Explore Africa

Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Visit Africa

Discover the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Africa and how to plan your trip based on weather, crowds, and seasonal prices.

The cheapest and most expensive times to visit Africa vary depending on where you're going, but when you look at the continent as a whole—from safaris in Kenya and South Africa to beach getaways in Zanzibar or city trips to Cairo—there are still general trends that can help you plan wisely.

Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Africa, plus what to expect during off-season, peak season, and the shoulder season.

Cheapest Time to Visit Africa

The cheapest time to visit Africa is during the low season, which generally runs from late April through early June and mid-September through early December, depending on the region. These months fall between the major dry and wet seasons in most sub-Saharan countries and see a drop in international tourism.

Flights and hotels are more affordable, especially for popular destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Egypt. Safari lodges offer discounts, and fewer people mean better chances of getting personalized experiences. However, it’s good to know that some areas may have unpredictable weather—especially in East and Central Africa—so it’s worth checking the specific country you plan to visit.

Off Season Highlights

Lowest prices on safari lodges, hotels, and flights
Less crowded parks and historic sites
Good time for indoor attractions, city tours, and food markets
Affordable cultural experiences in places like Morocco and Ethiopia

Most Expensive Time to Visit Africa

The most expensive time to visit Africa is during the dry season, which is also the main tourist season. For most safari destinations, this falls between June and August and again in December, especially around the holidays. These months offer great weather and excellent wildlife viewing conditions, but also come with the highest prices and biggest crowds.

Top safari destinations like the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Kruger National Park, and Okavango Delta are often fully booked months ahead. Beach areas in Zanzibar, Seychelles, and Mauritius also see peak pricing due to high demand. Flights from Europe and North America are more expensive, and tour packages fill up fast.

Peak Season Highlights

Best time for game drives and wildlife sightings
Dry weather and clear skies across major regions
Peak for iconic events like the Great Migration
All camps, lodges, and excursions fully open and operating

Best Time to Visit Africa on a Budget

The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Africa on a budget without giving up good weather or experiences. This usually means March to early May and September to early November. These months are right before or after peak season and offer better prices on everything from tours to hotels, while still giving you decent weather.

Wildlife may be harder to spot in some parks due to more vegetation or early rains, but you’ll still get good value—especially in places like Namibia, Uganda, and Botswana. It's also a nice time for city travel in Cape Town, Nairobi, or Accra, with milder temperatures and fewer tourists.

Shoulder Season Highlights

Lower airfare and hotel rates with good weather in many areas
More flexibility on safari and beach bookings
Fewer people at UNESCO sites and national parks
Great time for combining cities, safaris, and coastlines

Planning around the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Africa helps you make the most of your trip. Whether you're after once-in-a-lifetime safaris or a more affordable cultural experience, the right season can help you save big and avoid the crowds.

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