Affordable Zambia safari

Zambia offers the best value for money in its midrange and more luxurious deals, with all-inclusive safaris often significantly cheaper than equivalent packages elsewhere in Africa. Equivalence is difficult to measure of course, but the quality and exclusivity of Zambia’s midrange camps and lodges is hard to beat. All-inclusive safaris are also the easiest way to see Zambia’s most pristine wilderness areas and enjoy some of the best wildlife-viewing conditions in Southern Africa.

At the lower end of the price range, you’ll find short, fully-catered camping safaris from between $175 and $200 a day, providing you’re willing to join a group. Tours usually run from Lusaka or Livingstone with a few days in Kafue and/or one of the other nearby parks. Short safaris like this can be an excellent add-on to a more budget-conscious holiday, while longer, fully-catered safaris are also available from $1200 to $1800 a week depending on the number of lodge nights and activities included. Self-catering, private houses are also an option, usually located in wonderful game-viewing areas. Prices can vary wildly, however – anything from $400 to $4000 a night. This can still represent good value for families and groups of six or more, although food and wildlife activities are usually not included.

More exclusive, private safari packages start at around $350 a day and these will probably also include a few nights of comfortable, full-catered camping. Budget $450 to $600 a day for private, all-inclusive lodge or tented camp deals, and in this bracket, you can expect very high-quality guiding, exclusive, pristine wilderness areas and lodge and tented camp accommodation at near-luxury standards.