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Last updated on 05 February 2026
A safari is one of the most exciting and memorable holidays you'll ever undertake. There are a lot of factors that go into how much an African safari costs – such as location, time of the year, and level of comfort – but there are also some good rules of thumb to follow for your safari budget…
Safari Costs in Africa: What to Keep in Mind
- Private vs group safari cost: Package deals are not necessarily cheaper. A tailor-made safari will be crafted to your specific budget, allowing you to save and splurge where you and your agent feel it's necessary. A package deal or scheduled departure tour locks you in to a specific itinerary and non-flexible price.
- The more privacy and exclusivity you want, the more you will spend. But you can still have a great time in a less luxurious environment – this is where your agent's knowledge and experience are so important.
- South Africa remains one of the most affordable safari destinations thanks to a favourable rand-dollar exchange rate. South Africa is a fantastic option for first-timers to Africa and an excellent ‘introduction' to safari. But it also offers rich rewards for experienced safari goers.
- ‘Doing it yourself' is not necessarily cheaper – or often even possible. In many places, you need your agent's specialised knowledge of light aircraft schedules, transfer companies and ground handlers for your itinerary.
- Using an agent gives you a single ‘all-inclusive' price. Your agent will have access to room availability, special deals and other factors that allow him or her to create an entire itinerary – including international flights – with one cost so there are no ‘surprises'.
Safari Costs: East Africa
How Much an African Safari Costs Guideline: East Africa
Kenya is home to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park and Samburu National Park, among many others like Mount Meru, Tsavo and the Aberdares. Tanzania counts the equally famous Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conversation Area, Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve), and Ruaha among its national parks.
Together, Tanzania and Kenya make up East Africa and are considered to be the birthplace of safari. This is also where you will encounter the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Tanzania Safari Cost
| Mid-range Fly-in |
Luxury Fly-in |
Entry Level Driving Safari | Mid Range Driving Safari | Luxury Driving Safari | 5 Star Options | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,650 pps* | $1,870 pps* | $2,100 pps* | $2,750 pps* | $770 pps* | $880 pps* | $880 pps* | $1,100 pps* | $1,100 pps* | $1,650 pps* | $1,980 pps* | $3,300 pps* |
Kenya Safari Cost
| Mid-range Fly-in | Luxury Fly-in | Entry Level Driving Safari | Mid Range Driving Safari | Luxury Driving Safari | 5 Star Options | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,430 pps* | $1,760 pps* | $2,090 pps* | $3,080 pps* | $770 pps* | $880 pps* | $880 pps* | $1,320 pps* | $1,320 pps* | $1,870 pps* | $2,200 pps* | $3,400 pps* |
Tanzania & Kenya Safari Cost Combined
| 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,170 pps* | $1,500 pps* | $1,770 pps* | $2,410 pps* | $2,530 pps* | $3,170–3,800 pps* |
**All the costs in this blog are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.
Safari Costs: Southern Africa
How Much an African Safari Costs Guideline: Southern Africa
Botswana's most famous wildlife areas are the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. South Africa is home to the Kruger National Park, Cape Town and Sun City. Namibia's big hitter is the astonishing Etosha National Park, while Zimbabwe and Zambia share the Victoria Falls.
Namibia and South Africa are the most affordable of all the safari destinations we offer because you can rent a vehicle and drive yourself around, as well as stay in self-catering accommodation. Driving and cooking yourself will bring costs down but will add to the ‘work' you do on vacation.
Peak season once again falls between July and August, thanks to a dry winter and huge demand from international visitors. The times between high and low season are known as ‘shoulder season': the rains are starting or ending, the weather is heating up or cooling down and, generally, both availability and rates are good.
South Africa offers the best year-round game viewing. Many camps still close for Zambia's intense rainy season, which falls between November and May. October is the hottest and driest month in Botswana, which makes for good game viewing but uncomfortable conditions unless you are in an air-conditioned lodge. By November, the rains have scattered the animals, making for challenging game viewing.
Botswana Safari Prices
| Mid-range | Luxury | 5-star Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,650 pps* | $2,420 pps* | $2,090 pps* | $2,640 pps* | $2,750 pps* | $5,000 pps* |
Namibia Safari Prices
| Mid-range Fly-in | Luxury Fly-in | Entry Level Self-Drive | Mid-range Self-drive | Luxury Self-Drive | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R25,000 pps* | R40,000 pps* | R8,000 pps* | R10,000 pps* | R18,000 pps* | R2,000 pps* |
South African Safari Cost
| Mid-range Fly-in | Luxury Fly-in | 5-star Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $920 pps* | $1,090 pps* | $1,100 pps* | $1,200 pps* | $2,630 pps* | $3,020 pps* |
Victoria Falls Costs
| Entry Level | Mid Range | Luxury | 5-star Option | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $400 pps* | $500 pps* | $550 pps* | $750 pps* | $850 pps* | $1,200 pps* | $1,250 pps* | $1,800 pps* |
Zambia Safari Costs
| Mid Range | Luxury | 5-star Luxury | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,100 pps* | $1,320 pps* | $1,540 pps* | $1,760 pps* | $1,980 pps* | $2,530 pps* |
Zimbabwe Costs
| Mid Range | Luxury | 5-star Luxury | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,000 pps* | $1,600 pps* | $1,400 pps* | $1,900 pps* | $1,950 pps* | $2,200 pps* |
Madagascar Costs
| Entry Level | Mid Range | Luxury | 5-Star | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $550.00 pps* | $580.00 pps* | $780.00 pps* | $890.00 pps* | $860.00 pps* | $940.00 pps* | $1,160.00 pps* | $4,950.00 pps* |
**All the costs in this blog are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.
Safari Costs: Gorilla Trekking
How Much Gorilla Trekking Costs Guideline
Gorilla trekking takes you into the pristine and unbelievably beautiful heart of Africa, to the green hills and rainforests of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda that endangered gorilla call home. Tourism is a non-negotiable part of gorilla conservation and some porters and guides are even reformed poachers who now derive an income from protecting Africa's great apes.
Congo Costs
| Mid Range | Luxury | 5-star Options | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $2,130 pps* | $2,130 pps* | $2,130 pps* | $2,130 pps* | $2,300 pps* | $2,300 pps* |
Rwanda Pricing
| Entry Level Driving Safari | Mid Range Driving Safari | Luxury Driving Safari | 5-star Luxury | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $1,400 pps* | $1,400 pps* | $1,580 pps* | $2,400 pps* | $2,410 pps* | $3,110 pps* | $2,510 pps* | $3,440 pps* |
Uganda Costing
| Entry Level Fly In / Drive | Mid Range Fly In / Drive | Luxury Fly In / Drive | 5-star Options | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $770 pps* | $830 pps* | $1,100 pps* | $1,160 pps* | $1,540 pps* | $1,870 pps* | $1,650 pps* | $1,980 pps* |
**All the costs in this blog are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.
What’s included in a safari package?
A Go2Africa safari itinerary is designed to provide a seamless, all-inclusive experience, typically covering luxury accommodation, three gourmet meals daily, and expert-led wildlife activities like 4×4 game drives and guided walks. Most packages also bundle in local transfers to ensure a hassle-free journey. While these are usual inclusions, it is important to note that every lodge operates with its own specific set of inclusions and exclusions, and every itinerary can be tailored to suite you. Your dedicated Africa Safari Expert will always advise you on exactly what is covered in your specific itinerary—ensuring you have total clarity on extras like premium spirits, private guides, or specialist activities like hot-air ballooning.
Hidden Costs of a Safari
While many high-end safaris are generally inclusive, there are a few “unbundled” costs to keep in mind to ensure your budget is as accurate as possible. The most common exclusions are international flights, comprehensive travel insurance, and visa fees, which vary depending on your citizenship and destination. Once on the ground, you should also account for gratuities for your guides and lodge staff, as well as “out-of-pocket” expenses like curios, spa treatments, or premium drinks not covered by the standard house selection. Additionally, while most of our itineraries include park and conservation fees, certain government levies or specialist permits – such as those required for gorilla trekking or private conservancy access – may be listed separately.
The Cheapest Time to Go on Safari
The most cost-effective time to embark on a safari is during the “Green Season,” which generally runs from November to April in Southern Africa and during the “long rains” of April and May in East Africa. During these low-season months, luxury lodges often offer lower rates, and many waive the “single supplement” fee for solo travellers. While the bush is thicker and wildlife can be more dispersed due to the abundance of water, this season offers incredible value: you'll enjoy lush, emerald landscapes, the arrival of migratory birds, and the “baby boom” of newborn animals. For those seeking a middle ground, the shoulder seasons (typically May and November) offer a sweet spot with a perfect balance of reduced rates and excellent game viewing before the peak-season crowds arrive.
Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Safari?
The important thing to remember is that the above costs are guidelines only. Your agent at Go2Africa is an expert at maximizing your budget so you get the most bang for your safari buck. Don't be shy to find out what you can get for your money – you may be very pleasantly surprised!
