The Retirement Haven No One’s Talking About

Africa has long been overlooked by expats chasing the European dream. But in 2026, I’m predicting that’s going to change.

When I joined International Living some years ago, I wasn’t asked to write much about Africa, even though I’ve lived on the continent for most of my life.

That changed towards the end of 2025. The IL brain trust asked me to think about ways I could introduce Africa to our audience in a way that dovetails with our long-term focus on practical options for people looking to diversify outside North America.

I’m going to implement that focus in 2026… you’ll be hearing a lot more about it! Here are topics to consider, which I’ll be exploring in more detail.

1. The World’s Greatest Hidden Retirement Destination.

Cape Town, my home, routinely ranks in “Top XX” lists of various kinds. Last year, it was ranked the #1 Food City on the planet. Given its low cost of living and extraordinary natural beauty and mountain + beach attractions, it’s a wonder more people don’t think to retire here.

Part of the problem is that my country hasn’t done a good job of advertising the opportunity. South Africa has two options: a Retired Person Visa and a Financially Independent Permanent Residence Permit.

If you can show about $2000 in stable monthly passive income, you can live Here for as long as you like. It’s one of the few passive income visas that doesn’t require that income come from a formal pension. It’s valid for two to four years and is indefinitely renewable.

For those who can show a net worth of around $630,000, paying a one-time fee of $6,500 will get you permanent residency in South Africa. With that, you’re free to live and even work locally. It doesn’t require any specific monthly income. After five years, you can apply for citizenship, at least under current rules.

I’ll be writing about this opportunity in IL Magazine soon, so I’ll save the details for that.

• The World’s Cheapest Passport.

Starting in 2026, the peaceful and prosperous nation of Botswana, on our northern border, will be offering citizenship and a passport for as little as $75,000. That will make it far and away the least expensive second passport on the planet. I’ve written an extensive article about this opportunity for our January IL magazine, so make sure to read that.

• Safaris that Get You out of the Land Rover.

Many people think of safaris as road trips with a game warden as driver. But there are plenty of other ways to experience the African veld and forest.

Photographic safaris have migrated from an extension of the traditional Land Rover on the dirt track approach to luxurious hides built next to water holes and other places animals gather. Instead of snapping pictures from a crowded truck, you can compose glorious photos of animals in their natural environment, almost completely unaware of your presence.

The southern African tradition of the “bosbraai” (bush cookout) has inspired some tour operators to create dining opportunities in the African bush. Whether your tastes run to a well-prepared picnic or white-cloth fine dining, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of Africa from an unusual perspective.

An acquaintance of mine has been hosting walking safaris in Zimbabwe for decades. Eschewing the vehicle, these safaris introduce you to the spoor-tracking skills accumulated by generations of African bush guides. But instead of putting a bullet into big game once you reach your target, you’ll be able to enjoy them in their natural environment and grab photos nobody sitting in a Land Rover could ever get.

Hot air balloon safaris offer one of the most spectacular views in Africa. As the balloon rises, the plains, rivers and woodlands stretch out below you. You may spot herds moving across the landscape or watch light settle over distant ridges. Many flights end with a celebratory bush meal, especially for early morning flights.

• The World’s Least-Known Island Paradises.

North Americans tend to look to Europe and the Western Hemisphere for retirement and other residency options. But Europeans have long had a much broader perspective, in part because so much of the world was once colonised by them. That includes the vast Indian Ocean basin.

Some of the most beautiful and lowest-cost tropical paradise is in the world can be found on the East Coast of Africa and on the western Indian Ocean’s islands.

Mauritius, for example, is stable, safe, clean, friendly tax regime (no capital gains, no inheritance tax), has excellent healthcare, strong expat infrastructure, and English-speaking enough to function.  You can get residency there by spending $375,000 on a property or showing as little as $1500 a month in retirement income. The Seychelles has insanely beautiful beaches, low population density, and a great life if you enjoy quiet, nature, and a very relaxed pace. Retiree residence possible is with about $1,500 monthly. Zanzibar (Tanzania) offers low cost of living, beautiful beaches, new medical facilities, a laid-back vibe, great culture, and stunning architecture. Retiree visas require around $2,000 monthly income. Finally, Kenya’s east cost offers a strong expat presence, excellent tourism infrastructure, great food, and friendly people. Diani and Watamu are genuinely world-class coastal towns. Healthcare is strong. Kenya doesn’t have a formal retirement visa but a “Class K” permit accommodates financially self-sufficient folks.

Of course, I’ll be covering all sorts of other topics as well. But in many ways, for me, 2026 will be the year of Africa!