Is Alexandria Fragrances Africano a dupe of Byredo Bal d'Afrique?

ScentArt

View Liquid → Bal d'Afrique Body Spray

View Liquid → Africano Extrait

Which Should You Buy?

Our Verdict - Bal d'Afrique Body Spray

A luminous, woody-floral that balances soft sweetness and vibrant freshness with a distinctive powdery-violet edge. Effortlessly chic, versatile, and quietly unique-a signature for the creative and cosmopolitan.

Favourite

Our Verdict - Africano Extrait

This much-debated dupe delivers a clean, fresh, and slightly sweet aroma that's both uplifting and versatile. While some quibble about its authenticity, most find it a superb and long-lasting alternative to its inspiration.

Statement

Scent Profile

How they compare

Bal d'Afrique Body Spray A Africano Extrait B

Where they part company by gap size

How They Wear

Showing: Overall Blend

Mood

Mood Energising

Calming

Character Playful

Serious

Sentiment Uplifting

Brooding

Bal d'Afrique Body Spray

Africano Extrait

Notes

Shared Notes

Bergamot 34% vs 21%

Only in Bal d'Afrique

African Marigold 33% Buchu 32%

Only in Africano

Blackcurrant 25% Marigold 20% Lemon 20% Orange Blossom 13%

Shared Notes

Violet 51% vs 33%

Cyclamen 48% vs 35%

Only in Africano

Jasmine 31%

Shared Notes

Vetiver 57% vs 22%

Cedar 42% vs 22%

Only in Africano

Musk 30% Amber 25%

Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.

Performance

Bal d'Afrique Africano

Long (6-10h)

Longevity

Moderate (4-6h)

Moderate

Projection

Strong

Moderate

Intensity

Strong

Season and Occasion Fit

Bal d'Afrique

Seasons

Best For:

Spring Autumn

Also Works:

Summer

Bal d'Afrique shines in spring and fall, when its blend of bright citrus, delicate florals, and earthy woods feels both uplifting and substantial. Its freshness can work in summer, but the vetiver and woody base are less suited for cold winter air.

Occasions

Best For:

Office Date Casual

Also Works:

Formal

Its moderate projection and distinctive, clean profile make it excellent for the office, casual, and date settings-memorable but not overpowering. Less suited for sport or the most formal black-tie events, where something either airier or weightier would work better.

Africano

Seasons

Best For:

Spring Summer Autumn Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

Best For:

Office Casual Sport

Also Works:

Date

Its clean, fresh, and uplifting profile makes it suitable for everyday wear and active pursuits, while its decent sillage means it's not overpowering for an office setting. The fruity-aromatic character makes it less ideal for very formal events, but it's well-received in casual and date environments.

Similarity Breakdown

Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.

Overall scent match

67%

Key Similarities

Shares 5 of its 12 notes, including Vetiver, Cedar, Bergamot

Key Differences

Adds amber and blackcurrant, drops african marigold and buchu