Dare to explore Africa
Top 7 Cities for Digital Nomads
Our close-knit community of 700 remote workers have spent a tonne of time exploring and working from Africa.
Here’s what we've discovered...
Africa has it all. Wildlife like nowhere else, thought-provoking history, and mind-blowing landscapes. It’s a melting pot of 54 countries filled with everything from vibrant cities to coastal escapes and savannas to soaring sand dunes. Seriously, we challenge you to get bored there.
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? But for many solo travellers, Africa can feel a bit daunting. It's often low on the wishlist for remote workers. But it shouldn’t be…
Over 8 years at WiFi Tribe, we’ve run over 200 coliving trips in 80+ global cities. And trust us, the new 'it' continent is more accessible than ever before for remote workers ready to bust out their laptops.
Looking for digital nomad advice? Stay updated with WiFi Tribe's community, online events, travel tips and nomad-friendly destinations.
Choosing the “right country” for you.
Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, start-up founder or an entrepreneur, adventures worthy of David Attenborough's narration are within reach.
Here are our top picks for African destinations where you can get s***t done whilst still making memories of a lifetime. The nomad-friendly tick boxes are checked:
✓ Expat or digital nomad communities
✓ Workable internet
✓ Easy access visas for most
✓ Great weather in the right season
✓ Well trotted by solo travellers
✓ Safe neighbourhoods to set up base
✓ Plenty of accessible adventures!
✓ Amenities to suit lifestyle
Cape Town
South Africa
Best time to visit: December - March
Best for: Lovers of sun, sea and scenery looking to balance thrill-seeking, routine & city life.
Tip: Find accommodation with backup or solo power for load-shedding periods.
Ranked as the world's second-best city (Timeout, 2024), Cape Town has been one of our nomad communities' most-loved destinations for over 5 years! There’s a buzzing, coastal cosmopolitan city vibe, legendary weekend adventures, and living a healthy lifestyle is a breeze.
You can settle into the rhythm of the city and a routine to feel like you’ve always lived there in a few short days. Those who seek out a true adventure and jaw-dropping natural beauty tend to find their happy place in Cape Town.
Next colive: Feb 13 - March 13. Learn more >
Kigali
Rwanda
Best time to visit: June - September
Best for: Nature enthusiasts and history buffs seeking a clean, safe, and inspiring city.
Tip: Join local initiatives/cultural tours to appreciate Rwanda’s rich history (the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a must-see).
Kigali, the progressive capital city in the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is not your typical digital nomad destination. It’s proudly one of the cleanest cities in the world. If you love nature and outdoorsy, off-the-beaten-path locations, this is a great pick.
There’s a thriving arts and café scene, friendly locals, scrumptious East African cuisine, and a deep sense of heritage. It’s a central hub for adventures like spotting the Big Five in Akagera National Park, and a gateway for treks with endangered mountain gorillas. Kigali also boasts solid internet speeds and coworks/wifi cafes to hang from (with some of the world's best coffee!).
Next colive: Aug 9 - Sep 6, 2024. Learn more >
Dahab
Egypt
Best time to visit: March - May, September - November
Best for: Adventurers, history lovers and divers looking for a laid-back, coastal town.
Tip: Join a diving school, PADI diving certifications are very affordable here.
Dahab is a fantastic base to explore the rest of Egypt. This sleepy seaside town on Egypt’s Red Sea coastline offers legendary underwater sites, otherworldly mountains and deserts to explore atop a camel's back or camping under the stars. And it’s a little artsy with a vibing backpacker scene (and lots of cats!).
In between the adrenaline rushes, slow down the Dahab way, sipping tea and soaking in the good vibrations or head to Mount Sinai, a magnet for mindfulness and serious tranquillity. Having it all - mountains, sea and desert, chances are you’ll see a new side of nature you haven't before.
Next colive: Nov 22 - Dec 20, 2024. Learn more >
Swakopmund
Namibia
Best time to visit: April - November
Best for: Adventure and nature lovers wanting a tranquil town surrounded by extreme beauty and endless outdoor activities.
Tip: Rent a 4x4 to explore the dunes and nearby national parks.
Few places can match the sheer beauty that resides in Namibia. The stunning mountains, sky-high dunes, diverse wildlife, and desolate deserts make this country the perfect starting place to explore Africa's extreme natural sites. Namibia's largest coastal town is a playground that never runs out of adventures.
Being super livable and affordable, it was an instant community fav. If you pick the right spot in Swakopmund, it’s walkable to get to everything you need and you can create a routine easily... then, hit outdoor adventures like the beautiful red dunes of Sossuvlei or a safari at Etosha National Park!
Next colive: Jan 10 - Feb 7. Learn more >
Marrakech
Morocco
Best time to visit: March - May, September - November
Best for: Culture enthusiasts and history lovers drawn to vibrant, ancient cities to be fully immersed in.
Tip: Stay in a riad (traditional Moroccan house with an enclosed courtyard) for an authentic Moroccan experience.
Morocco is one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in Africa. And Marrakech is one of it's most ancient and historic cities. There's a vibrant and colorful culture that awakens all the senses. Known as the “Red City,” it offers digital nomads a lot to see and do in terms of bustling markets, historic sites, and colorful streets.
The city has many coworking spaces, cafés, and hotels that offer Wi-Fi access. Our fav base is the Unesco-protected stunning Medina in the heart of Marrakesh. With its winding paths, traditional souks (markets) world-class museums, and some of the country’s most ancient hammams where you can enjoy steamy baths.
Mauritius
African Island
Best time to visit: May - December
Best for: Beach and water lovers seeking a luxurious yet affordable tropical lifestyle.
Tip: Hire a car to explore the island’s landscapes, beach hop and hit hikes across the island.
Mauritius feels like an island paradise from a movie scene. With its stunning beaches, lagoons, palms and sunny days, it’s a perfect destination for digital nomads seeking a tropical background for their Zoom meetings. The island has numerous coworking spaces and cafes, making it easy to stay productive.
And it’s a water lover’s dream with everything from kayaking and snorkelling to diving and kitesurfing. Get a group together to hire a catarman to chill on, swim in the crystal-clear waters and hike the waterfalls. And Port Louis is a must for insight into the real Mauritius (try out local street food at the Central Market).
Watamu
Kenya
Best time to visit: January - March, July - October
Best for: Seeker sof off-the-beaten path exploration, wanting chilled vibes, beach life and outdoor adventures.
Tip: Give back by joining a local conservation or volunteer project, there’s plenty on offer.
Watamu has a wonderfully slow-paced vibe. The laid-back coastal town features stunning beaches and blue seas, with plenty of water sports (some great diving spots!), wildlife, beach bars, and friendly locals. Plus, you can embark on Kenya safari trips to see ‘The Lion King’ played out in real life.
As a remote town, it has the feel of an undiscovered gem. And our WiFi Tribe community found making an impact there super rewarding, “we worked with local women's empowerment organization. We attended at least one event per week…Most others also participated in a beach cleanup, which was really nice.”
Next colive: Feb 14 - March 14, 2024. Learn more >
Tribe tips!
Advice from members
Preparing for power outages or internet issues is a must.
- Invest in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, or SIM card with plenty of data, and external battery packs to stay connected and powered up. (WiFi Tribe uses Starlink in places like Kenya and Namibia as back ups to our MiFi devices).
- Remember to ask about internet reliability and if backup power is available with your accommodation provider before booking.
- Check if there's Wi-Fi cafes or co-works close in case you need them!
Africa is often better when explored in a more unhurried, relaxed pace.
- Don't underestimate how much time you'll need. Give yourselves wiggle room to take the city in, get into a routine and balance your work and play (and wild weekend trips!).
- Some of the most unforgettable experiences arrive unexpectedly. Keep some flexibility with plans as you meet new people so you can try out new things. Who knows? A new hobby may await.
You never know how a place or the people there can impact you for life...
- Don’t be scared to ask the friendly locals or fellow travellers questions about their story, culture or even challenges (Google Translate is a big help if you need it!).
- Put energy into understanding basic phrases and customs to immerse yourself in local culture. And try out new things, like a local cooking class!
- Digital nomad life is about adapting. Stay curious, be brave and keep calm with a problem solving mindset if things don't go to plan - we've all been there!
- Nomad-specific insurance is available from providers like Genki and SafetyWing, covering you for extended travel all over Africa with flexible monthly plans.
- Research the country's health precautions like vaccinations and always check if your medications are available or allowed in.
- Tap into online resources or travel communities for the safety 'need to knows' in that specific city. And follow the local news during your trip to stay updated.
- Buy a local SIM card at the airport or any local shop as soon as you can. Or get an eSIM (digital SIM card like Airalo) installed and loaded well before you land.
Join our next digital event
Work, Live, Explore Africa: Advice from Digital Nomads who've been doing it for years!
SUNDAY, JULY 28TH
7.00pm - 8.00pm CEST / 12.00pm - 1.00pm (ET)
An insights-packed, no-fluff insider session where inspiring digital nomads spill their secrets on traveling and working across Africa. We’ve distilled our best community-sourced tips into this jam-packed session. It's free. It's live. It's sales pitch free - just pure value.
Featuring...
Weh'yee
Start-up Founder & Consultant
His travels have taken him to Morocco, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Rwanda, Kenya, and Senegal, where he now lives full-time in Dakar.
Julie
Human Rights Lawyer
She's represented refugees in Uganda and fought for human rights in South Africa - and STILL maintained the nomad lifestyle!
Register now to secure your free spot and get access to the on-demand recording.
Take on your 'Africa quest' with a community
You don’t have to go it alone. Travel communities like WiFi Tribe are an amazing way to meet new friends and grow your nomadic 'network' as a solo traveller. And who knows? You may end up exploring other continents with your new crew!
"I wanted to have a community while travelling... Arriving in a new country alone can be daunting, but within a couple of days it felt like I was in a group of friends. And by the end we felt more like family." - Member April.
WiFi Tribe brings remote workers together who share the same values and traits to ensure epic vibes, amazing conversations and bonds that can last for life (all our members go through a 4-stage interview process before being invited).
Connect with nomads who have been there, done that. Our Tribe has spent time in all African corners. Ask the community for tips or meet travel buddies to explore with. Sharing costs for adventures definitely helps the budget!
Being with driven biz owners, freelancers and professionals who take their work seriously pushes you to do the same. Our members get s*** done and still make the most of adventure time in between.
Does the Tribe sound like your vibe?
If this bunch of curious, bold, misfits sound like your type of people, we'd love to hear from you! You can learn about our 'Circle of Tribe Life ', apply to become a member or check out our travel calendar below.
- WIFI TRIBE HANNAH SIMBORO