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How Much Does an African Safari Cost?

Use our African Safari Cost Calculator to plan your next safari. Rates valid until the end of 2025, including high and low season for all African Safaris.

How much is a trip to Africa?

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 safari budget:

  • Transparent Pricing: The cost of your safari will depend on your chosen destination, accommodation, group size, and travel season.  
  • Inclusive Estimates: Our African 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 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 African 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.

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Budget Mid-range Luxury
LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON
Botswana
Kenya
Mozambique
Namibia
Rwanda
South Africa
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Last updated: 3 December 2024

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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Schedule a video or phone call with one of our African Safari Experts to plan a tailor-made tour around your interests, wishes and budget.

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What factors determine the cost of an African safari?

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

1

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

2

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

3

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

African Safari Trip Cost: 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.

  • 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.
3. Time of Year:

Peak season safari travel, like during the Great Migration for example, is 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.

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 itineraries 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.

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East African Safari Costing Table

Budget Mid-range Luxury
LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON
Kenya
Rwanda
Tanzania
Uganda

Last updated: 3 December 2024

A Kenya safari ranges from $445 per person per night during the low season to $2,250 in luxury lodges during the high season. Costs are influenced by the destination, time of year, and type of safari. Activities such as hot air balloon rides and private game drives add to the overall cost.

Visit our page for more detailed pricing: Cost of a Kenya Safari.

A Rwanda safari costs vary depending on activities, season, and accommodation. Gorilla trekking permits are $1,500 per person, while luxury lodges can range from $300 to $1,500 per night. Peak season (June to September) brings higher rates, but low season offers savings. Additional activities like chimpanzee tracking and cultural tours can add to costs.

For more details, visit: Cost of a Rwanda Safari.

A Tanzania safari costs between $400 and $2,500 per person per night, depending on accommodation and season. The peak season (June to October) sees higher prices, while the low season (April and May) offers up to 50% savings. Factors like duration, group size, and activities such as hot air ballooning affect the overall cost.

For more details, visit: Cost of a Tanzania Safari.

A Uganda safari ranges from $500 to $1,500 per person per night, depending on accommodation, season, and activities. Gorilla trekking permits are $800 per person, while other activities, such as chimpanzee trekking and boat safaris, range from $50 to $300. The cost is influenced by destination, length of stay, and group size.

Visit our page for more detailed pricing: Cost of a Uganda Safari.

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.

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Southern African Safari Costing Table

Budget Mid-range Luxury
LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON LOW SEASON HIGH SEASON
Botswana
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Last updated: 3 December 2024

The cost of a Botswana safari varies based on factors such as destination, accommodation, time of year, and safari type. Safaris in the low season start at around $525 per person per day, while luxury options can go up to $3,000. Prices are influenced by park fees, accommodation, activities, and internal transfers. Travelling during the low season can reduce costs by up to 50%.

To explore more detailed pricing options, visit our page: Cost of a Botswana Safari.

The cost of a Mozambique holiday varies based on destination, accommodation, and activities. Low-season options start at $550 per person per night, while luxury stays can reach $1320 during peak season. Additional costs include park fees, transfers, and excursions like diving or wildlife tours. Peak travel seasons typically have higher prices.

Visit our page for more detailed pricing information: Cost of a Mozambique Safari.

The cost of a Namibia safari varies based on factors such as accommodation, season, and safari type. Prices range from $120 per person per day in low season to $1,980 in high season. Other expenses include park fees, activities, and transfers. Group travel and longer stays can lower costs.

For more detailed pricing and to plan your safari with confidence, visit our page: Cost of a Namibia Safari.

The cost of a South Africa safari varies depending on accommodation, season, and safari type. Low-season prices start at $400 per person per night, while luxury stays can reach $2,600 in high season. Costs include park fees, transfers, and activities. Travelling with a group can reduce expenses, and longer stays may offer discounts.

For more details on South Africa safari costs, visit: Cost of a South Africa Safari.

A Zambia safari can range from $600 to $1,840 per person per day, depending on the season and accommodation. Costs are influenced by factors such as location, type of safari, and activities like walking safaris or river safaris. Travel expenses, including domestic flights, should also be considered.

Visit our page for more detailed pricing: Cost of a Zambia Safari.

 

The cost of a Zimbabwe safari varies based on season, accommodation, and activities. Low-season prices start at $150 per night, while luxury lodges can reach $1,800 during peak season. Factors like destination, length of stay, and group size affect overall costs. Park fees are around $20 per person per day, and transfers between locations add to the budget.

For detailed pricing, visit our page: Cost of a Zimbabwe Safari.

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