Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
After the wedding spending, many couples want a honeymoon but have little money left. The good news is that a memorable trip does not need a five-star resort or a long-haul flight. For Nigerian couples, the smartest budget honeymoons often combine two things: a destination where entry is easy for a Nigerian passport, and a trip length that matches your pocket.
This guide covers destinations that are realistic on a budget, what they cost, which ones are easier on visas, and how to plan and split your money.
A note on numbers: prices below come from published travel estimates and change with fares, seasons and the exchange rate. Treat them as a starting point and get live quotes before you book.
How much does a budget honeymoon cost?
A June 2026 guide from Love Weddings NG estimated total costs for two people, with flights from Lagos included:
- Ghana (5 days): about 500 to 700 US dollars (roughly N765,000 to N1.07 million), with return flights around 80 to 150 dollars per person.
- Senegal (5 days): about 550 to 800 dollars (roughly N842,000 to N1.22 million), flights around 150 to 250 dollars per person.
- Morocco (10 days): about 1,500 to 2,500 dollars.
- Turkey (10 days): about 1,800 to 2,800 dollars.
- South Africa (10 days): about 1,800 to 3,000 dollars.
- Portugal (10 days): about 2,000 to 3,200 dollars.
The pattern is clear: nearby West African destinations cost a fraction of long-haul trips. The naira figures use the guide’s own approximate exchange rate, so they will shift.
Easier entry: visa-free and visa-on-arrival options
Visa fees, appointments and refusals can wreck a honeymoon budget. According to the July 2026 Henley Passport Index (reported by AllAfrica), the Nigerian passport gives access to 44 destinations visa-free, on arrival or by e-visa. Ones that stand out for couples include Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Senegal, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Barbados, Fiji, the Maldives (visa on arrival) and Madagascar (visa on arrival).
Not every destination on that list is cheap (Maldives, Seychelles and Barbados are expensive for flights and stays), and some destinations popular with couples, such as Turkey, Morocco, South Africa and Portugal, were not on the July 2026 list, so budget for visa fees and processing time there. Visa rules change often, so always confirm with the destination’s official immigration site or embassy.
Seven honeymoon ideas by budget
1. Ghana: the closest budget option
Accra and the coast are only a short flight from Lagos, and Nigerians can enter without a visa. A March 2025 Zikoko round-up quoted return economy fares from Lagos at about N477,885 in that snapshot, and it also noted that you can travel from Lagos to Ghana by road for roughly N46,000 to N58,000 one way. Fares and road conditions vary, so check before you go.
2. Senegal: beaches and city life
Dakar and the coastline offer beaches, food and nightlife at a modest total cost. Love Weddings NG puts a five-day trip at about 550 to 800 dollars for two.
3. Rwanda and Kenya: nature on a mid budget
Both are on the visa-friendly list. Costs rise if you add safaris or gorilla trekking, so plan carefully. Zikoko’s March 2025 snapshot put return flights to Rwanda at roughly N896,000 with stopovers up to about N1.19 million direct.
4. Cape Verde and The Gambia: island and coast without a visa
Both are visa-friendly. Flights are higher than to Ghana, so they suit couples with more flexibility on budget.
5. Mauritius and Seychelles: splurge destinations
Entry is easy, but flights and hotels are costly. These are better if you have a bigger budget or are willing to save up for a longer-term honeymoon.
6. Morocco, Turkey and South Africa: mid-range with extra paperwork
Love Weddings NG estimates 1,500 to 3,000 dollars for 10 days, but plan for visas. Turkey is cheaper in spring and autumn when crowds are smaller.
7. A staycation in Nigeria
A few nights at a beach resort, hill getaway or quiet hotel in another Nigerian city can cost a fraction of a foreign trip and avoids visas and flights. Check the security situation and travel advice for your chosen location before booking.
How to split your honeymoon budget
As a rule of thumb, here is a starting split. It is not a standard, so adjust to your plans.
- Flights: 35 percent. Usually the biggest cost, so book early and compare routes.
- Stay: 30 percent. Guesthouses and apartments with kitchens usually beat hotels.
- Food: 15 percent. Mix local restaurants with a few meals you cook.
- Activities: 10 percent. Pick one or two experiences that matter most.
- Buffer: 10 percent. For delays, fees and surprises.
Ten ways to save
- Fix your budget first, then choose a destination to fit it.
- Travel off-peak, avoiding December and school holidays.
- Be flexible with dates and compare nearby departure airports.
- Book flights and stays early, and check cancellation terms.
- Choose shorter trips. Five good days beat ten stressful ones.
- Use apartments, guesthouses or small boutique hotels.
- Eat where locals eat.
- Look for free or low-cost activities: beaches, markets, walking tours.
- Ask for wedding gifts to be put towards the honeymoon fund if friends and family want to help.
- Do not borrow for a honeymoon. If you must delay, delay.
Checklist before you go
- Passport valid for at least six months from your travel date, with blank pages.
- Visa or travel authorisation if required, and printed proof of accommodation and return tickets.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate where required, and any other health entry rules.
- Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellations.
- Foreign currency or a card that works abroad, plus some cash.
- Copies of documents saved on your phone and with a family member.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest honeymoon destination for Nigerians?
Ghana is usually the cheapest of the international options: it is close, visa-free and flights are comparatively low. A staycation in Nigeria can cost even less.
Do I need a visa for these destinations?
It depends on the country and changes often. The July 2026 Henley index lists 44 visa-free, on-arrival or e-visa destinations for Nigerians, including Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya and Senegal. Always check the official immigration website.
How much should we budget for a honeymoon?
Short West African trips are estimated at around 500 to 800 dollars for two, while 10-day trips to Europe or Asia run 1,800 to 3,200 dollars or more. Your flights and season will move these numbers.
When should we go?
Off-peak dates are cheaper. You can also take a mini-moon now and a longer trip later when you have saved more.
Is it okay to delay the honeymoon?
Yes. Many couples take a short trip after the wedding and a bigger one on their first anniversary.
Prices and visa rules change. Confirm all details with official sources and live quotes before booking.
