Zambia Safari Costs

Types Of Safaris in Zambia & Their Cost

Incredible diversity and wonderful wildlife sightings are undoubtedly what make a safari in Zambia so special, as does the fact that it's known to be the birthplace of walking safaris. The sensational South Luangwa National Park became the pioneering destination for walking safaris thanks to Norman Carr in 1950 and remains one of the few places in Africa where true walking safaris can be enjoyed.

With 20 national parks, including a few considered to be amongst the best worldwide, Zambia has something to offer both first-timers and returning safari goers. From walking safaris and quintessential game drives to guided canoe excursions and boat trips, Zambia's list of attractions are seemingly endless. Not to mention having access to one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls. But the real question is, what does a safari cost in Zambia? Allow us to break down what a safari in Zambia could look like and the costs associated with it:

Zambia Safaris: What Are Your Options?

There are various options when it comes to types of safaris in Zambia and they all have varying price levels. It's also worth noting that it's entirely possible to turn a more expensive option into a more affordable one with the right sets of accommodation, activities, and transport choices. Cost varies based on whether you opt for private or public reserves and concessions, group or private drives, the time of year, and the non-inclusive activities you choose.

- Fly-in Safaris & Charters: It is worth noting that when it comes to Zambia, parks are not necessarily close to each other making internal flights and charters the easiest way to get from one place to another. However, internal flights in Zambia often have a luggage weight restriction of 12 kilograms (26 pounds) and a requirement for soft bags and not hard shells – checking this before travelling is highly recommended.

- Self-drives: It's certainly possible to enjoy a self-drive safari in Zambia, especially through the likes of South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park. Road conditions can vary greatly and parks are not tarred, making it important to have an equipped 4×4 vehicle that won't struggle with the terrain.

- Classic Safaris: When we talk about a ‘classic safari', envision dawn drives and afternoon game viewing with a delicious sundowner in the bush accompanied by expert guides and trackers. This typically takes place from your accommodation and would be considered an included activity, with the exception of private vehicles which will be at an extra cost – these are ideal for families with young children.

It’s worth noting that charter flights are not the only option and road transfers are also available from one of the two airports. This is usually done via 4×4 and cost will depend on whether you're travelling with a group, if your accommodation offers complimentary transfers, or whether you've opted to share transportation – which is a more budget-friendly option.

How Much Does a Zambia Safari Cost?

A safari in Zambia typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,300 per person per night based on double occupancy, depending on the level of luxury and season. Mid-range tours start around $1,000, while 5-star options can reach up to $2,300. Costs vary with safari style—be it self-drive, classic, or fly-in—and are influenced by location, time of year, and included or optional activities like walking safaris, canoe trips, or charter flights.

Zambia Safari Tour Costs

Mid-range		Luxury		5-star Options
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$1,000 pps*	$1,200 pps*	$1,400 pps*	$1,600 pps*	$1,800 pps*	$2,300 pps*

* 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.

Zambia Accommodation Costs

No matter the destination, any holiday will be impacted cost-wise by where you choose to stay, how accessible it is, and what you choose to do while there. The below table breaks down costs for Zambia accommodation calculated on a per person per night sharing basis in both high and low season.

Zambia Accommodation Pricing

4-star Comfort		4-star Luxury		5-star Luxury
Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
$600 pps*	$850 pps*	$1,000 pps*	$1,400 pps*	$1,500 pps*	$1,800 pps*

How the time of year can affect the cost of a Zambia safari

Timings and the best time to visit Zambia will depend on where you go. The dry season, particularly from June to October, is considered peak season due to prime wildlife viewing, pleasant weather, and increased demand—this generally results in higher prices for accommodation, flights, and activities. In contrast, the green season (December to April) offers lower rates as rainfall makes some areas inaccessible, and wildlife disperses with the abundance of water. However, this period is ideal for birdwatching and offers a more budget-friendly option for travellers.

For those wishing to see Victoria Falls, they look their best between April and late July – this is also important to note for travellers who wish to experience Devil's Pool, rafting, and activities on the Zambezi River. Certain accommodation options will close during the wet months and reopen during the dry season, Kafue and North Luangwa as examples, so be sure to check beforehand. Additionally, prices can fluctuate around major US and European holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter, when demand spikes. If you’re planning to travel during these times, it’s best to book well in advance to secure availability at preferred camps and lodges.

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 / getting to the country – as a rule of thumb, consider this excluded.
Getting from place to place – internal transfers may be included with some accommodations, however, some others may be at your own cost. Charter flights are popular in Zambia but road transfers are also available in most cases.
Vaccinations – certain destinations require vaccinations prior to arrival. These are excluded and you will need to contact your healthcare professional to ensure the requirements are met. Zambia requires routine vaccinations and a yellow fever certificate if you're travelling from a country with high risk. Please note: malaria medication is recommended.
Tipping is always optional but highly recommended. It's always worth carrying cash during your travels as it's the easiest way to go about this. Consult our tipping guide for more information.
Personal and travel insurance.
Additional activities – anything over and above the included activity offerings at an accommodation, which typically extends to hot air balloon safaris and helicopter flips or sometimes even cultural excursions.
The exchange rate – international card payments will likely incur a small fee for paying in a different currency. Zambia's national currency is the Zambian Kwacha but other currencies, such as the US dollar, are mostly accepted.

Should you wish to plan your next great adventure with the help and guidance of one of our Africa Safari Experts, they will be able to advise you on all of the above and ensure each of your transfers is organised ahead of time and occurs as seamlessly as possible – just remember, in travelling, anything can happen and sometimes delays are unavoidable.

Help Me Plan