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african safari holiday cost

How Much Does a Safari Cost?

Starting planning your trip with our safari cost calculator tool, cost of an african safari.

At Discover Africa, our 20 years of safari planning experience shows that understanding the costs of a safari is crucial, due to the many considerations involved.

Africa offers a variety of safari experiences, including budget, midrange, and luxury options – suited to every spending power and level of adventure. 

While we partner with a number of properties, partners, and ground handlers we do, however, uphold distinct starting price points to ensure high-quality experiences for our guests and positive impacts on the local communities they visit.

Key factors for setting your African safari budget:

  • Transparent Pricing: The cost of your safari will depend on your chosen destination, accommodation, group size, and travel season.  
  • Inclusive Estimates: Our Safari Cost Estimator provides comprehensive, all-inclusive pricing for major African countries, covering park fees, conservation fees, and all required levies. This allows you to plan your vacation with confidence, free from hidden expenses commonly found on generic online booking sites.
  • Expert Guidance: Our seasoned safari specialists offer unparalleled knowledge and experience to tailor your African safari costs to your needs. We partner exclusively with vetted suppliers ensuring luxury safaris that are responsible and sustainable.
  • Exclusive Experience: We deliver more than a transaction; we curate an exceptional safari experience. Every detail is meticulously planned to maximise your time and budget, ensuring an unforgettable, safe journey that aligns with your values and expectations.

How much does a Safari Cost?

The costings table provides an instant overview of typical safari costs across various destinations, helping you choose the right destination based on your budget.

All prices per person, per night, sharing.

Prices are based on an average of lodge prices within the applicable category and are just an indication pricing.

All prices per person in a double room per night

Prices are based on an average of lodge prices within the applicable category and are just an indication pricing

African Safari Cost Estimator

Curious about the cost of an African safari holiday? Calculate what kind of safari experience you can enjoy within your budget.

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african safari holiday cost

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What factors determine the cost of a safari?

There are three main factors that will make a big difference in the price of your luxury safari here:

Our safari pricing includes all local flights, transports, and transfers, but excludes international flights.

Pricing displayed is for adults. Child rates vary between lodges. Some lodges offer reduced rates or family rooms. Contact our experts for personalised recommendations.

Groups of six or more can benefit from negotiated room rates. We strive to offer the best possible rates for your group.

Safari Costs: What to Keep in Mind

1. destination:.

Costs can vary significantly depending on the region you choose, influenced by factors like seasonality, popularity, and accessibility. 

At Discover Africa we pride ourselves on delivering expert first-hand safari travel planning advice to shape your tailor-made itinerary to give you peace of mind for an impactful travel experience, wherever you choose to go.

2. Accommodation:

Accommodation is a significant component of your safari cost, profoundly impacting your overall safari budget.

  • Responsible Choices: Our high-quality partner lodges and hotels are selected on their dedication to responsible and sustainable practices to enhance Africa’s  wildlife and safari experiences to benefit local communities.  
  • Luxury and Inclusions: We recommend accommodations that offer exceptional value, considering all inclusions and exclusions. Opting for an all-inclusive luxury lodge may appear more expensive initially, but it often saves on additional costs like drinks, laundry, and internet, enhancing your overall experience.

READ: What to Expect on Different Types of Safaris

3. Time of Year:

Peak season safari travel, like the Great Migration, are more expensive than off-peak times. 

Travelling during the low-season, however, can see rates being half the cost of high-season prices. It also sees a more intimate wildlife viewing experience. Shoulder seasons offer mid-range pricing. 

Flexible travel dates allow you to take advantage of these savings, away from the crowds.

4. Duration:

The length of your safari will directly influence the total cost.

If you are flexible for a longer stay, it does afford you a less rushed and more immersive safari experience.

5. Group Size:

Larger groups may benefit from group discounts, while smaller groups or solo travellers may incur higher per-person costs.  

Game packages, where you fly from camp to camp and share lodge vehicles for game drives, may appear affordable due to shared vehicle costs. 

However, inter-camp flights can offset these savings. Depending on your group size, choosing to drive between camps with a driver and a guide offers a more personal, quality safari experience.

We can assist in finding the best options for your preferred group size.

READ: Scheduled Safari vs Tailored Safari Tours – Which is Best for You?

6. Type of Safari:

Guided tours, self-drive safaris, and private safaris all have different price points.

Our travel experts are seasoned planners for various budgets and customizable itinerar ies to craft the most impactful, memorable safari adventure for you.

7. Activities and Excursions:

We work exclusively with lodges that include the standard game drives in your stay, ensuring a seamless and immersive safari experience without unexpected additional costs. 

This distinguishes us from options that require booking game drives separately, often found with accommodations outside the park. 

Our expert advisors are able to tailor your safari package according to any additional activities and excursions you may want to experience. 

Here are some estimated costs for popular experiences that would have an additional cost factor for you to consider:

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Typically range from $400 to $600 per person, depending on the location and duration of the flight.
  • Walking Safaris: Usually cost between $50 and $150 per person, depending on the length and guide’s expertise.
  • Cultural Visits: Fees for visits to local communities or cultural sites generally range from $30 to $100 per person.
  • Fishing and Boat Safaris: Costs for fishing trips or boat safaris can vary from $100 to $300 per person, depending on the location and type of activity.
  • Night Game Drives: Often available for an additional $50 to $150 per person, providing a unique perspective on both game viewing and wildlife behaviour.
  • Private Vehicles and Guides:  Guests have the option to arrange a private vehicle and guide at an extra cost.

8. Park Fees and Permits:

Entry fees for national parks and reserves vary and should be included in your budget. 

Park entry fees can range from $80 per day in Tanzania’s Serengeti to $30 per day in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. 

However, gorilla trekking in Rwanda comes with a $1500 permit fee to ensure a sustainable and responsible tourism experience. 

9. Travel and Transfers:

When budgeting for your safari, consider the cost of both international and domestic flights, as well as transfers between lodges and parks. International flights to Africa typically range from $600 to $1200, depending on your departure location and the time of year. 

Domestic flights within Africa, such as those between all major safari destinations, can cost between $200 and $400 pp per leg.

Transfers between lodges and parks, whether by road or air, also impact your budget. 

Road transfers may cost around $100 to $400 per trip, while charter flights between camps can range from $300 to $500 per person, per leg.

10. Meals and Drinks:

Determine whether meals and drinks are included in your accommodation package or if they will be additional expenses.

When evaluating your safari accommodation package, be aware of the following inclusions – our expert consultants are on hand to explain it all to you:

  • Full Board: This typically includes three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) may or may not be included, but we clarify this beforehand.
  • Half Board: Usually includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Drinks and additional meals may be extra.
  • All-Inclusive: Covers all meals, local or selected alcoholic drinks, and often includes snacks, activities, and sometimes even park fees. It provides the most comprehensive coverage, minimising additional expenses.
  • Bed and Breakfast: Includes only breakfast, with other meals and drinks available at extra cost.
  • Self-Catering : Accommodation is provided without any meals included, allowing you to prepare your own food or dine out. 

11. Travel Insurance:

Ensure you have coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.

12. Tipping and Gratuities:

Tipping is customary in many safari destinations and should be factored into your budget. 

Here is an estimated tipping guideline for various services you’ll encounter during your safari: 

  • Guides and Trackers: $10 to $20 per day, per service. For exceptional service, consider tipping towards the higher end of this range.
  • Drivers: $5 to $15 per day, per driver. This amount may vary based on the length of the transfer and the quality of service.
  • Lodge Staff: $5 to $10 per guest, per day. This can be given collectively or distributed among individual staff members.
  • Housekeeping: $3 to $5 per day, left in your room for the housekeeping staff.
  • Specialty Services: For additional services like hot air balloon rides or private excursions, consider a tip of $20 to $50 per person.

13. Visas and Vaccinations:

Account for the cost of visas and necessary vaccinations for travel to certain countries.

14. Personal Expenses:

Include a budget for souvenirs, personal items, and any other incidental expenses.

East African Cost Guidelines

When planning an East Africa safari, you’ll need to factor in expenses like park fees, accommodation, guided game drives, and domestic flights.  Notably, a trekking permit of $1,500 is a unique cost for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.

East Africa is the epicentre of the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on earth.  Your safari could take you to Kenya and the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.  A Tanzania safari complements this with famous locations such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and Selous Game Reserve.

Our Africa Safari Estimator can help you estimate an average cost for your East Africa Safari, or schedule a call with one of our experts to tailor your safari experience to fit your budget while enjoying the region’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.

east_africa_cost_estimator.jpg

The average cost for a low budget safari tours in Kenya starts from 350 USD in low season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari tours in Kenya starts from 500 USD in low season.

The average cost for a luxury safari tours in Kenya starts from 1000 USD in low season.

The average cost for a low budget safari tours in Kenya starts from 750 USD in high season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari tours in Kenya starts from 900 USD in high season.

The average cost for a luxury safari tours in Kenya starts from 1800 USD in high season.

There is no standard price for a Rwanda safari; each Rwanda gorilla safari tour itinerary has its own pricing, which is influenced by a variety of criteria such as the tour package chosen, the cost of the trekking permit, transportation costs, lodging costs, etc. Request a quotation for the gorilla trekking safari of your choosing today.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Tanzania starts from 350 USD in low season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Tanzania starts from 600 USD in low season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Tanzania starts from 850 USD in low season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Tanzania starts from 600 USD in high season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Tanzania starts from 900 USD in high season.

The average cost for a luxury african safari in Tanzania starts from 2000 USD in high season.

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda is determined by a variety of elements, which must be considered in order to determine the cost of Uganda Gorilla Trekking. When calculating the cost, one must consider the entire Uganda tour package. Which includes the cost of the gorilla trekking permit, the vehicles used, the lodgings chosen, the porters you hire etc.

Popular Safaris and Tours in East Africa

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african safari holiday cost

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african safari holiday cost

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african safari holiday cost

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Southern African Cost Guidelines

Southern Africa offers a wide range of safari experiences, from popular safari destination South Africa and its famous Kruger National Park to Botswana’s Okavango Delta and its unique landscapes. When planning a Southern African Safari, the typical expenses like park fees, accommodation, guided game drives, and domestic flights will apply. 

Our African safari cost estimator can help you with an average cost for your Southern Africa safari, or schedule a call with one of our experts to tailor your safari experience to fit your budget while enjoying the region’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.

southern_africa_cost_estimator.jpg

The average cost for a low budget safari in Botswana starts from 400 USD in low season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Botswana starts from 600 USD in low season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Botswana starts from 1000 USD in low season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Botswana starts from 750 USD in high season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Botswana starts from 1200 USD in high season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Botswana starts from 3000 USD in high season.

The average cost for a low budget  safari in Mozambique starts from 440 USD in low season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Mozambique starts from 550 USD in low season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Mozambique starts from 750 USD in low season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Mozambique starts from 580 USD in high season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Mozambique starts from 700 USD in high season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Mozambique starts from 900 USD in high season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Namibia starts from 70 USD in low season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Namibia starts from 126 USD in low season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Namibia starts from 422 USD in low season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Namibia starts from 155 USD in high season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Namibia starts from 246 USD in high season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Namibia starts from 1057 USD in high season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in South Africa starts from 312 USD in low season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in South Africa starts from 519 USD in low season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in South Africa starts from 1039 USD in low season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in South Africa starts from 450 USD in high season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in South Africa starts from 246 USD in high season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in South Africa starts from 1593 USD in high season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Zambia starts from 250 USD in low season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Zambia starts from 400 USD in low season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Zambia starts from 600 USD in low season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Zambia starts from 400 USD in high season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Zambia starts from 800 USD in high season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Zambia starts from 1500 USD in high season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Zimbabwe starts from 200 USD in low season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Zimbabwe starts from 350 USD in low season.

The average cost for a luxury  safari in Zimbabwe starts from 600 USD in low season.

The average cost for a low budget safari in Zimbabwe starts from 300 USD in high season.

The average cost for a mid budget safari in Zimbabwe starts from 650 USD in high season.

The average cost for a luxury safari in Zimbabwe starts from 1200 USD in high season.

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african safari holiday cost

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african safari holiday cost

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african safari holiday cost

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Southern Africa South Africa Cape Town Botswana Okavango Delta Zimbabwe

From $ 6690 /USD

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African Safari Cost

African safari cost according to experts: approved.

A Detailed African Safari Cost According To Experts: Approved and All-inclusive Per Person.

At The Bespoke African Safari Co. , “How much does an African safari cost?” is by far the most frequent inquiry we receive. Here, we break down the components that go into calculating the final price of your dream safari, and offer some suggestions for stretching your dollar.

Safari pricing information is notoriously difficult to discover online, and there is such a wide variety of approaches from different firms that it’s nearly impossible to know what you’re getting for your money. Many travelers assume that using a tour operator will be much more expensive than organizing their own trip. A tailor-made African safari may be more cost-effective than a do-it-yourself trip or a pre-arranged vacation. Choosing from fixed-price packages means missing out on off-season deals, early-bird discounts, and even last-minute availability, while working with a reputable tour operator guarantees you’ll take advantage of all available savings opportunities.

However, it is important to note that a safari is an expensive vacation option, and that you will most certainly get what you pay for.

African Safari Cost: Country by Country

How much does an African safari cost is the number one question we get. The information you need to set a realistic budget for your upcoming vacation is included in this comprehensive guide.

*Now let’s look at the three categories of African safari cost we offer – Value, Classic, and Luxury:

  • Value: Travelers on these tours may stay in traditional tents or in more luxurious settings, such as 4-star lodges and camps. The emphasis is on excitement rather than the opulence of other hotels. The average cost of a Value safari is $4,500 – $5,000 per person.
  • Classic: The average cost of a classic safari is between $7,000 and $8,000. The camps and lodges where these safaris are held typically have 5-star ratings, and their standards for guiding, food, and service are exceptionally high. The Classic category often comprises properties that are run by some of our most notable partners.
  • Luxury: Our most luxurious safaris are the Luxury safaris. These tours feature residences that cost above $1,000 per person per night! Lodges and camps with private plunge pools and high standards of hospitality tend to cost upwards of $10,000 per person each week. There will definitely be a wow factor!

African Safari Cost Country by Country

African safari costs: what to keep in mind.

You won’t forget a safari more than any other vacation you’ve ever taken. Location, season, and degree of comfort are just a few of the many variables that affect how much an African safari will cost, but there are some reliable guidelines to help you stay within your budget.

Package deals are not necessarily cheaper: With a personalized safari, you and your travel agent may set your own spending limits, so you can save where you need to and indulge where you want. When you book a scheduled departure trip or buy a package deal, you’re committing to a certain time and price.

The more privacy and exclusivity you want, the more you will spend: However, with the help of your agent’s expertise, you can still enjoy yourself in a less than ideal setting.

South Africa remains one of the most affordable safari destinations thanks to a favourable rand-dollar exchange rate: If this is your first time going on a safari, South Africa is a great place to start. But seasoned safari travelers might reap substantial dividends as well.

‘Doing it yourself’ is not necessarily cheaper – or often even possible: Light aircraft schedules, transfer businesses, and ground handlers are all areas where your agent’s specific knowledge will be invaluable.

Using an agent gives you a single ‘all-inclusive’ price: In order to avoid any “surprises,” your travel agent will be able to compile all of your expenses, including foreign flights, into a single invoice based on factors such as accommodation availability and special rates.

East African Safari Cost Guidelines

There are a plethora of national parks in Kenya, including the renowned Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu. Other notable parks in the country include Mount Meru, Tsavo, and the Aberdares. Among Tanzania’s national parks are the world-renowned Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater Conversation Area , Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve), and Ruaha.

East Africa, which includes both Tanzania and Kenya , is often recognized as the safari’s original home. The Great Wildebeest Migration also passes through this area.

Tanzania Safari Cost

Kenya safari cost, tanzania and kenya safari cost combined.

** In both the high and low seasons, the prices listed on this page are simply suggestions and averages based on two people sharing a room. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. All conservation levies, fees, and permits are dynamic and could alter at any time. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

Kenya And Madagascar Holiday

Kenya Safari Tours

A Kenya safari will not let you down, whether you’re interested in viewing the wildebeest mega-herds in the Masai Mara or the famed elephant herds in Amboseli against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, or you want to experience the local culture in Samburu.

Kenya And Tanzania Safari

Tanzania Safari Tours

Our safari packages in Tanzania are designed and proven to provide unforgettable adventures. Natural highlights on our Tanzania safaris and vacations include the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, to name just two.

Kenya Tanzania Zanzibar Safari

Kenya And Tanzania Safari

A Completely detailed 12 Days Kenya And Tanzania Safari Itinerary Guide is Greatest Wildebeest Migration. This Kenya and Tanzania Safari captures the very best of Kenya and Tanzania and is the most likely route for observing the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Southern African Safari Cost

Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta are two of Botswana’s most well-known wildlife habitats. Among South Africa’s many attractions are Sun City, Cape Town, and Kruger National Park. The spectacular Etosha National Park is the crown jewel of Namibia, whilst the Victoria Falls are shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Since you may rent a car and drive yourself around , as well as stay in self-catering accommodations, Namibia and South Africa are the most budget-friendly safari destinations we offer. Cheaper, but more “work” for you—driving and cooking on vacation—are two options.

The combination of a dry winter and a massive influx of international tourists causes the peak season to return to July and August. During the “shoulder season,” which occurs between peak and off-peak seasons, you may expect to see favorable weather conditions (beginning or ending showers), reasonable prices, and plenty of available options.

For the greatest game viewing experience all year round, head to South Africa. The severe rainy season in Zambia occurs between November and May , and many camps are still closed at this time. While October is Botswana’s hottest and driest month , it’s still a fantastic time to see wildlife, but you might want to stay in an air-conditioned resort to avoid the heat. It becomes difficult to see wildlife in November since the rains have dispersed the animals.

South African Safari Cost Guidelines

Botswana safari prices, namibia safari prices, zimbabwe costs, zambia safari costs, victoria falls costs, south african safari cost.

**All prices listed on this page are approximate averages based on two people sharing a room during high and low season. International flights, visas, and optional activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Between July and October, as well as throughout Christmas and New Year’s, is typically considered peak or high season.

Botswana Travel Advice

Botswana Safaris

Luxury Botswana Safaris Tours, Packages, Vacations, Holidays, Trips, All-inclusive & Tailor-made. Botswana offers a truly unforgettable luxury safari experience. Plan a bespoke holiday with The Bespoke African Safari Co. and visit Botswana’s most famous destinations.

Elephant on Game Drive in South Africa

South Africa Safaris

Luxury South Africa Tours Safaris, Packages, Vacations, Holidays, Trips, All-inclusive & Tailor-made. South Africa offers a truly unforgettable luxury safari experience. Plan a bespoke holiday with The Bespoke African Safari Co. and visit South Africa’s most famous destinations.

Discover the Victoria Falls and its Many Attractions

Victoria Falls Tours

Luxury Victoria Falls Tours, Safaris, Excursions, Holidays, Packages. Victoria Falls, often known as “The Smoke that Thunders,” is a must-see on every trip to Africa, and with good reason: it is one of the continent’s most recognizable landmarks.

Gorilla Trekking Cost

To see endangered gorillas in their natural habitat—the verdant hills and rainforests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo—is to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure into the pure and breathtakingly beautiful center of Africa. Some of the porters and guides who work to defend the gorillas in Africa are really former poachers who have found a new calling in the tourism industry.

Congo Safari Costs

Rwanda safari prices, uganda safari costs.

Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The chance to observe the magnificent mountain gorillas of central Africa’s rainforests on the Virunga Mountains’ slopes and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for gorilla trekkers in Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

One-of-a-kind experiences are provided by Rwanda’s unique landscape and its friendly, inviting people. This nation is known for its highland rainforests, volcanoes, and abundant biodiversity, including the gorillas. Rarely seen on its own, a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.

Congo Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Because no other nation is home to both mountain and lowland gorillas, a gorilla safari in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an unforgettable experience. Along with both, the deep Central African rainforest is home to a plethora of monkey species and chimpanzees.

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream African Safari?

Keep in mind that the aforementioned figures are simply suggestions. Get the most out of your safari money by working with a professional at The Bespoke African Safari Co. who can help you maximize your budget. Do not be bashful about asking about prices; you might be pleasantly surprised!

african safari holiday cost

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So, how much does an African safari cost ?

The most common question we get asked is, how much does an African safari cost? This definitive guide to prices, specials, seasons, destinations and more provides the information you need to plan your adventure budget.

We'll work with you to create a journey that makes the most of your time and money. As a rule, we prefer to include as many of the costs up front so that there are no unpleasant surprises once you're on safari. A trip booked through us will never be more expensive than if booked directly. Neither our company nor any members of our staff hold ownership in any lodge, camp or African safari companies in Africa or beyond. We are completely independent and not tied to any agent or on-the-ground operator and because of this we bring you the best values no matter what you want or where you go.

Over the past 5 years we have developed strong relationships with most of East Africa’s camps and lodges plus many East African safari guides, and operators. Having these relationships has given us an advantage in the travel industry and therefore allowed us to pass along excellent value directly to our clients. We provide expert advice on where to save and where to spend to maximize your travel dollar.

Depending which country you want to visit, how long the trip is for, what you want to do and see, where you stay, how you get there and, most of all, the style of your trip, the price of an African safari can jump from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars… and more!

At GoExplore Safaris, we strive to build the best possible safari for you – within your budget. Here we describe the main factors that affect the price of your safari. We also explain how pricing on our website works. There are majorly six (6) factors that will affect the price of your safari or tour and we highlight these below.

How long is your trip?

The duration of your safari will directly have an impact on how much the safari will cost you. Simply shortening a tour by a few days can sometimes cut the cost by hundreds of dollars.

On the other hand, the time and expense in getting to Africa is significant, so we would encourage you to spend as much time as you possibly can in this amazing part of the world. Rushing your trip to save money is rarely worthwhile, and many guests find themselves going back time and again.

When are you planning to travel?

It is important to understand how seasonal trends might affect your trip. Remember, however, that weather is variable and so it is quite possible to go for days without rain during the rainy season, or have thundershowers in the middle of the dry season! High season, as across the world, means higher rates. Because peak season coincides with the North American and European summers, and demand for accommodation is much higher, meaning you have to make your booking further in advance to ensure your first-choice of lodge. Travelling in the low season/off-pick season can be cost-effective.

When destinations are you planning to visit?

Your destination highly determines the safari costs. If the places you want to visit are a bit far from the city center, then the cost of your safari will increase but if they are nearer, you will spend less. The activities that you want to carry out on your safari will also affect the safari costs.

What level of accommodation are you comfortable with?

As with any holiday, accommodation is going to eat up the lion’s share of your budget. Starting at the very top are the highly exclusive, tented camps often found in private or community conservancies. Deliciously romantic they might be, but there’s no getting away from the fact that these places cost a fortune. In high season many come in at a cool $2,000 per night for two people.

Are you travelling alone or in a group ?

One good way of saving money is by travelling in a group. A customised safari for 4 guests will be more affordable than for 2 guests, simply because the cost of some logistics, such as transfers and vehicle, is costed across more people. Small group set departure safaris are typically more affordable because the itinerary is costed on a minimum group size.

Fly-in safari or an overland drive safari?

Travelling by road or air is an important factor to consider in selecting a safari. While flying is generally more expensive, it is the most efficient means of transportation, transferring you between safari camps easily and with plenty of time to enjoy activities at both camps, which is why you are on safari after all. Travel by road can be exhausting, covering considerable distances on dusty roads in safari vehicles and it is definitely time-consuming. Nevertheless, overland travel affords you the opportunity to see some of the countryside and local villages between destinations, perhaps giving you a more realistic glimpse into a day in the life of the people whose country you are visiting. For some travellers, this is the best way to go.

Your Safari/trip Includes

  • All relevant Government taxes
  • Domestic flights as per the itinerary
  • Ground transportation
  • Gorilla permits
  • Water in the vehicle for all overland sectors
  • Services of a qualified English-Speaking Driver Guide
  • Meals as showed in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as showed in the itinerary
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers

What Does an Africa Safari Cost?

How to get the most value for your budget, african safari cost considerations.

When it comes to reviewing Africa safari itineraries provided by Africa safari planners , it is not always easy to compare them “apples to apples,” understand the out-of-pocket totals and see the quality differentiations. However, this is an essential step for you to make an informed choice.

When tabulating your total safari cost for your Africa adventure, the factors below all contribute towards the cost of your trip.

Safari Location

Where you choose to go contributes greatly to African safari cost.

East Africa Safaris - Kenya & Tanzania

  • Kenya – boasts over 30 total National Parks and Game Reserves . Most wildlife areas have good access from Nairobi. Kenya safaris offer the opportunity to view all of the Big 5 and offer a variety of accommodation options. The Masai Mara Game Reserve is a favorite of our travelers.
  • Tanzania – has over 20 National Parks which offer amazing safaris – including the world-famous Serengeti National Park as well as Mahale National Park where you can experience chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
  • East Africa – offers an amazing wildlife experience you can add to traditional safaris – Gorilla Trekking. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda , and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda both offer this life-changing opportunity. You can easily add a detour to one of these countries and travel to visit chimps or gorillas on your safaris to Kenya or Tanzania.  

When it comes to pricing in East Africa, it is pretty middle of the road for an African safari tour, however, adding on a gorilla trekking excursion will add significantly to the cost.

Southern Africa Safaris - South Africa, Botswana, Namibia

  • South Africa provides unique safaris with easy travel access from Johannesburg. You can partake in an affordable African safari with many creature comforts. While you’ll still be able to see a variety of wildlife, it doesn’t have the same numbers of wildlife as you can see in East Africa’s Great Migration. Of all Southern Africa locations, South Africa offers your best chance at getting a budget safari package.
  • Namibia offers a slightly different take on a safari trip. You can even enjoy a beach holiday in Swakopmund in addition to viewing the desert wildlife at many locations including Etosha National Park .
  • Botswana is truly an amazing destination for a safari trip. The Okavango Delta fills with floodwater annually from rains in neighboring Angola. Wildlife concentrates here creating amazing viewing opportunities. Prices tend to be at the upper end in Botswana – especially in and around the Okavango Delta – making it an excellent choice for luxury safari travel.

Safari Guide

Your safari guide is probably the most important element to having a successful African safari. You’ll want to make sure that your safari guide is knowledgeable and skilled – even if this adds to the overall price of your safari trip.

Safari Vehicle

  • Self Drive Safaris – Avoid self travel options. While a relatively inexpensive option, we don’t recommend you spend your African safari driving around in remote regions of foreign countries with large, dangerous animals around your vehicle. There are much safer ways to travel the African continent. Skip the self drive safari and get a guide. Guides know the best viewing places for animals. They also understand and can properly deal with animal behaviors, and know how to get help if needed.
  • Closed Vehicle – these safaris may feature an older vehicle with more passengers that don’t allow for the best game viewing.
  • Open / Specialized Vehicle – A higher-end safari may feature an open safari vehicle or a vehicle with a pop-top roof – both of which allow for great game viewing. There are even safari vehicles with platforms for photographers so they can capture that perfect wildlife moment.
  • Private Vehicle – While it will significantly add to your overall safari cost for Africa, a private vehicle (usually part of a private safari) adds a tremendous level of freedom and flexibility to your African safari.

Private Safaris vs Group Safaris

A private safari in Africa is more costly than a group safari, but you’ll have much more control of your safari experience. You’ll get to decide when to wake up, where to go, and when to call it a day. You’ll also get much more control over meal choices.

Group safaris are much more regimented and don’t allow for the same level of flexibility as private safari tours. Going with a group on an African safari tour can definitely save you money.

Accommodations for Safaris

When working with a safari company in choosing your safari destination, you’ll learn that there are a wide variety of safari camp and lodge options to choose from in Africa.

Permanent Tented Camp – these are in a fixed location usually near great viewing and are commonly used as part of a luxury safari.

Seasonal Safari Camp – while comfortable, offer less luxury than a permanent tented camp and they are usually positioned for excellent game viewing.

Mobile Safari Camp – these offer the most rustic safaris and are a great, comfortable option for a budget safari.  In general, travel distances generally won’t be as far as these camps are positioned to be near great viewing opportunities.

Safari Lodge – these are fixed structures that vary greatly. While you can certainly stay at a luxury safari lodge (there are many), don’t assume that lodge = luxury lodge. In some cases, especially in South Africa, you can stay at a lodge as part of an affordable African safari.

For more information about accommodations, see our types of safari camps page.

Extra Travel Extensions

Getting to Africa can be a time-consuming process especially if you’re coming from North America. That’s why many safari-goers like to travel elsewhere on the continent after they leave their original Africa safari destination.

We oftentimes get travelers who will add on a beach holiday in Zanzibar (Tanzania), Mombassa (Kenya), or Mozambique after their initial African safari trip has concluded.

Cape Town (South Africa) is also a popular post-safari travel destination for its world-class beaches and wineries.

Obviously, African safari prices will increase when you enhance your safari experience by adding these to your African adventure.

Other Price Considerations for Safaris

Watch out for hidden fees.

Make sure when you’re analyzing African prices for safaris from a safari company, that all relevant costs are included.

Park fees, mileage limitations, and other necessary travel expenses might be left out of a package in order to showcase a competitively-priced option. For this reason, it is entirely possible that a $300 per day quote for safaris will eventually cost more than a different quote at $550 per day.

Just like bargain travel flight fares that later charge for a personal item, you may discover that the safari price quote was discounted because it was missing critical elements. Quotes should include, or note when not included:

  • Game drives/activities
  • Applicable rental fees

Incidental African Safari Costs not Included in Your Safari Quote

Beyond these major costs for safaris, other typical expenses to take into account include:

  • Vaccinations and other health considerations
  • Tips for safari guide and staff
  • Trip travel insurance
  • Tourist visas
  • Travel incidentals (on the way to Africa)

Don't Forget to Price in Your Packing List

You’ll also want to be properly equipped for safaris to Africa. Many choose to make the following purchases prior to travel:

  • Camera equipment
  • Reference books
  • Clothes for safaris

Questions to Ask Your Safari Planner

The following questions should be helpful when evaluating a proposal from a safari company. Use these questions to not only gauge the knowledge of your planner but to make sure that you get the most out of your Africa Safari.

  • What would you change if it was your trip?
  • Are the camps in the right location for the season?
  • What is the accommodation bed night capacity for your planned safaris?
  • How do your safaris support local communities? Can you share the reports?
  • What is the maximum group size for safaris?
  • What is the maximum number of guests allowed in a vehicle?
  • How far are the transfer travel distances on your safaris, and are they experiential?
  • Are there unavoidable costs being left out of the quote, such as park fees?
  • What are the vehicles like on the safaris you offer? Does the quote include fuel and unlimited driving distances?
  • What is your repeat customer and referral rate?
  • What is the experience level of the guide leading my safari? Is the person named and guaranteed?  

How We Determine African Safari Prices

Since we specialize in custom safaris, the cost of safaris is highly dependent upon your personal choices. For most travelers, a safari is a significant investment, and that is why the planning process is critical. Our philosophy is to focus on the quality of guiding and locations. These are areas most important to have an exceptional safari, and cutting costs on them will compromise your experience.

One of the largest cost components where you have flexibility is your accommodation. In some areas (like Northern Tanzania), we have a wide range of choices to work with. In other countries, like Botswana, there are often no mobile, budget safari, or rustic options that meet our quality standards. We classify accommodation budget categories into three tiers:

  • Classic Safari . Prices range from $700 to $900 per person per night. While not a true budget safari, this is our most affordable African Safari Option. If you’re looking for top locations and great guiding but are happy with classic, rustic safari accommodation, including en-suite tents with bucket showers, this may be for you. This category means you will consider low and shoulder seasons to get better value while still having great game viewing. In some destinations in low season, you may be able to get pricing in the $500 to $600 per person per night range. 
  • Authentic Luxury Safari. This is our mid range option for safaris, and prices range from $900 to $1,200 per person per night. This traveler’s budget is somewhat flexible, and they care most about top-notch guiding and outstanding wildlife. Accommodation for these safaris is excellent with great service. The camps often have special small touches but maintain the authentic safari style rather than the high luxury focus. In most safari areas, this price point is possible even in peak season. However, in Botswana we still must target low or shoulder seasons to fit this price range.
  • Peak Luxury Safari. Prices range from $1,200 to $2,500 per person per night (and up!) for these safaris. This traveler wants luxury accommodation in peak season. Within this, $1,200 to $1,800 is possible in East Africa and parts of Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia). The higher end of this range is needed for high luxury in Botswana and South Africa.  

We will always do our best to meet any budget with a high-quality itinerary. If we cannot provide a high level of quality, we will honestly inform you that we can’t make that budget.

As such, we will not beat high-volume, budget operators on price because the cost of guiding, unlimited mileage on game drives, and many other quality factors that we offer are not places where we can cut costs. We are not willing to compromise the experience for our clients or our reputation.

Your Safari Guide

Despite how incredibly important this role is, very few safari-goers have any idea who their safari guide will be until they arrive. Typically, a safari company is simply unable to commit a guide at the time of booking.

However, we keep a small team of outstanding guides in Tanzania and Kenya and a private specialist Bushman safari guide in Botswana to ensure that each client has a spectacular safari. For itineraries featuring Tanzania’s northern circuit or Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve, and case by case in Botswana, we can tell you who your guide will be ahead of your safari.

We do provide excellent pricing and value within the bespoke top-quality safari market segment. We do our best to include deals and recommend low seasons or best value accommodation choices (more expensive is not always a better experience!), and other proven secrets to provide the best pricing for your dream safari.

Special opportunities often add large costs beyond our control. For example, each gorilla trek requires a $1,500 per person permit cost in Rwanda, or $700 per person permit cost in Uganda.

Learn About Costs and More: Get in Touch

The best way to learn about the pricing of your African Safari is to contact us .  Fill out the form below or give us a call: (720) 497-1250.

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Luxury african safari pricing guide for 2025, the prices for a luxury african safari may differ greatly depending on the level of luxury accommodation you require..

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100% satsa bonded & trusted, luxury african safari prices, the most common question we get asked is, how much does an african safari cost this definitive guide to prices, specials, seasons, destinations and more provides the information you need to plan your vacation budget. , star rating, this guide is for four and five-star luxury african safaris. the property grade is the biggest factor affecting the price of your african safari holiday.  ​ all prices below are per person sharing..

Four Star Luxury Safari

7 Nights from $5,297 pps

You'll be surprised to learn that the good four-star safari lodges would be considered five stars in most countries, and many of them will no doubt be upgraded in due course, but until then you can get them at four-star prices.  four-star properties also come with all-inclusive packages and a good 4-start african safari for 7 days starts at around $5,297 but with a few upgrades here and there you should realistically budget for closer to $6000. .

Five Star Luxury Honeymoon Safari

7 Nights from $6,757 pps

The five-star safari lodges enjoy the finest locations for animal viewing and the most luxurious finishes.  if you want to experience a more intimate wildlife experience then these lodges provide more remote access more often than not in private concessions.  a five-star luxury african safari holiday typically costs around $1,000 per person daily.  if you book multiple properties from the same operator you can expect to get free night offers or other savings on the overall accommodation cost of your booking. .

Five Star Premium Safari

Five Star Premium

7 nights from $8,897 pps, there are only 10 lodges and hotels in africa boasting the prestigious title of five star premium.  these are the very best of the best and no attention to detail is missed when striving for such an honour.  you can expect to pay from $1,000 up to $3,000 per person daily at one of these exquisite properties and their locations are the best available in africa. , the seasons vary depending on the location but for the most part, the busiest time of the year and therefore the most expensive time to travel is from december to february.   this is the busy vacation period in africa when demand surges and prices are often 20 - 50% more than in other months.    this is also the hottest time of the year and not the best for game viewing - although it is still very good - it's just that the animals seek shelter from the hot day sun and the bush is denser due to the higher rainfall. typically july to october is ideal for game viewing. , money saving tips, if you want to enjoy a luxury safari experience but want to either add value or cut a few costs, these tips below will help you. , free night offers, get more value for your african safari when you book multiple properties from the same operator. this way you can get bed night discounts and of course, the good news is, we have all the contacts in place already. .

Free Night Offers

Bride Pays 50%

If you're lucky enough to be on your africa honeymoon then you can claim specials like bride pays 50% as well as benefit from suite upgrades, discounted spa treatments and a host of uniquely tailored tours just for you. .

Bride Pays 50%

Free Upgrades

If you select the right lodges at the right time of the year you can oftentimes get free upgrades on the rooms. contact us for special offers and we'll use our vast network and close relationships to get you the best deal available. .

Free Upgrades

PRICE BY DESTINATION

Africa has so many wonderful safari destinations to choose from and the average pricing differs slightly from location to location.   this quick safari pricing overview below sheds light on the starting prices per person daily you can expect to pay.   these locations offer great safaris for families , couples, groups and seniors safaris too.   .

Krger Park Pricing

Kruger Park

South africa, the #1 most popular wildlife safari destination in all of africa is the kruger national park in the north of south africa.  here you'll find the largest variety of large mammals and birdlife on the continent, including the much sought-after big five animals. the kruger also boasts the best accommodation variety giving you superb value for money. , big five safari, 140+ mammal species, 500+ bird species, private guides, private reserves, honeymoon specials.

Cape Town Prices

Located at the southern most tip of Africa and regarded as the number one city in the world to visit, Cape Town boasts a mixed bag of breathtaking scenery, endless ocean views, blue flag beaches, award-winning wine estates, world Top 50 rated restaurants, cultural excursions and a large variety of day tours.    The prices per person in Cape Town for a good four-star hotel near the iconic Waterfront start at around $167 per person.  

Table mountain, southern peninsula, robben island, cape winelands, ocean adventures, world-class cuisine.

Victoria Falls Pricing

Victoria Falls

Zambia / zimbabwe, situated on the mighty zambezi river at the border of zimbabwe and zambia lies "the smoke that thunders", more commonly known as victoria falls - the world's biggest waterfall.  the area is more than just one massive mountain of water cascading over the fall's edge however, it is an adventure-lovers dream with white water rafting, tiger fishing, bungee, hiking trails and wildlife safaris on your doorstep. , biggest waterfall, wildlife safaris, white water rafting, zambezi cruises, aerial tours & safaris, honeymoon destination.

Seychelles Pricing

East Africa

The luxury villas and hotels of seychelles off the coast of east africa in the indian ocean are the perfect way to end off your luxury african safari package with days spent in paradise.  the warm azure waters and white sands of this pristine island afford you the opportunity to relax and rewind or explore, all in warm indian hospitality. , warm indian ocean, azure waters, white sandy beaches, excellent diving, world-class spas, island getaway.

Benguerra Island Pricing

Benguerra Island

The benguerra island location in mozambique is a short flight from south africa and another unspoiled beach location.   the local marine reserve is a scuba diver or snorkeler's ideal setting or you can spend days around your own private villa pool or explore the island and surrounds. this is the preferred location for many southern african safari travellers. , beach honeymoon, marine reserve, tropical getaway, relaxation therapy, luxury accommodation, island flavour.

Okavango Delta Pricing

Okavango Delta

When you want a remote african safari destination with all the luxury trimmings and vip service of five star hotel, you want to visit the world heritage site that is the okavango delta.   here you'll spend days at a lodge perched on the river banks where animals quench their thirst and birds chirp away happily in their unspoiled surroundings. the price of an okavango safari may be more than other locations, but anyone who can afford it will tell you it's well worth it. , 50,000+ elephant, mokoro safaris, remote african luxury, five star lodges, walking safaris.

Serengeti Safari Pricing

The far-stretching plains of the Serengeti are perhaps most famously known for The Great Animal Migration, also referred to as the Great Wildebeest Migration.  Each year more than 2million animals move through the park in search of grazing pastures and food, with a number of excellent accommodation options giving you a front-row seat to one of nature's most spectacular displays. 

Great migration, big five safaris, endless views, balloon safaris, luxury camps.

Masai Mara Safari Prices

The Masai Mara and the local tribes provide an "Out of Africa" experience for any traveller in search of an authentic "1920s" African safari holiday.  You'll also get the benefits of the Great Animal Migration if you pick your travel month correctly and prices for a luxury Kenya safari start at around the mid $400 per person mark, daily. 

Masai mara tribe, authentic safari, mount kilimanjaro, roaming tented camps.

Franschhoek Pricing

Franschhoek

Franschhoek is the food and wine capital of africa with a strong french influence and jaw-dropping location at the foot of the cape fold mountains, less than 60 minutes outside cape town.  ​ here you'll find a strong south of france influence with an african flair to treat your palette and senses alike. franschhoek boasts many boutique hotels with prices from $218 per person sharing., cape fold mountains, food & wine capital, private tours, boutique hotels, outside cape town, french influence.

Zambia Safari Pricing

Home of the walking safari and a fantastic value for money destination complete with the Big Five animals and a wide variety of wildlife in unspoiled and commercialised settings.  ​ Zambia is undoubtedly the forgotten gem of Africa and prices for an Africa safari are considerably lower here, but with all the benefits and more of other reserves or concessions. 

Large elephant herds, exceptional value.

Zimbabawe Safari Pricing

Zimbabwe has a storied past and is slowly getting back to the popular safari destination it was in the past.  ​ The Victoria Falls side is still the biggest draw card to Zimbabwe but the country offers great value for money to entice visitors to their newly refurbished properties in idyllic game viewing locations, with all the luxuries of the other reserves. 

Big five animals, vistoria falls, singita pamushana.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Prices

Straight out of "Gorillas in The Mist" is the home of the mighty apes, Rwanda.  Now keep in mind that this is absolutely a life-changing experience, but it does come at a steep price with accommodation from $767 at private lodges and day passes to the gorillas equally priced. 

Safari Enquiry

African Safari Quote

Get a free tailored quote to design the perfect luxury african safari of your dreams based on your bucket list.  ​ we don't do cookie-cutter packages but rather go the extra mile to make sure your safari is uniquely yours. , tailored packages, vip service, 24/7 local support, fully bonded, 20+ years experience, best rates available, african safari prices, the prices quoted here for an african safari give you a good indication of what to expect, but the best way to lock down a package price is to have one of our experienced consultants chat with you, decide on a budget and then put together the best prices and options so you may enjoy your african safari as you envision it.  for more information and a no-obligation quote, get in touch today and let's design your perfect package at a price that makes you smile.  if you're travelling on your africa honeymoon special offers may apply and we have a host of free upgrades, discounts and more to add value and memories to your honeymoon. for the best african safari vacation prices enquire today.  our packages start at $5k and go up to an ultra-exclusive  $150k luxury african safari. the average price you can expect to pay for a luxury safari is around $7k-$10k per person sharing, with five-star all-inclusive luxury safari lodges. .

September Sale   Book now for   up to 60% off!

African elephants and antelopes standing in tall grasslands.

African Budget Safaris

Affordable safaris on tourradar.

Embarking on a safari in Africa is one of the most incredible things a traveller can do in their life. Watching the sunrise over the plains, witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania, or just enjoying every second in one safari park after another; there's truly nothing like it. But if you want to do it all on a tight budget, is it possible? Of course! We've carefully assessed all African safaris  and customer reviews on TourRadar and handpicked these affordable safaris from high quality tour operators:

4 Days, 3 Nights Tanzania Budget Camping Safari To Serengeti And Ngorongoro

4 Days, 3 Nights Tanzania Budget Camping Safari To Serengeti And Ngorongoro

4 Days Budget Kruger Safari

4 Days Budget Kruger Safari

7 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli budget Safari

7 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli budget Safari

Tanzania Camping Adventure

Tanzania Camping Adventure

Kenya Wildlife Safari

Kenya Wildlife Safari

Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting

Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting

How to compare safari tours, compare price per day.

Some safari price tags can leave you with sticker shock, but you should always look at one number more closely. Make sure to check the price per day for your potential safari, rather than the total price - the price per day will allow you to see where, exactly, your money will be going, and you can get the most bang for your buck with some careful consideration. TourRadar Tip : Sort by lowest price per day , then adjust trip length and departure date.

Review inclusions

Never assume that something will be included in the final price of your safari; it's always better to assume nothing is included and be pleasantly surprised than it is to experience the nasty shock of realizing you didn't budget enough money! Many tours do include these extra fees, but always make sure to check with your tour operator, as these fees may considerably increase your tour's total price. Ask about fees for park entrances and transfers, meals, and tips for guides and trackers. Read more on the cost of an African safari .

Check time spent on game drives

When comparing different safari options, always measure the itineraries based on how long you'll actually spend watching wildlife. While it may seem obvious, many travellers don't consider the sheer size of their destination - whole days of your safari can be spent driving! Determine how many game drives and other opportunities you'll have to spot wildlife in each safari you're considering and go from there.

How to find a cheap safari

Go during low or shoulder season, consider camping and budget lodging, join a group, explore one destination at a time, travel by road, hunt for best deals, best destinations for a budget safari.

Because there are so many incredible safari destinations all over Africa, it can be difficult to decide where, exactly, travellers will have their dream experience. If you can't quite decide, we've put together a few tips and tricks for budget safaris in a few of our favourite destinations. 

For travellers visiting Masai Mara National Reserve , consider camping in one of several safe and secure sites; budget campsites are located just outside the park. The off-season for safaris in Kenya coincides with the country's rainy season - from March until June and then from October to December. Keep in mind that, while you may experience some rain, visiting Kenya for a safari during the rainy season often means incredible birdlife sightings. While Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's most popular destination, there's much more to the country! Budget safari-goers should consider alternate parks, such as Amboseli and Tsavo East National Park . 

When planning a safari trip to Botswana, consider your safari type - while fly-in safaris can be a great way to see animals from the heart of the action, they're much more expensive. Opt instead for a "mobile" safari, and camp or stay in budget lodges while travelling. Note that Botswana is one of the more expensive countries to visit on a safari, so travellers dreaming of visiting should consider a tour to maximize their savings, and avoid travel from June to September; this is the peak season and most expensive time to visit.

South Africa

Budget travellers, rejoice: South Africa is home to some incredible national parks - SANParks (South African National Parks) manage 20 of them (including the famous Kruger National Park ), and you'll find cheap lodging throughout them all! Some parks allow walking safaris , which provide travellers with a more intimate and up-close experience with South Africa's wildlife. The best part? Walking safaris are often cheaper, as companies don't need to pay for transportation. The months of May through September are considered South Africa's low season, but this is actually the best time to spot animals in the country's north!

Uganda is best known for its incredible gorilla safaris , but, unfortunately, there are a number of ways these experiences can drain your bank account unexpectedly. Make sure your safari guide and operator is legitimate: illegitimate guides may charge extra fees that will leave travellers paying much more than they should for a safari. Watch out for companies that take advantage of gorilla trekking's high price tag and advertise "cheap" gorilla safaris, as they are often scams. The wet seasons in Uganda take place from March until May and September through November; these off-peak months are a great way to save money during your safari. 

Consider visiting in November : not only will you enjoy off-season rates on flights, accommodation, and attractions, you'll still be able to see everything that makes Tanzania so special. Be prepared for rain, though! If you're looking to travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, it's easier than ever to travel during the off-season; the crater enjoys beautiful weather year-round, and travellers are practically guaranteed to see the Big Five. For travellers looking to save on transfers,  Tarangire National Park is located near the Arusha Airport, so travellers looking to save on transfers should consider making this park their main safari stop.

Zambia is an affordable safari destination: the average daily cost of travel in this country is about $31 USD and travellers will enjoy lower prices for travel between the months of May and October - this rainy season will still provide ample opportunities for animal sightings! Most travellers fly into Lusaka Airport with the intention of flying further domestically - to save money on this travel, take advantage of Zambia's coach, rail, and even river transfers to your destination!

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How much does an African safari cost? (and how to make it cheaper)

Wild dogs chasing a puku antelope in South Luangwa

Unfortunately, many people associate safaris with exorbitant prices and see it as a vacation that’s financially out of reach. You’ll be pleased to know this is not always the case. In the end, how much does an African safari cost comes down to what you’re looking for .

Yes, you can go on safari for USD 1000 per day. But you can also enjoy incredibly intimate safari experiences for much less than USD 100 per day.

How Much Does a Safari Cost?

Small herd of elephants stands on the edge of Madison Pan, with treehouse in the background, Hwange National Park

African safaris vary enormously in cost. There is the cheap and relatively cheerful, all the way up to some of the most expensive holidays on the planet.

You can enjoy good wildlife encounters for less than USD 100 per day. Expect to pay a minimum of USD 150 per day for the best destinations and a multi-day safari program. USD 250 per day and upwards is mid range.

How much does a safari cost in East Africa vs Southern Africa

In general, entry to mid-range East African safaris cost more than those in Southern Africa.

The park fees are higher and you cannot safari in your own vehicle. There are fewer public campsites so you are reliant on private camps.

For example, a safari on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit or anywhere multi-day trip in Kenya, is going to cost USD 200 per day and more.

Check out more detailed costs on the ultimate safari guides to Tanzania , Kenya , Zambia and gorilla trekking .

Cheaper park fees bring that cost down in Southern Africa. Many of the best safari destinations in Southern Africa are also very accessible, like Chobe National Park’s proximity to Livingstone and Victoria Falls . This limits private transport and further reduces costs.

Southern Africa has many smaller safari destinations. These don’t offer the ultimate wildlife experience but are a cheap alternative.

So how much does a safari cost in Southern Africa? You can get a good multi-day safari for under USD 150 per day .

Check out South Africa safari guide , Botswana safari guide , Namibia safari guide , and Zimbabwe safari guide .

What do you want and expect on a safari?

If you envision a safari with luxurious rooms, satellite television, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, exotic cuisine, and your own fireplace, you may need to review your priorities.

Why are you going on an African safari? To sit in your room and watch television? Or to connect with your wild side?

If it’s too big, too beautiful, or too luxurious, it’s consequently going to hit your wallet hard. And it’s not going to be the best possible safari experience.

Luxury safari lodge in South Africa

However, if you’re content with common restroom facilities, decent food, and a small bungalow or safari tent, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the affordable costs of going on safari.

Remember that you’ll be staying in a stunning location . This alone makes the price worth it. And while it’s great to stay in the lap of luxury, the main part of the experience is the wildlife and game viewing , and that’s very similar regardless of your accommodation choice.

Most Safari Costs are Based on an All-Inclusive Formula

The well-known “all in” formula means that everything is included in your package: from air flights (if applicable) to park entries, accommodation, game activities, and meals.

Additional costs may apply for drinks and any other extra activities around the lodge, which include night drives, boat trips, and guided walks. Prices will vary from place to place. To give you a general idea, typical daily activities cost anywhere from $20-100 pp (higher prices in top safari destinations). But then again, they might even be part of the deal.

Sometimes the cost of an African safari is very off-putting. But in general, you shouldn’t need much to spend after buying your safari package. USD 200 per day may sound a lot, but when that includes everything , including the greatest wildlife encounters on Earth, it’s totally worth it.

The Easiest Way to Reduce Your Safari Costs

Beautiful male lion with safari jeep in the background, Kenya

Later in the article we will discuss all the variables, including transport, accommodation, season, activities and more. You will learn some easy tips for reducing your safari costs. But these pale into insignificance in comparison to this…

African safaris cost less when you book with a local African safari operator .

Local safari operators , whether in Tanzania or Botswana, are the experts. They will be guiding your safari, whether you book direct or via an international travel agent. Local operators operate on a budget. They have low overheads and employ local people on local wages.

Compare that to any travel agent in your home country. Or to any major online travel agent. All travel agents have big overheads and big wages, so they need to make more money.

Every travel agent makes money through commission . You pay them for a safari. They keep 25-50%. And pass the rest to the local safari operator.

Book a USD 300 a day African safari with a travel agent and you will get a USD 200 a day safari. But book a USD 300 a day safari directly with a local tour operator and you really will get a USD 300 a day.

Many people don’t trust local tour companies. But you can still find reviews and recommendations for local operators, just as you do for travel agents.

Some people visit Africa, haggle over the price of everything, and complain that they are being ripped off. But the same people are very happy spending thousands of dollars on staying in hotels owned by multinational corporations, and using travel agents who funnel their profits to shareholders.

Book with a local operator and you will get a better safari for a better price, plus more of your money will be used to support the local economy .

If you need assistance then we have a partnership with a pan-African expert who can connect you with trusted local safari operators.

african safari holiday cost

Lodges will often have two areas: one with bungalows/rooms, and another with campsites or tents. The second option is by far the most cost-effective (unless you are looking at “Luxury Camping”, but we won’t go into that here). Prices are reasonable, where you’ll only pay a small fee of as little as $5-15 per day to put up your tent and use the ablutions.

Additionally, another advantage of camping is that you’ll be inherently closer to nature . Especially at night, when nocturnal animals roam by your tent or bizarre sounds haunt your sleep.

Your most common visitors at night will be sneaky hyenas and common bush babies . Moreover, it is not unusual to hear lion calls from a distance.

A personal experience from Michael Theys

Elephant right outside a lodge in Lower Zambezi

“I’ve personally experienced some interesting events on various occasions. One time, there was a huge bull elephant right outside my tent window. It was such an intense feeling. Besides being exciting, it was also a little intimidating. You could hear this tremendous animal smashing branches and crunching its food with a ravenous appetite. I was praying he wouldn’t suddenly decide to play with my tent! 🙂

Luckily, as you can tell, I’m still alive and well! I imagine that you might be figuratively jumping up and down on your seat as you read these sentences, but don’t worry. Many facilities are fenced off , and if not, they are guarded by armed men (quite often Maasai warriors in East Africa).

Regarding food, pay attention as this part is very important. Be on the look out for baboons and vervet monkeys that have a tendency to come and steal some of your belongings for themselves. Never leave anything lying around!  There’s a good chance that what you leave misplaced will be gone in an instant.”

Planning a camping safari

The only downside to camping is that it demands more organisation and effort . On some safaris you will have to take your own camping equipment with you.

In some cases however, equipment may be provided at the camp itself. You will need to bring your own groceries, though some facilities have their own shops (i.e. Skukuza, inside Kruger National Park). You’ll also have to cook your own food (eating at the restaurant is an option), and drive your own car in the game area.

Then there are camping safaris organised by tour operators. These are popular budget safaris in East Africa. An operator will bring all the equipment and use public campsites , which keeps costs down.

african safari holiday cost

Bed and Breakfast Formula

One alternative to camping inside the park is to stay in the vicinity of the reserve . It’s not as unique an experience without the wildlife roaming around, but it can be a sensible choice if you’re on a tight budget.

Usually, there are a number of options available, ranging from hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Some hotels even have an impressive view overlooking the reserve itself, which is a great bonus as it gives you a flavour of the bush.

Residents vs Foreigner Fees

As you might expect, tourists are charged more than the locals to enter a conservation area. In most places the price difference is significant.

For instance, park entrances might be as low as $2 for a resident and as high as $100 for a foreigner . A place like Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania charges $80 per person and $200 per vehicle .

african safari holiday cost

Africa Freak tip : If you’re on safari with friends who happen to be residents, it’s sometimes possible for you to enter as a local and pay the resident fee. Stay in the car, remain quiet, and let your pals do the talking.

It’s not always successful, but it’s worth a shot! 😉

How Much Does a Safari Cost (High vs Low Season)

Black-backed jackal trying to catch a dove at a waterhole

Dry season months are peak season for tourists and safari attractions in East Africa. In Southern Africa, peak season is during the cooler drier winter months.

Make sure that you have your reservations prepared well in advance , as places are often fully booked months beforehand. In South Africa for instance, areas of the Kruger are reserved up to a year ahead of time.

If you’re looking for a cheaper safari, try to plan your trip during the low season when the game viewing isn’t as good.

But “not quite as good” is a relative term. Whenever you visit, a safari is a magical experience. You can experience incredible sightings during the rainy season or tropical summer months.

In the dry season , wildlife must congregate around waterholes, which makes it easier to spot. But that doesn’t mean it disappears during the rest of the year. It’s still around. You just need to look a little harder. In some places of East Africa, when it really rains, dirt roads become impassable and several facilities are forced to close down.

Jeep crosses the river on an African safari in the Lower Zambezi

Driving your own vehicle or renting a car for a safari might be the cheapest available option, especially in Southern Africa. Park roads are well indicated and it’s possible to buy local maps at the entrance.

However self-driving is not always possible . In private game reserves and certain nature reserves, you can only go on safari with cars provided by the lodge or park.

How Much Does it Cost for an African Safari?

Aerial view of a hippo in the Okavango

Like all vacations and all unique experiences, the price of an African safari varies person by person . So instead of thinking about how much does an African safari cost, how about switching the question to something more meaningful.

Our recommendation is to think about how much is a safari worth to you .

An Africa safari is an unfiltered connection with the greatest wildlife and wildernesses on the planet. Africa is Africa – you can’t have the safari experience anywhere else!

There truly is nothing like it, this chance to go eye to eye with the greatest animals to walk our planet. Not only is an African safari an incredibly personal experience, it’s an experience that will change how you view the world .

So how much is that worth?

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12 once-in-a-lifetime african safari vacations.

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Top African Safari Vacations

Lewa Safari Camp animal sightings with Expert Africa.

Courtesy of Expert Africa

Safari vacations in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of experiences to suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries visited by tours in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations (particularly yellow fever) in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country for more information.

&Beyond: Kings of the Jungle Tour

Seeing a lion on an &Beyond safari.

Courtesy of &Beyond

Length: 10 days Starting price: $14,265

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's diverse offerings across numerous African destinations. For a classic safari, consider the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle tour, where travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like Ngorongo Crater and the Maasai Mara savannah with its elephants and cheetahs. Arguably, the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park .

After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms. Prices start at $14,265 per person, but are higher around the peak season of June to October.

Wild Rwanda Safaris: Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Gorilla as seen on a safari with Wild Rwanda Safaris.

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris

Length: Three days Starting price: $1,450 for two people with lowest-cost lodging

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for gorillas) and adjacent Batwa Pygmy communities. Wild Rwanda Safaris offers a choice of midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodations, allowing you to keep costs down if necessary.

The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, as well as English-speaking guides are covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend a lot longer on the road to the park. Contact the safari company for pricing information.

Nomad Tanzania: Southern Tanzania

Lodge room with Nomad Tanzania.

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Length: Eight days Starting price: $6,055

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species.

You'll get around the parks with the company's custom-built vehicles, ideal for catching a glimpse of that spectacular wildlife. What's more, the package rates include lodging at the company's campsites; select meals; and the short, scenic flights to and from Dar es Salaam as well as to the parks. Prices are only available upon contacting the company; they vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris: The Micato Grand Safari

Hot air balloons with Micato Safaris.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Length: 15 days Starting price: $29,500

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This extraordinarily thorough itinerary from Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to bustling Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks. You'll be treated to wildlife-viewing excursions that just might check every animal off your bucket list, from lions and cheetahs to rhinos, hippos and more. During your trip, you'll get to see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground.

The package costs at least $29,500 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes activities like a sunrise hot air balloon ride and a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe. Lodging at upscale properties like the Serengeti's Four Seasons Safari Lodge and glamorous safari camps with en suite bathrooms is also included. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris: Essence of Tanzania

Seeing elephants with Rothschild Safaris.

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

Length: Nine days Starting price: Contact company for pricing details.

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Ethiopia, but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the "big five" animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet.

This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha, Tanzania, and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives spotting animals like ostriches, zebras and impalas in Tarangire National Park, plus accommodations like luxurious tents and farmhouse lodges. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife. If you time your safari right, you may also be able to see the famed wildebeest migration, when more than a million animals move between the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti plains.

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Lion World Travel: The Best of Cape Town & Botswana

Pool at lodge with Lion World Travel.

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

Length: 10 days Starting price: $4,899

As the trip name implies, the 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package from longtime safari operator Lion World Travel combines a few days of sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa – where you'll visit the iconic Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula – with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta, home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more; you'll have the option of a helicopter flight to spot wildlife from above for an extra fee. Then, you'll visit Chobe National Park, which is believed to have the world's largest African elephant population.

Prices start at $4,899 per person based on double occupancy. Rates cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays in a four-star hotel in Cape Town as well as luxury tents in Botswana. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (from Cape Town to Botswana and from Botswana to Johannesburg ).

Discover Africa: Botswana – Chobe, Okavango & Makgadikgadi

Two adult elephants as seen on a safari.

Matthys Van Aswegen | Courtesy of Discover Africa

Length: Nine days Starting price: $4,800

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day trip through the country's sprawling game reserves and national parks is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for spotting elephants – before moving on to the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals like leopards, rhinos, hippos and more. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife such as zebras and buffalo on the savannah as well as the ethereal white salt pans from a former lake.

You'll stay in upscale lodges and camps within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person and varies by time of year), but international flights to get to Botswana are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris: 8 Day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari

Family kayaking on Lake Sibaya with Wild Wings Safaris.

Onne Vegter | Courtesy of Wild Wings Safaris

Length: Eight days Starting price: About $4,160 for self-drive option

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some local history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari. With an itinerary focused on the east of South Africa, you'll start off visiting some of the country's historic sites from the Boer wars, including locations where local Zulu warriors defeated the British, before moving on to Phinda Private Game Reserve. This park doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the "big five" without too many crowds.

The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Kayaking and walks through coastal forests are other activities on offer here. As far as safaris go, this one is a somewhat more affordable option, starting at about $4,160 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris: 4-Day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park

Aerial of Victoria Falls with a large rainbow over the falls.

Getty Images

Length: Four days Starting price: $1,015

This tour company kicks off many of its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from three to nine days, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, consider the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park safari. It will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park in Botswana and Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more, while also visiting rural villages. This safari includes a wildlife spotting boat cruise on the Chobe River as well.

The price starts at $1,015 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and well-rated lodging in Victoria Falls. Travelers will need to pay for their own travel to Victoria Falls. Dinners aren't included, although you'll be staying in the town of Victoria Falls, with access to restaurants.

Compass Odyssey: 8-Day Namibia Wildlife Safari

Seeing elephants in a field at sunset on a Compass Odyssey safari.

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Length: Eight days Starting price: Contact company for pricing details.

Explore the savannah and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. Travelers will also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife like giraffes, zebras and elephants at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive with a knowledgeable ranger as well.

The company provides prices on request. The tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights or the optional "Cheetah Walk." Compass Odyssey allows the tour to be customized on request.

Expert Africa: Big Cat Fly-in Safari

Lewa Safari Camp animal sightings with Expert Africa.

Length: Nine days Starting price: $5,010

Expert Africa offers safaris and other tours in a host of African countries. For a relatively classic tour, consider the Big Cat Fly-in Safari. It offers two different looks at Kenya's stellar wildlife. Firstly, you'll fly north for four nights at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary that channels all its profits into protecting the wildlife in its roughly 100-square-mile reserve. You'll stay in classic tented rooms and enjoy three-course dinners, with the option of going on horse- or camelback safaris for an extra fee.

Despite the tour name, you're most likely to see elephants, giraffes, zebras and rhinos here. In fact, you're more likely to see big cats at the tour's second stop, when you fly south to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The tour company reports a high success rate for travelers spotting lions (and a decent chance of spotting leopards or cheetahs too). Here, you'll spend four days in upscale tents and have the option of soaring over the plains in a hot air balloon. The tour starts at $5,010 for eight nights, with all transport within Kenya included – although Expert Africa customizes most of its tours, so you can likely adjust your safari to your preferences.

Volcanoes Safari: 7 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

The Deluxe Room at Bwindi Lodge from Volcanoes Safaris.

Courtesy of Volcanoes Safaris

Length: Seven days Starting price: $8,430

If you're looking to spot some great apes, Volcanoes Safari focuses exclusively on primate tours within Rwanda and Uganda – and with partnerships with the Jane Goodall Institute and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, they're responsible too. One of its signature tours, this seven-day itinerary kicks off in Uganda, taking travelers to the famed Kyambura Gorge to spot chimpanzee communities, as well as on a trek through the Bwindi Forest to look for gorillas.

But it's not all about monkeys: The tour also includes chances to see lions on the Ugandan plains and to meet locals engaging in cooperative work raising bees and roasting coffee. Along the way, guests stay in stylish lodges with views of Uganda's mountains and forests. The tour starts at $8,430 per person based on double occupancy in the low season, with all meals included.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Although COVID-19 vaccination requirements no longer exist, it's not uncommon for countries to require you to be vaccinated against illnesses such as yellow fever before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

For many destinations, there are a number of other vaccinations that aren't mandatory but are still recommended, such as for cholera or rabies. Consult with a doctor and ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor about potentially bringing anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of July 2024:

Botswana: If you have recently visited or transited through a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa as well as Central and South America. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days per year without a visa.

Kenya: Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places where yellow fever is endemic to be vaccinated against it. The CDC recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an eVisa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no less than two weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less per year.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50 for a single entry or $70 for multiple entries, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission, including transits of 12 hours or longer in such countries. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country. The vaccine should be administered 10 days or more before arrival

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 or a multiple-entry, one-year visa for $100. Be sure to print a copy of the approval (called a "grant notice") to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a single-entry visa on arrival in most cases, although the Tanzanian government still recommends the advance online application. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure. The processing time is around seven days, but the Ugandan government recommends applying 30 days before you travel; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. A single-entry visa costs $50. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk, including long transits (12 hours or more) through such countries. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting Zambia. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks require a vaccine against this illness. This includes long transit stopovers of 12 hours or more.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

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Frommer's - Home

How to Go on an African Safari for Less Money: Tips By Industry Experts

By Tamara Hinson

August 27, 2024

Bigger isn’t always better.

When it comes to safaris, certain destinations have an almost mythical status, but it’s worth remembering visiting these destinations can cost considerably more. “Fees charged by larger national parks can swallow a lot of your budget,” says James Haigh, head of sales at Lemala Camps and Lodges . “If seeing big-ticket destinations like the Serengeti or Maasai Mara isn’t essential, consider smaller parks [with lower entry fees] such as Tarangire, Manyara, Arusha in Tanzania [pictured above], or Tsavo, Meru, or the Aberdares in Kenya.”  

Spend money on what matters.

Yes, you might dream of sipping sundowners in an elegant lodge with a bar carved from Zambian granite before dozing off under cotton sheets with 3,000 thread counts in a décor of artfully stage-managed antique trunks. But will these things make those all-important animal sightings more likely? In reality, they’ll simply push up the price tag. “Think about it. You get up in the morning, go out on a game drive for most of the day, come back, have a shower, a sundowner, dinner, chit chat, and go to bed,” says Alan Feldstein at Infinite Safari Adventures . “How much time did you really spend at that expensive lodge? Camps and lodges with comfortable beds, hot showers, and toilets that flush are all that you need.” 

Understand national parks vs. wildlife reserves.

When it comes to safaris, wildlife reserves, which are mostly located in South Africa and can be privately owned, might well be cheaper due to their accessibility, but bear in mind that the overall experience is likely to be different. “Private reserves are primarily located in South Africa and they’re just that: private,” says Feldstein of Infinite Safari Adventures. “That means that there are no other vehicles in the reserve except for those owned or permitted by the reserve owners. But it also means that there are limits to what you will see. Reserves are typically fenced in and have limited amounts of wildlife. More vehicles are allowed inside national parks, but there’s more open space to view wildlife and you never know what you are going to see. Quite simply, [national parks] are wilder. And some of the great spectacles, like the Great Migration, are found only in national parks.”

Stay loyal.

Combining multiple lodges operated by different owners can quickly push up costs, so as you travel Africa in search of sightings, don’t be afraid to ask what perks might be available if you stick with lodges owned by the same company. “Always ask your agent if there are any long-stay discounts available if you book several properties from the same property brand,” says Haigh of Lemala Camps and Lodges. It’s also worth asking if your operator can access any “3-for-2 nights” deals. These are becoming increasingly common, because growing numbers of travelers are opting to combine multiple destinations in one trip and lodge owners are keen to hold onto customers.

Plan your trip far ahead.

Being an early bird reaps rewards when it comes to safaris. Bear in mind you’re not booking a hotel with hundreds of rooms. Most safari lodges and camps accommodate fewer than 30 people in a maximum of 10 or 11 tents, so they sell out quickly. “Booking early can provide access to early bird discounts, and you can save as much as 10 to 20 percent,” says Greg Fox, co-founder of Mahlatini Luxury Travel . “Booking early also guarantees you access to the most sought-after locations before the demand increases and pushes prices up even further.”

Always use an agent.

Booking directly with a hotel in Europe or the U.S. might reap rewards, but with safaris, a trusted travel agent can save you huge amounts of cash—and provide peace of mind, too. “Booking through a single source agent will save time and ultimately money, with another hidden benefit being that, while you’re enjoying your safari, the agency is monitoring your journey, anticipating cancelled flights, missed transfers and any other event that the direct booker wouldn’t be aware of,” says Warren Green, founder of Warren Green & Associates , which helps safari destinations market themselves to travelers. “Agents have your back.” On safari, you'll spend long periods in the bush without a phone signal, so it pays to have someone else minding the overall picture.

Choose your transfer carefully.

Yes, stepping out of the airport into an air-conditioned four-wheeled drive stocked with bottled water and snacks might be lovely, but it’s another perk which can push up the price. And light airplane journeys over the African savannah might provide the perfect opportunity selfies, but are they really worth the added cost? Bear in mind the cost of a chartered flight typically starts at around $450 for a two-hour transfer, so traveling via road or visiting lodges which are closer together, might be more affordable choices. Unless your lodge or camp is truly remote, always ask about the cost of a road transfer, and ask whether it's advisable to opt for a local taxi company rather than the lodge’s chauffeur-driven vehicle.

african safari holiday cost

On a Budget? Not Botswana 

Botswana (pictured above) is a bucket list safari destination for many, and don’t get us wrong—its wetlands make it a truly spectacular place. But it’s also Africa’s most expensive safari destination. Numerous factors push up the cost of a safari here. Botswana has a small population and a high GDP per capita thanks to its mineral wealth, so it doesn’t need mass-market tourism as much as neighboring nations do. “Botswana has deliberately followed a low-volume, high-value model, which means they have an abundance of private concessions offering very exclusive stays,” says Mike Kelly, co-founder of  Coral Tree Travel , a tour operator specializing in Africa. “Safari operators have created expensive accommodation options to market to the super wealthy.”

Know each country's peak timing 

Always remember that the best time to visit one country isn’t necessarily the best time to visit another. Some examples? “Zimbabwe and Zambia offer excellent value from late October to May,” says Sunit Sanghrajka, founder and CEO of  Alluring Africa . “Kenya’s rainy Season [April to May] is also a winner.” A word of warning? “Botswana in peak season is now officially the most expensive destination between July and September,” says Sunit. “Many camps are now charging between $4,000 and $6,000 per person per night.”

Don’t dismiss rainy season.

Dry season is traditionally the most popular time to go on safari, but trust us: When you’ve spent three hours under the baking sun waiting for a lion to wake up from his afternoon nap (it’s not just humans who need siestas on hot days), you’ll realize why the dry time is not necessarily the best time for a safari.  Pauline Frommer  says that even though foliage tends to be thicker during the rainy season, which may require more effort from you to spot animals, the wet season also tends to be a good time to spot baby animals.

Assume everyone will pay the adult price.

Bear in mind that in terms of pricing, not all operators differentiate between children and adults, and when they do, there’s little common ground when it comes to the age when a child is deemed to be a grown-up. “As far as families are concerned, not all operators apply child rates to the same ages,” says Kelly of Coral Tree Travel. For this reason, never assume that your children will be entitled to reduced rates.

Avoid booking sites.

We’ve mentioned the advantages of using an agent, but a final word of warning: Be aware that safaris that are booked using mass-market travel websites are likely to be very different to ones booked with a specialist agent. “These sites are for people looking for budget options over a vetted experience,” says Jessica Parker, Travel Advisor at Trip Whisperer . “You have to be willing to go along with a bunch of other people, and it’s always a little riskier with the quality.” Finding out exactly who to contact if things go wrong can also be incredibly tricky, partly due to the way these companies often subcontract smaller operators.

Don’t rely on last-minute availability.

Years ago, bargain hunters could occasionally bag a great deal by simply turning up in cities such as Johannesburg or Cape Town (in the latter, Long Street was once lined with independent travel agents) and attempting to snap up a last-minute deal. Sadly, those days are over. Safaris simply became too popular. Several safari operators told us that camps and lodges typically sell out months in advance now, effectively eliminating the once-thriving market for last-minute spots. As one expert told us, the rules are different now: “It’s probably not a great idea to just try your luck.”

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Is there such thing as an affordable safari? How to holiday in the wild without breaking the bank

Brushes with wildlife are good for the soul – and they can be gentle on your pocket too, reveals james litston, article bookmarked.

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E ast African languages may not be your forte, but we all know one word in Swahili: safari . Though it actually translates as ‘journey’, we understand safari to mean a trip seeking animals in the wild. But there’s more to it than ticking off the Big Five on an African plain; safaris can just as easily focus on creatures much closer to home.

Whether it’s turtles in Turkey , birds on the Black Sea or even red squirrels and whales here in Britain, safaris are about heading out into nature and relishing the moment.

The catch is that, as a rule of thumb, wildlife thrives better in more remote regions, so getting there can be costly. But if you travel off-season , skip the luxury lodges, and choose destinations with favourable exchange rates , your bucket-list wildlife encounter need not have a budget-busting price tag. Here’s our pick of this season’s most affordable safaris.

Circle of life

Spend a few nights in the safari tent on the Fathala Wildlife Reserve in Senegal

Kenya is the ultimate safari hotspot (even if the exchange rate isn’t on our side right now). Take in Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara on a week-long tour to spot the Big Five (buffalos, elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos) among countless other creatures (from £1,339pp, excluding flights; intrepidtravel.com ). Elsewhere, save money by spending only part of your trip in the wild. Three nights in Senegal’s Fathala Reserve (with elands, warthogs and monkeys) combined with a four-night Gambian beach break costs from £1,749pp, including flights ( gambia.co.uk ).

Read more on Africa travel :

  • The bustling African city four hours from London hoping to break records
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  • Africa’s largest country is one of world tourism’s undiscovered gems – for now

Escape to the Cape

Spot Cape Town’s penguins while on a safari-lodge stay in South Africa

South Africa offers great value for money. Untravelled Paths’ nine-night Western Cape trip blends a safari lodge stay with Cape Town’s penguins, the winelands of Franschhoek, and Plettenberg Bay’s beaches from £1,569pp, excluding flights ( untravelledpaths.com ). Or to keep costs really low, Bushbaby Travel recommends racking up the Big Seven (the usual Five, plus whales and sharks) by combining a Cape Town self-catering stay with a self-drive safari in Pilanesberg National Park. Seven nights from £1,090pp, including car hire but not flights ( bushbaby.travel ).

Bear necessities

Spend a holiday in a motorhome traveling around British Columbia and Vancouver Island while spotting moose and bears

Self-driving also cuts the cost of a Canada adventure – and all the more so when your vehicle doubles up as your hotel . This two-week motorhome holiday from regional specialist Bon Voyage covers all your essentials (itinerary planning, campsite bookings, on-the-road assistance) as well as topping and tailing the trip with a city stay in Vancouver . En route, spot eagles, beavers, moose, elk, bears (both black and grizzly) and orcas. From £3,995pp, including flights ( bon-voyage.co.uk ).

Burning bright

Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is the place to head for a family safari to spy on elephants

Tigers are the animal icons of the Indian subcontinent. Seek them on Distant Journeys’ 16-night Indian Wildlife Adventure, which chalks up 10 game drives across five national parks, including Kanha, Pench and Gir. Jackals, jungle cats, spiral-horned blackbuck and Asiatic lions also feature. From £3,295pp, including flights ( distantjourneys.co.uk ). Or head to Sri Lanka for a family safari to Yala and Uda Walawe National Parks to spy elephants and sloth bears before rounding things off at the beach. Two weeks from £3,185pp, excluding flights ( reefandrainforest.co.uk ).

Crossroads of continents

Colourful Eurasian bee-eaters can be spotted in Kas, Turkey

Turkey sits where Europe, Asia and Africa overlap. This means that, while much of its wildlife may look familiar, there are also more exotic elements. Spot the likes of white-breasted kingfishers, blue-cheeked bee-eaters and two kinds of turtle on Naturetrek’s week-long Central Turkey Wildlife & History small-group tour (from £3,295pp, including flights; naturetrek.co.uk ). Got three weeks to spare? A deep-dive into Turkey’s Aegean Coast maybe for you (from £5,035pp, including flights; greentours.co.uk ). Better still, beneficial exchange rates make your money go further here.

Delta discovery

Roam around the Carpathian Mountains in Romania to spot a mammal or two

The Via Pontica is an avian superhighway that eagles, storks and pelicans follow on their spring migration via the Bosporus and Black Sea coast. The destination for many of them is Romania’s Danube Delta, where vast wetlands form one of Europe’s last intact ecosystems. Discover its birdlife on a small-group tour (three nights from £383pp, excluding flights; responsibletravel.com ). Or make the most of this super-good-value country by pairing the delta with the large-mammal-rich Carpathian Mountains (seven nights from £2,495pp, including flights; wildlifeworldwide.com ).

Baltic bargain

Matsalu National Park is one of the most famous European bird-watching sites

Further north again, you’ll find more big mammals (including bears) in Estonia. Around half of this Baltic nation is forested, so there’s plenty of habitat for wildlife to thrive – and prices here are lower than you’d pay for similar experiences in Norway or Sweden. Windows on the Wild’s self-guided tour takes in three national parks, providing a mix of landscapes inhabited by wolf, bear and lynx. Six nights from £860pp, including flights ( windowsonthewild.com ).

Close to home

Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire deliver a scenic view of gannets among other seabirds

For the cheapest wildlife fixes of all, save money on travel by staying in the UK, home to some of Europe’s best seabird colonies and a quarter of all whale and dolphin species. Spy some of the latter in Yorkshire on a five-hour Seabirds & Whales cruise (£90, yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk ); or make it more about peregrines and polecats in Wales ( welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk ). And for a proper immersion in nature, meet stags, red squirrels and golden eagles on a three-night Cairngorms winter walking holiday (from £845, adventuretoursuk.com ).

Read more: How to take a wildlife safari without leaving the UK

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  2. How Much Does An African Safari Cost?

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  3. African Safari Cost. (A Detailed Analysis)

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  5. African Safari Budget Guide

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  6. How Much Does An African Safari Cost?

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COMMENTS

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    A safari is one of the most exciting and memorable holidays you'll ever undertake. There are a lot of factors that go into the cost of an African safari - such as location, time of the year, and level of comfort - but there are also some good rules of thumb to follow for your safari budget...

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    How Much Does an African Safari Cost? An African safari costs anywhere between $125 and $1,500 (USD) per person per night. A budget safari averages $150 per night, mid-range $350 and luxury $750. The extreme top-end safaris can easily go up to $1,500 per night, or more! There is literally a safari to suit every budget.

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    The average cost of a Value safari is $4,500 - $5,000 per person. Classic: The average cost of a classic safari is between $7,000 and $8,000. The camps and lodges where these safaris are held typically have 5-star ratings, and their standards for guiding, food, and service are exceptionally high.

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    A day's worth of research will produce safaris that cost $10,000+ and safaris claiming to offer you a full experience at only $125 a night. So, how much does an African safari cost, and what should you factor in when choosing the right package? We break down African safari prices here.

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    From adrenaline activities on the southern coast and wine tours in the valleys, to incredible wildlife sightings in the east and north, South Africa is a dream destination for many. It's also a budget-friendly holiday for first-time safari goers, families and those after a bargain.

  16. African Safari Cost

    African Safari Cost Considerations When it comes to reviewing Africa safari itineraries provided by Africa safari planners, it is not always easy to compare them "apples to apples," understand the out-of-pocket totals and see the quality differentiations. However, this is an essential step for you to make an informed choice.

  17. Luxury African Safari Pricing (2025)

    A five-star luxury African safari holiday typically costs around $1,000 per person daily. If you book multiple properties from the same operator you can expect to get free night offers or other savings on the overall accommodation cost of your booking.

  18. 10 Best African Budget Safari Tours 2024/2025

    Planning a safari and looking for the best value? These tips on comparing and booking will help you find the perfect budget safari and the best destinations in Africa.

  19. How Much Does an African Safari Cost? (and How to Make it Cheaper)

    How Much Does a Safari Cost? African safaris vary enormously in cost. There is the cheap and relatively cheerful, all the way up to some of the most expensive holidays on the planet.

  20. How much does an African safari cost?

    The cost of a safari in Africa and especially to Tanzania starts at $500-725 per person per day, middles out at $800-1350 and enjoys high luxury rates of $1250-1850. A Kenya safari costs from $450-650 per person per day, a medium range is 650-1050 and lavish lodges from $1100 to $1750. For travelers keen to hit two birds with one stone, the ...

  21. Affordable African Safari Packages

    Planning a trip to Africa on a budget? Our affordable African safari packages deliver classic big game viewing and tropical island getaways - find out more.

  22. African Safari Prices

    Africa is a unique and diverse continent, with many countries and a staggering array of wilderness areas, safari lodges and experiences. Combine this with African safari prices that literally change with the seasons, and it's no wonder we're frequently asked, 'How much does an African safari cost?'.

  23. 12 Once-in-a-Lifetime African Safari Vacations

    Is a safari in Africa on your bucket list? From Botswana and South Africa to Tanzania and Kenya, here are the top African safari vacations to consider.

  24. Best All-inclusive African Safari Vacations

    Choosing an all-inclusive African safari means smart savings, without skimping on comfort or luxury. Browse our best Africa vacation packages that are all-inclusive.

  25. How to Go on an African Safari for Less Money: Tips By ...

    Here's how to make a quality safari in Africa more affordable. By Tamara Hinson. August 27, 2024. Bigger isn't always better. ... Numerous factors push up the cost of a safari here. Botswana has a small population and a high GDP per capita thanks to its mineral wealth, so it doesn't need mass-market tourism as much as neighboring nations ...

  26. Is there such thing as an affordable safari? How to holiday in the wild

    South Africa offers great value for money. Untravelled Paths' nine-night Western Cape trip blends a safari lodge stay with Cape Town's penguins, the winelands of Franschhoek, and Plettenberg ...

  27. 6 most dangerous countries for women in 2024

    South Africa The country struggles with high levels of gender-based violence, with street safety being a major concern. According to the World Population Review, only 25% of women in South Africa ...

  28. African Safari Cost

    With safari prices ranging anywhere between £100 and £2,000 per night, discover how much your African safari holiday would cost with our simple guide.