Over the years, we’ve seen countries around the world improve their internet infrastructure and visa policies to attract digital nomads, and Africa hasn’t been left behind.

From a rapidly growing digital landscape to stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures, Africa is fast becoming a hotspot for nomads looking for adventure and productivity. In this post, we will showcase some of the best African cities to live, work, and explore in 2024.

But first, here are some factors to consider when choosing your next digital nomad destination:

• Internet speed: as a digital nomad, having fast and reliable internet is a top priority as your work demands that you’re always connected. Before traveling, you must research the internet quality and the availability and safety of public wifis. You can check the internet speed of countries at Speedtest.net or Nomadlist.com to be sure your next destination will allow you to work effectively during your stay.
• Visa requirements: this can differ significantly based on the destination country and your nationality. While some countries will issue you a visa on arrival, others might require you to apply in advance. Another thing to consider when making your travel plans is the visa length, which can vary from 90 days to one year, depending on the country.
• Cost of living: consider how much it would cost to cover expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation, and be sure it aligns with your budget.
• Time zone: time zones are crucial to your digital nomad experience, especially when collaborating with clients and team members. Choosing a destination compatible with your work hours will help you effectively collaborate with your colleagues and reduce the chances of your being tired or burnt out.

Now that we know what to look out for, let's explore some of the best nomad destinations in Africa.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, also known as the Silicon Valley of South Africa, is Africa’s most popular nomad destination, and for good reason. Its pristine beaches, culture, natural beauty, great infrastructure, and climate make it a top pick among digital nomads.

Cape Town has a median internet download speed of 49.29Mbps and several coworking spaces, cafes, and libraries with wifi access, ensuring you stay connected and productive. Some popular coworking spaces in Cape Town include Neighbourgood, Latitude, Workshop 17, and Create Space.

While the cost of living in Cape Town is relatively higher compared to other African cities, between $1500 - $2000 monthly, there are various budget-friendly options available to help you stay within your budget.

Finally, we have to talk about safety; Cape Town is relatively safe, but you’re advised to be vigilant by taking preventive measures such as not walking alone after dark, avoiding wearing expensive jewelry or displaying your valuables, and using reliable transportation like ride-hailing apps.

Also read: Safest Cities for Female Digital Nomads!

Kampala, Uganda

This location isn’t widely recognized yet, so it’s a hidden gem for many digital nomads. Its friendly locals, low living costs, around$600-$1000 monthly, and good weather make it an attractive destination for nomads.

Kampala has a growing number of coworking spaces with places like Impact Hub Kampala and Outbox Hub that offer the environment and tools needed for work and opportunities to network with like-minded individuals.

The city is also generally safe for travellers but it’s advised that you take appropriate safety measures.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Africa. It has many historical sites, such as the Medina of Marrakesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Majorelle Garden, and the Koutoubia Mosque.

Marrakesh is a safe city with an average cost of living of around $1100 monthly. It has a median download speed of 21.96 Mbps and many coworking spaces, cafes, and libraries to work from.

There’s also a budding community of digital nomads, such as Marrakech Digital Nomads Meetup Group, which organizes networking events for you to connect and collaborate with other nomads.

Also read: 8 Must-Have Tools for Digital Nomads in 2024

Kigali, Rwanda

Looking for a safe city with reliable internet and an affordable cost of living? Then Kigali might just be the perfect fit for you. DespiteRwanda's tragic past, the country is undergoing significant economic and technological advancements, earning it the nickname the "Singapore of Africa" with Kigali at the heart of this development.

Kigali is Rwanda’s capital and largest city and it’s gradually becoming a hub for nomads and digital entrepreneurs. The city has a median download speed of 30 Mbps, with many coworking spaces and cafes from which you can efficiently work. Some of the best coworking spaces in Kigali include Impact Hub, FabLab Rwanda and WAKA.

Kigali also has a community of digital nomads, such as the Kigali Digital Nomads Meetup Group that are available to provide support when necessary. The monthly cost of living is estimated to be around $800 to $1200, making it an attractive and affordable destination for nomads.

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is an ancient city that is fast becoming a popular digital nomad destination in Africa. The city has seen a surge in coworking spaces and cafes offering wifi access to meet the needs of digital nomads and remote workers. Urban Station, Rasheed22, Creativo, and AlMaqarr are some of the best coworking spaces in the city.

Cairo has a decent internet speed of 36.77 and a living cost of around $800, making it easy for you to stay within your budget.

Cairo is generally safe for travelers, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, so it’s advisable to be mindful of your surroundings and valuables.

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is another excellent nomad location for digital nomads for several reasons:

• Its cost of living is relatively low, around $900 monthly, and there is a range of accommodation options, from hostels to guesthouses and hotels, which makes it attractive to people on a budget.
• The city has good internet infrastructure, with widespread connectivity at an average download speed of 11.95Mbps.
• Nairobi hosts several prominent tech companies that organize meetups and events, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration.

But beyond work, you can also immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture by exploring its cuisine, arts, and famous wildlife. Some safari parks and game reserves you can visit while in Nairobi include the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Hell’s Gate National Park, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park, and the Ol Pejeta Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wrapping up

Regardless of where you travel next, you can trust that Grey has your back. With a Grey account, you can make seamless transactions anywhere you are, ensuring you can explore cities confidently and with peace of mind.

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