Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its stunning beaches, towering mountains, and vibrant cultures, it should come as no surprise that it’s a popular hub for….well, everybody. It’s a place that sucks visitors in. I have tons of friends who have gone there and ended up staying for months.

And, though it’s a fairly inexpensive destination (I’m talking $2 USD cocktails), I always like to present people with tips and tricks on how to save money to eek out those extra savings.

To help you save money when you visit, here’s how to visit Cape Town on a budget (there’s only a few things you need to know as the city is already very affordable for visitors):

1. Visit during the off-season

Cape Town’s peak tourist season is December through February, when the city is filled with hordes of tourists looking escape the cold of the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Prices for everything from activities to accommodation are notoriously high during these months. If you can, plan your trip for the shoulder season (March through May or September through November) when prices are much more reasonable. That alone will save you a fortune!
 

2. Consider staying in a hostel

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when traveling, and Cape Town is no exception. Thankfully, there’s a wide range of accommodation styles to choose from — from guesthouses to hotels to short-term rentals. If you’re on a tight budget, hostels are the cheapest option. However, if you’re looking for something nicer, you can still find great deals on Airbnb or Booking.com if you book at least three months in advance.

Once things sell out and there are fewer options, hotel prices skyrocket, so make sure not to leave it until the last minute.
 

3. Utilize ridesharing apps

The MyCiti bus system is a popular and inexpensive way to get around, but it’s not always the safest, especially at night. Instead, use ridesharing apps like Uber or Bolt. It’s safer, faster, and still very cheap by Western standards.

The average cost for a short ride is 30-50 ZAR ($1.65–2.75 USD), and if you’re planning on using ridesharing frequently, it might be worth getting an Uber Pass for 100 ZAR ($5 USD), which gives you a 10% discount on each ride.

If you’re staying for a month or more, renting a car for about $300–500 USD per month could be a good option — but be aware that gas and parking fees may add up to be more than it would cost to use a ridesharing app. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars.
 

4. Opt for do-it-yourself excursions

If you want to save some cash, rent a car and splitting the cost of visiting places with friends or other travelers. One of the most popular excursions is a Cape Peninsula tour, which starts in Cape Town and stops in various tourist destinations, like the famous penguin colony in Boulders Beach before finishing at Cape Point. These tours cost anywhere from 545 to 860 ZAR per person, not including park entrances.

Alternatively, you can get a cheap car rental for 450 ZAR per day and slash the cost substantially by splitting it between people. Not only is it cheaper to plan excursions yourself, but it gives you the flexibility of doing the trip at your leisure and stopping wherever you want, without feeling rushed.

Other popular trips, such as visiting wine country and whale watching in Hermanus, are also easily accessible on your own.

For a list of popular activities and excursions, check out Get Your Guide.
 

5. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do when I arrive in a new destination is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main highlights, and connect with a local guide that can share insider tips and advice.

Free Walking Tour Cape Town runs daily free tours in English — no advance booking required. (Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!)
 

6. Look for cheap eats

Eating out can be quite affordable around Cape Town. Most restaurants, even in the more tourist-centered areas, have food ranging from $5 to $10 USD per meal (and even cheaper at some places).

Vagabond Kitchens is a great spot for inexpensive wraps and quick meals, and Giovanni’s has a deli counter with delicious, home-style meals typically under $5 USD. Eastern Food Bazaar and Mojo Market (in Sea Point) are two other cheap options as well.

In addition, food delivery apps often have deals that make it even cheaper than in person. If you get Uber Pass, you’ll get a discount on Uber Eats as well, and paired with the buy-one-get-one-free promos and other meal deals that are consistently advertised at various restaurants, this can be even cheaper than cooking for yourself.
 

7. Use discount sites

In addition to food delivery discounts, websites such as Hyperli and Wikideals are popular within South Africa for discounted food, drinks, and activities.

If you are traveling in a pair, The Entertainer app is also a great way to get buy-one-get-one-free offers on food and drinks around town.

Before booking excursions or going out to eat, I’d recommend checking these sites to see if there are any deals you can get — there are some great ones!
 

8. Look for free (or cheap) activities

Cape Town is home to a number of free (or cheap) activities and attractions. Here’s a list to help you have fun on a budget:

• Hike up Table Mountain
• Visit the District Six Museum
• Hit the beach
• Hike up Lion’s Head
• Visit Slave Lodge
• Watch the sunset from Signal Hill

For more suggestions, check out my guide to Cape Town. It has tons of budget-friendly suggestions!

By timing your trip wisely, finding affordable accommodation, making use of safe and cheap transportation options, planning your own excursions, and being selective about your activities, you can enjoy all the wonders of this stunning city without breaking the bank.

The post How to Save Money When You Visit Cape Town appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Cape Town has been a popular backpacker hub for years. It’s also fast becoming a favorite with digital nomads too, thanks to the city’s vibrant nightlife and rich, diverse culture.

There are plenty of budget-friendly hostels for backpackers and nomads here, but not all of them are created equal. Below you’ll find my list of the best hostels in Cape Town to help you have fun, meet other travelers, and have a good sleep while you spend time in what is honestly one of the greatest cities in the world.

Below is my list of the best hostels in Cape Town. If you don’t want to read the longer list, however, the following are the best in each category:

 
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Cape Town and why I love them:

1. Villa Viva

Located near the trendy Kloof Street and its popular bars and restaurants, Villa Viva is a fun, social hostel with a bar that hosts late-night parties and live music on the weekends. I especially like that the hostel organizes all kinds of events, like paint-and-sip nights and braais (South African barbecues). There’s also a hostel WhatsApp group that makes it easy to meet people and make plans, as well as an outdoor pool for when you want to lounge around.

I really liked that the dorm beds have thick mattresses (they also have curtains so you can get a decent sleep). Beds have outlets and lights too. The highlight for me, though, was the pressurized rain shower. It was excellent!

Villa Viva at a glance:

• Hostel Whatsapp group makes it easy to meet people
• Lively outdoor area with a pool and garden
• Organizes lots of events and activities

2. Ashanti Lodge Gardens

Located in the leafy suburb of Gardens, Ashanti Lodge is tucked away in a quiet area (though it’s still just a 10-minute walk to Kloof Street). And while it has a pool and is social, it’s more of a quieter place. Though since it’s quite small it’s still easy to meet other travelers if you’re traveling solo. There’s a shared kitchen if you want to cook as well as a café that opens for breakfast and reopens as a bar every night.

While the dorm beds don’t have curtains, I did appreciate that the mattresses were thick and that there were plenty of plugs and USB ports in the room. The modern bathrooms have really nice high-pressure showers too (a big plus in my book!).

Ashanti Lodge Gardens at a glance:

• Outdoor pool
• Great showers
• Café/bar on-site

3. Never at Home Green Point

This is a fun party hostel located in the energetic Green Point neighborhood. It’s also one of the few hostels with air-conditioned rooms (if you’re here during the peak summer heat, that’s a huge plus). Like most party hostels, the rooms are very basic, with outlets, a shelf, and creaky metal bunks that have thin mattresses.

But what the hostel lacks in comfort it more than makes up for with its super friendly staff and energetic atmosphere. They organize daily activities and events like trivia, braais, and hikes, so it’s super easy to meet people. There’s also an active hostel WhatsApp group, daily happy hours at the bar, bike rentals, a pool, a large kitchen, and a few indoor workspaces if you work online.

Never at Home Green Point at a glance:

• Fun bar and pool for hanging out
• Daily events and activities
• Dorms have AC

4. Long Street Backpackers

Just a 10-minute walk from the starting point of the historical walking tours and many other historical attractions, this is the place to be if you want to be at the center of all the action. A fun and social party hostel, it’s also one of the cheapest hostels in the city, making it an excellent choice for budget travelers. The real highlight, however, is that because the hostel is on the same power grid as the parliament building it never loses power (black and brown outs are common in Cape Town).

The outdoor garden area is a quiet oasis away from the booming hostel bar, which hosts nightly events like karaoke, beer pong, and open mics. Like most party hostels, the dorms have cheap metal bunks with no curtains and basic mattresses, but if you’re staying here sleep probably isn’t your priority!

Long Street Backpackers at a glance:

• Lively parties every night
• Central location with no load-shedding
• Budget friendly

Cape Town is a large city with a lot to offer, so picking the right hostel based on what you want to see and do is important. Fortunately, there are a ton of amazing options here, ensuring that you’ll have a fun and affordable visit to this postcard-perfect destination.

The post The 4 Best Hostels in Cape Town appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I get a lot of questions from female readers about safety in Egypt. That’s not really something I can answer. After all, I only know what female friends tell me. I’m not an expert so, today, Monica Chapon from This Rare Earth is going to share her experience and advice for staying safe as a solo female traveler in Egypt!

Egypt sits at the top of so many travelers’ bucket lists for good reason, and tourism is only increasing, reaching historic highs. With such a long history, iconic ancient sites, and exotic smells, tastes, and sounds, it’s easy to understand why.

However, many never actually make it here, due to safety concerns. After all, anyone living in Western countries has likely seen repeated warnings via the government and news stories in the media.

The US Department of State warns travelers to “reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism.” The Canadian government recommends visitors “exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt due to the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism.”

The Australian government’s advice is to “reconsider your need to travel to Egypt overall.” And, the UK government cautions that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt.”

With so many governments warning travelers not to go, I certainly understand the hesitation that people, particularly women, have about visiting Egypt — either solo or as part of a group tour around Egypt.

Before heading there, I was definitely on the receiving end of several “are you sure that’s a good idea?” looks. More than once, I was told that I wouldn’t be allowed to walk around without a male chaperone, or that I would most certainly be kidnapped. (Even after coming back safe and sound, people close to me still questioned my choice to go it alone.)

While I knew these worries were exaggerated, I’ll admit I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I got there. After all, with blonde hair and green eyes, I had no chance of blending in or looking like a local.

But I found the Egyptian people to be warm and welcoming. The women offered friendly smiles on the street, and the men I interacted with genuinely wanted me to fall in love with their country, no strings attached.

Now that I have traveled around Egypt solo, I’m here to share what I’ve learned with all the other women out there.

Here’s what you need to know about women’s safety before you go.

Common Scams and Hassles

While it’s important to note that most Egyptians that I met were absolutely welcoming and kind, Egypt does have a bit of a reputation for tourist scams. Some of the most common I heard about centered around some of the major sights, like the Pyramids.

For example, the men who offer camel rides there are often reported to load tourists onto the camels first, and then once the ride has started, quote a highly inflated price for a short ride. Or vendors will hand you an item as a “gift,” but when you start to walk away, they will hassle you for not paying.

Never accept a camel ride, a taxi ride, or any item without first agreeing to a price.

I ran into a few scams and hassles myself, and the underlying theme of each of them was pressure. Feeling pressured into anything as a solo female can be a daunting experience.

One example of this was with a local driver. I had hired him to take me to a few stops when other modes of transportation were not going to work (more on those below).

The entire time I spent with him was fine. However, as the day was winding down, he started to pressure me to tip more than I already had and then got very pushy about leaving a positive review for him.

This went on for close to an hour. His voice was raised and he was clearly agitated that I was not complying. He went so far as to follow me into my hotel lobby, and proceeded to sit down to wait right there “until I left him a review.”

Since it was a public place with several staff members buzzing around, I didn’t exactly feel unsafe. But as a solo female, I am never okay with a man following me, and I was on high alert.

For better or for worse, I stood my ground more firmly and didn’t comply. He eventually left without further issue, but I’m not sure he would have done that to a man to begin with.

If you find yourself in a situation where someone is trying to pressure you into anything — be it paying or tipping or going somewhere you don’t wish to go — stand your ground. Stay calm and enlist the help of others if necessary. You have every right to refuse anything you know is incorrect or that you don’t wish to take part in.
 

Getting Around Egypt Safely

If you are a woman traveling alone to Egypt, you may have concerns about how you can get around safely. And, I get it: venturing out alone on public transportation can be scary. Here are the best options and how to use each of them safely.

One cheap and reliable mode in Cairo is the metro. Women may want to take advantage of the female-only cabins to avoid unwanted attention. These are typically either the first and second cars or the fourth and fifth cars and will be indicated by signage on the platform.

However, while easy to navigate, the metro does not stop at all the places you may need to go as a tourist. For example, you can’t get to the Pyramids or the Cairo International Airport on the metro alone. That’s where other options come in.

Certain cities, like Cairo and Alexandria, have rideshare apps like Careem and Uber. I found this to be the best and cheapest alternative when bouncing around the city’s sights alone. I also like that they provide a digital record of every driver who picked me up, just in case anything were to go awry.

Taxis and private drivers are an easy option if you are outside the larger cities or if the wait times for rideshares aren’t convenient. For the most part, I found them to be reasonably priced, but make sure you agree on a fare before getting in.

I walked around Cairo quite a bit by myself, too, mindful to dress conservatively. Whether it was through the streets of Islamic Cairo or just to the grocery store, I felt completely safe.

I mostly walked alone in the daylight, though — rarely at night — so I can’t say whether that would have changed my experience. If you plan to be out late at night, I highly recommend that you arrange a taxi or rideshare instead.
 

Sexual Harassment in Egypt

I would be lying if I said that sexual harassment doesn’t exist in Egypt. It does exist, but it may be less common than you think. I had been mentally prepared for the worst of it: constant catcalls from men, being followed, being harassed. Frankly, I’ve experienced all of these on my travels before. Heck, I’ve experienced them all at home, too.

I was pleasantly surprised when I encountered almost none of this in Egypt. But I know that many women do.

So what should you do if it does happen?

If you experience something like catcalling, I usually find it best to just ignore, ignore, ignore. They typically give up once you’re out of earshot. If in a public setting, or if you feel threatened, you can duck into a store or bring attention to the situation with a loud and strong “No.”

If anything serious happens, such as theft or assault, report it to the tourist police immediately. It is their job to make sure that tourists in Egypt are safe, and they are much more likely to speak English than other officers. They can be reached by dialing 126.

Note that there are also police stationed at many of the main tourist attractions, like the Pyramids.

You can also seek help from your hotel desk or driver. Most Egyptians will gladly step up.
 

5 Safety Tips to Avoid Being a Target

I suspect that things went so smoothly for me in Egypt partially due to the fact that I felt comfortable there. I’ve traveled around the Middle East quite a bit, so I sort of “get” the culture.

Here are my top tips for women who want to travel to Egypt:

1. Be aware of the cultural norms in Egypt. This probably won’t come as a surprise, but you should wear conservative clothing here, even in the hot summer. Think of long pants and shirts that are not too revealing. If I wear tighter leggings, I pair them with a loose shirt that covers my waist and hips. Have a headscarf on hand for certain religious sites, like mosques. (The only place I would personally wear shorts or a tank top would be near the beach resorts.) Even if I see other women dressing more casually, I treat it as a sign of respect for their culture not to do so. And I think this has served me well as a solo traveler.

2. Carry yourself with confidence. If you don’t feel 100% confident, my advice would be to fake it a little bit. Keep your chin and eyes up. Know where your destination is before you leave your hotel or hostel. This is easy to do by either downloading offline maps or buying a local SIM card; I recommend either Vodafone or Etisalat, which can be bought upon arrival at the Cairo airport.

3. Don’t be afraid to say no. Also, never feel like you need to stop and talk to be polite. Shopkeepers, restaurant owners, and vendors at tourist sites will be vying for your attention frequently. A firm but polite “Laa, shukran” (no, thank you) as you continue walking is all you need to say if you’re not interested.

4. Watch your purse and camera. Most petty theft is a crime of opportunity. Choose cross-body bags, which are harder to snatch, and don’t hand your camera to anyone you don’t trust to return it. Make sure you buy travel insurance too.

5. Avoid political demonstrations. These have a history of getting out of hand in Egypt. Things were quiet when I was there, but if you hear of any protests or demonstrations, steer clear.

I think a healthy balance of respect and self-assurance works wonders, and this has kept me safe both in Egypt and across the globe. It’s also important to highlight some of the warm and welcoming experiences I had in Egypt, too, which were far greater in number than the incidents above.

For example, I was treated to koshary, Egypt’s national dish and a popular street food, in a completely friendly and platonic way. I got to explore a Bedouin’s home village in the desert. And a hotel worker went above and beyond for me as I was headed to the airport for my departure. Locals were repeatedly friendly, welcoming, and helpful, without even being asked.

I had many more positive experiences than negative ones, with no expectation of anything in return. And in my opinion, my negative experiences were not that big of a deal.

Egypt was more than I could have hoped for. I would wholeheartedly return again without hesitation!

Egypt can be a completely safe destination for solo female travelers. I’m not saying there won’t be any challenges or hassles — you will likely run into a few. But I also believe that you will find the Egyptian culture, and Egyptian men in general, to be very welcoming. They genuinely want you to love their country. If you come prepared and keep your wits about you, I believe you will.

Monica Chapon has traveled to six continents solo and chronicles her adventures on her blog, This Rare Earth. She can usually be found exploring the deserts of the world, taking impromptu road trips, or hiking the trails in Southern California. Follow along with Monica’s adventures on Instagram.

The post Is Egypt Safe for Female Travelers? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

The undulating sand dunes. The camel rides. The hikes through the Atlas Mountains. The bustling medinas. The couscous-laced dishes. The seemingly endless mint tea. And, of course, the super friendly and welcoming people. Morocco will change and challenge you.

It can be sensory overload at times, but it’s well worth your time and money to get yourself to Morocco. I fell in love with it as soon as I arrived.

It’s not always easy to get around this country of 37 million people. For new travelers, Morocco’s up-close and personal nature can be a challenge. The country is a battery on your senses and, for those without a lot of travel experience, that can be overwhelming, which is why jumping on an organized tour might be one of the best ways to see it for the first time.

I myself went on a group tour in Morocco a number of years ago, and it was a blast and a great primer. If you’d like to travel in Morocco but are apprehensive at all (or simply want someone else to do all the organizing and guiding!), there a number of great travel companies that can take you around to all the greatest sites of this fantastic nation.

Here are some of the best tour companies in Morocco to help you plan your trip:

1. Intrepid

It’s always been my favorite multiday, small-group tour operator out there, and I always have an incredible time on its tours. I really love the guides, off-the-beaten-track itineraries, and commitment to the local community.

Intrepid also is environmentally friendly, uses local guides and transportation, and doesn’t rush the tours. The tours get a good mix of young and older travelers and balance being both fun and educational. You learn a lot without it feeling boring!

2. Culture Morocco Tours

This operator offers tours from various cities in Morocco. So, if you’re based in, say, Marrakech or Fes or Tangier or Casablanca, you can jump on a two-day or weeklong tour of another part of the country. There are also tours lasting up to 30 days, so chances are there’s an itinerary that suits your needs.

The company also offers private tours. While that might not be as cheap, you’ll be able to plan the trip exactly as you see fit. This is a great option for independent travelers who want the flexibility of designing their own excursion but the comfort and safety of going with a company.

3. Nomadic Tours

This company has been leading travelers around the sand dunes, narrow streets, medinas, and mosques of Morocco for close to two decades. One nice thing about Nomadic Tours is that it will never cancel the tour if enough people don’t sign up. Just two people? The tour is still on! It also doesn’t charge you a single supplement if you’re solo.

The company offers the usual highlight tours, but also ones aimed at teen travelers, families, and hikers (for example, there’s an 11-day trekking trip with Berbers in the Atlas Mountains). There are a dozen on offer, ranging from 5 to 15 days, using local guides.

4. Mountain Bike Morocco

This company only does bike tours: road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes. Most are moderately challenging, so you’ll need to be in decent shape. However, you don’t need to be a professional cyclist — beginners are welcome!

Pedal through valleys in the mountains and stop in remote Berber villages to chat with the locals. Or do a nine-day bike excursion from the fabled Atlas Mountains to the coast. It also offers several single-day tours in case you just want to add in a day of biking to your existing itinerary. These day trips are easy or mildly difficult and suitable for beginners too.

5. TBA Escapes

My friend Kiersten from The Blonde Abroad created this bespoke tour company that organizes all-female tours around the globe. Their Morocco tour is incredibly popular and sells out every time. It includes a visit to the iconic Blue City of Chefchaouen, glamping in the desert, comfortable stays in local riads and hotels, and even a hot air balloon ride! If you’re a female traveler who wants to experience Morocco in style, this is the tour for you.

Everyone I know who has been to Morocco wants to go back. It’s just one of those countries that entices you, overwhelming your senses with its sprawling golden dunes and bustling, labyrinthine markets.

However, it can be a challenging place to visit — one that occasionally tests your patience — which is why visiting Morocco on a tour is a great option for new travelers.

The post The Best Tour Companies in Morocco appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Hiking Kilimanjaro is something atop the list of many travelers’ bucket lists. Each year, the iconic mountain attracts thousands who spend days attempting to reach her snowy summit.

Since I’ve never hiked the mountain, I’ve invited my community manager, Chris, to share his tips and advice to help you save money and boost your chances of reaching “the Roof of Africa.”

Standing on top of Kilimanjaro at sunrise was one of the most amazing feelings I’ve ever had. After a week of struggle — including hiking over 17 hours in a single day — I had made it to the frigid summit. For a few moments, I was the highest person on the entire continent. That was a truly magical feeling.

Kilimanjaro holds a special place in the travel world. It’s one of those activities — like Everest base camp, Machu Picchu, or the Camino — that attracts a certain kind of traveler. The kind who wants a challenge, who wants to push themselves, to test themselves.

While hiking Kilimanjaro has become more tourist-friendly over the years, it’s still a serious challenge. People still get hurt — and die — on the mountain every single year. Only 45–65% of people who start the hike make it to the top.

However, with a little planning and preparation, you can greatly increase your chances of reaching “the Roof of Africa.” Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip:
 

The Routes

There are six routes on Kilimanjaro, each one a different length, with varying degrees of difficulty and differing success rates. The route you choose will depend on your budget, how long you have for the trip, and the company you book your expedition with.

Here’s an overview of the main routes:

Marangu: This is “the Coca-Cola route,” named after the fact that there are huts along the way where you can sleep and buy things — like a cold Coke. It actually has a low success rate, however, as people underestimate the challenge and opt to rush to the top in five days instead of taking more time to acclimatize.

Machame: This is the most popular route. When done in seven days, it has a success rate of over 60%, hence its popularity. It’s called “the whiskey” route,” hinting at the fact that it’s a more serious challenge than the Coca-Cola route.

Rongai: This is the easiest route on Kilimanjaro. It’s a bit less scenic and more expensive (there aren’t as many budget operators here), but it’s the only route that approaches from the north. It’s also much less busy.

Shira: This route jumps into some high-altitude gains early on before joining the Machame route. It’s challenging and more expensive, since you start in the west before linking up with the main route.

Lemosho: This is the most beautiful route up the mountain, which is why I chose it. It offers lots of variety and plenty of challenge. It’s one of the more expensive routes, however.

Umbwe: This route is really only for experienced climbers looking for an extreme challenge. It’s a lot of scrambling and climbing as opposed to regular hiking.

Regardless of what route you take, I would suggest nothing less than seven days. Don’t rush this trip. Although it will cost more money, the slower you go, the better your body adapts to the altitude, which is the #1 thing you can do to drastically increase your chances of success.
 

Costs

As with all travel, there is a wide range of price points available. There are luxury companies that will haul a full-size bed up the mountain so you don’t have to sleep on the ground, and there are super cheap companies that cut corners and likely don’t pay their porters fairly in order to keep costs low.

I suggest going for a more middle-of-the-road company for two reasons:

First, they will have more qualified guides, so you can learn more during your hike. These companies also usually pay their porters fairly, so you can be confident your team is taken care of.

Second, you’ll know that the company isn’t cutting corners. There is a lot of competition for Kilimanjaro treks, so you know if one company is just too cheap to be true that they are likely skimping on something. Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, don’t be cheap.

Prices range from $1,000 to over $5,000 USD per person. I wouldn’t book with any company charging less than $2,000 USD (I paid around $2,200 for my trip, before tipping — see more on that below), as anything under that is going to be bare-bones.

Remember, people get seriously injured on this mountain every year, and around 10 are killed. Don’t cut corners! Pay for a reputable company with good reviews. Not only will you enjoy your trip more but you’ll feel more comfortable and be safer.
 

Finding a Tour Company

Since climbing without porters is prohibited, you’re going to need to hire a company to supply you with everything you need: gear, guides, porters, paperwork, and everything in between.

But there are tons of companies available. How do you decide which to go with?

Here are a few tips:

1. Read reviews – Once you’ve narrowed down your choices based on your budget, look for a company that has positive reviews. While online reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, they will help you establish a first impression. Keep an eye out for details about the gear and food provided.

2. Ask about their client/porter ratio – How many other travelers will you be going with? And how many porters/guides/assistant guides will be included? You don’t want to be stuck in a huge group where you don’t get personalized attention if you have questions or concerns.

3. What is their success rate? – What is the company’s success rate for the route you’re looking at? While they can’t control the weather, they can do everything in their power to get their clients to the top.

4. Are they a responsible company? – The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project has a list of tour operators that meet their standards for responsible and ethical travel. Book with a company on this list to ensure that your porters are fairly treated. I didn’t know about this list before I went, and it’s one of my biggest regrets about the trip.

5. Pick a company with included accommodation – Most companies include a free hotel stay for the night before your trek and for the night after (as well as pick-up and drop-off). Make sure you choose a company that offers this, so you can get a decent night’s sleep before your hike and enjoy a real bed after your strenuous time on the mountain.

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are two companies I would recommend. They meet KPAP’s guidelines and offer a variety of treks with qualified local guides. Start your search with them.
 

A Note on Tipping Your Guides

In addition to paying the company you book with, you will also need to tip your team of porters. My sister and I had a team of 12 with us — just for the two of us! Porters to carry our gear, a cook, someone to carry (and clean) the toilet, a waiter/assistant cook, our main guide, and then our assistant guide. It takes a lot to get to the summit; you aren’t doing this alone after all!

At the end of your trip, usually while you’re still on the mountain, you’ll need to tip your team. This has to be done in the local currency — which means you’ll need to get all that cash before you hike and carry it with you on the trek.

You’ll be tipping a specific amount per day to each porter, a bit more to the cook, and then a bit more to the guides. Breakdowns usually look something like this:

• Main guide – $20 USD per day
• Assistant guide – $15 USD per day
• Cook – $12 USD per day
• Toilet engineer – $5-10 USD per day
• Waiter – $5-10 USD per day
• Porters – $5-10 USD per day (each)

What I read online beforehand stated that a 15% tip is customary. So, if you paid $2,500 USD for your trip than you’d tip at least $330 USD to the team. When I asked my guide about this, he said a normal tip was closer to $1,000 USD…which is almost a 50% tip.

As you can imagine, things can get awkward if someone is expecting $1,000 USD and you give them an envelope with just $400 USD — and most teams will open the envelope while you’re standing right there in front of them. It can get a little uncomfortable.

Obviously, your porters deserve to be paid fairly. They are doing incredibly challenging work. If you can afford a generous tip, they 100% deserve it. For minimum tipping guidelines, I encourage you to follow the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project’s guidelines.
 

13 Tips for Hiking Kilimanjaro

1. Make sure your insurance will cover you
Most travel insurance policies have restrictions on how high you can hike. That means that if you get injured over a certain altitude, your policy won’t apply. No matter who you book with, make sure you will be covered at all altitudes.

2. Train in advance
Every route on Kilimanjaro will offer its own challenges. In order to meet — and overcome — those challenges, you need to make sure you’re physically fit. While most days on the trail are relatively easy, you do a lot of elevation gains, and the last day can involve upwards of 17 hours of hiking in a 24-hour period. I’m not saying you need to be jacked, but you do want to make sure you can handle a week of walking uphill.

3. Prepare for a mental battle
Kilimanjaro is just as much of a mental battle as it is physical one. While the final day is incredibly physically challenging, it’s also a mental marathon. Hiking for up to 17 hours, in freezing temperatures, in the pitch black, while also battling the altitude and the weather? That’s a recipe for disaster unless you can keep your mental fortitude.

4. Bring altitude medication
The altitude really does impact everyone differently. I saw people less than an hour from the summit who turned back because of it. I highly recommend you bring and take altitude medication just in case. I found it super helpful. Your doctor can give you an overview of your options and their side effects, but I took Diamox and didn’t really suffer any altitude sickness at all. However, the side effect was that I had to pee constantly (which can be inconvenient for women).

5. Bring a water filter
Your porter team will make sure you have water during your hike. It’s collected from different areas on the mountain, boiled, and then served to you. Since the water is boiled, it’s perfectly safe. However, it never hurts to be extra safe. Bring a filter like LifeStraw or SteriPen to ensure that your water is free from bacteria. Better safe than sorry!

6. Book a company that includes gear
If you’re an avid hiker, chances are you have all the gear you need. However, bringing it with you to Tanzania is likely more hassle than it’s worth — especially when you consider that you need cold-weather gear for summit night, which takes up a lot of space. For that reason, make sure you book a company that has all the gear you need: hiking poles, winter hiking gear for the summit, sleeping bags, gaiters — the list goes on. Most companies include gear, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.

7. Bring snacks!
This one is super important for your mental well-being. While the cooks on the mountain are incredibly gifted, I encourage you to bring snacks, so you have a pick-me-up to look forward to. I brought several bags of cookies and candies, so I had a sugar boost during the day for, as well as something for camp. Just make sure you save a bunch for summit night because that’s when you’ll need it most.

8. Pay extra for a toilet
Most companies will charge extra for a portable toilet that will accompany you (it’s just a small travel toilet in a narrow tent so you have some privacy). It’s incredibly basic but absolutely worth every penny. The few toilets in the various camps are disgusting, so having your own private toilet tent is a worthwhile expense.

9. Stay hydrated
I drank 4-5 liters of water per day while hiking. I was literally drinking all day every day. You’ll need at least 3L on you during the day, and the rest you can drink in camp. That means you’ll need a 2-3L water bladder and then maybe an extra 1L bottle. Always make sure they are full before you set off for the day — and make sure they are empty by the time you get to camp. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of making it to the top.

10. Break in your footwear
If you’re buying new hiking boots for this trip, make sure you break them in. You’ll want at least one month of regular wear in the boots to make sure you don’t get blisters. Over the years, I’ve seen some nasty wounds among travelers who didn’t break in their boots for one hike or another. Don’t make the same mistake!

11. Go slow — and then go even slower
I’m a fast walker and a fast hiker, so this was tricky for me, but it’s super important that you take it slowly so you can acclimatize. Your guides will constantly remind you of this —listen to them! On summit night, my speed was half a foot per stride (compared to my usual stride of around three feet). The slower you go, the more likely it is that you will succeed.

12. Double-check your dietary concerns
If you have an allergy or special diet, make sure the company knows. And then remind them — multiple times. I informed our company three times that my sister is vegetarian and I am vegan — and we still got meat on day one. Fortunately, we got it all sorted out and had an amazing cook for our trip, but that could have gone sideways very easily. Kili is the last place you want to be lacking calories (or running to the toilet!).

13. Bring extra batteries for your camera
After 7+ days of hiking, chances are your phone and camera will be dead. Bring an external charger and/or extra batteries for your camera so that you can be sure to have juice for summit day. You don’t want to get to the top and not be able to snap some photos!
 

Hiking Kilimanjaro: Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hike?
Hikes range from 5 to 9 days usually, depending on the route. The longer you take, the easier your hike will be, since you’ll be able to go slow and adapt to the altitude.

Can you get altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro?
The altitude can cause headaches and fatigue, so take it slow and bring altitude medication just to be safe. I took altitude medication and never had any issues. However, I saw numerous people turn back — even someone who was just an hour from the top — because of the altitude. So take it slow, listen to your guide, and bring medication just in case.

How hard is the hike?
It’s challenging. Most days aren’t particularly hard, but there are some days that were exhausting. You’ll want to be physically fit.

Personally, I only found summit day challenging. It involved hiking all day, sleeping for a few hours, and then starting for the summit around midnight. You hike in the dark, and it’s incredibly cold (I had five layers on). After 20 minutes on the peak, you head back down, which means you hike upwards of 15-17 hours in a 24-hour period. It’s exhausting but worth it!

Do you need oxygen to hike Kilimanjaro?
Nope!

What is the best month to climb?
The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are from December to March and from June and October. That’s when it is the driest.

How cold is it at the top?
At night, it can get as low as -20°C (-4°F) at the summit. It was frigid when I arrived at the top at sunrise (my water bottle and water bladder were frozen).

Why don’t people succeed in making it to the summit?
The main reasons people don’t make it are the weather, altitude sickness, and lack of physical fitness. Make sure you train in advance and bring altitude meds to boost your odds of reaching the summit!

Hiking Kilimanjaro is an amazing, challenging, and rewarding adventure. While it isn’t cheap and does takes some planning (and training), reaching the summit makes it all worthwhile.

By taking the above tips and advice to heart, you’ll not only save money and get more out of your trip, you’ll drastically increase your odds of succeeding on your trek, giving you the opportunity to stand on the roof of Africa and bask in the continents natural beauty.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Today’s guest post is from Alicia Erickson. She’s a travel writer who splits her time primarily between East and Southern Africa, India, and Seattle. She’s writing about how to save money in Uganda, a country I have longed to visit but still haven’t gotten around to doing. Alicia shares her tips and tricks to save on your next visit!

The magnificent and diverse color, vegetation, and wildlife of Uganda so inspired Winston Churchill that he nicknamed this East African country “the pearl of Africa,” a name that has stuck ever since.

Since shedding its violent reputation after a volatile period during the 1980s, Uganda has changed a lot. In particular, it’s invested resources into developing its wealth of national parks, largely aimed toward the repopulation of wildlife and the conscious development of infrastructure to help make its vast wilderness accessible.

Although East Africa is known for its expensive high-end lodges and activities, Uganda is more affordable than some of its neighbors. It spoils adventure-seekers with its bounteous nature. In a relatively compact and easily navigable area, one can trek with mountain gorillas in dense jungle, visit coffee and tea plantations, relax by volcanic lakes, drive through savannah abundant in tree-climbing lions and other wildlife, hike snow-capped mountains, and raft down rapids in the Nile River! The Uganda visa is affordable and easy to get too!

Uganda has enthralled me since I first started visiting in 2010 and, over numerous visits, I’ve only developed a deeper appreciation for it. In this post, I want to share that love for the country and help you travel Uganda on a budget!
 

How to Save Money on Transportation

Transportation in Uganda comes in a wide range of public and private options that cater to a variety of budgets. Public buses and motorbikes are the cheapest and most direct ways to get to major destinations, though looking for deals on private transportation will improve your flexibility and ease of travel.

Boda Bodas (motorbikes) – Public motorbikes, known as boda bodas, are dirt cheap in areas such as Jinja and Kampala but are more difficult to find in rural areas and around national parks. While they are the most cost-effective form of transportation — between 5,000-6,000 Ugandan shillings (UGX) ($1.50-2 USD), though prices are always negotiable — exercise caution when using boda bodas, as they have a reputation for being quite dangerous: helmets aren’t provided, and drivers are known for being reckless.

However, Safe Boda and Uber, which connect passengers with drivers through their respective apps, have recently come to Kampala and provide much more reliable drivers and standardized pricing, with minimum fares starting at 5,000-6,000 UGX ($1.50-1.60 USD).

Matatus (local buses) – Local minibuses, known as matatus, are an inexpensive — though not altogether easy — way to get around Kampala. Matatus also run between different regions in Uganda, often without a set schedule, and leave once the bus has filled up.

Prices depend on route, though they are generally around 500-2,000 UGX ($.20-.25 USD). To catch one, just wave down one of these rundown white vans from the side of the road — but be warned that they are usually cramped and filled beyond capacity.

Taxis – Taxis are the most expensive way to get around cities, though also the safest. Prices are always negotiable, though expect to pay between 15,000 and 40,000 UGX ($4–11 USD) for a ride, depending on distance and time of day.

Coach Buses – Coach buses, run by a number of companies, are used to travel long distances within Uganda as well as to other East African destinations, such as Mombasa and Kigali. Costs are dependent on the route but generally run around 55,000 UGX ($13.50 USD) for a ten-hour journey.

Private Car
Renting a car is an ideal way to independently explore Uganda and go deeper into some of the parks where public transportation does not go. Cars can be hired with or without a driver, as well as with or without camping equipment.

Although not necessary, a driver can be handy not only in navigating potholed roads but also by providing a wealth of historical and cultural insights and in spotting wildlife on safari. A reliable company I have used is Lifetime Safaris, which offered a safari rental car with starting at $60-80 USD/day. Your Drive Uganda offers rental cars from $30-40 USD a day and you can hire a car with a driver for $60 a day.
 

How to Save Money on Accommodation

Uganda’s major attractions and national parks don’t only offer high-end accommodation but also camping and low-budget hostels and guesthouses for budget travelers.

Hostels – There are only a handful of hostels in Uganda, mostly in Kampala. Red Chilli offers dorms at its property in Kampala for $12 USD/night and basic rooms for $30-45 USD, and Om Bunyonyi on Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda provides dorms for $15 USD/night or $45 USD for a private room.

Guesthouses – Guesthouses can vary widely in cost. A decent-quality one with relatively reliable facilities in touristic areas, such as Om Bunyonyi, runs around $25 USD/night for a double private room, though expect prices to be much higher around national parks. If you don’t book in advance and are stopping through a small town for the night, you can easily find very simple guesthouses for far less, approximately $14 USD/night. Water and electricity will often be unreliable in this style of accommodation, however.

Camping – Camping is a great option in the regions surrounding the national parks, such as Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, though prices will vary by location. At its site in Murchison Falls, Red Chilli offers camping for $8 USD/night. Other sites and lodges offer camping for $8–12 USD/night. Many places offer tents for rent, though bringing your own equipment will save you even more money.

Eco-lodges – Budget-consciousness is probably not what you have in mind when you think “eco-lodge,” given the trend toward fancy eco-friendly safari lodges in East Africa. However, lodges and safari camps are a prominent form of accommodation in the national parks, and not all of them have to break the bank! There are some reasonably priced ones that still can be a nice splurge on a budget holiday. They can cost around $100 USD per night and usually include three meals a day as well, reducing other daily costs.
 

How to Save Money on Food and Drinks

Eating at local restaurants and buying fresh produce and snacks from markets will save you a significant amount of money than eating at Western-style eateries, which are primarily concentrated in Kampala.

Restaurants – Kampala has an extensive international restaurant scene. They are expensive in comparison to local restaurants, though cheaper than eating out in Europe or North America and cheaper also than similar restaurants in other major East African cities. Costs range from 30,000 to 70,000 UGX ($8–20 USD) for an average meal.

Local cuisine, in contrast, is fairly simple — consisting largely of potatoes, rice, beans, cabbage, chapati (unleavened flatbread), and ugali (maize flour porridge) — and much more affordable. There are many Ethiopian restaurants as well, offering more mid-range meals.

Food-on-the-go – Uganda has a handful of street food items, the most famous being an egg and chapati wrap known as a “rolex,” which can also have different vegetables added and cost as little as 1,500–3,000 UGX ($0.40–0.80 USD). Stock up on fresh tropical fruit, which is abundant in markets and along the road; the price is always up for negotiation.

Inexpensive roadside food and snack stands selling corn, samosas, nuts, and grilled meat are also prevalent and convenient on long trips. Eating in these ways can save significant costs in Uganda.

Drinks – Foreign-import wine and spirits can be found in Kampala, though cocktails and wine are costly in the capital city’s posh bars, restaurants, and clubs. Your best bet is to stick with local beers such as Nile, which should cost 4,000–9,000 UGX ($0.80–2.40 USD), depending on the venue you buy it from. Or try out Uganda’s local gin, called Waragi, at around 1,000 UGX ($0.25 USD) a pour. This potent liquor becomes more tolerable when mixed with a good dose of tonic water and lime.

Adventure Activities Costs

Despite all the money-saving suggestions above, your budget will be highly dependent on how many wildlife and adventure activities you want to partake in. Most likely you’ll want to do a couple of the higher-cost attractions, such as whitewater rafting down the Nile, searching for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or trekking with mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Forest.

However, it is easy to intersperse those activities with low-cost days of relaxing by crater lakes, taking self-guided walks in the mountainous areas of southwestern Uganda, or volunteering. On those days, you can spend $30 USD/day or even less!

Here are some typical adventure-activity costs:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park: $40 USD/day for admission
• Murchison Falls: $40 USD/day for admission
• Rafting: $144 USD/per person for 5-6 hours
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale: $150 USD/permit
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi: $700 USD/permit

Other Tips for Saving Money in Uganda

Beside the above, here are some other general tips for cutting your costs on your visit:

• Explore beyond the high-priced attractions – Regions outside of the major attractions are still abundant in nature and are often more captivating, as there are few to no tourists. Think volcanic lakes, little-known mountains, rarely visited waterfalls, almost-deserted islands, and dense forests and coffee and tea plantations.
• Travel during the off-season – Don’t let the rainy season scare you off! Uganda is at its most lush during the rainy months (March to May and October to November), crowds are at a minimum, and permits and lodging are often discounted to encourage tourism.
• Travel off the beaten path – Check out Lake Bunyonyi, the Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria, and Sipi Falls, for example. If you’re looking to do trekking in the region, the Rwenzoris are worth considering — while they aren’t “cheap,” they are a much more affordable option than Mt. Kilimanjaro and you can do shorter or longer treks depending on your time and budget.
• Consider volunteering – Avoid volunteer programs that charge money, but consider looking into opportunities such as those on Workaway, which will help save money on accommodation and offer a more in-depth cultural experience.
• Booking advice – Booking gorilla and trekking permits in advance is advisable to ensure a place, since permits are limited, but skip booking package safaris, as tour company costs are much higher than if one travels independently.
• Stay for a longer time – This might initially sound counterintuitive, but a longer stay means you won’t necessarily only be concentrating on the major tourist attractions. You’ll also have a better idea of how to navigate local transportation and become better acquainted with some of the regional cultures and smaller, underrated rural areas.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – To ensure your water is clean and safe (and to avoid spending money on single-use plastic) bring a reusable water bottle and a filter. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter that ensures your water is safe and clean — no matter where in the world you are.

With the ever-increasing impact of globalization, once off-the-beaten-path locales are being put on the map. Much of Uganda still remains raw and less developed, though its increasingly improving infrastructure makes it the perfect destination for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Development and prices are already on the rise so don’t hesitate to explore this wild and beautiful East African nation before the secret is out!

Alicia Erickson grew up as a third-culture kid, developing a love for travel at a young age. She has been a digital nomad for the past 5 years, working as a political analyst, social entrepreneur, writer, and yoga teacher while she explores the world. She splits her time primarily between East and Southern Africa, India, and Seattle, where she seeks off-the-beaten-path locales and is particularly drawn to mountains and the savannah, food, wine, and design culture. You can follow her adventures at Journey with Alicia.

The post How to Travel Uganda on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

South Africa is famous for its stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, award-winning wineries, beautiful beaches, and lively and cosmopolitan cities. I’ve been to the country twice and always leave wanting more. There’s something deeply special about this place.

Stretching over 2,800 kilometers (1,700 miles) and home to 59 million people, you could easily spend months here and still not see everything. Heck, just driving from one end of the country takes several days.

Though there are hundreds of things to see and do in the country, here’s my list of the best things to do in South Africa to help you plan your trip, save money, and have fun!

1. Go on a safari

Most people come to South Africa to go on a safari — and for good reason. It’s home to some of the best game drives in the world and you’ll want to spend at least a couple of nights in one of the dozens of national parks. There’s truly nothing like it.

The most well-known safari destination is Kruger National Park, which has incredible diversity and tons of amazing wildlife, including the “Big 5” (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalo).

I went to Kruger a few years back, and it was everything I’d expected and more. Although you can drive yourself around the park, I actually recommend using a guide because they’ll be much better at spotting animals and will also give you heaps info about them, their habitat, and the park itself. Since this is one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences it’s worth spending the money to get a knowledgeable guide.

While Kruger is the most famous safari destination, there are dozens of other options across South Africa. Here are a few I recommend:

• Hluhluwe and iMfolozi National Park – Located in the east of the country and is known for its rhino populations (also has the Big 5).
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – On the border with Botswana in the north, it’s known for its black-maned lions.
• Addo Elephant National Park – Near Port Elizabeth on the south coast, this is a great choice for self-drive safaris (has the Big 5 too).
• Pilanesburg National Park & Game Reserve – Home to the Big 5 and is doable in a day trip from Johannesburg if you’re short on time.

Safaris are so common in South Africa that pretty much every price point and budget is covered. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly campsites to upscale guesthouses and resorts.

While doing a multi-day game drive is best, if you’re short on time (and money) you can book a game drive from Cape Town that includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.
 

2. Visit Cape Town

Cape Town is the most popular destination in South Africa. It’s a vibrant, multicultural city with lively bars, delicious food, great weather, lots of nature and hiking nearby. In addition to the city’s amazing beaches, the waterfront is bursting with things to do as well. While you’re here, make sure you hike Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, tour Robben island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), and relax at Muizenberg beach.

For more suggestions, check out this post I wrote on what to do in Cape Town.
 

3. Go Surfing

Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean coasts of South Africa offer world-class surfing. Jeffrey’s Bay on the south coast near Port Elizabeth is the most famous surfing destination in South Africa and offers big waves and multiple breaks. There are also a number of good surfing locations near Cape Town, including Dungeons in Hout Bay and a number of others further south on the Western Cape, such as Long Beach.

If you’re a beginner, Durban is a great option for surfing lessons because of the reliable waves and warm water of the Indian Ocean. Expect to pay around 250 ZAR per person for a 1.5-hour lesson.
 

4. Learn About Apartheid

You can’t visit South Africa without learning about the horror of apartheid (a system of institutionalized racial segregation), which cast its shadow over the country from the 1940s all the way into the 1990s. Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg does an excellent job of highlighting apartheid’s history and legacy. Admission is 150 ZAR.

While in Johannesburg, be sure to visit the Constitutional Court. It stands on the site of a former political prison and you can tour some of the prison ruins and learn more about the many political prisoners who were unjustly detained here. Guided tours are available around Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum as well.

Also, be sure to visit the District Six Museum in Cape Town. It’s a memorial to the people who lived in the area in the 1970s who were forced to relocate so that white citizens could move in. It’s both sobering and illuminating. Admission is 120 ZAR for a guided tour and includes entrance fee.
 

5. Visit Robben Island

When it comes to learning about apartheid, you’ll want to also plan a trip to Robben Island. Located just 6 kilometers (4 miles) off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island was a maximum-security prison until 1996. During the apartheid era, many political prisoners were sent to Robben Island. This includes Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years behind bars on Robben Island. The prison is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cultural sites in the country.

Conditions at the prison were incredibly harsh, with many prisoners forced into hard labor in the limestone quarry. They were also made to sleep on the stone floors of their cells without a bed as well.

Today, former prisoners are tour guides and they shed light on what life was like here during apartheid. You’ll be able to see Mandela’s cell and take a bus ride around the island to see the prisoner’s graveyard as well as the quarry where Mandela and other prisoners were forced to work.

Ferries operate three times a day, starting at 9am (a fourth ferry operates during the summer season). Tours start at 600 ZAR (for non-South Africans), which includes the ferry ride. Expect the entire trip to take at least four hours.
 

6. Hike the Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg region near the east coast is home to the highest mountain range in the country, with rugged, green peaks, sandstone cliffs, and deep valleys. There are lots of trails, ranging from casual walks to strenuous climbs and plenty of options for both day hikes and multi-day hikes. Some of the popular routes include the following:

• Rainbow Gorge: Easy and beautiful two-hour trail in the Cathedral Peak area.
• Ploughman’s Kop: A half-day trail with a steep climb, but beautiful rock pools along the way so you can cool off with a dip.
• Chain Ladders Hike: A challenging one-day hike, including ladders attached to the rock face.
• Cathedral Peak: Best climbed with a guide, this hike can be split across two days with a night spent camping in a cave to break up the hikes.
• Giant’s Cup Trail: Typically done a five-day hike (it’s 60 kilometers/37 miles), but not overly strenuous.

7. See African Penguins

Part of the Table Mountain National Park and a short drive from Cape Town, the Boulders Penguin Colony is home to several thousand African penguins. (Fun fact: they’re also known as jackass penguins, because the noises they make sound like a donkey braying.)

Unfortunately, they’re an endangered species as a result of human impacts like pollution, oil spills, and habitat destruction. For that reason, you aren’t allowed to walk on the beach where the penguins breed but you can watch them from the nearby viewing platforms. There is also a raised boardwalk that starts at the Boulders Visitor Centre which will let you get up close to the penguins. Just keep in mind that they are wild animals and the beach is their home, not yours. Be sure to keep your distance and don’t try to feed them or pet them. As cute as they are, they’re still wild animals.
 

8. Take a Road Trip

South Africa is an awesome road trip destination. The most famous route is the Garden Route, which takes you along coastal cliffs and through forests and mountain ranges. Stretching along the south-central coast from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east, the Garden Route is only around 200 kilometers (125 miles) long but is full of beaches, lakes, and lagoons.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can stop at Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bridge in Africa, and go bungee jumping there. Expect to pay around 1,690 ZAR per person.

The beautiful beaches of Plettenberg Bay on the Indian Ocean are also a worthwhile Garden Route stop.

There are other popular road-trip routes in South Africa, such as the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, which winds around the Blyde River Canyon, or the Wild Coast route for exploring dramatic coastal landscapes. You can also pick a road-trip route that takes in several national parks, as there are quite a few scattered around the country where you can self-drive through the park to see the wildlife.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a quote using the widget below:

 

9. Go Wine Tasting

South Africa’s climate is perfect for grape growing and the country produces award-winning white, red, and sparkling wines. The wine industry here dates back to the 17th century and there are hundreds of wineries to be found (and sampled of course).

In the Cape Winelands region not far from Cape Town, Stellenbosch has over 150 wineries in a very small area while a bit further away, Franschhoek not only has almost 50 vineyards but also some of South Africa’s best restaurants. You can do a wine tour that will take you to several different or you can stay in one for a night or two (many have guest accommodations).

If you don’t have a vehicle and want to take a tour, expect to pay at least 700 ZAR per person for a half-day tour of the region and its wineries. Many hostels run their own tours to the region or have partnerships with local tour guides who can take you as well. Be sure to shop around for the best deal!
 

10. Explore the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

A frequent stop on the way to or from Kruger, Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world. It’s particularly lush and green compared to the Grand Canyon and also has extremely deep, sheer cliffs. There are numerous natural rock formations and other natural features in this UNESCO-listed reserve, including Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. You can also find ancient rock art in the Echo Caves.

There are several hiking trails as well as abseiling, mountain biking, and white-water rafting.
 

11. Go Whale Watching

South Africa is generally considered to be one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. If you’re visiting between June and November you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting Southern right whales, Bryde’s whales, and orcas.

The town of Hermanus, located 120 kilometers (74 miles) southeast of Cape Town, is the base for many of the best whale-watching companies in the country.

Expect to pay around 2,700 ZAR for a tour. Be sure to book in advance as tours sell out fast since there is a limited window.
 

12. Go Scuba Diving

If you love to dive (or want to learn), head to Cape Town. The diving here is world-class thanks to the mixing of warm and cold ocean currents. Here you’ll find rocky shores, lots of reefs, and kelp forests. There are also lots of wrecks on both sides of the peninsula too.

For more wrecks, head to Port Elizabeth (which is on the coast halfway between Cape Town and Durban). There are several interesting wrecks to explore here, including the Haerlem (a scuttled navy frigate) and the Doddington (which wrecked in the 18th century). It’s also a great area for diving with sharks.

Sodwana Bay (on the border with Mozambique) is another top location to see healthy coral reefs as well as lots of fish and marine life.

Single-tank dives start around 800-1,000 ZAR (including equipment). PADI certification courses cost around 5,500 ZAR.

With its perfect weather, incredible wildlife, award-winning wine, and culinary delights, South Africa is an underrated destination that deserves your attention. It’s a country I never get tired of visiting and is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever been to. You just can’t help but fall in love with it — no matter your interests.

The post The 12 Best Things to Do in South Africa appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Cape Town is one of those places I can never get enough of. Its natural beauty, climate, chill atmosphere, and delicious food scene always make my visits memorable.

Backed by Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world. The views over the city are stunning and the beaches are some of the most picturesque in the world. Add in affordable prices, and you have the recipe for one of the world’s most popular backpacker hubs.

There’s a lot to see and do in the city, so to help you make the most of your trip, here is my suggested itinerary for four (or more) days:

Cape Town Itinerary: Day 1

Take a Free Walking Tour
For a thorough introduction to Cape Town, I recommend taking at least one free walking tour. As you know, I always take one when I arrive in a new city. They help me get a sense of the destination’s culture and history and orient myself. They also connect me with an expert local guide who can answer all of my questions.

Some of my favorite walking tours are:

• Free Walking Tours Cape Town
• Ashanti Free Walking Tours
• City Sightseeing

Just be sure to tip your guide at the end, as that’s how they make their living.

Explore the City Center
Your next stop should be Cape Town’s city center. You’ll find all kinds of shopping, cafés, restaurants, and markets along Long Street. Take several hours to explore and see it all. To see more of Cape Town’s eclectic neighborhoods and get a feel for the local pace of life, here are some specific areas worth exploring:

• Green Market Square – Right off Long Street, this is a perfect place to find local handicrafts and souvenirs. There are all sorts of crafts and gifts here. Don’t be afraid to haggle for a good deal!
• Victoria and Alfred’s Waterfront – This is another impressive shopping locale, with a large variety of shops and entertainment. It’s on the historic working harbor, the architecture is quite charming, and it’s extremely popular with both tourists and locals alike. Grab a seat on a waterfront restaurant’s balcony, have a drink, and soak up the atmosphere.
• Bo-Kaap – Not far from the city center is Bo-Kaap, a colorful Muslim neighborhood. This area, previously the home of Cape Town’s enslaved population, is known to be quite Instagram-friendly (you’ve likely seen it on IG already!). Each home is painted a different color and you can tour the area on your own (although you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more if you take a free walking tour). If you don’t tour with a group, be sure to get an overview of the area’s history at the Bo-Kaap Museum. It’s small, but the staff is quite friendly and super knowledgeable. Admission is 60 ZAR.
• De Waterkant – A nice place to spend the evening is the De Waterkant neighborhood. Not far from Bo-Kaap, this trendy area (think NYC’s Greenwich Village) is the perfect place to stroll, window-shop, and enjoy an upscale dinner. The architecture is quite stylish in what is Cape Town’s “pink” (gay-friendly) district. The Cape Quarter shopping mall is here as well.
• Woodstock – This is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Cape Town. It’s become a hub for art galleries, co-working spaces, breweries, and hip restaurants. What was once an old, rundown industrial area is now one of the coolest places in town.

Visit Table Mountain
A visit to Cape Town isn’t complete without taking in the view from Table Mountain. It’s a bit of a hike, but it’s totally worth it. The shortest trail takes about two hours, but if you’re short on time, you can take the cable car, which takes about five minutes each way (it’s a bit pricey at 360-420 ZAR depending on if you go in the morning or afternoon for a round-trip ticket, though). Up top, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Cape Town, the harbor, the mountains, and the beaches. Try to come up during sunset, or if you can, bring some food and drink and have a picnic!

Keep in mind that the clouds can move in really fast here, so be sure to check the weather before you hike up.

Personally, I suggest hiking up and then taking the cable car down. If you want to extend your stay, hike both ways and spend some time relaxing and taking in the view. If you pack some water and snacks, you can easily make this a full-day activity. There are shops at the summit as well as several other hiking trails to explore if you’re looking to work up a sweat.

Note: I put this at the end of the day so you can do the walking tours in the morning, but you can also make this a full-day activity if you want! It’s worth taking it slow here if you have the time.
 

Cape Town Itinerary: Day 2

Visit Robben Island
Hop on a ferry from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and head to Robben Island, located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from shore, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years behind bars. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1999, the museum is an important symbol in South Africa, representing the triumph of democracy over apartheid. The tour guides are former prison inmates, and you can sit in the cells where the political prisoners once lived.

No visit to Cape Town is complete without coming here. Do not skip this!

Ferries operate three times a day, starting at 9am (a fourth ferry operates during the summer season). Admission is 600 ZAR, which includes the ferry ride. Expect the entire trip to take at least four hours. You can get tickets in advance here.

Visit Kirstenbosch Garden
Located in the southern suburbs, these gardens were established over 300 years ago and have more than 22,000 types of plants found on the African continent. Spanning over 1,300 acres, this is unlike any other botanical garden you’ve seen! Be sure to do the tree canopy walkway. There are restaurants and cafés on-site, but they are expensive, so I’d bring your own food and have a picnic on the grounds.

Rhodes Drive, Newlands, +27 0800-434-373, sanbi.org/gardens/Kirstenbosch. Open daily 8am-6pm (7pm in the summer). Admission is 220 ZAR per person (discounts available for students and children).

Watch the Sunset from Lion’s Head
Table Mountain’s little sister, Lion’s Head, is perfect for an evening hike. It takes just 45 minutes to hike to the top, so time your trek so you’re at the peak for sunset. It’s one of the most scenic spots in town. Also, remember a flashlight for the trek back down.
 

Cape Town Itinerary: Day 3

See the Penguins
While you’re in Cape Town, you won’t want to pass up seeing the area’s cutest inhabitants: African penguins! This colony is home to over 3,000 penguins. They live at Boulders Beach Park, and you can view them from a raised boardwalk. Just keep in mind that they are wild animals and the beach is their home, not yours. Keep your distance and don’t try to feed or pet them. The easiest way to see them is on a guided tour

Visit Slave Lodge
Built in 1679, this is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Cape Town. It is where the Dutch East India Company (a trading company founded in 1602) housed their slaves until 1811. Over 60,000 African and Asian slaves were brought to the city, and almost 300 men and women were forced to reside in the lodge at a time. Today, the lodge is a museum where you can learn about the hardships slaves faced in their daily lives in Cape Town.

Corner of Adderley Street and Wale St, +27 2- 467-7229, slavery.iziko.org.za/slavelodge. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Admission is 60 ZAR

Tour Parliament
Take a tour of the parliament of South Africa and learn about South African politics — including how the country was governed during the apartheid era (1948-1994), when the country was racially segregated. Dating back to 1884, the Houses of Parliament are National Heritage Sites; the original building was granted approval by Queen Victoria when Cape Town was a British colony.

Today, they host daily hour-long tours during the week, and you can even book a spot (at least one week in advance) to watch debates if you’re interested.

120 Plein St, +27 (021) 403 2266, parliament.gov.za/visiting-parliament. Tours are held daily, but advance booking is required. Admission is free.

Hike Signal Hill
For some beautiful sunset views, hike up to the top of Signal Hill. The climb is tiring and takes around 90 minutes, but the views are worth it (you can also drive or take a taxi up to the top). You’ll get a sweeping vista of Cape Town, including a view overlooking Table Mountain too. Just be sure to give yourself lots of time, so that you don’t miss the sunset.
 

Cape Town Itinerary: Day 4

Visit the District Six Museum
In 1867, District Six was established for freed slaves, immigrants, and marginalized individuals. Under apartheid (1948–1994), the district was declared a “white area” and the existing residents were forced out. Over 60,000 people were forced from their homes, and this museum highlights their struggles and stories. It provides important context to the city’s modern history and ongoing struggles.

25A Albertus St, +27 21-466-7200, districtsix.co.za. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm. Admission is 60 ZAR or 75 ZAR for a guided tour.

Hit the Beach
Cape Town has some incredible beaches, so make sure you spend at least part of a day on one of them. Clifton Beach is probably the most popular. The sand is super white and the water a bright blue. Unfortunately, it’s cold pretty much year-round, so don’t expect warm tropical waters. The scenery is gorgeous though, with the mountains behind you and mansions and upscale restaurants lining the beach road.

Another option is Muizenberg Beach, which is a 30-minute drive from the city center. This beach has a famous boardwalk and is great for surfing.

Check Out the Wildlife
If you head down Muizenberg Beach, be sure to stop at Hout Bay. This harbor is home to tons of seals and seabirds. If you’re visiting between June and November, keep your eyes peeled for the migrating whales. Right whales, humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and dolphins can all be found here.

If you’re looking for a meal, the fish and chips in this area of town are to die for. And don’t miss the Bay Harbour Market on the weekend: vendors sell everything from fresh fish to jewelry to local art, and there are often live bands too.

Explore the South African National Gallery
The Iziko South African National Gallery is home to an extensive collection of both South African and African art, as well as English, Dutch, and French pieces. The collection focuses on works from the 17th to 19th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, sketches, and lithographs.

They also facilitate an ever-changing rotation of contemporary artwork from both locals, as well as visiting exhibitions from across Africa and around the world (visit the website to see what temporary exhibitions are available during your visit).

Additionally, the gallery has a lot of insightful information about art and censorship during apartheid.

Government Ave, +27 21 481 3970, iziko.org.za. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 60 ZAR.
 

Cape Town Itinerary: Day 5 (or More!)

If you have more than four days in Cape Town, here are some other fun things to see and do during your trip. Most of these will take you out of the city, so you can see more of this beautiful region of the country. Consider renting a car to make things easier!

Visit Kalk Bay
This fishing village makes for a nice spot to go window-shopping (or actual shopping if you want some souvenirs). There are plenty of seaside cafés you can relax in for a few hours, away from the busy city center.

Journey to the Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and the drive there from Cape Town is one of the best on the continent. You’ll want to take the route along Chapman’s Peak, a winding and scenic road along the Atlantic coast. It’s a toll road, but the views are very much worth the price.

The Cape of Good Hope is located in Table Mountain National Park, which stretches all the way from Table Mountain in Cape Town to the tip of the continent. This nature reserve is home to numerous birds and animals, including antelope, Cape mountain zebra, eland, and baboons. Keep in mind that, while the baboons may look cute, they are still wild animals, so be careful around them and keep your food secured and out of sight.

There is a lot to see, so plan for a full-day excursion. If you don’t have your own rental car, you can book a tour with the Cape Point Explorer for 499 ZAR.

Enjoy Some Wine
If you love wine, head to the Stellenbosch area. If you have a car, it’s just 45 minutes outside of the city and is home to hundreds of vineyards. The wine from this region is world-famous and the scenery is breathtaking, offering towering mountains and lush valleys. Tastings typically run about 60-150 ZAR, and food pairings are available as well. Some suggested wineries to check out are:

• Spier Wine Farm (one of the oldest in the region)
• Marianne Wine Estate (offers a classic French winery experience)
• Waterford Wine Estate (they pair their wines with decadent local chocolates)

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars.

If you don’t have a vehicle, take a tour. They are affordable and you’ll have access to a guide that can share their expert tips and advice. Expect to pay around 695 ZAR per person for a half-day tour of the region and its wineries.

Many hostels in Cape Town run their own tours to the region or have partnerships with local tour guides who can take you as well. Be sure to shop around!

Learn to Surf
Cape Town is a super place to learn how to surf (though it’s also terrific for experienced surfers). Surfer’s Corner at Muizenberg Beach is known for its beginner waves, and there are plenty of surfing schools around where you can rent a board and take lessons. Expect to pay around 350 ZAR per person for a one-hour group lesson with a wetsuit.

Cape Town is one of my favorite cities on the African continent. With its terrific hikes, beautiful scenery, and important history, Cape Town has something for everyone. And it’s easy to visit without breaking the bank too!

Let this Cape Town itinerary help you make the most of your visit there. You won’t be disappointed.

The post Cape Town Itinerary: What to See and Do in 4 (or More) Days appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

One of the countries high up on my “must visit” list is Egypt. As a lover of history, I long to release my inner archaeologist and explore the many ruins of the country. While it might be a long time before I get there, my friend Jeremy Scott Foster from TravelFreak has visited a couple of times. In this guest post, he’ll give you his best tips for saving money on your next visit to Egypt!

I’ve been to Egypt twice. On my first trip four years ago, I solo traveled the Sinai Peninsula along the Gulf of Aqaba, stayed in shared hostels for $5 USD per night and took overnight buses that cost just as little. On my most recent trip last year, I traveled from the very north of Egypt in Alexandria south to Cairo, and then further south along the Nile River to the border with Sudan.

And, throughout it all, I fall deeply in love with this country where foreign perception of violence keeps so many at arm’s length.

The tourism industry in Egypt is still feeling pain as a result of the political upheaval, civil unrest, and terrorism-related activities that have marred its recent history. As tourist numbers have dwindled and competition for the tourist dollar has become fiercer, travel deals have proliferated.

But what most visitors miss is what you can gain — free of crowds and for little money too.

From the chaos of Cairo to the more laid-back vibe of Luxor, Egypt is an ideal destination for budget travelers.
 

1. How to Save Money on Accommodation

Generally speaking, accommodation in Egypt is relatively affordable. However, there are a few helpful tricks that can cut down your expenses.

Stay in hostels instead of hotels – Typically, you can expect to find a bed in a shared dorm room (with 4+ beds) for between $5-8 USD per night, or a comfortable private single room for about $15 USD per night. You will likely have to share a bathroom, but at least you have your privacy.

Use Hostelworld to look for the best prices. I recommend Dahab Hostel in Cairo and Al Salam Camp in Luxor.

Use Booking.com to compare prices for hotels – If you’re looking for cheap hotels or guesthouses in Egypt, I recommend checking Booking.com. A private room in a guesthouse or hotel goes for about $40 USD per night.

Prices are generally listed per room, not per person. So, if you are traveling with a friend, you can save even more money by splitting the cost.

Look for accommodations that add offer a little extra – I also found that, coupled with accommodation, it was pretty common for hosts in guesthouses to offer extras such as breakfast and local tours at very reasonable prices. One of my incredible hosts cooked a traditional hot breakfast with tea and coffee for just $1 USD. Best of all, he was more than happy to recommend some inexpensive local places to eat and buy food.

Look beyond the standard hotel rooms for accommodation options – Airbnb and Vrbo are great options for vacation rentals. On these platforms, you can also find options to stay in a local’s house. You can usually find some pretty luxurious apartments starting from $50 USD per night. You’ll also have full access to your own kitchen, which means you can further cut your costs by cooking at home.
 

2. How to Save Money on Food

Stick to the local eats and street food – If you want to save money on food while traveling in Egypt, do yourself a favor and steer clear of the Western chain food joints. While a cheeseburger is about half the price of what you pay at home, it’s still more expensive, less tasty, and far less adventurous than experiencing the local cuisine.

Why bother with a burger when you can eat the most delicious falafel in the world for $1 USD?

Navigate the narrow alleyways of any bustling Cairo market (like Khan El Khalili or Mohammed Ali Street) to seek out the best shawarma ($2 USD). Or grab a stuffed falafel sandwich from a street vendor on your way from one ancient relic to another ($2 USD). You can literally find Arabic bread for 5 cents. It’s all cheap and very filling.

And, the hummus. It’s so. Darn. Good.

If you’re staying at a guesthouse, it’s common practice for them to offer full dinners for about $10 USD. The truth is that they’re actually just sourcing the food from restaurants in the neighborhood and taking a cut, so by seeking out your own food options, expect to spend about ¼ of the price.

With that said, don’t be afraid of street food or street vendors, especially if the food is cooked in front of you. And if there is a crowd of locals waiting, then chances are you’re onto a good thing.

Eat at a kosheri – A kosheri is a small, local restaurant that serves up generous portions of pasta, chickpeas, lentils, etc. often for less than $1 USD! There’s no menu, you just select the size of your portion and then you’re served this mishmash of deliciousness.

Cook your own meals – As mentioned, preparing your own meals while traveling is also a great money saver. If you have access to a kitchen, just ask your host to point you in the direction of the nearest market. They also have the lowdown on where to eat for cheap, so take advantage of their local knowledge!
 

3. How to Save Money on Transportation

Bargain with your taxi driver – In most Egyptian cities, taxis are an inexpensive and convenient way to get around.

Now, when I say convenient, I mean they’ll get you to where you need to go relatively quickly. But I would be remiss if I didn’t add a few disclaimers.

Taxi drivers can be aggressive on the road, leaving you white-knuckled from hanging on for dear life. I’ve never experienced a more heart-stopping journey than a Cairo taxi ride.

Furthermore, while Cairo does have metered taxis, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Meters are notoriously unreliable or rigged, and drivers frequently “forget” to turn them on. It’s one of the oldest travel scams in the book.

The best practice is to use an unmetered taxi and agree on a price with the driver before getting in. (Outside Cairo, most taxis are unmetered, so no matter what, always agree on a price upfront.)

If you’re not sure how much is an acceptable price, ask someone at your hostel or guesthouse for a pricing recommendation, and then start your bargaining at about ½ that price. Oftentimes even they will give you a higher estimate than is normal (it’s locals helping locals), but the real price should be about ¾ of what you’ve been recommended.

For longer-distance trips, hiring a car with a driver is the most cost-effective option. The price will be the same whether you’re traveling by yourself or with a group of four, so round up some travel buddies and split the cost.

But of course, be prepared for some aggressive haggling to get the best price. Be clear about where you want to go and for how long you will need the driver. Don’t worry if negotiations break down, though. When it comes to haggling over price, never be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of drivers available, so just move on to the next one.

Take the local train – Taking the train between Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan is the most popular mode of transport for this route.

If time or budget is a concern, you can take an overnight train. By taking the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan, you’ll save a night’s worth of accommodation in a hotel. A deluxe sleeper cabin for one is about $110 USD, while a two-berth cabin is $80 USD per person. Cabins are secure, and fares include an airline-style dinner and breakfast. The food is basic, but it’s edible.

But for a real bargain, you can book the day train between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan for as little as $10 USD. However, there’s one caveat: for safety reasons, the Egyptian government prohibits foreigners from purchasing day train tickets for this route. Officials say this is because only the night trains have armed guards in case of a terrorist attack, but this is an incredibly rare occurrence.

It’s easy to get around this, though. You’ll need to book tickets online at enr.gov.eg (you’ll have to register an account but it’s easy to do) or ask your guide, host, or driver to book the tickets for you. They will likely oblige for a small fee.

There are no reports of ticket attendants kicking any foreigners off the day train, so you’ll be fine. And if not, you’re only out $10 USD.

Get the Flight Pass – The fastest way to travel around Egypt is by plane. Egypt Air is the national carrier and Star Alliance Member serving most major domestic destinations. Its Flight Pass is a cost-effective option that allows you to lock in low fares for domestic flights even if you haven’t determined your travel dates.

All you have to do is purchase a minimum of four flights (or credits) and choose a time when you’d like to travel in the next 12 months. You can then book your flight up to seven days before departure.

On the downside, you’ll have to always fly back to your original departure point. That is, instead of flying from Cairo to Luxor and Alexandria, you’ll need to fly Cairo to Luxor and back to Cairo before going to Alexandria. That said, the Flight Pass is still about 30% cheaper than booking the same multi-destination flights with other airlines.

The Flight Pass is super customizable. You can select the number of flights (e.g. four, which is two round-trip flights) for a period of time (e.g. within one month), and also how early you can book your flights (e.g. one week before travel). This means that if you pick Cairo as your origin, you can select two round-trip flights to Aswan, Luxor, Alexandria, Sharm E Sheikh, or Hurghada. Each flight is $73 USD one-way.

But if I were to book a flight from Cairo to Luxor for one week from now, that same leg would cost at least $142 USD!

You can play around with this pass. For example, if you purchase a similar pass to the one above but select “one month” for how early you can book, the flights become $66 USD each per one-way.

If that’s too much of an inconvenience for you, there are plenty of other airlines offering affordable flights. When it comes to finding cheap flights on other airlines, I use Skyscanner. By being flexible with your dates, you can save up to 50%. Keep in mind, though, that you might be traveling at inconvenient times, like the middle of the night.

In the Skyscanner search bar, instead of entering specific dates, select the “Entire Month” option. This will show you a calendar with fare prices for departing and returning flights for every day of the month. This also works for one-way flights. However, it does not work for multicity flights.
 

4. How to Save Money on Tours and Guides

The best money-saving tip I can offer here is to avoid booking online before you arrive in Egypt.

If you’re a Type A traveler who needs a plan in hand before you even arrive, you’re not going to like this. But online agencies charge massively inflated prices, and you will end up paying a lot less if you deal directly with the tour company or guide locally on the ground.

Add in the feel-good factor of your money going directly to your guide, their family, and community (and not to some middle person, agency, or large corporation) and you’ve got yourself a win-win situation.

You may need to be a little more flexible with your dates. But you will have the added advantage of being able to negotiate (haggle, in reality), which translates to overall savings.

Tours, private drivers, and the quintessential cruise down the Nile can all be booked locally at significantly lower prices than booking in advance. So, if you can stomach it, wait until you get your boots on the ground before booking your tours.

Guides, in my experience, are an invaluable source of local knowledge and information. They have the inside scoop on the best vantage points for photos at all the epic landmarks. In addition, they’re great at dealing with those persistent and sometimes aggressive street vendors.

The best guides can be found by asking for recommendations from other travelers who have used their services, but I always recommend my Egyptian brother, Rami.

Back in 2015, on my first trip to Egypt, Rami and I connected by way of a mutual friend. We hit it off, and ever since then, I’ve helped him to grow the little tour business he and his family-run. It feels good to be able to help a local family in such a positive way.

He’s honest, affordable, reliable, incredibly communicative, well connected, and did I mention honest? That’s one of the difficult parts about traveling in places like Egypt: when people are selling you things, it’s hard to know who you can trust.

But Rami is my man. Send him an email at ramielshaer2@gmail.com and let him know Jeremy sent you (there are no commissions here — this is just a helpful referral to a well-deserving friend). He will sort you out or put you in touch with someone else in your preferred destination.
 

5. How to Save Money on Entrance and Admission Fees

Get the International Student Identity Card – Entrance and admission prices for almost all monuments and attractions in Egypt are set as advertised. However, you can get discounted tickets with an International Student Identity Card, including 50% off some of Egypt’s best museums (including the Luxor).

Get a travel pass – You can get a Cairo Pass or a Luxor Pass (multi-entrance discount passes) from the Ministry of Antiquities, the Egyptian Museum, or the Giza Plateau for about $80 USD. You’ll save about 50% off entries to over 30 attractions in Cairo and Giza. You’ll find very little information about these passes online, however, so your best bet is to just show up at one of those locations and inquire there.
 

Suggested Budgets for Traveling in Egypt

While you can spend money on luxury resorts or private tours, it’s entirely possible to travel through Egypt on the cheap. In fact, you can easily spend as little as $30-$35 USD a day.

The biggest way to reduce costs is to stay in dorm rooms or hostels. If you opt for a private room or mid-range hotel, you can expect to spend $30-40 USD more per night.

Where and what you eat also adds to your daily budget. For example, street food is an affordable and filling option for dining in Egypt. You can eat everything from falafel and sandwiches to shawarma and koshari noodles for as little as $1 USD.

Eating in a restaurant is more expensive, but still relatively cheap compared to Western countries. Meals in a mid-range restaurant start at $4 USD, while international dishes can be around $10 USD.

Transportation is another added cost. Train travel can be cheap but may not be the most efficient option if your time is limited. So, if you plan to fly between your destinations, expect to add $50-$100 USD to your budget for each flight.

Of course, your daily budget will also increase if you book private guides or splurge on souvenirs and gifts.

And remember, haggling is one of the most important skills if you’re looking to save money in Egypt. Taxis, excursions, and other services can usually be bargained down to a lower rate than what is initially quoted. So, if you have a high tolerance for haggling, your daily budget could easily be less.

Regardless, it’s always better to go slightly over budget, especially somewhere with as many must-see sights and experiences as Egypt!

The key to budget travel in Egypt is to be generally well informed and to have a good sense of humor (the latter goes a long way when dealing with vendors). Haggling and scammers are all part of everyday travel life in Egypt. There are very few goods and services that can’t be bargained for.

Most importantly, always, ALWAYS ask for and agree on a price first before accepting any goods or services. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to politely say no and walk away.

Now it’s time to start planning your trip to Egypt for maximum adventures at minimum cost in the land of Pharaohs, pyramids, and wonders of the ancient world. Get to it!

Jeremy is the adventurous traveler behind TravelFreak, a website dedicated to helping people create lives they are passionate about. You can check out his blog to learn more or find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The post How to Visit Egypt on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Egypt is a country that tops the bucket-list country for many travelers. It’s a country filled with incredible relics of ancient history, from the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza, and offers tons of incredible activities for travelers of all walks of life. Floating down the Nile River on a traditional felucca, exploring the tombs of Tutankhamen and other pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, snorkeling and diving in the coral fantasyland of the Red Sea — there’s just so many amazing parts of Egypt to amaze and enthrall you.

Historically, Egypt has been a destination many travelers shy away from. Given that there have been some terrorist attacks targeting tourists over the last couple of decades and that people are still wary of the changes in government since the Arab Spring, those concerns are understandable.

However, things have been changing for the better and it’s now a safe country to visit for the intrepid traveler. Since the pandemic, Egypt has continued to break records year after year as more and more travelers visit. That means it’s time to start planning your dream trip to this diverse and historic country.

While I am a huge fan of solo travel, distances between the most popular sights in Egypt are pretty far. You can expect to spend a full day or night traveling by road or rail between Cairo and Luxor, for example, so joining an organized tour can help you make the most of your time.

And it can also save you some money, too!

Tours in Egypt often work out to be cheaper than trying to put together your own trip as some will include domestic airfare for prices cheaper than you’ll be able to get on your own.

Taking a tour with a reputable company also ensures that you’ll have safe detours with someone who really knows the lay of the land and will keep you informed of any risks. Knowledgeable tour guides also make for a more interesting trip — which is why tours in Egypt are so popular.

Here is a list of the best tour companies in Egypt, offering everything from day trips around Cairo to multiday tours around the country:

1. Intrepid

Intrepid is one of my favorite tour companies in the world.

I’ve been on a handful of their tours over the years to destinations all around the world and have yet to be disappointed. Their local guides provide invaluable insight and they are dedicated to making environmentally friendly choices too.

And the company just hires really awesome people too.

In Egypt, Intrepid has tours that range between 8-22 days. To be able to see enough in just eight days, you take overnight trains between Cairo and the south, so the the better value is actually the 15-day one, which uses a mix of bus, boat, and train travel, starting around $1,500 USD.

Intrepid has four “styles” of trips ranging from Basix (simple accommodation and local transport) to Premium (4+ star accommodation and exclusive premium inclusions). They also have some specialized offerings, with a nine-day trip for travelers aged 18–29, trips especially for families, and also one just for solo travelers.

2. Memphis Tours

One of the first tour companies in Egypt, Memphis Tours has been around since 1955. It offers a huge variety of tours – from half- or full-day tours in Cairo or Alexandria to snorkeling or camel-riding trips out of resort destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh, ranging between $35 and $90 USD per person.

They also offer a selection of cruises both on the Nile and on Lake Nasser. The popular Luxor-to-Aswan trip along the Nile can be made in a variety of pretty luxurious ships; prices are around $550 USD per person for a four-day trip.

Memphis Tours also offer fully organized multi-day trips that last between 3–15 days. Many of these take in the key sights, like the Pyramids, a Nile cruise, and the Luxor and Karnak Temples, and typically fly you back to Cairo. The costs vary depending on the extra activities involved but are pretty reasonable: a five-day, small group tour covering the main sights from Cairo to Luxor starts at $1,300 USD. They also offer some specialized tours, such as one specifically designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

3. Look at Egypt Tours

Look at Egypt Tours is another local company that offers both day and multiday tours. It specializes in having knowledgeable guides that make the history of Egypt really come alive, giving incredible insight into modern-day Egyptian life as well.

The company also has a sense of social responsibility too, using locally owned restaurants and hotels on all trips and hiring guides from communities throughout the country.

Look at Egypt Tours runs a variety of day trips out of the main centers, including Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Sharm el-Sheikh, ranging in cost between $100-200 USD per person, depending on the destination and the group size.

Multi-day tours include lots of options too; these last around 8–10 days and cost between $1,700 USD and $3,000 USD. There are also some specialized trips, like a two-week archaeological tour, the perfect choice for any history buffs (or Indiana Jones fans!).

4. On the Go Tours

On the Go Tours has been running tours to a variety of countries for a couple of decades now, but it all started in Egypt, where the two founders met. The company focuses on sustainable travel and supports local communities, and it hires local guides who have studied Egyptology at a college level as well.

In Egypt, they run several great-value group tours, like a six-day trip from Cairo to Luxor for $1,300 USD, which includes the Pyramids of Giza, the incredible Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the temples at Luxor, a two-night felucca cruise on the Nile, a visit to the Valley of the Kings, and more.

If your timing and budget are more flexible, you might also take a look at some of On the Go’s festival tours, timed to celebrations like the Abu Simbel Sun Festival or the King Ramses Sun Festival. These tours are typically around 10-13 days long and cost around $2,700 USD per person.

5. Jakada Tours Egypt

Jakada Tours is a smaller company that offers private tours as well as group trips with a focus on budget mid-range travel.

They have a lot of really affordable tours covering many of Egypt’s highlights, starting at $375 for a 3-day Cairo and Luxor package. Even 12-day trips are just $1,280 USD, making Jakada the best option for backpackers. If you’re on your second trip to Egypt or have some extra time, Jakada also offers a range of more unusual tours, like spending time at the Cairo camel market!

The company also makes sure its guides are really knowledgeable, not just about ancient history but modern Egyptian culture too. They can also share the best local tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your stay.

6. Exodus Travels

Exodus offers trips worldwide and has a reputable social conscience; they aim to give back to the local communities they are a part of. In Egypt, they support Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), and its tours often include an option to visit the charity’s facility.

Exodus offers a nine-day Nile cruise from Luxor, which is a good compromise between luxury and price (around $2,475 USD per person, all-inclusive), with a maximum of 20 passengers. The company also has a longer trip that takes in key sights like the Valley of the Kings as well as Alexandria; this two-week tour starts at $3,185 USD.

7. Get Your Guide

Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered by local tour operators. The site has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including cooking classes, walking tours, day trips, and even multi-day tours. I’ve used it in a few different places and have always enjoyed my experiences.

Here are some of the most popular tours in Egypt offered through Get Your Guide:

• 5-Day Egypt Highlights Private Tour with Flights ($750 USD)
• Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Day Trip ($44 USD)
• Sharm El-Sheikh: Jeep Adventure to Blue Hole, Canyon & Dahab ($25 USD)

There’s a huge range of tours offered on the platform. I like that you can find so many different options in one place. That way I can bounce around and read reviews, compare prices, and see trip durations all from one website/app.

As much as I love solo travel, planning a trip to Egypt is much easier with a tour company. While you probably know that you want to see the Pyramids, the Nile, and other historical sites, getting around is not that easy to organize in advance, so it’s good to have the local knowledge of Egyptian guides to make sure you’re both safe and getting the most out of your trip.

So whether you’re after a short tour hitting the highlights of Egypt in a week or have more time to explore the country a little more slowly or even spend some time relaxing at the Red Sea, you’ll find a tour company to help you out.

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