Many people believe that travel in 2023 is totally off the cards for them! In part, this is due to the spiralling cost of living crisis and ever-increasing inflation. Many people just assume travel is ridiculously expensive and more out of reach than ever.
What if we told you that there is a way around this? All you need to do is be strategic about where you choose to travel and when. Choosing a destination where your currency is strong, where flights don’t cost the earth to get to and it isn’t the busiest time of year are all ways to bring the possibility of international travel to you in 2023.
In this post, we are sharing the ULTIMATE list of CHEAP countries to visit all over the world in 2023.
These budget-friendly destinations are organised by continent. Here is a breakdown of the cheapest countries we are covering:
- Asia
- Nepal
- India
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Central America
- Guatemala
- Nicaragua
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Panama
- South America
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Argentina
- Paraguay
- Europe
- Albania
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Montenegro
- Portugal
- Africa
- Ethiopia
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Mozambique
These countries will likely have a low cost of living with affordable food, transportation and accommodation options. We are covering 30 countries across the globe! So no matter where you are in the world or what time of year it is, you can find a budget-friendly country to travel to. Continue reading to learn more information about each country on this list.
>>> Need some help saving up for a trip? Check out these money-saving tips!
>>> Check out this post to learn how to travel on a shoestring budget!
ASIA
1. Nepal
Coming in at number one for the cheapest country to visit in Asia in 2023 is Nepal! Nepal is an incredible country to visit that won’t make much of a dent in your bank account once you reach there. Nepal is most famous for having the highest mountain in the world, Mt Everest. If you love hiking, mountains and adventure, then you will adore Nepal.
Nepal is home to many other incredible things worth seeing. The lakeside town of Pokhara is a haven for backpackers and those hiking to Annapurna. Bhaktapur is an incredible town near Kathmandu full of traditional architecture, culture and temples. Kathmandu is home to beautiful temples, with the Stupas being the most striking.
There are also many lesser-known mountain villages in Nepal to explore such as Seti Beni. Expect vast vistas, terraced rice fields as far as the eye can see, deep valleys and drawstring bridges. You can spot wild Rhinos at Chitwan National park and go and visit the very spot where the Buddha was born called Limbini.
It is cheap as chips to traverse Nepal via their public bus system. Even taxis can drive you long distances for little money if you have friends to share the cost.
Daily Budget: £12 - £20 per day.
2. India
When it comes to cheap travel destinations, India is the king. You could almost get away with having no money in India in some places! If you wanted to you get could by in India on next to nothing, with rooms in guest houses costing as little as £5 a night (hostels are even less). The longer you stay somewhere the cheaper the rate will be. An all-you-can-eat thali from a street vendor in some places can cost as little as 50p!
If you aren’t quite ready to go that rough, you can stay in luxury hotels and fancy guest houses for less than £40 per night and eat restaurant meals for less than £5.
Getting from the top of India in the mountains to the very south by the tropical beaches (and everything in between!) is also very affordable. You can get all over the country relatively easily by train or plane. In the north, you can get comfortable sleeper buses almost anywhere for a very affordable price. Even hiring a private driver is very affordable if you aren’t travelling alone.
Daily Budget: £12 - £20 per day for everything that you need
3. Vietnam
Vietnam is another incredible destination in Asia to visit in 2023 that is super cheap. It is even cheaper than Thailand and many people would argue has even better street food. Plus you will find locally made beer on tap which is so cheap it might as well be free!
Vietnam is full of so many incredible cities and towns to visit with beautiful nature to feast your eyes on. In the north, Hanoi is a charming city full of hipster-style cafes, restaurants and amazing nightlife. Hoi An is a romantic ancient town situated on canals. Ho Chi Min city is another must-see city brimming with culture.
Halong Bay is a must-visit. Places like Ninh Van Bay and Phu Quoc island are excellent places to get your beach fix. For the adventurous souls out there, there is a famous motorbike route between Hoh Chi Minh & Hanoi.
It is easy and cheap to get around Vietnam via bus, train and plane.
Daily budget: £20 - £38 per day.
4. Thailand
Thailand as a cheap destination is not news to anyone. Backpackers have been doing the rounds in Thailand for decades, but it's for a good reason! Thailand is full of beautiful temples, hectic yet vibrant cities, beautiful tropical islands and beaches as well as an idyllic mountain region. Oh, we can’t forget to mention the best thing about Thailand which is the street food!
The best thing about Thailand (street food!) just happens to be the cheapest thing you can buy there - making this a very attractive destination for foodies on a shoestring budget. We are particularly in love with the noodles dishes (Pad Thai, Pad See Ew & Drunken Noodles) and the street banana pancakes!
The city of Bangkok is an experience that every traveller to Thailand cannot miss. A visit to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without an island-hopping adventure to places like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi (the location of the ultra-famous Maya Bay).
Chiang Mai in the mountainous northern region of Thailand is the cheapest part of the country. Expect incredible jungles, breathtaking temples and an amazing selection of cheap food and accommodation. The small hippy town in the north called Pai is another top destination for backpackers. When in Thailand you can get a massage every day without seeing much of a dent in your wallet.
Getting around Thailand is easy and affordable with many buses, trains, flights and ferries to get you to where you need to go.
Daily budget: £25 - £40 per day.
5. The Philippines
Another incredible and cheap destination to visit in South East Asia is the Philippines. If you love pristine tropical islands, clear blue water and white sand beaches without forking out for the Maldives or Fiji, then make your next destination the Philippines.
The Philippines is made up of an extraordinary number of islands! While this does make it a bit more complicated to travel around, it is certainly worth it. Our picks for lust-worthy spots in the Philippines that won’t break the bank are the surfing island of Siargo, the insane beauty of Palawan (El Nido beach in particular), and the beach destination of Boracay. In many of these places, you can stay at incredible luxury beachfront resorts for a fraction of the price of other tropical destinations.
The cost of flights between different islands can really add up so if you are on a tight budget we suggest sticking to one region or if you have more time getting around via ferry where possible.
Daily budget: £30 - £50 per day.
CENTRAL AMERICA
6. Guatemala
Guatemala is often overlooked as a destination in Central America, with many favouring exotic trips to Costa Rica.
Guatemala may be less developed for tourism than Costa Rica, however, it is a country brimming with incredible scenery and wildlife. Plus it’s a lot cheaper than Costa Rica.
There is so much to explore in Guatemala. Landscapes range from jungles and volcanoes to beautiful beaches and small coastal towns to big cities alongside ancient ruins. Guatemala also has a strong Mayan culture, making this one of the most fascinating places to get up close to this ancient culture.
In the northern jungles, you’ll find the Mayan temples of Tikal. Further south you’ll find the beautiful volcano-ringed lake of Atitlan.
Other unforgettable things to do include hiking Volcan Tajumulco Volcano, visiting the cultural melting pot of Livingston, shopping at Chichicasenango Market to be immersed in Mayan culture or going surfing in El Paredon on Guatemala's Pacific coast.
A trip to Guatemala isn’t complete without exploring the beautiful historic city of Antigua which is a great place to start your budget-friendly adventure.
Daily budget: £16 - £30 per day.
7. Nicaragua
Further south in Central America, wedged between Honduras and Costa Rica you will find Nicaragua. This beautiful country is also often overlooked by travellers, however, it makes an excellent and safe budget-friendly alternative to other more expensive countries.
Nicaragua is brimming with delicious food, welcoming locals, incredible sunsets and even better beaches for surfing. This is truly one of the most up-and-coming destinations in Central America and it’s cheap!
Nicaragua is known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”, which is what it is most well-known for.
One of the best things to do in Nicaragua is hit the beach! This is one of the best places in Central America for surfing. It draws fewer surfers than more touristy countries like Mexico and Costa Rica and so you will often find you have incredible surf beaches all to yourself!
Other things to do in Nicaragua include hiking up or sandboarding down active volcanoes, visiting Ometpe Island, exploring the architecture of Granada or escaping to the tropical Corn Islands.
A trip to Nicaragua wouldn’t be complete without hiking through the jungles of Miraflores and checking out the old capital of Leon.
Daily budget: £20 - £30 per day.
8. El Salvador
On the Pacific coast and bordering Honduras and Guatemala you will find the rarely visited, El Salvador! El Salvador is one of the least visited countries in Central America, due to its violent wars in the mid-late 1900s and its not so flash reputation when it comes to gang crime. Thanks to its sorted past, it is still very cheap! If you are travelling to El Salvador, especially solo, it is still important you take some precautions to keep safe.
If you love exploring ancient ruins and relaxing on beautiful beaches on the cheap, then El Salvador might be the destination for you.
There is so much to see and do in El Salvador! Some of the best things to do that can’t be missed include visiting the Mayan Ruins of Joya de Ceren, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of El Tunce and Playa El Zonte and hiking to the top of Santa Ana Volcano.
Other must-do activities include exploring the capital city of San Salvador, visiting the Mayan archaeological site of Tazmul and learning about the interesting and tragic history of the civil war which happened from 1980 to 1992.
Daily budget: £20 - £35 per day.
9. Honduras
Next on our list of cheap countries to travel to in Central America in 2023 is Honduras. Honduras is a beautiful country bordering Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. It occupies a vast section of the Caribbean Coastline, making this an amazing place to get Caribbean Island vibes on a budget.
Honduras is home to beautiful jungles, mountains for hiking, amazing diving sites, Mayan Ruins and incredible national parks full to the brim with wildlife.
Similar to El Salvador, Honduras has a violent past with plenty of unrest during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, which has meant it doesn't have the best reputation for tourism. This has helped to keep living costs low for travellers visiting the country. Today, developments have been made to make Honduras a safer place. It is becoming a popular spot for intrepid backpackers looking to get off the beaten path.
Some of the top activities in Honduras include exploring the Copan Ruins, diving in the beautiful Bay Islands, visiting the colonial city of Gracias, hiking in the Pico Bonito National Park, soaking in the hot springs of Yuscaran, island hopping to the tropical Cayos Cochinos and hang out by Lake Yojoa.
Daily budget: £25 - £40 per day.
10. Mexico
Mexico is one of the best countries to visit when you are on a budget. Mexico is a country of great diversity with so much to see in every corner. It has some of the best street food in the world, incredible ancient history, vibrant culture and beautiful deserts, jungles and beaches.
While some places in Mexico are more expensive and geared towards luxury travel such as Tulum, Cancun and Cabo, this certainly doesn’t represent the entire country. Like many places on this list, you are in control of how cheap or expensive you want your holiday to be in Mexico.
Head inland to visit incredible towns with a more authentic Mexican feel such as Oaxaca, Puebla and San Cristobal. Don’t miss the pyramids in Mexico City or the Mayan ruins in the jungle in Palenque. Head to Playa Del, Cozumel. Isla Hotbox or Mazunte for beautiful beaches without breaking the bank.
What’s more, Mexico is a beautiful destination year-round, is easy to travel between cities via bus and is easily accessible from the United States.
Daily budget: £25 - £55 per day. Expect to spend more if you are visiting the Yucatan Peninsula.
>>> Check out these hidden gems in Mexico
11. Panama
Finally coming in at number 11 cheapest country to visit in the world in 2023 is Panama. Panama is a long thin country at the bottom of Central America. It acts as a bridge between Central and South America, bordering Costa Rica in the north and Colombia in the South.
Panama is often overshadowed by the more popular (and pricey) Costa Rica! Exploring all the natural jewels of the jungles and seas of Panama is one of the best ways to explore this stunning country.
While Panama is a little more pricey than other countries on our list, it is far from the most expensive destination in Central America. It is also relatively safe and well-developed with modern infrastructure, a strong economy and a higher standard of living compared to other countries in Central America.
Panama is best known for its cultural history, beautiful beaches, lush rainforest and booming economy. Diving, snorkelling, hiking and wildlife spotting are all popular activities in Panama.
Must-do activities in Panama include visiting the Panama Canal, exploring the historic heart of Panama City, Casco Viejo, hiking the Chiriqui Highlands, visiting the tropical San Blas Islands and going deep into the Darien Gap rainforest. Visit the beautiful beaches of Bocas Del Toro, go up into the mountains and coffee plantations of Boquete and marvel at the waterfalls and jungles in Anton Valley.
A trip to Panama wouldn’t be complete without admiring the impressive skyscrapers in Panama City!
Daily budget: £30 - £60 per day.
SOUTH AMERICA
12. Bolivia
Bolivia comes in at number one for the cheapest country to visit in South America in 2023. Bolivia is a country of great contrast and immense nature but certainly lacks in terms of creature comforts you may be used to.
If you have a sense of adventure and love to explore jaw-dropping scenery and get up and close to incredible wildlife, then you’ll love Bolivia.
While you may find accommodation is a bit more pricey than in other parts of South America, you will more than makeup for it by having access to super cheap transportation, food, alcohol and even their excursions and tours and the cheapest you’ll probably find on the continent (a trip to the Amazon anyone?).
There are so many amazing things to do for cheap in Bolivia! Go mountain biking on the most ‘dangerous’ road in the world - the Yungas Highway otherwise known as Death Road. Visit the world-famous salt flats called Salar de Uyuni. Go hiking in the Andes for cheap. Visit Lake Titicaca which is located on the border of Bolivia and Peru. This auspicious location is the highest lake in the world.
Go on a tour of the Amazon. Bolivia is the cheapest country to visit the Amazon rainforest! Explore the capital, La Paz. Explore the tropical Yungas region.
Daily budget: £18 - £35 a day.
13. Colombia
Coming in at number 2 for the cheapest countries in South America is Colombia! Colombia is rich in culture, coffee and plenty of nature. This is one of the cheapest ways to experience the highly sought-after white-sand Caribbean beaches. There is so much to do in Colombia and tourism there is booming despite its troubled reputation.
Unlike many other places in South America, you don’t need to join a tour to experience the sights and attractions. You can easily travel independently which gives you much greater control over how much you spend.
Colombia is home to stunning beaches, lush national parks, incredible coffee and chocolate and vibrant modern cities and towns! Explore the colourful capital, Botoga. This city is full of life and is home to many museums, galleries and historic sites. Don’t forget to go Salsa dancing! Find the best coffee in Salento. Colombia is most famous for its coffee and so the coffee region is a must for all coffee lovers. Explore gorgeous coffee farms in the cute towns of Salento and Filandia. Relax on the Caribbean coast - great places to go include Cartagena, Santa Marta or Tayrona National Park, take a wildlife tour, visit the lost city, known as Ciudad Perdida and party hard and also explore museums in the town of Medellin.
Daily budget: £20 - £35 a day.
14. Ecuador
Ecuador is a true nature and wildlife lovers' paradise. It is most famous for the Galapagos islands, however, there is much more to Ecuador that costs a lot less. Ecuador is home to preserved colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, a part of the Amazon rainforest and also the Andes mountains. There is just a diversity of landscapes and wildlife to experience here.
Its small size makes it easier and more affordable to get around and is an adventure seekers' paradise. This is also an excellent place to experience the Amazon on a budget, especially if a tour to the Galapagos Islands is out of your budget. Other cheap things to do in Ecuador include going on a work exchange to Galapagos to save. You can also get better deals on tours here by going during the off-season or not booking in advance. Explore the capital of Quito, go hiking in the Andes, experience adventure in Banos, explore the colonial town of Cuenca and relax on the beach in Montanita.
Daily budget: £25 - £40 a day.
15. Peru
Peru is quickly one of the most famous destinations in the world thanks to Machu Picchu. It is still, however, incredibly affordable to visit. This is one of the most profound ways to experience the mysteries of the ancient Incas.
It goes without saying you can’t go to Peru without doing the Inca Trail or seeing Machu Picchu. This will add to the cost of your trip however, it is so worth it.
There are also many other notable things to do and places to explore that won’t cost the earth. You can find budget-friendly accommodation and cheap food everywhere you go.
Things to do in Peru include visiting Machu Picchu (obviously!), hiking the Inca Trail and other tracks in the Sacred Valley, exploring Cusco, adventuring in the Amazon rainforest, visiting Lake Titicaca, seeing the mysterious Nazca Lines, hiking to the Rainbow Mountain and discovering Peruvian cuisine.
Daily Budget: £25 - £40.
16. Argentina
Argentina is a magnificent country in South America which has so much to offer! From the beautiful mountains and glaciers of Patagonia to the lush waterfalls in Iguazu, the world-class wine region of Mendoza and of course the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of the Southern Hemisphere.
Argentina is a beautiful country full to the brim with culture (tango classes anyone?), history, food (they are famous for bbq steak) as well as nature and adventure.
Argentina may not come across as the type of destination you could visit on a budget, however, the Argentinan peso is in a crisis and is very weak and USD are in high demand. If you take USD with you to Argentina, your money will go very far.
Argentina certainly offers one of the best value propositions in South America!
Daily budget:£25 - £45 per day.
17. Paraguay
Paraguay is a budget destination that no one visits! If you love getting off the beaten path and going places not many others venture to, then Paraguay may be a great destination for you.
This landlocked country is divided into two regions by a river - the eastern part and the western part. The divide creates diversity in landscapes which go from a dry forest landscape to the tropical wetland of the Pantanal. This is one of the best places in the world to see birds, it is incredibly abundant in wildlife.
Paraguay is the dark horse of South America! Experience it on a budget before everyone else finds out about it.
Other things to do in Paraguay include exploring the capital of Asuncion, seeing the historic churches called Jesuit Missions, visiting the Itaipu Dam, exploring the wilderness of the Gran Chaco and exploring the wildlife in Ybycui National Park.
Daily budget: £25 - £50 per day for a budget traveller
EUROPE
18. Albania
The cheapest country to visit in Europe in 2023 is Albania! Albania is an up-and-coming tourist designation in Europe that just keeps getting more popular each year.
Albania is simply gorgeous. It is located in the Balkans in-between Montenegro and Greece and borders Kosovo and North Macedonia. Albania is the epitome of mountains falling into the beautiful Adriatic sea. The clarity of the Adriatic sea and the gorgeous hues of the sunsets give Greece and Italy a run for their money!
What’s more, Albania has stunning mountains and lakes to get your adventure on! There is plenty to see and do, even outside of the summer months. Experience the most breathtaking coastlines, delicious Mediterranean-style cuisine, UNESCO sites and mountains, valleys and lakes without paying the hefty price tag. Tourists usually spend around half of what they would spend in other EU countries. If you are starving for a European summer getaway and don’t have a big budget, Albania is your best bet.
Its central location in the Balkan region and proximity to Greece makes it an easy place to travel around, to and from as part of a big EU adventure.
Popular things to do in Albania include exploring Tirana, discovering the beaches along the Albanian Riveria, hiking the Albanian Apls, kayaking in Koman Lake and exploring the Blue Eye Spring.
Daily budget: £20 - £40 per day.
19. Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bośnia & Herzegovina comes in next as the second cheapest country to visit in Europe in 2023. This unique country has also only recently been welcoming tourists and so is a less-discovered place! This is why the prices here are still so affordable.
Located in the Balkans and bordering Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, this central Balkan country is a great place to travel around overland on a budget tour of Europe.
Bosnia is a land of hidden gems! And it also has a distinct middle eastern feel, with the old town of iconic Mostar feeling more Arabic than European. Get to this hidden gem while it is still relatively under the radar!
Popular things to do in Bosnia & Herzegovina include visiting the Old Bridge and Old town of Mostar, exploring Sarajevo, visiting Srebrenica Memorial Centre, exploring Pliva Lakes and visiting the Kravice Waterfalls.
Daily budget: £20 - £50 per day.
20. Bulgaria
Coming in at number 3 of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe is yet another Balkan country, Bulgaria. Bulgaria is located further east in Europe, bordering Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Turkey! This is an incredible country right in the middle of most of the most affordable spots in Europe.
Bulgaria is off the beaten path and has a unique distinct vibe, with so much to explore in terms of culture, history and scenery. Find beaches on the east Black Sea coast or go hiking or skiing in the mountains in the west.
Popular things to do in Bulgaria include exploring the capital city of Sofia, visiting Burgas on the Black Sea Coast, adventuring in the Pirin Mountains and exploring the city of Plovdiv.
Daily budget: £20 - £30 per day.
21. Slovakia
Have you ever considered visiting Slovakia? Not many people have! Making this an Eastern European haven for budget travellers who want to explore a country that not many bother to go to.
Slovakia is a landlocked nation bordering Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Austria. All of those countries (except Austria) are very budget friendly as well, making this a great place to explore central Europe on a budget.
Slovakia is full of hidden gems that not many have discovered yet. It is full of stunning scenery, history and culture. It is known for its mountainous landscapes, medieval castles and architecture with a colourful history.
Popular things to do in Slovakia include visiting Bratislava, exploring the High Tatras Mountain Range, going to the Slovak Paradise National Park, discovering the Orava Castle and visiting the Demanovska Cave.
Daily budget: £25 - £50 per day.
22. Hungary
Hungary is another central European gem that you should add to your budget backpacker itinerary for Europe. Hungary is right in the thick of it and borders a staggering number of countries including popular budget destinations such as Slovakia, Romania, Serbia and Croatia.
Hungary is an incredible place to visit to soak up all of the history and culture on offer. Plus there is delicious food and a thriving thermal pool culture in Budapest.
Top that all off with one of the biggest and best festivals in the world in August each year called Sziget (Billie Eilish & David Guetta are headlining in 2023!) and a buzzing nightlife and restaurant scene, you’ve got an all-round excellent destination to visit in Europe throughout the year.
Popular things to do in Hungary include indulging in their rich cuisine of goulash and langos, exploring the central market hall, visiting Buda Castle, taking a walking tour in Budapest and bathing in the famous thermal baths of Szechenyi and Gellert.
Daily budget: £30 - £50 per day.
23. Montenegro
Montenegro is starting to become one of the most popular countries in the Balkans, thanks to Kotor’s proximity to the ultra-famous town of Dubrovnik in Croatia.
However, Montenegro is worth visiting in its own right not just as a quick day trip from Croatia. The scenery is absolutely stunning! Picture pristine lakes, tranquil bays, towering green mountains scattered with ancient city walls and beautiful beaches with that sparkling Adriatic sea. Montenegro has so much to offer and it won’t cost the world!
Kotor is still affordable (and 100% worth visiting) but if you venture further afield you will find hidden gems that not many tourists visit which means better prices and a more authentic experience.
Popular things to do in Montenegro include visiting Kotor and the surrounding bay, hitting the beach in Budvar and Ulcenj, exploring Lovcen and Durmitor National Parks and visiting the fishing village of Sveti Stefan.
Daily budget: £25 - £45 per day.
24. Portugal
Coming in at number 6 for the cheapest places to visit in Europe and 24 in the world in 2023 is our beloved Portugal! Portugal is without a doubt the most affordable country to visit in Western Europe and is in very close proximity to the UK, Spain and France.
Not only is Portugal affordable it is also a remarkable country to visit. The towns and cities are brimming with stunning architecture and vibrant culture. The food and party scene is popping, the weather is incredible most of the year and there are seriously gorgeous beaches down the coast. Plus there are some very special islands called the Azores and Madeira in the Atlantic sea that are part of Portugal and are quickly booming tourism hot spots.
Popular things to do in Portugal include visiting the Azores Islands and Madeira, exploring the cities of Lisbon and Porto, hiking the Rota Vicentina Trail, discovering the beaches in the Algarve, exploring the castles in Sintra and hitting the surf along the Atlantic coast.
Daily budget: £30 - £60 per day.
AFRICA
25. Ethiopia
The first cheap country to travel to in Africa in 2023 is Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Africa and it is also the best place in Africa for foodies. With dorm rooms starting from £8 and a cheap restaurant, a meal will only set you back £4
The capital city, Addis Ababa is Africa’s fourth largest home with incredible food and museums.
Ethiopia has a rich ancient history, just waiting to be explored. This unique destination is full of monuments, archaeological sites, and nature reserves. The most famous site is called the Cradle of Mankind. This is where the oldest hominoid fossils were found.
If you are a vegan traveller then Ethiopia is the African destination for you. Many of their traditional dishes are prepared plant-based and are very healthy.
Other things to see in Ethiopia include the Simien Mountains, the Danakil Depression, the ancient cities of Gondor and Axum, see the churches of Lalibela, explore Lake Tana, visit the Omo Valley tribes, experience the coffee culture in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee and attend the Timkat Festival.
Daily budget: £25 - £40 per day.
26. Egypt
Our second cheap African country to visit in 2023 is none other than Egypt! This is actually one of the cheapest countries in Africa and the world for travellers. Yes, you can see THE most famous archaeological site in the world on a shoestring.
Egypt is also a relatively safe country to visit for solo travellers and has plenty of touristic infrastructure to make your stay comfortable and easy.
There are plenty of options for food, accommodation and transport that are budget-friendly. You can find accommodation for as little as £1.50 a night (yes you read that right!) in Egypt. Meals out can cost less than £4.
You can’t go to Egypt without seeing things like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of Kings and the Nile River. All of these activities can be done affordably. The entrance fee into the pyramids starts at a measly £5 and you can get your own guide for just £20.
Long-distance trains between major cities like Cairo and Luxor are less than £15 for first-class tickets. You can find really cheap Nile River cruises and go scuba diving for around £20 a trip.
Daily budget: £20 - £40 per day.
27. Kenya
Kenya in East Africa is the first cheap African destination on our list where you can explore the iconic wildlife and nature in Africa. If you ever fell in love with the Lion King, this experience is bound to be a bucket list item for you!
While Safari adventures can be the most expensive element of a trip to Africa, Kenya is one of the most affordable places to do it. An all-inclusive budget 3-day safari will set you back around £330. Note that Safaris are cheaper when you aren’t travelling solo and the single supplement fee can push prices up.
Nature in Kenya is the biggest drawcard with abundant hiking trails, national parks, wildlife and beaches. Nairobi has a lot to explore with delicious food, history and culture to be found and is a great place to base yourself.
There is also budget-friendly accommodation, food and transportation to be found in the country. You can find accommodation for as little as £5 per night and a meal out will set you back as little as £3.
Daily budget: £35 - £50 per day (budget more for a Safari).
28. Tanzania & Zanzibar
Tanzania is another popular East African destination, just below Kenya. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa and is suitable for budget travellers and solo travellers.
There are just so many iconic African delights in Tanzania to explore! This is known as one of the safest countries in Africa to explore and it is one of the best places to go on a safari. You can find safari deals from around £300 for 2 days or do a self-drive tour for even less.
While exploring some of these iconic places such as Mt Kilimanjaro and the great Serengeti will push the prices up, you can make up for it by staying in budget-friendly accommodation and eating cheap local food the rest of the time.
A cheap meal out will send you back as little as £2 and you can find dorms in Tanzania for as little as £3.
Zanzibar is a tropical island off the coast of Tanzania. This is the place to have your tropical island fix without forking out the big bucks like on a trip to Tahiti or the Maldives. You can experience white sand beaches and clear blue water while only spending as little as £6 a night on accommodation! Snorkelling, diving, relaxing on the beach and exploring the culture of this beautiful island are some of the top things to do.
Daily budget: £22 - £45 per day (plus more for safaris and hiking tours).
29. Uganda
Coming in at number 5 on our list of cheapest countries in Africa is Uganda. Uganda is another country in Africa, landlocked between Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Rwanda and the Congo.
Uganda is the safest place to see Gorillas in the wild, while this isn’t cheap, it is worth saving up for and making up for the extra cost with cheap food and accommodation. Prices for food, accommodation and transport are similar to Kenya.
A 2-day Gorilla trekking tour starts from around £750pp online. If you have some flexibility you can wait until you arrive in Uganda before booking a tour you can score even better deals.
If it’s in your budget you can also go to Jinja. This is the place to go for extreme sports enthusiasts. here you can go rafting, horse riding and quad biking. This will increase the cost of your trip but doing these activities in Uganda is cheaper than in other parts of the world.
Other things to do in Uganda include seeing the source of the Nile, going to the Murchison Falls, visiting Lake Victoria, hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains, exploring the capital Kampala and learning about Ugandan culture.
Read up on and follow travel safety advice before heading to Uganda.
Daily budget: £35 - £55 per day (budget more for Gorilla trekking).
30. Mozambique
Last but not least on our list of cheapest countries in the world to visit in 2023 is Mozambique! Mozambique is a relatively lesser-known destination when it comes to tourism in Africa. The country and economy were devastated by the civil war between 1977 and 1992. There is still unrest in certain areas and as such their tourism industry is still developing.
**Avoid Cabo Delgado province and stick to the tourist route and follow official advice in Mozambique (and all other countries in Africa) to stay safe.
However, it is one of the most beautiful and affordable places to visit, especially for adventure seekers and ocean lovers. It is located in South Eastern Africa between South Africa and Tanzania.
With such a long coastline, Mozambique has beautiful beaches and water activities to explore such as diving with dolphins and snorkelling with whale sharks for very little money. They have a great local transport system which can save you a lot getting around.
Other things to do include going on a safari, relaxing on the beaches, going on a boat tour on the Zambezi river and enjoying the local cuisine and culture.
There are plenty of cheap places to eat and stay, meaning you’ll have more money to spend on activities. Dorm rooms start at around £10 per night and a cheap meal out shouldn’t cost much more than £10.
Daily budget: £20 - £42 per day.
There you have it!
Our Ultimate list of cheap countries to visit in 2023! We hope that you found some new countries to add to your budget-friendly bucket list.
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