Hostels and Hotels in Africa

Hotels and hostels are surprisingly expensive in Africa. The quality of accommodation can be poor, but in some cases you pay western prices for lower quality. This is most common in areas that receive few tourists and have the most limited infrastructure. West Africa, in particular, where the currency is locked to the euro, is quite expensive. There are some western chains in major cities in some touristy countries, but you will do better to stay in locally owned places that receive positive reviews. Do your research ahead of time. The quality and type of accommodation in major cities can be quite variable. Read as many reviews as you can ahead of time. Staying in locally owned places is part of the experience in Africa. Small, family run hotels are the norm, so embrace this idea and enjoy the stay.

Money Saving Tips for Africa Accommodation

Africa is often more expensive than you may have expected. It is also a very unpredictable area to travel. To give yourself peace of mind, budget far more than you actually expect to spend. Plan for the unexpected. You may end up staying in an area longer than you original thought. Negotiate hard. In many African countries there are western prices and African prices. Sometimes the western prices can be astronomically high, so do not simply expect them. Negotiate, but of course, be fair. Flexibility can save you a lot of money as well. If you find yourself spending more than you expected, find an affordable place to sleep and linger for a while. You'll get to know that community quite well and you'll have a far more memorable experience than if you rush through on a whirlwind tour.

Types of Accommodation

There are very few hostels in Africa, but there are guesthouses and hotels in most cities you would consider visiting. Accommodations can be of varying quality so do thorough research before booking a reservation. In some countries, such as Mali, where the heat is quite high, you may be tempted to sleep on the roof. You can often get a mattress on the roof for a few dollars, and it's cheaper, and in some cases more comfortable than the stuffy rooms. In more rural areas you may benefit from having a tent. Some areas have few hotels or accommodation options so sleeping in a tent may be quite enjoyable. You'll be quite impressed by the number of stars in the skies over Africa.