HelloRoam offers prepaid eSIM data plans for Africa from £11.92 a day. Your e SIM connects to local 4G/5G networks the moment you land. Activate by QR code in under two minutes, with no shop visit required. Keep your EE, Vodafone, or Three number live on dual SIM while your e-sim handles data abroad.
- Mobile networks
212+- 5G support
4G LTE with expanding 5G in major cities- Setup
under two minutes
Last updated
eSIM in Africa with local network coverage
Cheap eSIM for Africa, starting from £11.92. Local 4G/5G data on top carrier networks in Africa. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. The eSIMs Africa from HelloRoam starts at £11.92 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Getting an eSIM in Africa means your data is active before you board, with no airport desk to queue at on arrival. No physical SIM needed and a 180-day money-back guarantee covers unactivated eSIMs.
Africa eSIM with fast 4G LTE with expanding 5G in major cities coverage
HelloRoam Africa eSIM keeps British travellers connected across African countries without buying a new SIM at each border. Plans start at £0.97 per day and connect to local 4G networks.
- Plans start at £11.92 with 4G LTE with expanding 5G in major cities speeds
- Coverage from local networks
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Africa coverage across major cities
- Network
- 4G LTE with expanding 5G in major cities
- Plans From
- £11.92
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Africa
Follow these steps to get your eSIM sorted on iPhone or Android before your holiday. Works for any eSIM for international travel, no replacement SIM, no shop visit.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone for travel from the UK
Set up an eSIM on your Android for travel from the UK
- 1
Choose your plan and checkout online
Choose a data plan for your destination and complete your purchase in GBP.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
- 3
Activate in minutes: ready on arrival
Your eSIM installs instantly and activates when you land.
4Manage it all from our mobile app
Track usage, top up data, and manage all your eSIMs in one place.
Holiday changed? Not to worry, your money is safe.
Plans change. With HelloRoam, you can request a full refund on any unused eSIM plan within 180 days of purchase. No questions asked if the eSIM has not been activated.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Africa eSIM vs EE, Vodafone and Three roaming
When comparing eSIM vs a travel SIM card for Africa, HelloRoam wins on price. EE charges £6/day on their Roam Abroad Pass, Vodafone charges £6.85/day on Xtra roaming, and Three Go Roam applies fair-use data caps. Skip the airport SIM kiosk and get the cheapest eSIM deal from £11.92 with instant QR activation.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | UK carrier roaming add-on | Budget eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy |  Feature available |  Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Round-the-clock live chat | Feature available |  Feature available | Feature available |
| £0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Automatic data-usage alerts | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Premium Africa carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Why UK Travellers Pick HelloRoam e-sim for Africa
Round-the-clock live chat support
HelloRoam support is available 24/7 via live chat, WhatsApp, and email. A real person responds in under five minutes, whether you are setting up before a Heathrow flight or troubleshooting on holiday. That kind of round-the-clock access to mobile data help is hard to find from any other travel eSIM provider.
Best eSIM for Africa
Connect to local 4G/5G networks on local carriers the moment you land in Africa. Buy your plan, scan the QR code, and get online without paying EE, Vodafone, or Three roaming fees. A prepaid data package for your destination costs a fraction of standard carrier daily charges.
Dual SIM ready
Keep your UK mobile number active for calls and texts on your main SIM. HelloRoam runs travel data on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM compatible phone. No need to choose between your EE or Vodafone line and your holiday data. Your wireless connectivity abroad stays separate from your home plan, so there are no bill surprises when you return.
212+ carrier networks including Africa
HelloRoam eSIM connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone picks the strongest 4G/5G signal in Africa with no manual carrier selection needed. That breadth of network access means consistent cellular coverage whether you are in a city centre or a quieter coastal area.
Data alerts before you run out
HelloRoam sends an alert when you reach 80% of your data allowance. Top up from your account dashboard in seconds. A pay as you go eSIM with no contracts and no surprise bills on holiday. Managing your internet abroad this way keeps costs clear and predictable from start to finish.
Local network speeds in Africa
HelloRoam eSIM connects to local 4G/5G networks in Africa at local data prices. You get fast speeds for navigation, video calls, and streaming without paying EE or Vodafone daily roaming rates. Local network speeds through a travel eSIM are the same as what residents get, giving you a reliable connection throughout your trip.
Global and regional plans
Visiting more than one country? HelloRoam regional eSIMs cover the EU, Asia, the Americas, and 185+ destinations in a single purchase. Unlimited data plans work for longer holidays. One QR code, no border hassle. A single regional plan gives you mobile data and wireless connectivity across multiple countries without ever swapping a physical SIM card.
Hotspot and data sharing in Africa
Share your Africa eSIM data with a laptop or tablet using your phone's mobile hotspot. No extra charges and no separate setup needed. Works on all eSIM compatible phones with data sharing enabled. It is a practical way to keep a travel companion or work device running on the same prepaid data package at no added cost.
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Africa
HelloRoam eSIM reviews from UK travellers highlight the 180-day refund policy, no activation fees, and round-the-clock live support. See how HelloRoam compares to Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers for your Africa holiday.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180-day refund policy | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature available |
| £0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Automatic data-usage alerts | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Premium Africa carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature available |
What Is an e SIM? How eSIM Works in Africa
An eSIM card is a digital SIM built into your phone. There is no plastic chip and no SIM tray to open. Scan a QR code to activate your e SIM in under two minutes on any eSIM compatible iPhone or Android. It works as a prepaid international data plan for Africa travel with no airport SIM shop queue, no replacement SIM card, and no carrier contract. Mobile data through an eSIM connects to local in-country networks, giving you the same wireless connectivity as a resident rather than a roaming tourist. Follow the step-by-step setup guide to get connected before your flight from Heathrow, Gatwick, or any UK airport. guide
eSIM coverage guide for Africa travel from the UK
Africa is a continent of enormous contrasts in mobile connectivity. Major East African capitals, North African cities, and South Africa's urban centres have strong 4G LTE networks that rival many cities in Europe.
Remote national parks, desert regions, and rural areas across sub-Saharan Africa often have no signal at all.
A HelloRoam Africa regional eSIM lets you stay connected in covered areas without the hassle of buying a SIM at each border crossing.
When you cross from Kenya into Tanzania, from Morocco into Algeria, or from South Africa into Botswana, your phone automatically connects to the strongest local carrier available.
North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria) has solid 4G in cities. Morocco's Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, and the coast are well-covered. Egypt's Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh have reliable 4G and are popular with British holiday makers.
East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda) is a fast-growing mobile market. Kenya's Safaricom leads with strong 4G and a growing 5G rollout in Nairobi. Rwanda has achieved near-universal 4G coverage as a national priority. Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti areas have limited signal.
Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia) is served by Vodacom and MTN. Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban have solid 4G. The Kruger National Park has coverage at reception areas but not across the bush.
West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal) has rapidly improving urban networks. MTN and Airtel are the dominant regional operators.
- Coverage varies from strong 4G in capitals to no signal in national parks
- East Africa has some of Africa's fastest-growing mobile markets
- South Africa leads in 4G infrastructure for Southern Africa
- Morocco and Egypt are popular British destinations with strong urban 4G
- Safari areas often have no coverage away from lodges and gates
- Always download offline maps before entering game reserves
- GSMA Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2025;
- HelloRoam Partner Network Data 2025
eSIM Travel Tips for Africa
Download offline maps before game reserves
African national parks including the Serengeti, Kruger, Masai Mara, Etosha, and Okavango Delta have no mobile coverage away from main gates and lodge areas. Download offline maps for Google Maps or Maps.me before you enter any national park. GPS in your phone works without signal, so offline maps will show your location on safari drives.
East Africa's safari corridor is patchy
The Kenyan-Tanzanian safari corridor has strong urban coverage in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Dar es Salaam. However, the Masai Mara and Serengeti national parks themselves have limited coverage away from main camps. Zanzibar's main resorts are covered but remote parts of the island are weaker.
Morocco's medinas have good coverage
Morocco's old medinas in Marrakech, Fez, and Meknes have good mobile coverage despite the narrow alleyways. Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and Inwi cover the main tourist areas well. The Atlas Mountain roads and rural Saharan areas near Merzouga have gaps. Download offline navigation for mountain passes and desert tracks.
South Africa's load shedding affects towers
South Africa's scheduled power cuts (load shedding) can briefly affect mobile towers in some areas. Most towers have battery backup and outages are usually short. Vodacom and MTN remain reliable for most of the day across major urban areas.
Check FCDO travel advice before visiting
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) publishes travel advisories for all African countries. Check FCDO advice before any African trip, particularly for countries in West and Central Africa. FCDO advice may also flag areas where network coverage is affected by political instability.
Emergency numbers vary widely across Africa
Emergency numbers across Africa are not uniform. South Africa uses 10111 (police) and 10177 (ambulance). Kenya uses 999 or 112. Egypt uses 122 (police) and 123 (ambulance). Morocco uses 190 (police) and 150 (ambulance). Research and save the correct emergency numbers for every country on your itinerary.
Budget extra data for navigation in African cities
African cities like Lagos, Cairo, Nairobi, and Johannesburg have heavy traffic and complex road layouts. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are essential for getting around. Budget 200MB to 400MB per day for navigation alone in complex city driving. Keep your HelloRoam eSIM active before leaving the airport or hotel.
Network coverage across Africa: what British travellers need to know
Africa's mobile network market is dominated by a few large pan-continental groups and several strong national operators.
MTN Group and Airtel Africa are the two dominant pan-continental operators, covering 19+ and 14+ countries respectively. MTN has been actively rolling out 5G in South Africa, Nigeria, and select other markets.
Vodacom leads in South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the DRC. Safaricom dominates Kenya and is expanding. Orange covers 18 countries in North and West Africa.
North Africa has the best overall infrastructure. Egypt's Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat maintain strong urban 4G. Morocco's Maroc Telecom reaches even small towns along main highways.
East Africa is the most dynamic mobile market on the continent. Kenya's Safaricom has launched 5G in Nairobi. Rwanda achieved near-universal 4G through government-led investment.
Southern Africa
Southern Africa's Vodacom and MTN have 5G in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Namibia's MTC covers the coast and main towns but vast desert areas have no coverage.
West Africa
West Africa's Nigeria is Africa's largest mobile market. MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Glo cover major cities well. Rural Nigeria and border regions are less consistent.
- MTN Group
- Airtel Africa
- Vodacom
- Orange Africa
- Safaricom
HelloRoam Africa eSIM vs UK carrier charges for British travellers
For multi-country African itineraries like the East African safari circuit or a North Africa coastal trip, a regional eSIM saves time at every border crossing.
| Category | HelloRoam Regional Africa eSIM Recommended | Individual country SIM cards | UK carrier international roaming (EE, Three, Vodafone UK, O2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | — | — | — |
| Details | One plan covers multiple countries. Buy before departure from the UK. Automatic carrier switching. No queuing at border markets to buy local SIM cards. Consistent data access at every country entry point. | You need a new SIM at each country border. Registration requirements vary by country and can be lengthy. Currency exchange needed at each border for local SIM top-up. Losing your number each time is inconvenient. | UK carriers charge daily fees for African data. A 14-day trip across Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa costs significant daily fees. Most plans throttle to 2G after a small daily data cap. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best times for African travel data
Africa's peak safari seasons are the dry seasons when wildlife concentrations are highest. East Africa's long dry season (June to October) is the best time for Masai Mara and Serengeti migration viewing. Southern Africa's dry season (May to October) is peak Kruger and Botswana safari time.
North Africa travel to Morocco and Egypt peaks from October to April when temperatures are comfortable. Summer heat in Egypt (June to August) reaches extreme levels in desert areas.
Network demand increases in popular tourist areas during peak seasons, particularly around safari lodge Wi-Fi. Your HelloRoam eSIM data provides a reliable backup when lodge Wi-Fi is shared among many guests.
Explore Countries in Africa
Morocco
From $4
HelloRoam gives you mobile data in Morocco, covering Marrakesh and Casablanca. No SIM swap needed on arrival.
Orange Morocco 5G covers Marrakech and Casablanca. Activate before landing.
Egypt
From $4
Stay connected in Egypt with HelloRoam eSIM data covering Cairo, Alexandria, and tourist areas.
Orange Egypt 5G covers Cairo. Activate at Cairo Airport to skip SIM card lines on arrival.
Botswana
From $8
HelloRoam provides eSIM data for Botswana, keeping you online in Gaborone and safari areas.
Orange 4G covers Gaborone and main roads. Coverage is sparse in the Kalahari. Download maps.
Burkina Faso
From $8
HelloRoam offers eSIM data in Burkina Faso covering Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.
Orange 4G covers Ouagadougou. Coverage drops significantly north toward the Sahel border.
Central African Republic
From $7
HelloRoam offers eSIM data for the Central African Republic, covering Bangui and nearby areas.
Orange 3G covers Bangui. Coverage is limited across the Central African Republic.
Chad
From $6
Stay connected in Chad with HelloRoam eSIM data covering N'Djamena and major towns.
Airtel 4G covers N'Djamena. Coverage thins outside the capital. Plan offline maps before travel.
Côte d’Ivoire
From $9
HelloRoam gives you data in Ivory Coast covering Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, and major cities.
Orange 4G covers Abidjan and main cities. Coverage thins in the western rainforest regions.
DR Congo
From $6
Get HelloRoam eSIM data for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, covering Kinshasa.
Vodacom 5G covers Kinshasa. Coverage is very limited outside urban centers. Cache offline maps.
Eswatini
From $15
HelloRoam gives you eSIM data in Eswatini, covering Mbabane, Manzini, and nature reserves.
Swazi MTN covers Mbabane on 4G. Coverage follows main roads. Activate before landing.
Gabon
From $6
Get HelloRoam eSIM data in Gabon covering Libreville, Port-Gentil, and surrounding areas.
Airtel 4G covers Libreville and Port-Gentil. Coverage drops in Gabon's national parks.
Ghana
From $3
Get HelloRoam data in Ghana covering Accra, Kumasi, and other major cities across the country.
AirtelTigo 3G covers Accra and Kumasi. Signal is limited in northern regions. Activate at ACC.
Guinea-Bissau
From $7
Get HelloRoam eSIM data for Guinea-Bissau covering Bissau and key areas across the country.
Orange 4G covers Bissau. Coverage is thin outside the capital. Bijagos Islands have no signal.
Kenya
From $3
HelloRoam provides eSIM data in Kenya for Nairobi, Mombasa, and safari regions. Get connected fast.
Airtel and yu run 5G in Nairobi and Mombasa. Maasai Mara safari areas have patchy signal.
Liberia
From $7
Get HelloRoam data in Liberia covering Monrovia and nearby areas. Connect without a SIM card.
Lonestar Cell MTN 4G covers Monrovia. Coverage is limited outside the capital. Download maps.
Madagascar
From $9
HelloRoam offers eSIM data for Madagascar, keeping you connected in Antananarivo and beyond.
Airtel 4G covers Antananarivo and coastal cities. Madagascar's highland interior is sparse.
Malawi
From $6
Get HelloRoam data in Malawi for Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Lake Malawi. No SIM swap needed.
Airtel 4G covers Lilongwe and Blantyre. Coverage is limited along Lake Malawi shores.
Mali
From $7
HelloRoam gives you mobile data in Mali covering Bamako and Sikasso. Get online on arrival.
Orange 5G covers Bamako. Coverage drops rapidly toward the Sahara. Download maps before travel.
Niger
From $6
HelloRoam provides eSIM data in Niger, keeping you online in Niamey and surrounding areas.
Airtel 4G covers Niamey. Coverage is limited outside the capital. Download maps for desert travel.
Nigeria
From $5
Get HelloRoam data in Nigeria covering Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. No SIM swap needed.
Glo 4G covers Lagos and Abuja. Signal can be congested in Lagos during peak hours.
Congo
From $7
HelloRoam offers eSIM data for the Republic of the Congo, covering Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
Airtel 4G covers Brazzaville. Coverage is limited outside the capital and main river routes.
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Reviews
HelloRoam eSIM Reviews from UK Travellers
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
Common Questions About Africa eSIM
What is an Africa SIM card that covers multiple countries on one plan for British travellers?
The cheapest eSIM for Africa from HelloRoam starts at £11.92 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Activate by QR before boarding from Heathrow and arrive at any continental airport already online. A 180-day refund guarantee on unactivated eSIMs backs every plan.
Which SIM card for Africa handles border crossings without swapping on an overland trip?
A travel eSIM Africa from HelloRoam gives you one eSIM Africa plan that covers overland routes and border crossings on Local network provider 4G/5G networks from £11.92. One QR code, no card swaps, sorted before you leave Heathrow.
Which African countries does a multi-country Africa eSIM plan cover from HelloRoam?
A HelloRoam Africa SIM card plan covers the main tourist and business destinations across Sub-Saharan, East, and North Africa on Local network provider 4G/5G networks from £11.92. Exact country coverage varies by plan tier. Check the HelloRoam plan selector before purchase to confirm which African nations your chosen plan includes.
Can I use one Africa eSIM across Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda on a single safari trip?
A HelloRoam SIM card for Africa plan on Local network provider 4G/5G networks covers multiple East African destinations from £11.92 on qualifying regional plans. One QR code handles border crossings between Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda without a SIM swap. Activate at home before your Heathrow flight and arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport already connected.
Does an Africa eSIM work on safari in Kenya?
Kenya is covered by HelloRoam Africa plans. Nairobi, Mombasa, and main cities connect to Safaricom's 4G network. Inside the Masai Mara National Reserve, coverage is very limited away from main camp areas. Download offline maps for Google Maps or Maps.me before entering any game reserve.
Does an Africa eSIM work in South Africa?
South Africa is covered by HelloRoam Africa plans. Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria connect to Vodacom and MTN 4G networks. The Kruger National Park has coverage at reception areas but limited coverage in the bush. Download offline maps before self-driving through game reserves.
Does an Africa eSIM work in Morocco?
Morocco is covered by HelloRoam Africa plans. Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, Rabat, and Agadir connect to Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and Inwi networks. The Atlas Mountains and Saharan desert areas near Merzouga have limited coverage. Download offline navigation for mountain and desert routes.
Does an Africa eSIM work in Egypt?
Egypt is covered by HelloRoam Africa plans. Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El Sheikh connect to Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and Etisalat Egypt networks. The deep Sinai Peninsula interior and Western Desert areas away from main roads have limited signal.
Does an Africa eSIM work in Tanzania?
Tanzania is covered by HelloRoam Africa plans. Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar Town, Arusha, and Moshi connect to Vodacom Tanzania and Airtel Tanzania. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater have very limited coverage inside park boundaries. Zanzibar's main resorts are covered but remote beaches may be weaker.
Does an Africa eSIM work in Rwanda?
Rwanda is covered by HelloRoam Africa plans. Rwanda has achieved near-universal 4G coverage nationally. Kigali has strong 4G and growing 5G. Even remote areas near Volcanoes National Park gorilla tracking areas have reasonable signal. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Africa eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from £11.92. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
