Top 7 Largest Refugee Camps In Africa (2026)

Africa has long been a continent where conflict, climate crises, and political instability have forced millions to leave their homes. Refugee camps across the continent have become temporary havens for displaced people, yet many have grown into sprawling settlements that function almost like small cities. In 2026, several camps stand out for their size and the scale of human need they represent.

These are the Largest Refugee Camps In Africa (2026)

1. Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Located in northern Uganda, Bidi Bidi is considered the largest refugee settlement in Africa. Opened in 2016 to accommodate people fleeing South Sudan, it now hosts over 250,000 refugees. Despite limited resources, residents have established schools, small businesses, and community initiatives. Uganda’s progressive refugee policies allow people to work, move freely, and access public services, helping them rebuild lives even in displacement.

2. Dadaab Refugee Complex, Kenya

Founded in the early 1990s for Somali refugees, Dadaab has grown into one of the most well-known refugee complexes in Africa. It now shelters more than 420,000 people, including Somali and South Sudanese refugees. What was intended as a temporary refuge has become a long-term home for many families. Limited resources, security concerns, and food shortages remain constant challenges, but communities continue to find ways to adapt and survive.

3. Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, Kenya

Kakuma, along with the nearby Kalobeyei settlement, hosts around 300,000 refugees. Established in 1992, the camp shelters people from South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recent efforts to integrate Kakuma into a more structured municipality aim to provide residents with stability and economic opportunities, though challenges such as overcrowding and limited infrastructure persist.

4. Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, Tanzania

In western Tanzania near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nyarugusu is one of the continent’s oldest and largest camps. Since its establishment in the mid-1990s, it has sheltered around 150,000 refugees, primarily from the DRC and Burundi. Despite its age, the camp remains vital for families fleeing ongoing conflict in the region.

5. Katumba Refugee Camp, Tanzania

Also located in the Kigoma region, Katumba has been a refuge since the early 1970s, mainly for Burundian refugees. Today, the camp hosts approximately 120,000 people. Residents have built strong communities, with schools, health facilities, and small-scale markets operating despite limited resources.

6. Mbera Refugee Camp, Mauritania

Mbera in southeastern Mauritania has grown significantly in recent years due to instability in Mali. It now houses over 120,000 refugees. Conditions are challenging, with limited access to food, healthcare, and clean water, yet humanitarian organizations continue to provide essential support to help families survive and maintain hope.

7. Yida Refugee Camp, South Sudan

Yida remains one of the largest camps in South Sudan itself, hosting tens of thousands of people fleeing conflict in Sudan and South Sudan. Life in Yida is austere, with seasonal access to aid and scarce resources, yet it remains a critical lifeline for displaced communities in the region.

Largest Refugee Camps In Africa (2026)

Revised in January 2026