Slow Travel in Africa: Best Countries for Nigerian Digital Nomads

This is Part 3 of our Slow Travel in Africa series. In Part 1, we covered the reality of remote work as a Digital Nomad in Africa. In Part 2, we explored regional differences. Now, let’s look at the best African countries for Nigerian digital nomads, ranked by how easy they are to access and settle into.

Africa is moving at wildly different paces when it comes to accommodating remote workers. Some countries have fully embraced it with co-working spaces on every corner, reliable internet, nomad visas, and thriving communities. Others are still catching up, but the infrastructure is there if you know where to look and how to navigate it. Not every country offers the same ease of access or quality of life, which is why understanding where to go matters.

So I thought I’d break it down for you, country by country, ranked by how easy or difficult it is for Nigerian digital nomads to actually base themselves there and work remotely.

This guide is for you if you’re considering a few months abroad or testing the waters with a shorter stint. It should give you a clearer picture of what’s realistic, what’s aspirational, and what’s somewhere in between.

The Easiest Countries for Nigerian Digital Nomads

These are the countries where Nigerians can land with minimal hassle, find reliable internet, and settle into a rhythm quickly. The infrastructure is solid, the nomad communities are active, and the visa processes won’t give you a headache.

Rwanda

Kigali has positioned itself as East Africa’s hub for digital nomads, and it’s working. The city is clean, safe, and incredibly walkable, which is rare for African cities. Co-working spaces like Norrsken House and Impact Hub are excellent, and the internet is reliable across most neighborhoods. 

There’s a growing expat and remote worker community, so you’ll find people who understand the lifestyle and can point you in the right direction. Nigerians get visa-on-arrival for 30 days, which is extendable, making it one of the easiest countries to land in and start working immediately. 

The cost of living is moderate, and the city just works in a way that many African capitals don’t. If you want structure, safety, and a city that feels like it was designed with productivity in mind, Kigali is your answer.

Kenya

Nairobi is East Africa’s tech capital, and the digital nomad scene here is already well-established. Co-working spaces like The Garage, iHub, and Nairobi Garage are popular with both locals and expats, and the internet is solid in most neighborhoods. 

The city also has a large expat community, which means you’ll find people who’ve done exactly what you’re trying to do and can offer advice. Nigerians can get an eVisa (ETA) for 90 days, and the cost of living varies depending on where you stay. 

Areas like Kilimani and Westlands are pricier, while neighborhoods like Ngong Road and South C are more affordable. Nairobi is lively, chaotic in the best way, and offers easy access to weekend getaways like Naivasha, Diani Beach, and the Maasai Mara. If you want a city with energy, solid infrastructure, and plenty of options for when you need a break from work, Nairobi delivers.

Moderately Easy Countries for Nigerian Digital Nomads

These destinations are absolutely viable for Nigerian digital nomads, but they require slightly more effort when planning. This could be in the form of navigating visa extensions, managing occasional internet hiccups, or being strategic about which neighborhoods you choose, you’ll need to do a bit more research upfront. But once you’re settled, they work beautifully.

Ghana

Accra has been a favorite relocation spot for Nigerians for years, and it works just as well for digital nomads. As an ECOWAS country, Ghana is visa-free for Nigerians for up to 90 days, making it one of the easiest destinations to access. 

The city has a growing tech and creative scene, with co-working spaces like Kofi Labs and iSpace, and neighborhoods like Osu and Cantonments have reliable internet. The vibe is similar to Lagos but with slightly better infrastructure in certain areas, and you’ll find familiar food, language, and cultural touchpoints that make the transition easier.

It’s close enough to feel like home but far enough to give you the mental shift that comes with being somewhere new. If you want proximity without the pressure of actually being in Nigeria, Accra is a strong choice.

Senegal

Dakar is West Africa’s cultural capital, and it’s quietly becoming a digital nomad favorite. The city has solid infrastructure, French colonial architecture, robust markets, and co-working spaces like Jokkolabs that cater to remote workers and entrepreneurs. The coastal location is a bonus as you’re never far from the ocean, and the creative energy here is palpable. 

Like Ghana, Senegal is visa-free for Nigerians for 90 days, and while the internet isn’t as fast as Kigali or Cape Town, it’s reliable enough for most remote work. Dakar is the city for nomads who want culture, creativity, and a slower, more grounded pace than the typical tech hub.

Tanzania

Zanzibar is for those of you who’ve been eyeing a slower, more intentional pace. Stone Town has decent internet, and beach towns like Paje and Nungwi are popular with remote workers who want to balance work with kite surfing and sunset dhow cruises. It’s not as fast-paced as Nairobi or Cape Town, but that’s exactly the appeal. 

Nigerians can easily apply for an eVisa for 90 days, and the cost of living is moderate. If you’re the kind of person who wants to work from paradise and doesn’t mind occasionally slower Wi-Fi in exchange for turquoise water and white sand, Zanzibar will work for you.

Challenging Countries for Nigerian Digital Nomads

These countries require more advance planning because they either have more complex visa applications, higher costs, or more logistical effort. But they offer exceptional quality of life for digital nomads who can make it work, and if you have the time and resources to navigate the requirements, they’re absolutely worth it.

South Africa

We’re currently on an exploratory trip to Cape Town and can see why it consistently ranks as one of the best cities in the world for remote workers. The internet here is blazing fast. Most Airbnbs come with fiber, and co-working spaces like Workshop17 and Inner City Ideas Cartel are world-class. 

There’s a massive community of digital nomads, which means you’re never far from a meetup, a co-working session, or someone who can recommend the best coffee shop with outlets and Wi-Fi. 

The city itself is stunning. Table Mountain looms over everything, the beaches are a short drive away, and the food and wine scene is exceptional. The cost of living is reasonable compared to European or American cities, though it’s higher than in most African destinations. 

The only real catch for Nigerians is that you need to apply for a visa in advance, and the process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the embassy. The multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days, and you can stay for 30 days at a stretch for each visit. Hectic, but the quality of life here makes the paperwork worth it. This is the city for nomads who want first-world infrastructure, a thriving creative scene, and proximity to nature without sacrificing comfort or connectivity.

Morocco

Marrakech has become a digital nomad hotspot in recent years, and for good reason. The cost of living is affordable, the riads are beautiful, the medinas are endlessly inspiring, and the internet is surprisingly good. 

The city is perfect for creatives and remote workers who want a backdrop that feels like stepping into another era. The challenge for Nigerians is that you need to apply for a visa in advance, and the process can take a few weeks. But once you’re in, you can stay for up to 90 days, and the experience of the winding streets, rooftop cafes, and incredible food makes the wait worthwhile. Marrakech is for nomads who want Old World charm, a lower cost of living, and a city that feels worlds away from the usual remote work hubs.

Mauritius 

Mauritius launched a Premium Visa specifically designed for digital nomads, and it’s one of the most beautiful places to set up your laptop. The infrastructure is excellent, the beaches are stunning, and there are tax benefits for long-term stays. 

The catch is that it’s expensive, and Nigerians need to meet specific income requirements, usually proof of at least $1,500 USD monthly income, and apply in advance. But if you qualify and you’re looking for island living with top-tier amenities, a one-year renewable visa, and a lifestyle that balances work with world-class relaxation, Mauritius is hard to beat.

Namibia

Windhoek is less talked about but incredibly underrated. The city is clean, the internet is reliable, and you’re within striking distance of some of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes featuring sand dunes, deserts, and wildlife. 

It’s quieter than other nomad hubs, which can be a pro or a con depending on what you’re looking for. Nigerians need to apply for a visa way ahead, and it is valid for 90 days. However, extending it requires paperwork and patience. If you’re the kind of person who wants peace, open space, and proximity to nature without sacrificing connectivity, Windhoek is worth considering.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

No matter which destination you choose, there are a few essentials that apply across the board. 

1. Test the internet before you commit to a long-term stay. Ask locals, check reviews, or join digital nomad Facebook groups to confirm speeds in specific neighborhoods.
2. Budget for visas and extensions, because some countries make it seamless while others require paperwork, fees, and follow-up. 
3. Join co-working spaces when you arrive, not just for the Wi-Fi but because that’s where you’ll meet other nomads, find community, and get the kind of local insights you won’t find in a travel guide. 
4. Always have a backup plan, because power outages, slow internet, and unexpected visa issues are part of the territory. Flexibility is your greatest asset as a digital nomad.

Ready to Make the Move?

If you’ve been eyeing Kigali for a few months or dreaming of Zanzibar for a while, we can help you plan it properly. Book a one-on-one consultation with us, and we’ll walk you through choosing the right destination, navigating visa requirements, finding accommodation, and building an itinerary that balances work with exploration.

Or, if you’d rather take the DIY route, grab our Digital Nomad in Africa eBook. It’s a comprehensive guide covering visa processes, cost breakdowns, co-working spaces, neighborhood recommendations, and insider tips for Nigerian remote workers across the continent.

Let’s make your digital nomad dreams a reality.