The Best eSIM for Africa in 2026: Why Sim Local Is My Go-To [discounts included]

Planning a trip through Africa and wondering if you really need an eSIM? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re heading out on an overland tour, travelling solo, or just looking to stay connected without paying a fortune in roaming fees, getting data sorted once you land can feel like one more thing on the to-do list.

On a recent overlanding trip through South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, I decided to test out Sim Local’s eSIM for Africa. I wasn’t sure how well it would perform, especially outside of major cities, but I was genuinely impressed, and now I’m convinced it’s the best eSIM for Africa.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what it’s like using this eSIM across multiple countries, what worked (and what didn’t), and give you an honest eSIM review of my experience with Sim Local.

If you’re after reliable, affordable connectivity without the roaming stress, this Sim Local is really worth considering, and if you’re looking for a Sim Local discount code, I’ve got you covered throughout this post!

_{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and is sponsored by Sim Local (but all views are my own). If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post, I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you.}

What Is an eSIM (And Why It’s Essential for Africa Travel?)

If you’re new to eSIMs, essentially, they’re digital SIM cards that let you connect to local networks without needing to physically swap anything out of your phone (which will be music to your ears if you’re anything like me and prone to losing almost everything).

Once you buy your eSIM plan online, you’ll get a QR code or manual setup instructions. Install it, activate it when you land, and you’re good to go.

For a multi-country trip through Africa, using an eSIM can save a lot of hassle. With just one plan, you can stay connected across several different countries (which is not only more convenient than switching physical SIMs, but also much simpler than downloading and setting up a new eSIM every time you cross a new border).

I’ve used many eSIMs before, but Sim Local’s Africa plan has genuinely been one of the best I’ve used in terms of affordability and coverage. 

I’ll get into the details further down this blog post, but long story short, it was super quick to set up, surprisingly reliable in more remote areas, and offered way more coverage than I expected for the price.

🤳Tip: If you decide to go with Sim Local, make sure to use the code INTHECLOUDS at checkout for 5% off.

7 Reasons Sim Local Is the Best eSIM for Africa

1. Multi-Country Coverage (30+ African Destinations)

Sim Local’s Africa eSIM isn’t just for one destination; it works across 30+ African countries, including popular spots like South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt.

Even in places where it technically wasn’t supposed to work (like Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which is a country not covered by this eSIM), I still picked up service, likely because we were near the Botswana border.

If you’re doing an overland trip or crossing multiple borders, it’s a great option that saves you from buying a new SIM every time you enter a new country.

🤳Planning to hop between countries? Grab the eSIM here and use INTHECLOUDS for 5% off.

 2. Installation Takes Under 5 Minutes

I installed mine in under 5 minutes before I even set off on my trip and activated it once I had landed in South Africa. All you need is Wi-Fi to get started, and you can install the eSIM before you fly.

It’s also good to know that there is no ID registration and no physical SIM delivery required. All you need to do is scan the QR code or enter the manual pin, and you’re ready to go.

3. Works in Surprisingly Remote Locations

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most remote areas you can visit in Southern Africa, which is known for its wildlife and isolated camps that are often only accessible by small plane or 4×4. 

Mobile coverage isn’t exactly guaranteed, and most people (including myself) expect to be completely offline while they’re there.

Before our trip, we were told we wouldn’t have any signal at all, but with the Sim Local eSIM, I still managed to pick up reception in a few spots.

It wasn’t consistent, and some areas had no coverage at all (which is to be expected), but I was able to send a few messages and even share some photos with my boyfriend of an incredible Lion sighting that I’d had. 

For a location that remote, I didn’t expect any coverage, so the fact that I had some signal at all was a welcome surprise.

4. Most Affordable Africa eSIM ($1.75/GB)

At $35 for 20GB over 30 days, Sim Local’s Africa eSIM is one of the cheapest I’ve used.

That includes calls and texts, not just data, which is a nice bonus if you need to call local tour operators or accommodation, and it is definitely a feature I’ve not seen with other eSIM companies. 

When comparing Sim Local to the other eSIM companies I’ve used in the past, many either charge more or offer less data for the same price. If you’re on a budget but still want decent connectivity, Sim Local is one of the best options to consider. 

5. Includes Local Phone Number (Calls + SMS)

Unlike data-only eSIMs, Sim Local also gives you a local phone number (French-based, but it works just fine).

I actually didn’t need to use this feature, but I imagine it can come in handy if you need to call local businesses or make a quick phone call home. 

6. Perfect for Overland Trips & Long Travel Days

Overland Africa trips often mean 7–10-hour bus rides between countries or national parks. 

As a content creator (as well as a blogger), having this connection meant I could catch up on editing content in CapCut (which requires an internet connection) as well as other things like downloading podcasts to pass the time.

Plus, Sim Local includes hotspot and tethering at no extra cost, which meant I could easily share my data with my laptop when I needed to do non-phone tasks (like writing for my blog). 

 7. No Hidden Fees or Roaming Charges

With Sim Local, everything’s prepaid and upfront, and there are no surprise bills. If you need more data, you can top up or switch plans easily through their app or website. 

What I also love is that you’ll be notified when you’re running low on data, so you know exactly when you might need to top up, so you don’t get caught out of data. 

🌎If you’re heading to Africa soon, grab your eSIM from Sim Local eSIM here and use INTHECLOUDS for 5% off.

Where It Doesn’t Work (And What to Expect)

While Sim Local’s eSIM covered more ground than I expected, there are still a few limitations worth knowing before you rely on it completely.

Remote or Rural Areas

In places with no infrastructure, no SIM is going to magically create a signal. There were long stretches, especially in national parks or long drives between destinations, where coverage dropped out entirely. That wasn’t specific to Sim Local because this is just part of travelling in remote parts of Africa.

Zimbabwe (Sort Of)

Officially, Zimbabwe isn’t included in the list of supported countries. That said, I still managed to get a signal in Victoria Falls, likely because it’s so close to the Botswana border. Don’t bank on full coverage across the country, but in major border towns, you might still be able to connect.

Not Great for Ultra-Short Trips

If you’re only visiting one country for a few days, this eSIM might be more than you need. There are smaller country-specific eSIMs that could work out slightly cheaper, which you can take a look at here. 

🤳NOTE: If it turns out the eSIM doesn’t work for you (or you no longer need it), Sim Local offers a no-questions-asked 100% refund, which means there is zero risk in giving it a try (a dream!!).

FAQs: Sim Local Africa eSIM

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re travelling through multiple countries in Africa and want a reliable, affordable way to stay connected, Sim Local’s Africa eSIM is well worth considering.

It was easy to install, worked in more places than I expected, including some surprisingly remote spots, and offered great value for money.

If you’re heading to Africa and want an easy, reliable data plan, I’d definitely recommend Sim Local. 

🤳Grab your Sim Local eSIM here and use INTHECLOUDS for 5% off.