How much does it cost to travel in East and Central Africa?

East and Central Africa is known for its abundant wildlife, friendly people and sadly, past and present conflict. Due to the latter, it is particularly important to check government advice in your home country before planning a trip to this region.

The safety concerns are generally increased around the borders and, for this reason, it is more common for travellers to East and Central Africa to visit only one country or to fly between countries in order to avoid overland crossings. Many backpackers will also visit these regions on group tours, of which there are numerous operators to choose from.

In terms of budgeting, you get a lot for your money when backpacking in East and Central Africa. In Malawi, you can eat, sleep and get around for $35 a day, this figure is approximately $65 in Kenya. The most pricey destinations in this region include the luxury resorts in Mauritius and the Seychelles, where deluxe comfort comes at a cost of around $250 per room per night.

Guideline travelling costs in US Dollars:

Country	Budget Room	Mid-range room	Deluxe room	Budget meal	Mid-range meal	Deluxe meal	Beer	Solo average1	Average in pair2
Burundi	13	22	31	2	4	7	2.76	34	23
Central African Rep.	9	33	68	2	4	8	2.72	44	29
Comoros	81	118	181	7	10	16	2.74	141	83
Congo, DR	29	41	59	2	6	12	2.45	57	37
Congo, Rep	10	22	74	3	4	15	2.74	44	30
Djibouti	22	36	50	6	9	21	3.26	61	44
Eritrea	6	15	70	2	4	10	0.90	32	22
Ethiopia	3	14	30	1	3	5	0.58	20	13
Kenya	11	32	127	5	11	21	1.37	67	46
Malawi	9	16	31	2	3	6	0.85	24	16
Mauritius	100	154	227	6	8	12	3.65	171	97
Mayotte	81	117	225	7	10	21	2.92	151	89
Reunion	55	107	136	18	23	27	2.96	145	97
Rwanda	9	13	26	3	10	24	0.80	39	32
Seychelles	126	173	309	7	10	22	3.04	209	119
Somalia	8	21	41	3	4	8	2.73	34	24
Sudan	2	5	9	2	3	3	2.95	15	12
Tanzania	24	61	117	3	7	18	1.26	77	48
Uganda	12	25	37	5	8	11	0.95	40	29

Note: The above travel costs were researched in local currency during 2007-2010. Foreign exchange rates are updated every 3 months.