Updated 2026
Answer Capsule
Africa is vast, complex, and offers wildlife safaris, diverse cultures, and varied landscapes. It's less touristy than other regions, requires planning, and costs vary from cheap ($15-30) to expensive ($100+) depending on country. Most RTWers spend 4-8 weeks in Africa, often as part of an extended trip.
Why Visit Africa for RTW
Africa gets skipped by many RTWers due to perceived expense or difficulty. But it's rewarding - wildlife safaris are bucket-list experiences, the cultures are diverse, and established tourist routes are safe. You see why people love the continent and want to return.
East Africa (Safari Hub)
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda offer the best safari experiences. Kenya is expensive but world-class. Tanzania (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro) is iconic. Uganda is cheaper and less touristy. Budget $50-100+ daily for safaris, less in towns. Safari costs are high ($1,500-3,000 for a multi-day trip).
Southern Africa
South Africa is developed, expensive, and offers everything - Cape Town, wildlife, wine country. Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe have incredible safaris and landscapes. Costs run $40-80 daily. Infrastructure is excellent.
West Africa
West Africa is less touristy and more adventurous. Ghana is stable and welcoming ($20-35 daily). Senegal is Francophone and accessible. Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso are less visited. Costs are lower but infrastructure is less developed.
North Africa
Egypt (covered in Middle East section) is the main destination. Morocco is touristy and pricey ($50-80 daily). Tunisia is cheaper and less crowded. Libya requires special planning (often closed to tourists).
Central Africa
Less touristy and more adventurous. Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo offer mountain gorilla trekking (expensive: $1,500 per permit). Cameroon is diverse. Less infrastructure, higher difficulty.
Safari Logistics
Safaris dominate African RTW trips. Multi-day safaris cost $1,500-4,000 depending on country and length. Tanzania and Kenya offer mid-range options ($1,500-2,000/week). Botswana is premium ($3,000+). You can do cheaper self-drive or budget group tours, but quality varies.
Getting Around Africa
Flights within Africa are expensive. Overland crossings are common (bus/minibus) but can be slow and uncomfortable. Some countries (South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania) have good internal flights. International flights connect countries cheaply ($150-300).
What NOT to Do
Don't assume all safaris are equal. Do research - some operators are genuinely terrible. Stick with established companies with reviews. Wildlife sanctuaries vary in ethics; make informed choices.
Don't skip Africa thinking it's too expensive or difficult. Safaris are pricey, but staying in towns is affordable. You can RTW through Africa on $25-40 daily outside of safari splurges.
Don't feel obligated to do a safari. Africa offers culture, history, food, and landscapes beyond wildlife. If safaris don't appeal, focus on cities and regions.
The Bottom Line
Africa is rewarding but requires planning and budget allocation for safaris. Most RTWers spend 4-8 weeks in Africa, often combining East Africa (safari) with one other region. The continent is underrated on RTW routes - wildlife experiences and cultural diversity are unmatched.