Picking a budget travel destination can be laborious at times but that’s because there are so many to choose from! #SpoiltForChoice. Now that you have read Part 1 - Exotic Asia and Part 2 - Glamorous Central & Latin America, let’s visit the next continent - Africa!
There were various countries to pick but I’ve gone for (in my humble option the top 3. From Kenya to Morocco, here is part 3 of the Top 20 budget travel destinations around the world that offer the essentials – accommodation, transportation, and food without breaking the bank.
Alluring Africa
Kenya
When you think of Africa, you’re probably thinking of Kenya. It’s the lone acacia silhouetted on the savannah against a horizon stretching into eternity. It’s the snow-capped mountain almost on the equator and within sight of harsh deserts. Kenya is a country of epic landforms that stir our deepest longings for this very special continent.
Is Kenya safe for travel
Now Africa is jammed packed with budget travel destinations but not all these destinations are safe to visit. Kenya is one notable exception. This powerhouse of East Africa can be visited on a budget and is generally considered safe to travel.
What makes Kenya so special is its fusion of local culture and sheer, raw natural beauty. Beyond seeing animals in the wild, you can relax on Kenya’s beaches, climb it’s amazing Mount Kenya or even go river-rafting. If it’s a city fix you’re after, Nairobi – the capital – offers you a glimpse into African life with its frenetic streets and loud, colorful culture.
Is Kenya cheap to travel
For around USD 15 - 30 per day, you can visit Kenya. Now this involves staying in budget hotels or hostels, dining on local food and visiting affordable attractions like riding an ostrich (who wouldn’t want to experience that now?) An independent safari with car rental will cost around USD 75 - 100 per day for two people.
Daily Costs
Meals: USD 2 -5 per meal (Eat in local restaurants)
Accommodation: USD 15 - 50 per night (Budget hotel). Check out availability for Nairobi.
Transportation: USD 1 - 5 per trip (Travel by Minibus)
Visa: The Kenya e-Visa is valid for 90 days after issued. Travelers who apply for a Tourist e-Visa must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry.
Some things you could do while in Kenya
Morocco
Morocco has something for everyone from beaches to deserts, from craft & culture to foodie adventures and architecture of ancient cities to villages nestled in the mountains.
What is Morocco known for
Rabat - Morocco’s capital looks to its past with its Almohad Tour de Hassan minaret and to the future with the Zaha Hadid–designed Grand Theatre.
Casablanca - Downtown is an open-air museum of architecture, where geometric neo-classical edifices rub shoulders with ornate neo-Moorish facades, symmetrical art-deco structures, and sleek modernist towers.
Tinejdad - Spend the night in an ancient living ksar (fortified village) that’s been restored as part of a sustainable, village-run project.
Saïdia Head - Chill on a white-sand Mediterranean beach in this northeastern town close to the Algerian border.
Plage Robinson Head to Cap Spartel at the northwestern extremity of Africa’s Atlantic Coast.
Is Morocco a cheap place to travel
In general, Africa can be an expensive continent to visit, but Morocco on a budget is definitely possible, especially on a mid-range budget (around USD 50 per day)!
A meal can cost anywhere from USD 0.50 for a simple street food sandwich to around USD 4-5 for a sit-down meal in a non-touristic location. Fancier dinners with shows can cost up to around USD 10 - 20.
Alcohol is not illegal in Morocco but it is not commonly sold and when it is, it is not cheap, so if you are on a budget I recommend refraining from drinking.
Transportation can be a bit on the expensive side if you plan to travel by train or private taxi. A 4WD hire and driver will set you back USD 125 per day. A more affordable option is a group day tour which will cost USD 31 per person on average.
Traveling in this incredibly photogenic and interesting country is actually rather affordable.
Booking.comDaily Costs
Meals: USD 0.50 - 3 (Soup or sandwich)
Accommodation: USD 16 per night (Basic double room with shared bathroom in a dorm)
Transportation: USD 0.60 per trip (Local bus)
Visa: The Morocco ETA application process is very simple and 100% online. Once the application is submitted and accepted, the applicant will receive a landing authorization that must be shown to the immigration officers upon arrival.
Some things you could do while in Morocco
Egypt
Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor or hop off a Nile boat to visit Edfu or Dendara. Cross Lake Nasser to see Abu Simbel or trek the desert to find traces of Roman trading outposts. Egypt will bring out the explorer in all of us!
How much does it cost to visit Egypt
And all of this can be done on a budget! You can eat a good local meal for USD 8 - 10. And book a mid-range hotel room for USD 30 - 40 or a hostel for as little as USD 10 a night. You just need to make sure you budget for transportation (going around in taxi or Uber, is the best option).
Set some money aside to visit the attractions. Around USD 12 for access to the Pyramids of Giza grounds. Plus $20 if you want to enter inside the great pyramid. Another USD 5 for the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
Despite the recent civil unrest, if you stay safe and travel in tourist destinations, you won’t be in danger in Egypt. People are friendly and want you to experience what their incredible country has to offer.
Overall, very affordable on every budget!
Booking.comDaily Costs
Meals: USD 8 (Meal for two)
Accommodation: USD 10 per night (Basic double room)
Transportation: USD 22 (Car and driver)
Visa: The e-Visa allows visitors to spend up to 30 days Total in the country. The eVisa is valid for 90 days after issued. Apply now!
Some things you could do while in Egypt
Well, that’s Africa done!
I know it feels like there should be more places to visit in Africa like South Africa or Seychelles and I agree but since it is 20 budget travel destinations in 2020, we had to skip a few. But I promise you there will be more posts about travel destinations in Africa later this year.
For now, I hope this suffices and if not there is always Part Four - Exquisite Europe!
Let me help you plan your next budget travel destination trip.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post.
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P.S. As someone who spent close to 20 years working in insurance, I strongly recommend buying travel insurance if you are going on holiday. It costs a fraction of your holiday but covers the potential risk of the entire holiday. You can read my post on why you need travel insurance.
You may also want to read Top 10 Must-visit Travel Destinations for 2020
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Kenya is definitely one of the destinations I would love to visit. Never been to Africa so I’m making my plans for a nice trip there soon.
Hi Chris,
Africa, in general, is different from the rest of the world and Kenya is just out of this world! You will definitely enjoy it
All of those destinations sound awesome! Which city in Morocco was your favorite?
Hi Crystal,
Most people will say Casablanca but for me, its got to be Rabat. It is less commercialized and has more history!
Pinning this one! Awesome!
Great idea Caroline - that way you can always come back to the post!
Really cool collection. I got a great insight into Africa through this post.
glad it was helpful Vimal
Great list, we are heading to Morocco in 2 weeks, really excited 😀
Enjoy Morocco! Can’t wait to read about it on your blog!
Enjoyed reading about the different options in Africa. Egypt has always been on my bucket list. Hope to get there one day!
Make sure you go Patrice! You will not regret it!