Budget Travel & Hostels in Africa
From the northernmost point of Tunisia to the Cape of Good Hope, way down in South Africa, budget travelers, deterred by Europe’s higher prices, are increasingly turning their attention to Africa, for its wealth of natural riches, awe-inspiring sights and favorable economic situations.
Whether it’s well trodden paths to iconic sights like the Pyramids of Giza, or the less well-known (but still awe-inspiring) feats of human endeavor like the rock churches of Ethiopia or the ruins of Tunis, Africa is a budget traveler’s treasure trove.
Egypt: endlessly exotic
Historically, Egypt has always been the first point on the traveler’s agenda. Along with the dense hive of streets and alleyways that makes up Islamic Cairo, nearby Luxor holds the temples of Karnak, while, down south, mighty Abu Simbel sits on the shores of Lake Nasser.
There are also countless other less famous sights, and, of course the shifting sands and Oases of the Sahara Desert to explore, as well as outstanding diving in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Dahab.
Egypt is also the land of the great African train journey: As the Nile snakes lazily through the country, so, too, the Cairo-Aswan train rumbles across the mile after mile of impressively barren terrain. It’s a true travel experience in every sense.
Marvelous Morocco
Growing increasingly popular with every year that passes, Morocco is the consummate budget travel destination. The wonderfully dilapidated medinas of Marrakesh and Fes are teeming with top sights, in addition to the constant activity of the souks, the superb riad hostels, and the cheap food from the markets and streets vendors…
And Sub-Saharan Africa is no different. In addition to the delights of Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, and out east, stranded in the Indian Ocean, the archetypal tropical paradise of Mauritius, South Africa is a budget traveler’s playground.
South Africa: land of adventure travel
Modern, cosmopolitan cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are some of the most exciting destinations for culture and nightlife in the whole of Africa.
But what makes it really stand out is the sheer variety of fantastic activities on offer. Some may be more expensive than others, but as is the case with hostels in Africa [http://www.hostelbookers.com] generally, it can be offset against the cheap price of accommodation.
In addition to the safaris and the National Parks, South Africa is overflowing with opportunities to go climbing in the Western Cape, white-water rafting on the Orange River and the Buffalo River, or horse riding in Kwazulu-Natal.
When you add what is perhaps the ultimate adrenaline rush – diving with the terrifying Great White Shark – to the mix, it’s clear that whichever way you come at it, South Africa is a great destination for outdoor activities. Which makes yet another thing to keep the budget traveler in Africa busy!