Destinations Africa

Updated 2026

Africa is the RTW leg most travelers overthink and underspend. The continent is vast but not chaotic once you pick a region and go slowly. You can do East Africa for 4-6 weeks (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania) for $40-60/day, West Africa (Senegal, Ghana) for $30-45/day, or Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa) for $50-80/day. The real barrier isn't money - it's time and commitment.

Why Africa on a RTW Trip

Africa offers wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences you can't replicate anywhere else. For RTW travelers, the appeal is the chance to slow down and actually spend weeks in one country rather than sprinting through. Unlike Asia, where you're island-hopping between temples, Africa rewards deep exploration - a month in Tanzania or Zambia changes your perspective more than a month zigzagging across Southeast Asia. The region is increasingly RTW-friendly with better tourist infrastructure, straightforward visa policies, and a growing network of hostels and budget accommodations.

Budget Context

Daily costs vary significantly by region (2026):

• **East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania)**: $40-65/day for backpackers. Accommodations $15-25/night, simple meals $3-8, wildlife activities (shared safari vehicles) $50-100/day add up fast
• **West Africa (Senegal, Ghana, Benin)**: $30-45/day. Lagos and Accra are pricier; rural areas and Senegal are cheapest. Beach towns run $20-35/day
• **Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa)**: $50-90/day. South Africa is cheapest in the region; Botswana priciest due to safari costs. Accommodation ranges $15-50/night depending on quality
• **North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia)**: $25-40/day, though Egypt on-arrival visa fees have increased in 2026

Hidden costs: Safari activities are the budget killer. A multi-day shared safari in East Africa runs $300-500, but it's often the highlight. Plan for splurge days.

Best Routes Through Africa

East African circuit (6-8 weeks): Nairobi → Mount Kenya → Amboseli/Tsavo (safari) → Tanzania (Kilimanjaro region) → Zanzibar → Dar es Salaam → back to Nairobi. This flows logically and gets you safari, mountains, beaches, and culture.

East Africa + Southern Africa combo (8-10 weeks): Do the above, then fly to Zambia for Lower Zambezi National Park, continue to Botswana (Okavango Delta), then South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg). Budget flights within Africa are cheap.

West African arc (4-6 weeks): Dakar (Senegal) → Guinea/Mali → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Nigeria. Less touristed, more adventurous, friendlier locals. Accra and Dakar are entry points from Europe.

RTW timing: Most travelers enter Africa from South America (South Africa entry) or Asia (East Africa via Dubai/Middle East). Reverse the above routes if coming from different directions.

Key Stops

• [Nairobi](/nairobi/) - Kenya's capital is your likely East Africa hub. A 2-day stop to arrange safaris, get cash, and regroup. Skip the city sightseeing - use it as a transit point.
• [Zanzibar](/zanzibar/) - An island off Tanzania with beaches, ruins, spice tours. Magical at sunset. Plan 3-4 days as a break from safari monotony.
• [Kilimanjaro Region](/kilimanjaro/) - Tanzania's mountain. The climb is 5-6 days and pricey ($1,000-1,500) but iconic. Consider Arusha as a base if not climbing.
• [Dar es Salaam](/dar-es-salaam/) - Tanzania's main port city. Underrated food scene, good beach breaks nearby. Gateway to Zanzibar and southern parks.
• [Cape Town](/cape-town/) - South Africa's most RTW-friendly city. Beaches, mountains, excellent wine and food, and enough to keep you busy for a week. Most travelers spend 1-2 weeks here.
• [Johannesburg](/johannesburg/) - South Africa's biggest city. Less photogenic than Cape Town but important for history (Apartheid Museum) and transit. 3-4 days is plenty.
• [Gaborone](/gaborone/) - Botswana's capital. Less touristed but good base for Okavango Delta safaris. Relaxed vibe.
• [Dakar](/dakar/) - Senegal's vibrant capital. Great food, energetic nightlife, and a real local feel. Good West Africa entry point.
• [Accra](/accra/) - Ghana's capital is the most developed West African city. Colonial architecture, markets, coastal vibes. Plan 4-5 days.
• [Victoria Falls](/victoria-falls/) - The waterfall itself straddles Zambia/Zimbabwe. Insanely impressive. Activities include bungee jumping and rafting. 2-3 days here plus surrounding national parks.

When to Go

Dry season (June-October): Best for safaris when animals congregate at water sources and grass is short (better visibility). Best time for overall RTW timing in Africa.

Shoulder seasons (April-May, November-December): Fewer tourists, wildlife still visible, occasional rain. Green landscapes from recent rains look stunning.

Wet season (November-March): Roads get muddy, some parks close, but prices drop and birds are incredible. Not ideal for safari-heavy RTW trips.

North Africa: January-March best for Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia. Avoid summer heat (June-August).

Book ahead: Safari-heavy East Africa can get full during peak season (July-August). If RTW timing pins you to peak season, book 2-3 months in advance.

Visa & Logistics

East African visa situation: Many East African countries now offer the East African Tourist Visa - $100 USD for 90 days covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Individual countries also issue tourist visas on arrival ($50-100 each). Check current policies.

Standard tourist visas: Most African countries require advance visa application through embassies ($50-150 fees). Popular RTW countries:

• **Tanzania**: 90-day tourist visa on arrival or eVisa
• **South Africa**: 90-day visa-free for major nationalities
• **Egypt**: On-arrival visa increasingly difficult; apply in advance. Fees raised in 2026
• **Ghana and Senegal**: Mostly visa-free or on-arrival for Western passports

Health requirements: Yellow fever vaccination required for many African countries - you'll need proof. Malaria precautions essential for most of Sub-Saharan Africa. Get comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.

Transport: Buses connect most countries. Flights within Africa are cheap (Cairo to Johannesburg $150-300). Overland crossings possible but require patience - some borders are slower than others.

How Long to Spend

East Africa (4-6 weeks): Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda. This is the sweet spot for most RTW travelers - enough time for safari, trekking, and culture without visa stress.

West Africa (4-6 weeks): Senegal through Ghana/Benin. Less touristed, requires more flexibility, but incredibly rewarding.

Southern Africa (3-4 weeks): South Africa plus Botswana/Namibia. Short but possible because flights move you fast. South Africa alone deserves 2-3 weeks.

Full continent arc (10-14 weeks): Combine regions. East Africa → Southern Africa → West Africa (via flights), or reverse. Only possible if you have the time.

Most RTW travelers allocate 6-10 weeks to Africa total, split between regions. The continent doesn't reward rushing - go slow, spend time in fewer countries, and you'll have a richer experience than trying to hit 10 countries in 8 weeks.