Travel Experts: 4 Best Hidden Gems in Africa for Middle-Class Families

Flying to Africa might not be the cheapest part of your next vacation, but once you’re there, you can definitely keep costs reasonable as you explore with your family. Whether you want to go on a safari, check out a wildlife reserve, or simply revel in the culture, history and everything else the continent has to offer, you’ve got plenty of options that everyone — even the kids — will enjoy.

GOBankingRates spoke with several travel experts who specialize in Africa-based trips to find out some of the best hidden gems for middle-class households. These are their suggestions and some cost points to keep in mind.

• Average cost of a hotel: $61 a night
• Average cost of meals: $17 per day per person
• Average weekly cost (for four): $1,746 (includes accommodation, local transit, food and sightseeing)

Located in Southern Africa, Botswana has a lot of hidden gems to explore. Depending on where you go and what you’re looking to do, you can keep costs fairly reasonable while still enjoying a packed vacation with the family.

Cory Lawrence, the CEO and president of Off the Beaten Path, suggested starting with a safari if your family is feeling more adventurous. According to him, safaris in the area often combine seeing wildlife with lodging, local guides and unique destinations.

“Botswana is home to the most wildlife species on the African continent,” he said.

Pricing varies by safari and would be more of a splurge for a middle-class family. For example, a 10-day tour in Botswana costs around $3,200 to $4,100 per person and includes a dome tent with a private bathroom, a professional guide, park fees, camping fees and some meals.

• Average cost of a hotel: $98 a night
• Average cost of meals: $21 per day per person
• Average weekly cost (for four): $2,592 (includes accommodation, local transit, food and sightseeing)

One destination that’s affordable, safe and fun for the whole family is Garden Route in South Africa.

“The Garden Route is known for its stunning coastline, wildlife reserves, and family-friendly activities, from animal sanctuaries to nature hikes,” said Duncan Greenfield-Turk, the CEO of Global Travel Moments and an experienced travel expert who regularly sends clients to Africa.

The Garden Route spans Mossel Bay to St. Francis along the Indian Ocean. It’s a fairly popular tourist attraction, but there are many hidden gems to be found, including Klein Karoo ostrich farm, vintage museums and the Robberg Nature Reserve.

• Average cost of a hotel: $45 a night
• Average cost of meals: $7 per day per person
• Average weekly cost (for four): $2,174 (includes accommodation, local transit, food and sightseeing)

Greenfield-Turk also recommended Swakopmund, which is located on Namibia’s western coast. He said the region has a unique combination of beautiful coastline and desert landscapes, and that it’s great for families who are looking for a bit of outdoor adventure. There, you can do everything from dune surfing to taking a boat tour to see seals and dolphins.

Like anywhere else, some parts of this area aren’t as safe as others, so consider going with a guided tour.

• Average cost of a hotel: $66 a night
• Average cost of meals: $28 per day per person
• Average weekly cost (for four): $3,426 (includes accommodation, local transit, food and sightseeing)

“One of my favorite places in Africa for a moderately priced and family-friendly holiday is Northern Kenya,” said Jennifer Curran, owner of a boutique adventure travel company, Archipelagos Travel. “While most people think of Kenya as strictly Nairobi and the [Msasai] Mara (and maybe Amboseli), I think the best parts of the country are in the northern regions.”

The overall cost of travel in this region is pretty low. Perhaps even better, there’s plenty for families to do across very different budgets.

“While you do still have fantastic game viewing in areas like Lewa, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, etc. … you also have wonderful reserves that, while game is slightly less concentrated, offer a plethora of ‘active adventures’ for families,” Curran said.

“Some of the activities many lodges offer include rock climbing, horseback riding, fly-fishing, camel safaris (walking safaris with camels which are age-dependent), hiking, cultural activities (with Samburu), mountain biking, and occasionally water activities,” she continued. “Many of the places where these activities are offered are on private reserves and so therefore have different rules and regulations less strict than the National Parks.”

Prices in Kenya tend to be lower than in other parts of Africa — like Eastern or Southern Africa — especially when it comes to accommodations.

Before taking a trip with your family, here are a few things to consider:

• Safety: Look into the area you’re considering for any recent travel advisory, particularly regarding crime and safety.
• Costs: Even cheaper destinations can become more expensive — and more crowded — at peak times, like around the holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds and higher costs, travel when it’s less busy, usually around October to April.
• Quality and overall conditions: Low-cost accommodations, foods and attractions can be highly appealing, but check the reviews or ratings to make sure you’re going — and staying — somewhere safe and clean, and that you know what to expect before you arrive.
• Airfare: Keep in mind that the flights to any African destination can vary widely based on where you start. For example, visiting Morocco from Spain can be as simple as a boat trip. This generally costs a couple of hundred dollars per person. International flights can raise the price substantially.
• Healthcare: If you’re traveling from abroad, consider purchasing private health insurance for travelers. Even if nobody gets sick or needs a doctor’s visit, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.