Here’s How Much You Should Budget For An African Safari (If You Want To Do It Right)
Planning a safari in Africa is an exciting and unforgettable experience, but it’s important to know what you’re in for when it comes to budgeting.|
I’ve found that every Safari trip is a unique and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you need to do them right.
Quick Overview
Going on an African safari is not cheap. You have the option for more “budget-friendly” safaris but you really need to do your homework.
When it comes to African safaris, you absolutely get what you pay for.
I’ve been on multiple safari trips in some of the top African destinations, and would say you should budget for around $800 (approx. £600) per person per night (at least). That’ll cover your game drives, ranger, accommodation, meals, drinks, and conservation fees.
My personal opinion is that all-inclusive is better and often more economical for African Safaris, and it’s ideal to do 2 or 3 nights.
Here’s a breakdown guide:
Factors Influencing Safari Costs
Several factors will influence your overall safari costs, including:
- The length of your safari
- The time of year
- Location
- How exclusive you want your safari to be
- Transportation
Accommodation Costs
The truth is, safari accommodation prices depend massively on which safari destination you’re travelling to, and what time of year it is, for example, so it’s hard to give accurate prices.
But, to give you a starting guide, here are some rough prices to expect:
Budget accommodation: Expect to pay around $150-$300 (approx. £120-£225) per day. This usually covers basic lodges or campsites.
Mid-range accommodation: Here, the cost can rise to $400-$600 (approx. £300-£450) per day, offering a higher level of comfort with more amenities.
Luxury accommodation: For those looking to indulge, luxury lodges can cost upwards of $1,200 (approx. £950) per day. These are all-inclusive, covering meals, game drives, and drinks.
Be aware that staying within a private game reserve will also push up the cost.
Additional Costs To Consider
Game Drives and Rangers
A key aspect of your safari will be the game drives, where you’ll spend time spotting wildlife with a guide or ranger.
These are typically included in all-inclusive packages but can also be offered as an additional cost, particularly at budget accommodations.
Most safari packages include two game drives per day, morning and evening, which offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Flights & Visas
International flights are a significant part of your safari budget. To save money, avoid travelling during school holidays and consider connecting flights rather than direct routes.
Always remember to budget for visa fees, which can range between $30-$50 (approx. £20-£40) depending on your nationality and destination.
Vaccinations and Medical Costs
Before embarking on your safari, you may need several vaccinations.
Countries where malaria is prevalent will require anti-malarial medication, which can add to your travel costs.
Conservation Fees
Many national parks and private game reserves charge conservation fees to support wildlife protection efforts.
These fees are typically included in safari packages, but may be an additional cost. Conservation Fees vary, but can range from $12-$60 (approx. £10-£50) per day, depending on the park or reserve you visit.
Tips and Gratuities
Tipping for guides, rangers, and lodge staff can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to budget for this. A rough guideline is to allocate ~$15 (approx. ~£11) per person, per day.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip travel insurance for any trip! It’s a mistake that you’ll regret making. Make sure you factor in the additional cost.
Final Thoughts
A safari might not be the most budget-friendly travel option, but it’s a truly extraordinary experience that I’d urge anyone to try.
While you can save money by opting for budget accommodations, cutting corners on important aspects like conservation or game drives might impact the overall quality of your trip.
When planning your African safari, make sure you carefully consider what type of experience you’re after and budget accordingly.
