Affordable Africa Budget Safaris & Travel Holidays

Budget Safaris & Tours in Africa

East and Central Africa alone has a lot to view in the countries of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, starting with the primate such as Mountain Gorillas that are found in only three countries in the whole world inclusive Uganda in Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, In Rwanda they are in Volcanoes national park and the democratic republic of Congo’s Virunga national park.

Chimpanzees and Golden monkey trekking are done in Mgahinga Gorilla national park(Uganda), Nyungwe national park(Rwanda), Mahale national(Tanzania) and many more place, trekking these apes with 98%of Human DNA is the adventure anyone can undertake.

This safari involves so Many activities at low costs such as city tours, nightlife, canopy walk in Nyungwe forest (Rwanda). Cultural encounter with different communities such as the Batwa pygmies, Boat ride on the mighty water bodies in Africa, Beach life, Birding, nature walk, mountaineering, site seeing and game viewing where you have the opportunity of sighting various mammal including the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino), Antelopes, elephants, wild beasts, and many others, there are also unique birds to sight (shoebill stock, crested cranes, and guinea fowls, etc), reptiles(crocodiles, hippos, and snakes.

It is important to realize that the type of accommodation you choose speaks volumes of words when it comes to a budget safari, all arrange very affordable accommodation facilities that have all the necessary facilities you need for a memorable safari experience.

There are Budget lodges in all tourist destinations across the continent with beautiful serene, also, you can opt for camping services that happens to be the best and easiest way of mingling the wilderness, you can come with your tent and erect it for self-accompanied by campfire.

For all those engaging in Mountain hiking, there is no better accommodation than tents and mountain huts. They are safe and comfortable for any tourist who wishes to experience, some of the amazing destinations for mountain Hiking includes; Mount Elgon, Kilimanjaro, Rwenzori, and Nyiragongo among others.

Choose to cut costs by traveling to different destinations using public means of transport since they are safe and give a better experience of learning the behaviors of the natives traveling. There are buses, taxis, and motorcycles that can be used to transfer from one destination to another.

Africa presents to the world so many travel options that apply across all travel groups, Book your Budget holiday package and experience the gifted continent of Africa.

Cheapest ways to visit Africa

The cost of visiting Africa can vary depending on various factors, including the time of year you plan to visit, the African country you plan to visit, the duration of your African safari, your travel preferences and activities you plan to engage yourself in. The cheapest ways to visit Africa include:

• Travel during off-peak seasons; Off-peak season travel to Africa is a good way to start if you plan to visit Africa on a budget as the prices for flights, accommodations and some activities are typically lower during this period and the tourist traffic is low (this helps if you want to avoid crowds). The off-peak season in Africa is usually during the wet rainy season which varies from each region. The high-peak season which is always during the dry season usually between June and October, comprises of high rates and high tourist traffic. If you plan to travel on a budget, stay away from the high-peak season.
• Be flexible; Use flexible travel dates to find the cheapest flights or budget airlines and you could also look out for special deals on flights to the African country you are planning to visit. Mid-week flights are often less expensive than weekend flights, and flying during the off-peak season can save you some good money as of course your ticket will cover a big percentage on your African visit budget.
• Do your research and choose affordable African destinations; Yes, some African countries are more budget-friendly than others and it will do you good to search for the best one to go too. Research destinations that offer good budget accommodation and transportation costs. Countries in East Africa, like Ethiopia and Kenya, are often considered more budget-friendly.
• Public transportation; Use public transportation during your visit in Africa such as buses, shared taxis, minibuses or motorcycle taxis instead of private transfers or rental cars. This can significantly reduce your overall travel expenses. Be ready for longer road trips and being squeezed in the minibuses.
• Choose budget accommodations; Look out for budget accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels or opt for a camping adventure in Africa and also search for Airbnb.
• Meals and Water; Opt for local food at affordable restaurants rather than dining in upscale establishments. You get a chance to experience the local dishes as you save money. For drinking water, while in Africa, do take bottled drinking water, avoid the tap water, better yet travel with a water filter or water purification tablets.
• Get Travel Insurance; Could be optional, but having travel insurance for your visit to Africa is important whether you are traveling on budget or not. Your travel insurance can save you money in case of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, lost property, trip cancellations and the like. Saves you from unexpected expenses.

You can have the best time in Africa visiting on a budget with a well-planned trip. Take precaution and make your own safety a priority.

How to save costs on your African safari?

Saving costs on an African safari doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing the quality of your experience, no, it means getting the best experience out of your money. The Tips on saving money on your African safari include:

• Do not travel during peak season: Traveling outside the peak / high season will save you a lot of money as prices on accommodation, tours and transportation are on the lower end. You will still get a rewarding wildlife experience if you plan your itinerary right.
• Join a safari travel group: This means shared costs thus saving money on your African safari. Look out for safari group packages in the African region you plan to visit, and join a group. Better yet, you and your friends can plan a group travel to Africa.
• Plan a to stay a few days: Seeing the iconic Big 5 on an African safari is a major reason most people travel to Africa, well if you plan well, a 3-4 days African safari in a specific national park known to host all the big 5 will do the trick. Staying at one national park will save you money as you will not have to move from one place to another and you can do a lot while there; game drives, walking safaris, bird watching and guided cultural tours in the neighboring communities.
• Visit the less frequented tourist attractions: As you already know, Africa is a diverse continent and so is its wildlife and these less visited national parks or game reserves provide an affordable option from the most visited offering a true remote wilderness experience as they are mostly unspoiled. For example, instead of visiting the Serengeti in Tanzania, visit Tarangire national park.
• Set a budget for your African safari: If you plan on taking a guided safari to Africa, share your budget with a reputable tour operator who will recommend the best deals available that fit in your budget. This will save you from unexpected expenses during your safari.
• Look out for safari deals: If you are flexible enough with your travel dates, these safari travel deals are a great way to save money on your African safari. For example, most safari lodges and resorts offer discounted packages for honeymooners, so planning on a safari honeymoon in Africa, consider checking out those deals.
• Make advance reservations / bookings: This will ensure secure availability and early booking discounts for you, hence saving you some money.
• Plan for a camping safari: Camping is a much more affordable experience on an African safari compared to staying in safari lodges or tented camps. You can join a safari camping group.
• Spend nights out of the national parks: Choosing to spend the night on the outskirts of the national parks / game reserves will save you money as the lodges / camps outside the park are more affordable than the ones within the park gates.
• Make use of public transport: If you are on a solo African safari and are not in a rush, using public transport will save you more money than hiring a private car to take you around. You will also get to experience the locals’ way of moving around from one town to another.
• Use local tour operators: Opt for the services of the local tour operators of the country you are visiting as compared to international travel agents for they will have favorable safari prices.

There are a number of way you can enjoy a budget-friendly safari in Africa, so what are you waiting for, get planning and packing.

Top African budget-friendly countries to visit

Africa offers a diverse range of budget-friendly travel destinations that cater to various interests and preferences from wildlife safaris, community and cultural experiences, photography safaris, birdwatching safaris, mountain climbing tours and so much more. There are countries on the continent that are known for being relatively affordable for each kind of traveler.

• Morocco for historical architecture: Morocco is a North African gem with a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes. Cities like Marrakech and Fez offer a mix of traditional and modern experiences and the cost of living is relatively low.
• Egypt for ancient wonders: Egypt is a budget-friendly destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options. It is home to a world ancient wonder, the Pyramids of Giza which are worth your exploration during your visit to Egypt.
• Ethiopia, a gem to be explored: Ethiopia boasts of a unique cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and a rich history that dates back to the origins of humans. The cost of living is generally low, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.
• Tanzania for great wildlife viewing and beach holidays: While Zanzibar and certain safari destinations in Tanzania can be more expensive, mainland Tanzania offers budget-friendly options for exploring Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and other natural wonders like Ngorongoro conservation area.
• Kenya for great wildlife: Kenya provides a mix of safari adventures, beautiful landscapes, coastal tours in Mombasa and cultural experiences at reasonable prices. Explore its different national parks and enjoy the coastal areas without breaching your budget.
• Ghana for warm hospitality and rich history: Ghana is an affordable West African destination. You can explore vibrant markets, historical sites, and beautiful coastlines without breaking the bank.
• Uganda for wildlife and nature: Uganda in East Africa with scenic landscapes. It is a budget-friendly destination with opportunities to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Visit popular destinations like Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison Falls national park.
• Madagascar for unique flora and fauna: Madagascar is an affordable destination for those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. The cost of living is relatively low, and the island offers diverse landscapes and pristine beaches.
• Namibia for the world’s oldest desert: Visit the Namib desert on a self-drive safari and explore the ancient desert for a great African travel experience. The country also offers budget-friendly accommodations and beautiful scenery.

Other affordable African countries to visit include; South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

Africa is a beautiful continent with endless amazing places to visit.

Africa budget travel tips

A safari or holiday to Africa is on many travelers to do lists. With such a continent, there is a lot to see and experience from the scenery, animal and bird-life and the rich culture and history which varies with each African region.

To travel to African on a budget, you will have to first decide on which region/country in Africa you are planning to visit, and from there, you can try out the following for guidance so that you do not have to break the bank to take that African trip that is long overdue.

• Do your research and devise a travel plan: Research different destinations in Africa and decide on which country or region to visit, how long you are planning on staying there and what activities or experience you want to have in the chosen destination. Plan your itinerary in advance for when you are in Africa to maximize your time. Make sure you allow room for changes, let your travel plan be flexible to allow for unexpected occurrences and avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Do not travel during the high seasons: Travel to Africa during the low seasons and you will save money on some costs like accommodation and transportation. The low seasons vary according to the region, so putting into consideration the destination you chose, search for when their low-season is and visit during that time.
• Use Public Transportation while in Africa: The common public transportation means in Africa are buses and shared taxis which move from one town or major city to another, some back and forth throughout the entire day. You can use motorcycle taxis to take you around on shorter distances. Public transport is more budget-friendly than renting a private car unless if you are time conscious, then you will have to rent a car.
• Look out for flight deals and make your flight bookings in advance: This will save you a lot of money.
• Consider budget accommodations or camping: Guesthouses, hostels, budget lodges / hotels, Airbnb are your best pick for an African budget trip. Take time to search for them in your chosen destination, looking out for the best deal. If you are the adventurous type, then take on a camping trip while in Africa, this is best if you carry your own tent and sleeping bag.
• While in Africa, eat like a local: Eating in restaurants catering to locals is often more budget-friendly than tourist-oriented establishments and you get the chance to try out different local cuisines. Try some street food too but be cautious, better to try out the food from a busy stall. Have you ever eaten a “rolex”, well if you happen to visit Uganda in East Africa, ask for one.
• Do not shy away from negotiating prices: Bargaining before buying almost any commodity / good is a common practice especially in local markets, street vendors or local shops in Africa. The practice will save you money during your budget travel.
• Use the country’s local currency: Once you get to your destination, do change some of your foreign money in the local currency and in smaller denominations. This will help you save money as you will avoid unfavorable exchange rates and you will make easier transactions when in local markets or paying for your transport fare and food.
• Pack light and right: Pack essentials like toiletries, sunscreen, basic first aid kit with necessary prescriptions, camera, flash light, layered clothing among others to minimize the need for unnecessary added shopping expenses.

Highlights and activities in Africa include wildlife safaris, cultural tours/community visits, mountain climbing and hiking expeditions, beach holidays and desert tours.