How much does an African safari cost?

What does an African safari cost?

A common question from safari first-timers is, ‘How much does a safari cost?’ Of course, the answer depends on many factors, which we explain here.

We use our many years of collective experience in the safari industry to quickly estimate the price of your ideal safari. Our easy-to-complete Free Safari Planning Form, combined with the subsequent free consultations and planning sessions, taps into our deep pool of resources and experience.

Remember that trying to cut costs via a do-it-yourself safari will likely result in higher costs, mistakes and a disappointing experience. We have been doing this since 1991 and are world leaders in crafting experience-rich safaris. Travel in Africa is about knowing what, when and where to go and with whom – for the ultimate experience. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?

Factors that go into our price estimate:

How many are in your group?

• Most safaris are priced per person, assuming two people will share a room.

• If you are travelling solo, you will usually pay a single-person supplement to compensate the lodge for having only one person in a two-person room.

• Insider tip: The single supplement often gets waivered in low season, so it can be beneficial for solo travellers to plan their travel times accordingly.

When you want to travel

• Peak safari season is the most expensive time to travel, followed by shoulder season and off-peak/low season.

• The timing of peak season varies depending on the wildlife experience and weather patterns. It usually runs from July to September and then lasts over a portion of the festive season and local school holidays.

• Travelling outside of the peak season can result in accommodation cost savings of 30-50% and avoiding the crowds.

• Insider tip: Having wildlife encounters to yourself is a perk of low-season travel.

Accommodation comfort levels

• Safari accommodation types & comfort levels range from reed huts and tented camps to ultra-luxury lodges and large resorts.

• Some are permanent, others seasonal, and some are even erected purely for your use and then dismantled again.

• Your wishes and budget will influence your choice of African safari accommodation.

• Read more here.

Exclusivity levels

• The more exclusivity you desire, the more it will cost you.

• Examples include personal chefs and butlers, exclusive use of a villa, and exclusive use of a game-drive vehicle and guide.

• Insider tip: Exclusive use often costs less outside of the peak season when there is less demand.

Where you want to go

• The country and national park of your choice are important factors in determining the cost of a safari.

• Examples:

  • Botswana is generally Africa's most expensive destination due to its low-volume, high-value tourism policy.

  • South Africa and Namibia are two of the best-value countries because of their weak currencies.

  • Tanzania and Kenya charge very high daily park fees.

• Some parks within countries are more expensive than others – usually because they offer better wildlife experiences.

• Remote destinations cost more to reach than those near popular transport hubs because you will require some form of aircraft and sometimes a chartered flight.

• Private concessions are more expensive than public areas - and offer a more personal experience without the crowds.

• See our destinations here.

Your chosen safari experience

• Some experiences are expensive because of the high cost of required permits (gorilla trekking, for example, can cost up to $1,500 per trek). These items add to your safari cost, but they also add significantly to the conservation benefits associated with your safari.

• Other experiences occur during a very limited period or area, attracting premium rates. Examples:

  • The popular Mara River crossings during the Great Wildebeest Migration occur only during the peak safari season.

  • Seeing the Big 5 in one area is a rare opportunity offered by only a handful of areas in Africa.

• See our most sought-after experiences here.

How you want to get around

• Your chosen mode of transport between lodges will impact the cost of your safari.

• The most cost-effective options include scheduled flights and road transfers.

• Examples of more expensive options include helicopters, small aircraft/jet charters, and private luxury vehicles with drivers.

Optional extras and special interests

• Many lodges offer optional extras over and above the usual lodgings, meals, drinks and standard activities (game drives and bush walks).

• Examples include hot-air balloon trips, spa treatments, helicopter flips and conservation activities (when available).

• Special interests often involve extra costs because additional costs could be incurred - such as specialist guides and relevant permits.

International flights and other costs

• Going on holiday always involves costs other than the usual safari costs.

• These include international and regional flights, visas, vaccinations, travel and medical insurance, curio purchases, gifts and tips.

Estimated safari prices (peak season, without extras)

US$400-500 per night per person sharing*

This lower range of safari prices covers authentic tented accommodation, 3-star lodges, and mobile camping safaris. The focus is on adventure with no frills. You will have everything you need to be comfortable, well-fed, and entertained. Expect to pay more for items such as non-local alcohol. These safaris are usually outside or in public portions of protected areas, and game drive vehicles carry up to nine guests.

US$500-1,000 per night per person sharing*

This mid-range of safari prices covers 4-star lodges and tented camps where standards of guiding, food, and service are high. Extras like spa treatments cost extra. These safaris are often in public portions of protected areas or in small concessions or game reserves, and game drive vehicles carry up to eight guests.

US$1,000-1,500 per night per person sharing*

This luxury range of safari prices covers 5-star lodges and tented camps where standards of guiding, food, and service are very high. Extras like spa treatments and private guides and game drive vehicles cost extra. These safaris are usually in private concessions of prime protected areas, and game drive vehicles carry up to six guests.

Above US$1,500 per night per person sharing*

This luxury+ range of safari prices offers the touches that typify the ultra-luxury travel market worldwide. Expect exclusivity and extreme attention to detail in accommodations, food, and service - and sometimes private spa treatments, personal chefs with international training and very experienced guides. These safaris are usually in private concessions of prime protected areas, and game drive vehicles often carry only four guests or offer a private guide and vehicle for you and your party.

* these example prices include accommodation, food, drinks, park fees and standard activities such as game drives and bush walks (unless otherwise stated) and Africa Geographic services.