges and hotels.

That said, you should also do a bit of research when finding cheaper accommodation so that you don’t get stuck somewhere you don’t want to be. Check reviews and ratings of the rental property or hostel to get a picture of the experience. 

3. Don’t travel during the peak season

If you want to cut expenses on your African safari, consider planning your vacation outside the peak season. Many lodges, parks, and tour companies provide significant discounts on their prices during this season. For instance, you can travel to Africa cheap from around September to November and March to June.

However, some tourist attractions may be closed or activities may be low during off-peak tourist seasons. Also, find out if the weather conditions in your destination are favorable for safari during your chosen period. Pack clothes that will help you fit in the African climate conditions at the time.

4. Use affordable transportation

You can lower costs by taking advantage of flight deals. Do some research about cheap flights to Africa and you might come across some exciting offers. There are also budget airlines that provide lower ticket prices by reducing some of the amenities and privileges they often provide on regular tickets.

While these budget airlines may not provide the same level of comfort and luxury as more high-end airlines, they still can be a great option for people who want to cut down on expenses. It’s cheaper when you book flights early.

Also, consider using local buses, shared taxis, or trains when commuting. These are usually much cheaper and offer an authentic experience, though it’s important to be mindful of safety and reliability.

5. Find out cheap places to visit in Africa

Africa continent has over 54 countries, with great scenic attractions and diverse cultures. Some tourist destinations are relatively cheaper than others. For example, Kenya is relatively cheaper than South Africa, and your money will comparatively go a long way.

Look up the best African countries to visit and narrow down the ones with the most pocket-friendly tour packages. If you’re budget-conscious, some of the cheapest African countries to travel to are;

• Kenya
• Tanzania
• Ghana
• Namibia
• Malawi
• Morocco
• Egypt

6. Travel as a group to save money

If you and your friends have a shared interest in visiting Africa for a safari experience, then you can form a group to cut down on expenses. You can let your travel agency know that you’re interested in group travel. They normally have several group tours to various destinations scheduled throughout the year. Or, you can find travel groups on social media.

A major benefit of group travel is that you meet like-minded tourists and save money while having fun. In addition, a tour guide will be assigned to assist you with lots of things.

7. Volunteer or use work-exchange programs

Some local homes and communities in Africa allow you to volunteer or assist with work (like teaching) in exchange for free accommodation or meals. This is also a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

If this idea interests you, Workaway is one of the best platforms where you can easily find local hosts open to receiving volunteer guests. VolunteerForever is the go-to place for volunteer opportunities in Africa and abroad.

8. Look for free activities (things to do locally)

Some of the free or low-key activities worth trying include visiting local villages, volunteering in community activities, fishing with the locals, exploring local arts and museums, taking brisk walks and hikes, etc. You can try any of these or simply check what your destination has to offer and roll with it.

9. Switch to self-catering or eat street food (with caution)

If you reside in a guesthouse or Airbnb with a kitchen, you can buy groceries and cook your meals, or purchase food from a trustworthy vendor if you don’t want to cook. Not only do homemade meals taste better, but choosing self-catering accommodation will significantly assist in reducing your expenses.

Although you can’t be sure of the hygiene of street-prepared foods, you can ask locals for affordable and neat restaurants around. Just be wary of food poisoning and only eat food that has been properly cooked and packaged.

10. Cut down on curio and souvenir expenditures

Of course, you want to take home some unique handicrafts from your safari trip. Some souvenirs for family and friends back home. However, try to be conservative and practice some discipline around expenditure. A great idea is to allocate a budget specifically for souvenirs and stick to it.

11. Have a travel insurance

It may seem like an extra cost, but a comprehensive insurance cover can save you a lot of money in case of unexpected medical issues or travel disruptions. As a guest in a foreign country, infectious diseases are among the most common challenges you may encounter in Africa.

FAQs on how to travel to Africa cheap

How much does it cost to travel to Africa for a safari?

The cost of visiting Africa may greatly depend on your destination and the things you want to do. You can have a planned trip for as low as $500, but it would be quite short. With adequate research and planning, however, you can make sure your budget goes a long way and do more with less.

What is the cheapest way to travel around Africa?

If you’re fine with using public transportation, then you’ll find trains, buses, minibusses, and motorbike taxis ready to ferry you around. If you want to go more private, you can order a car taxi service to transport you to any local destination.

Winding up

You don’t have to drain your bank account to have an exciting vacation safari to Africa. With a little planning and budgeting, you can still have a memorable experience for less.

Lastly, always stick to your budget while you are out there. Drafting a budget is one thing and keeping discipline is another thing altogether.