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How to travel on a budget safely In Africa

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In our previous article, “How to Travel on a Budget Safely,” we explored essential strategies for planning a cost-effective and secure trip. We covered general parameters like exchange rates, affordable accommodation, transportation, local safety, and cultural experiences that can impact your travel experience.

Building on that foundation, this article shifts focus to the diverse continent of Africa, specifically Morocco, Seychelles, and Egypt. We’ll dive deeper into how these three countries stand out in terms of budget-friendly travel while also ensuring safety and a rich, memorable experience. Discover why Morocco, Seychelles, and Egypt align perfectly with the criteria we discussed earlier, making them ideal destinations for your next adventure.

How to travel on a budget safely in Africa
Africa: A Treasure Trove For Nature Loving Travellers

Table of Contents

Budget Travel in Egypt: Tips and Safety Measures

Choosing Egypt as an Affordable Destination:

Egypt offers a unique blend of affordability and historical richness. With a moderate cost of living and a favorable exchange rate, it’s a perfect destination for budget travelers. From Cairo’s bustling markets to Luxor’s ancient ruins, there are countless low-cost attractions. Souks like Khan El-Khalili in Cairo or markets in Luxor are great places to shop for unique souvenirs, but always remember to bargain hard to avoid overpaying.

Budget Accommodation Options in Egypt:

Egypt provides numerous budget-friendly accommodations, ranging from affordable hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels. In cities like Cairo and Alexandria, you’ll find a wide variety of lodging options catering to all budgets, particularly in popular tourist areas. Consider staying in less tourist-heavy locations such as Aswan or Dahab to save more.

Transportation and Accessibility in Egypt:

Cairo’s metro system is not only affordable but also quicker than taxis or buses, especially during peak hours. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are also popular and offer fixed rates, making them a safer option than haggling with local taxi drivers.

Egypt is a land of tourism
Egypt Is A Land Of Tourism

Safety Aspects in Egypt:

While Egypt has experienced political instability in the past, it has significantly improved security, especially in tourist areas. Always check local crime rates and the global crime index. With careful planning, Egypt remains a safe destination for travelers.

For more insights on budget travel in Egypt, check out our detailed guide on Egypt.

Affordable Travel in Morocco: How to Stay Safe

Choosing Morocco as an Affordable Destination:

Morocco is known as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Africa, thanks to its relatively low cost of living and favorable exchange rates. Cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca offer rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost of other tourist-heavy destinations. Indulge in local dishes like tagine, couscous, or pastilla at affordable eateries and enjoy mint tea at roadside cafes.

Budget Accommodation Options in Morocco:

Accommodation in Morocco ranges from traditional riads (Moroccan houses with interior gardens) to budget hotels and hostels. Staying in a riad provides a unique cultural experience without breaking the bank. Booking in advance often ensures competitive rates.

Morocco's architecture will mesmerize you
Mesmerizing Architecture Of Morocco

Transportation and Accessibility in Morocco:

Morocco has a well-developed transportation network with affordable buses and trains connecting major cities and regions. “Grand taxis” (shared taxis) are an economical option for travel between towns, while local buses are great for shorter distances.

Safety Aspects in Morocco:

Morocco is considered relatively safe for tourists, with low crime rates compared to many other countries. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so stay vigilant. Use a friendly greeting like “Salam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) to show respect, and avoid public eating or drinking during Ramadan.

For more detailed travel tips, visit Morocco Blog site before your travel.

Seychelles: Luxury on a Budget

Choosing Seychelles as an Affordable Destination:

Though often associated with luxury, Seychelles can be surprisingly budget-friendly. Enjoy natural beauty, from pristine beaches to local markets and scenic hiking trails, without spending a fortune.

Budget Accommodation Options in Seychelles:

Seychelles offers several budget accommodations, including self-catering apartments, guesthouses, and small hotels. Booking in advance and opting for stays on less popular islands like La Digue or Praslin can significantly reduce costs.

Seychelles La Digue Beach
La Digue Beach in Seychelles

Transportation and Accessibility in Seychelles:

The islands of Seychelles are well-connected through ferries, buses, and bicycles. Renting a bicycle or using the public bus service is an economical way to explore the islands.

Safety Aspects in Seychelles:

Seychelles has a low crime rate, making it one of the safest destinations in Africa. However, basic precautions such as securing personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night should still be observed.

For a comprehensive guide, check out our Seychelles travel tips.

Bonus Tips:

  1. Book During Off-Seasons: Booking flights with local airlines like EgyptAir, Royal Air Maroc, or Air Seychelles during off-peak seasons can save up to 70% of the cost.

  2. Carry Extra Cash: ATMs or card machines may not always work due to technical issues, so having extra cash on hand is essential.

  3. Avoid Lesser-Known or Less Crowded Areas: Prioritize safety by avoiding less crowded or lesser-known areas, especially when traveling to unfamiliar places. Opt for reputable travel agents who can guide you safely and cost-effectively.

budget friendly off season discounts on flight tickets

By following these steps, you can enjoy a safe and budget-friendly vacation in Africa.If you have any suggestions, unique experiences, or additional tips on “How to Travel on a Budget Safely in Africa,” please share them in the comments. For more details on planning a budget-friendly trip, refer to our Step-by-Step Guide for Travel Planning, including budgeting, funding plans, packing lists, jet lag recovery, and more.

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FAQs on How To Travel On A Budget Safely In Africa

To travel to Africa on a budget, consider booking flights well in advance and during off-peak seasons to get the best deals. Opt for budget airlines, use travel rewards or points, and look for accommodation in hostels, guesthouses, or through platforms like Airbnb. Plan your trip to countries with a lower cost of living, such as Morocco, Egypt, or Seychelles. Also, use local transport options like buses or shared taxis and dine at local eateries to save money.

Traveling safely through Africa involves thorough preparation and awareness. Research your destination, check the global crime index, and stay informed about local laws and customs. Stick to well-known tourist routes, avoid isolated areas, and use reputable transport services. Keep your belongings secure, avoid displaying valuables, and have travel insurance. Stay updated on the local news, and consider joining group tours if traveling alone.

The amount needed for a trip to Africa varies depending on the duration, destinations, and your travel style. For a budget trip, you should plan to save around $50 to $100 per day, which covers accommodation, meals, and local transportation. This means for a two-week trip, you might need around $1,000 to $2,000, excluding airfare. Costs will vary significantly between countries, with some being more affordable than others.

Some of the safest parts of Africa to travel to include countries like Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Egypt, Mauritius, and Seychelles, known for their low crime rates and stable political environments. Specific regions within countries, such as Cape Town in South Africa, Marrakech in Morocco, or Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe, are also popular for tourists. It’s essential to check the current travel advisories for any country you plan to visit.

Traveling to Africa for free is challenging but possible through volunteering or working opportunities. Organizations may cover accommodation, food, or even travel expenses in exchange for volunteering. Another option is to apply for travel grants or scholarships related to education or research in Africa. You might also consider exchange programs, internships, or teaching English abroad.

Here are the detailed steps.

  1. Start by researching destinations with a lower cost of living. 
  2. Use flight comparison tools to find the cheapest flights.
  3. Look for accommodations on budget-friendly platforms like Hostelworld or Couchsurfing. 
  4. Check with an online travel insurance estimator.
  5. Create a daily budget that covers food, transportation, activities, and accommodation. Consider visiting one or two countries instead of trying to cover too much ground, which reduces transport costs. Also, prioritize free or low-cost activities such as visiting markets, parks, or hiking trails. Feed them into an online travel budget calculator.
  6. Use a currency converter to convert the travel cost to your local currency so that you can plan for funds.
  7. Arrive at how much monthly funds you need to accumulate the travel cost using an online travel budget planner.
  8. Find out, whether you can afford the monthly deposit amount from your earnings by using an online family budget calculator. If the required monthly savings is outside your budget, then think of either alternative cheaper destinations or travelling a little later.
  9. Once you have planned your funds, then collect all legal documents like visa one to two months before your travel. Check an online packing list generator to make sure you cover most of the tings for your travel.
  10. A few days before, get ready for jet lag recovery if you are planning for travel crossing multiple time zones.
  11. Additionally, in some of the African nations like Seychelles, French is popular. So, it helps to learn some commonly used french words before travel. Check our country wise pages like Seychelles, Egypt, Nigeria to find out all local customs that will help you in your travel period.

The cost of a two-week trip to Africa can vary widely depending on the country, accommodation type, activities, and personal spending habits. For budget travelers, the cost can range from $1,000 to $2,500, including accommodation, local transport, meals, and activities but excluding international flights. Mid-range travelers might spend between $3,000 to $5,000. Luxury trips can exceed $5,000 depending on the level of comfort and experiences desired.

Africa offers a wide range of budget options, making it affordable for many travelers. While some countries like South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt are considered more budget-friendly, others like Botswana, Namibia, or Mauritius can be more expensive due to their exclusivity or higher costs of living. Generally, costs can be kept low by choosing affordable accommodations, using local transport, and eating local foods. However, activities like safaris or tours may add to the overall cost.

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