4 Most Affordable Off-Season Vacation Spots for Retirees in Africa

With the high cost of living, jetting off to Africa on your dream vacation might not seem possible right now, especially for retirees on a fixed income. Everything from groceries to gas has skyrocketed in price over the last few years, causing Americans to travel less.

A new study from CardRates, which surveyed more than 900 Americans, found that nearly 40% are cutting back on vacations this year, with 88% blaming cost. But there are ways to explore new destinations while staying on a budget — like traveling off-season to save money.

Here are four African vacation spots for retirees to enjoy on a budget. 

Egypt is famous for being one of the world’s oldest civilizations and has a riveting history. It is bursting with ancient artifacts, legendary landmarks and stunning landscapes, making it one of the top African destinations tourists vacation. The country is expected to welcome 30 million visitors a year by 2028, according to African Business. While tourism is booming, there are ways to see the Giza pyramids without paying a hefty price. 

February is the cheapest month for flights, per Skyscanner. Low season is considered May and August, but temperatures can be hot, so plan accordingly. 

Due to the current conflicts in the Middle East, please check travel advisories. 

Known for its vast wildlife preserves, stunning parks and scenic landscapes, Kenya welcomed over 1.9 million tourists last year and expects to see 5 million by 2026. You’ll find white sandy beaches and the coral reefs of Diani to dive and snorkel. Kenya also has plains teeming with zebras, giraffes and more in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip that can be done affordably if traveled during off-season. 

The cheapest times to experience Kenya is April to June and October to December when accommodation and tours are up to 40% cheaper. 

Morocco is a diverse and captivating country that attracts an increasing number of tourists yearly. In 2023, Morocco welcomed 14.5 million visitors and is expected to reach 17.5 million by 2026, according to Reuters.

Morocco is packed with unforgettable adventures, from shopping in medians to soaking in the vibrant architecture to hiking the Atlas Mountains to trekking in the Sahara Desert. Plus, the local cuisine, which consists of tagines, couscous and mint tea, is worth a trip to North Africa alone.According to Skyscanner, the cheapest flights to Morocco are in January, and it advises booking 30-50 days in advance. 

However, May to September is considered the low season, and during that time, you can find deals on accommodation and transportation. 

From the exotic wildlife to Mount Kilimanjaro to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania has become one of Africa’s buzzed-about countries. Known for its national parks, there’s no shortage of safari options. Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Gombe Stream National Park and Ruaha National Park are just a few places where you can see the country’s beautiful wildlife.

The most affordable times to visit Tanzania are March to May (long rains) and November to mid-December (short rains). You can save on safaris, luxury accommodations and flights during these months.