Travelling on budget: Monasteries that could accommodate you in Africa

Monasteries in Africa often provide budget accommodation for travelers seeking a tranquil and spiritual experience. While I can’t provide an exhaustive list, here are 15 monasteries across the continent that may offer lodging to travelers at a reasonable price:

1. St. Augustine’s Monastery, Madagascar: Located near Antananarivo, this Benedictine monastery offers simple accommodations and welcomes visitors interested in meditation and spirituality.

2. Esna Monastery, Egypt: Situated near the Temple of Khnum in Esna, this Coptic Christian monastery occasionally hosts travelers, allowing them to experience a peaceful retreat.

3. Taizé Community, South Africa: Although not a traditional monastery, the Taizé Community in South Africa provides a contemplative environment for spiritual retreats and welcomes guests.

4. Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, South Africa: This unique destination in the Eastern Cape offers visitors the opportunity to stay in thatched-roofed huts run by the local monastery.

5. Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns, Algeria: Located in the Atlas Mountains, this monastery offers an opportunity for silent retreats and welcomes guests interested in meditation and reflection.

6. The Monastery of St. Macarius the Great, Egypt: Located in the Wadi Natrun desert, this Coptic Christian monastery is one of the oldest in the world and may accommodate travelers.

7. Skellig Michael, Ireland (off the coast of Africa): While not in mainland Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has an ancient Christian monastery that once housed monks and offers limited accommodations.

8. Tibebu Birhan St. Kidane Mehret Monastery, Ethiopia: Found on the shores of Lake Tana, this Ethiopian Orthodox Christian monastery may host guests interested in its rich history.

9. Keur Moussa Abbey, Senegal: This Benedictine monastery welcomes guests and provides a peaceful setting for meditation and spiritual reflection.

10. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, South Africa: While not a monastery, there’s a unique spiritual retreat in the reserve called “Kaditshwene,” which offers accommodations in rustic stone cottages.

11. St. Catherine’s Monastery, Egypt: Situated at the base of Mount Sinai, this is one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world, and it sometimes offers lodging to travelers.

12. Monastery of St. George, Ethiopia: Found on Lake Tana, this Ethiopian Orthodox Christian monastery may provide accommodations to visitors interested in its religious and historical significance.

13. Zomba Plateau, Malawi: While not a monastery, the Zomba Plateau has the famous Kuchawe Inn, which offers accommodations in a serene, mountainous setting.

14. Our Lady of Peace Monastery, Kenya: Located in the tea-growing region of Limuru, this Cistercian monastery occasionally hosts guests seeking a retreat.

15. The Monastery of San Anselmo, South Africa: Situated in Pretoria, this Benedictine monastery offers accommodations to those seeking a monastic experience in an urban setting.

Please note that the availability of accommodations in these monasteries may vary, and it’s advisable to contact them in advance to inquire about their policies, availability, and any specific requirements they may have for guests.

Additionally, some of these monasteries may have specific guidelines or expectations for visitors seeking a spiritual experience.