South Africa Safari Costs

Types of Safaris in South Africa & Their Cost

One of Africa's premier safari destinations, South Africa, is a beautifully diverse country, renowned for its iconic wildlife, iconic national parks like Kruger, and luxury private game reserves, such as Sabi Sands and Madikwe.
The cost of a safari in South Africa varies widely depending on factors such as accommodation level, time of year, and whether you choose a private or group experience. South Africa offers excellent value for money, with everything from budget-friendly self-drive options to ultra-luxurious lodges with world-class amenities.

Unlike many other safari destinations in Africa, South Africa's excellent infrastructure allows for a range of safari styles, including self-drive safaris in Kruger National Park and guided experiences in exclusive private reserves. Below, we break down the costs of a South African safari, covering different safari types, accommodation options, and additional expenses to consider.

South Africa Safaris: What Are Your Options?

The type of safari you choose has a significant impact on cost. Factors such as group size, mode of transport, and exclusivity level determine pricing. South Africa offers a range of safari options to suit different preferences and budgets.

• Classic Safari: Game drives are the most popular way to experience South Africa's incredible wildlife, available in both national parks and private reserves. In national parks like Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and Pilanesberg, visitors can embark on guided game drives or self-drive safaris to spot the Big Five and other iconic animals.
  Private reserves such as Sabi Sands, Madikwe, and Phinda offer exclusive, guided game drives with expert rangers, often allowing off-road access for close-up wildlife encounters. Whether in a national park or a private concession, game drives provide an unforgettable way to witness South Africa's diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.
• Self-Drive Safari: A more affordable safari option, self-drive safari in South Africa offers you the freedom to explore diverse landscapes and wildlife-rich areas at your own pace. With well-maintained roads and accessible game reserves, destinations like Kruger National Park are ideal for self-driving, featuring tarred roads, clearly marked routes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
  Beyond the Kruger, scenic routes such as the Panorama Route and the Garden Route provide a blend of breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences, making South Africa a top choice for independent safari adventures.
• Fly-In Safari: Ideal for those looking to maximize their safari time, this option includes internal flights between destinations, avoiding long road transfers. Fly-in safaris provide spectacular aerial views of South Africa's landscapes and are perfect for those combining multiple safari locations.

How Much Does a Safari Cost in South Africa?

Safaris in South Africa offer exceptional value and cater to a wide range of budgets. On a self-drive or guided group basis, expect to pay around US $450–600 per person per night in mid-range lodges, rising to roughly US $800–1 200 for luxury properties and US $1 200–2 300+ for ultra‑luxury camps in peak season. Costs vary based on travel dates, lodge style, and whether you self-drive or fly between reserves.

South Africa Safari Tour Costs

*Please note: All the costs 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.

Types of Accommodation in South Africa & Their Costs Per Night

South Africa offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly camps to ultra-luxury lodges. Here's a general breakdown of South Africa safari accommodation costs per person, per night, sharing a double or twin room:

• Mid-Range/4-star Accommodation: Comfortable lodges and camps offering good amenities without the extravagance of luxury properties.
• Luxury Accommodation: Exclusive lodges featuring world-class service, gourmet dining, and premium amenities in prime wildlife areas.

South Africa Accommodation Pricing

How the Time of Year Can Affect the Cost of a South Africa Safari

One of the unique advantages of choosing South Africa as a holiday destination is that the country has vacation-friendly weather year-round. That being said, there are times of the year that may be ever so slightly more preferable for wildlife viewing in the bush.

The best time to visit South Africa for a safari depends on what you want to experience. The dry season (May to October) is considered the best time for game viewing, as animals gather around water sources and the vegetation is sparse, making them easier to spot. This is also peak South Africa safari season, meaning higher prices and increased demand.

The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer crowds, and subsequently, lower prices. While rain showers occur, this is also a great time to see plenty of newborn animals and dramatic thunderstorms over the savannah. Since safaris operate year-round, the best time to visit ultimately depends on your interests.

Additional Costs to Consider

It's important to note that ‘all-inclusive' may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, and on safaris, that can mean a range of things and it's always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult our blog on visa free African countries for US citizens as that may tick off one of the boxes regarding associated costs already. What possible additional costs could you come across? Have a look at our list below:

• International flights – These are not included in safari packages, so budget accordingly.
• Domestic transport – While some safari lodges include road transfer others may require separate arrangements. Internal flights between provinces are not included.
• Vaccinations – South Africa does not require yellow fever vaccination unless you are arriving from a high-risk country. However, malaria precautions are recommended in Kruger and other lowveld regions during the wet season.
• Tipping – While not mandatory, tipping is customary for safari guides, trackers, and lodge staff. Refer to our safari tipping guide for detailed recommendations. It's best to tip in cash (ZAR) and hand gratuities over discreetly with a thank-you. For specific recommendations based on your itinerary, consult your Africa Safari Expert.
• Personal and travel insurance – Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and unexpected disruptions.
• Additional activities – Some activities, such as bush walks, hot air ballooning, and night game drives, may incur additional costs depending on the lodge or reserve.
• The exchange rate- The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), though US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas and safari lodges. Credit cards are widely used, but carrying local currency is advisable for small purchases, tips, and transactions in rural areas.
  South Africa offers excellent value for money compared to other African safari destinations, with luxury lodges priced similarly to those in Tanzania or Botswana, while self-drive safaris and mid-range accommodations provide more budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality.
• Country specific requirements- such as park fees and conservation levies – These may or may not be included in your package, so check with you Africa Safari Expert beforehand.

Planning for these additional costs will help you budget accurately for an unforgettable South African safari.

South Africa is one of Africa's top safari destinations, offering diverse experiences and year-round adventures. With so many options, choosing where to go and when can be overwhelming. Speak to one of our Africa Safari Experts, and they'll craft a personalised itinerary that seamlessly combines all your preferred destinations into the ultimate South African safari experience.