How Much Does an African Safari Cost? The Average Prices Explained

June 2, 2023

Around 4.5 million people visit Africa each year strictly for tourism and going on a safari is a top priority for many of them. Indeed, Africa’s safari tourism business is worth $12.4 billion a year.

If you know one thing about safaris, it’s that they vary wildly in price. A day’s worth of research will produce safaris that cost $10,000+ and safaris claiming to offer you a full experience at only $125 a night.

So, how much does an African safari cost, and what should you factor in when choosing the right package? We break down African safari prices here.

What Goes into African Safari Prices?

African safaris are bundled and booked like a typical package holiday. But a trip to the African bush is no cruise around the Caribbean or trip to Disney World. You’re talking about an entire continent, a dozen different countries, and thousands of tour providers. You might travel thousands of miles through difficult terrain and rely on dozens of people who work behind the scenes to ensure your safari goes off without a hitch.

Your nightly cost on safari depends on factors like:

Country
Parks visited
Private or group
Season
Accommodation type
Transportation type

See, a private, flying safari in Kenya with luxury camps will cost you more than a group bus tour through Kenya.

Remember that a big portion of your costs also goes towards paying staff for the duration of your trip. Your safari guides and field staff are with you 24/7 and are at your every beck and call. So, if you see two identical safaris and one is substantially cheaper than everything else you’ve seen, you have to wonder: are the safari team being paid ethically?

What You Need to Know About Additional Costs

Your safari booking in unlikely to be your only expense. The vast majority of safaris only cover you from the moment you get picked up until your tour ends.

Most people will also need to budget for:

International and internal flights
Visa costs
Vaccination costs
Travel insurance
Accommodation before and after the tour
Gratuities

There are ways to save here. For example, if you choose an indirect flight transiting through the Middle East, you could save money on your flight to the African continent. Flying directly will almost always cost more.

You can also shop around for vaccination costs. There are specialist services that offer travel vaccinations, and you might find them cheaper than your normal doctor’s prices.

Another option is to ask your tour company for accommodation recommendations. They might be able to find you a better deal than what you might get online. Some companies even run their own lodgings at base camp.

Shopping around for travel insurance is also a good idea. However, make sure your plan fully covers your safari travel. Standard travel insurance may not offer the kind of coverage you need due to the remote nature of safari travel. It’s also a good idea to get air ambulance insurance for your time in the bush.

What’s the Best Way to Save Money on African Safaris?

“Budget” is a relative term when it comes to African safaris. They’re not a cheap weekend away: a huge amount of time, energy, and money go into providing one.

So, what’s the best way to save money on a safari trip?

Here are a few good ways to make your dream trip more affordable.

Go Off-Season (or Early in the Season)

Peak season in East Africa is July to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant and dry, which means animals are easier to spot as their watering holes.

Prices are also at their peak during this team because demand is high. While your actual safari booking may not vary too much between seasons, the costs of accommodation and flights will.

Keep in mind that park fees and permits are subject to change between seasons, so if you have your heart set on one of the more expensive parks, it could be smart to choose wisely.

Ask a Travel Agent to Book Flights

Are you going as a group? Instead of trying to book 10 different flights, consider asking a travel agent for help. Agents get the best deals on flights and they can even get you a group booking rate if you have enough people.

Choose an Overland Trip

The distances in Kenya and Tanzania are massive, and it’s tempting to fly. And if you can, do. But don’t be afraid of the overland trip.

Going by road is one of the most cost-effective ways of seeing Africa in general and it brings its own sense of adventure and camaraderie.

Skip the Extras

Most safari adventures will offer you ‘extras’ for an additional price. You can save money by sticking to the main safari and spending a bit more time at basecamp.

How Much Does an African Safari Cost? As Much as You Want

An African safari is a bucket-list trip, and putting them together is not as simple as piling people into a bus and going for a drive. A huge amount of time and energy goes into not only planning and running safaris but into conserving the magical spaces that are the homes of the wildlife.

How much does an African safari cost? The answer is: it depends. The good news is that you can find the perfect safari for your budget, and there has never been a better time to shop around.

Are you on the hunt for a safari in Kenya, Tanzania or Zanzibar? Get in touch to learn what makes Africa Sermon Safaris unique.