What's an average trip to Africa cost?
Africa looms large over passionate travelers’ imaginations. Some long to see the mountains where wild gorillas live. Others are eager to watch lions and giraffes stand side by side at desert watering holes.
Still, others are intrigued by newly minted tourism destinations in places like Rwanda. In between the daydreams of safaris and undiscovered beaches, you may start wondering just how feasible a trip to Africa will be for you.
But don’t worry — we’ve done the hard work for you by breaking down the costs of many attractions on the continent to find out how much your trip will cost. Ready? So are we — let’s jump in!
Average Trip to Africa Cost in 2024
No matter what the destination, everyone will have an average trip cost that’s a little different. What you consider an essential someone else might consider a waste of travel money, and vice versa.
That is why our researchers carefully go over every category to see what different trip aspects will cost.
A week in Africa costs around $2,500 for two people:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $100 per night
- Average Flight Cost: $100 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $100 per person, per day
- Transportation: $150 per week
- Total Cost: $2,450
Africa Trip Cost: Average by Item
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Your costs in each of these categories are going to depend heavily on where you go and what you decide to do. Tours and safaris are more expensive than a DIY trip to a destination like Nairobi or Cape Town.
Different hotel star levels will also make a huge difference in what you will spend. Run a few scenarios to see how much you should budget for a trip to Africa.
Accommodation Costs
Hotel costs can vary greatly throughout Africa. In Nairobi, you’ll find options like the Raidisson Blue Hotel in Nairobi’s Upper Hill district. This five-star hotel runs travelers around $40 a night.
The Sarova Stanley is another well-reviewed hotel in Nairobi. The property boasts an on-site pool and spa, as well as multiple restaurants. Rooms run about $150 a night.
In Cape Town, the cost of your lodgings will vary greatly depending on the amenities you like. Five-star hotels like the Hyatt Regency Cape Town or the Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers run between $100 and $150 a night.
On a budget? Check out options like the Obz Hotel, which is in a Bohemian area of the city rich with vintage shops and global dining. Rooms will run around $30 to $50 a night.
In Casablanca, Morocco, you can find hotels that run from under $20 a night for basic lodgings, up to $150 a night for a more luxurious stay.
Many tours and safaris have hotel or camping costs already built into the price of the tour itself. Consider these savings when deciding which options offer you the most bang for your buck.
Flight Cost
How much your flight will cost depends a great deal on which African country you visit, and which city you choose.
When it comes to flights to South Africa, your destination in the country makes a difference. A flight from JFK in New York to Cape Town will cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,600, depending on the airline you choose and the time of year.
A trip from JFK in New York to O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, on the other hand, will cost anywhere from $950 to $1,800. The cheaper flights typically involve longer layovers.
Dreaming of a safari in Kenya? Your flight there will be one of your major costs. Depending on when you go and whether you opt for a direct flight, expect to pay anywhere from $900 to $4,500 for your ticket.
Prices for flights also depend on how popular your destination is. You can reliably find flights from New York to Cairo, Egypt for tuner $1,000 per person. Travel to Morocco is similarly affordable, with many flights between $750 and $1,000.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
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Your costs will depend on which countries and attractions you seek out. South Africa tends to be one of the more expensive destinations on the continent, but has an infrastructure most like what you are used to in Western countries.
Kenya is attractive to many for the cities, safaris, and beaches. Uganda is less developed, but visitors and residents say it is cheaper than some other destinations.
Restaurants vary throughout the continent. In Cape Town, expect to pay about $75 for dinner for two. However, you can find a meal for two in Nairobi for under $5 for two people.
Tours are popular for reasons of safety and simplicity. An overland tour will take you by truck from one region to another. This can be a great way to see scenery and animals.
These can be very affordable, and the price will vary based on the duration and location. A two-day truck transit from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls costs around $150 per person.
Seven days on the Delta and Chobe Trail will cost around $1,500.
Many safaris are all-inclusive, with food, drinks, transportation, and lodging all included. A recent traveler who used 7 Wonders Safari reports she was picked up at the airport in Tanzania and transported each day to a new park to visit.
The trip included food, beer, and meet-ups with local Masai tribes. The cost for the week-long trip was $1,100.
Sometimes DIY experiences can be more expensive than planning to do a tour. For instance, going to the jungle to see mountain gorillas requires a permit. In Rwanda, the permit will cost around $1,500 per person.
Uganda often has cheaper permits, averaging around $700 per person. The cheapest permits on the continent are in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they go for about $400 per person.
Transportation Costs
Car rentals are available in a number of countries. But, for safety, inquire about the condition of the roads before taking on the task of driving yourself. How much you’ll spend on a car depends on where you rent it.
A week-long rental in Cape Town will cost a little under $100 for a compact car and up to $300 for a luxury vehicle. Rentals in Nairobi during the same period run from $200 for a compact car up to $1.500 for luxury class picks.
Bazbus is a convenient way to get around Cape Town and the surrounding areas. You book service in advance and get on-demand pick-ups and drop-offs for the period you’ve reserved.
Current rates are under $250 per person for a week.
Trains are available between some destinations. While this can be a time-consuming way to get around, it offers and incomparable view of the surrounding countryside. Some of the trains in Africa are among the most luxurious in the world.
The Rovos Rails Pride of Africa train, which has routes in South Africa, has itineraries starting at $1,600 per person.
On a more affordable level, you’ll find the Shosholoza Meyl, which runs from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durable, East London, and Port Elizabeth. Tickets start at around $50 per person.
Things to Consider
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Here are a few things to consider before booking a trip to Africa:
- Last minute deals have their pros and cons. You can often get great discounts on safaris by waiting. But, the dates you want may fill up.
- Africa is a big continent. You could easily spend a week or more in a single city. When planning a trip, don’t overpack your itinerary.
- Some areas of the continent are fine for DIY travel. Check local travel advisories before deciding you will save money by winging it and going on your own. This is safe and accessible in some areas, more challenging in others.
Frequently Asked Questions
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These are a few of the frequently asked questions about budgeting for a trip to Africa:
Is Africa cheap or expensive?
Some trips to Africa can be surprisingly expensive, others cheal by international standards. There are a few factors that drive this. First, the continent as a whole is still not a popular tourist destination.
There isn’t a lot of infrastructure for tourism in some countries, so the few hotels you find are more expensive. Plus, many of the top attractions in Africa, such as safaris, are high-cost by nature.
Why are trips to Africa so expensive?
Africa has very little infrastructure to support tourism. Most countries have few good roads and few or no railways. This makes transportation difficult and expensive. Plus, there are few hotels available, so the cost to stay in the ones that do exist can be high.
Is it safe to go to Africa for vacation?
Africa is a continent made up of 54 countries. Each has unique characteristics, cities, and levels of risk. If you stick with reputable companies for your excursions, you should be safe during your visit.
How much does a 10-day African safari cost?
Check with several reputable companies, as costs can vary greatly. For a basic 10-day trip that includes travel by bus, camping, food, and several experiences, prices start around $1,800. A luxury tour with high-end accommodations along the way can cost $5,000 or more.
Over to You — Book Your Trip to Africa Today!
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $100 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $100 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $100 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $150 per week |
| 💲 Total Cost | $2,450 |
A week in Africa for two will cost around $2,450. This assumes a DIY trip to an accessible destination. Tours and safaris typically run a bit more, but are often the best way to see some of the continent’s best sights.
No matter what you choose, do your research to make sure you’re dealing with reputable companies with experience in the area you want to see.
There are many people dedicated to showing off the best of each country tourists visit.
In the right hands, you’ll have the trip of a lifetime. So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Africa has to offer. Happy travels!