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Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda stand as premier safari destinations, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. Seeing the Great Migration travel across the plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara and experiencing gorilla trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda certainly deserve spots on any wildlife enthusiast’s travel bucket list. Of course, a significant part of planning a dream safari centres on understanding what goes into the cost of an African safari.
Discover Africa creates safari packages that span across these stunning destinations and further. Whether you dream of a multi-destination East African safari that will take you across the savannah before relaxing on an island paradise, or you have one specific safari experience that calls to your soul, we can create your ideal holiday package.
Our carefully curated safari tours are designed to accommodate a range of comfort levels while ensuring that every journey is underpinned by responsible tourism practices that support conservation and local communities.
Factors That Impact the Price of an East African Safari
You’re probably thinking to yourself, “how much will a safari in East Africa cost?” Let’s break down the elements that impact the final African safari cost for your adventure.
Destination
Your destination of choice will have a big impact on the overall cost of your African safari. For instance, a Rwanda safari costs more than a Uganda safari for gorilla trekking expeditions due to permit pricing. Between Tanzania and Kenya, the Tanzania safari cost is often the pricier choice compared to Kenya.
Accommodation
East African accommodation options span a wide range, from campsites with just the necessities to opulent luxury lodges complete with private plunge pools and gourmet dining. More high-end lodges in sought-after regions (like the migration route in the Serengeti) ask a higher price compared to more basic options away from the action, directly influencing your total African safari cost.
Time of Year
Safari costs fluctuate with the seasons. Generally, the best time to go on an East African safari is during the dry season, when the vegetation is thinned out and trails aren’t impacted by rain. Depending on the country, this is usually between June and October. Peak season will see an increase in demand and therefore prices, affecting the overall African safari cost. In contrast, the wet season (also known as the green season due to the lush landscapes) sees far fewer crowds and sometimes discounted rates.
Duration
The length of your safari significantly impacts its price. Longer expeditions naturally incur a higher price due to increased expenses for accommodation and transportation. Similarly, each additional stop on an itinerary typically involves further fees for park entrance, activities, and guide services.
Group vs Private Safaris
Opting for a private safari, which includes dedicated guides and vehicles, comes at a higher price point. This provides a more intimate and personalised experience. Conversely, joining an organised group safari is generally more economical, as fixed costs for transportation and guides are shared among travellers.
Extra Activities and Excursions
Discover Africa works exclusively with lodges that include the standard game drives in your stay, ensuring a seamless and immersive safari experience without unexpected additional costs. Our expert advisors are able to tailor your safari package according to any additional activities and excursions you may want to experience. Any additional activities, such as hot air balloon rides or cultural visits, may come at an extra price, impacting your final African safari cost.
Park Fees and Permits
Mandatory daily fees are charged per person for every protected area visited. These fees are critical for the sustained protection of wild areas, providing vital funding for conservation efforts and supporting community initiatives.
Primate trekking permits are another significant expense, directly contributing to the cost of a Rwanda or Uganda safari. For example, a gorilla permit costs US $800 in Uganda and US $1,500 in Rwanda per person. Chimpanzee trekking permits cost around US $250 per person.
Travel and Transfers
The mode of transportation between safari destinations impacts both convenience and the cost of your safari. Flying between locations offers considerable time savings but is notably more expensive than travelling by land in safari vehicles.
Meals and Drinks
Many safari lodges in East Africa offer full board options, which include all meals and local drinks. Luxury lodges often provide gourmet meals, fine wines, and other amenities as part of the package. Our travel consultants can help ensure you know what’s included in your African safari cost.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an indispensable component of safari planning, crucial for mitigating risks and an important factor in the final price. Essential coverage includes emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation. Trip cancellation, interruption, baggage, and personal belongings coverage are also vital. Travel insurance typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the total trip cost.
Visas
Visa requirements are mandatory for most nationalities and contribute to your overall African safari cost.
- Kenya: Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online for $30
- Tanzania: Single-entry e-visa for $50; multiple-entry for $100
- Uganda: E-visa for $50
- Rwanda: E-visa for $50 (single entry); multiple-entry for $70
- East African Tourist Visa: Costs $100 and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for up to 90 days
Tipping and Gratuities
At Discover Africa, our tried and tested strategy is to ask the lodge or resort manager for assistance. As a general guideline, we recommend about US $15 to US $20 per person per day for your guide. Some lodges and resorts have an anonymous tip box for all their staff, but you’re also welcome to give a gratuity directly to the person who helped you. Remember to factor this into your overall African safari cost.
Inclusive Estimates, No Hidden Fees
At Discover Africa, we ensure that our pricing is clear and straightforward, with no hidden fees, giving you a transparent view of your African safari cost.
Our Safari Cost Estimator provides all-inclusive estimated pricing for East African countries, covering park fees, conservation fees, and all necessary levies. Our expert travel consultants are on hand to help you determine your exact safari budget based on your expected levels of comfort and safari experience. This allows you to plan your safari with confidence while avoiding unforeseen expenses, whether you’re looking at a Kenya safari cost, the price of a migration safari in Tanzania, or comparing the price of Uganda and Rwanda.
