Affordable African Safari

Tips on How to Book an Affordable African Safari

1. Stay Longer in One Place

Internal flights in Africa can get pricey, so choosing just one park or game reserve to spend your entire vacation in is a great way to cut down on domestic flights and road transfers. Make your decision based on what you want to see and do on your safari. If you want to see the Big 5, then opt for the Kruger or Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. If you're set on witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, then head for the Masai Mara between about July and November, or the Serengeti around December to July.

2. Choose the Right Destination

Choosing the destination that best suits your budget is vital when booking an affordable African safari. While East Africa is synonymous with safari, a trip to countries such as Kenya and Tanzania can be an expensive holiday because of factors like high national park fees and vast distances to cover between destinations.

While Botswana and Zambia can work out to be a more affordable African safari compared to East Africa, some destinations like the Okavango Delta are rather remote and only accessed via charter plane – which will increase your trip expenses.

The most affordable African safari destinations are those that are accessible, offer plenty of choice when it comes to game reserves, and charge fees in local currencies rather than US dollars. With favourable exchange rates and fantastic infrastructure for self-drive holidays and camping trips, South Africa and Namibia are more geared for budget African safaris. Zimbabwe is another destination that offers great value for money, thanks to low accommodation, food and transport costs.

3. Use a Local Safari Operator

Booking your trip with a reputable safari company that's based in Africa not only offers you better rates but also means your travel agent can offer a thoughtfully curated list of specific suppliers that are trusted. Furthermore, you'll have professional support 24/7 on the ground – not at a call centre in another time zone!

4. Consider a Self-Drive Holiday

If you're an independent traveller or perhaps an adventurous family, then a self-drive holiday will offer you an affordable African safari experience. Renting vehicles in countries like South Africa and Namibia are straightforward and offer excellent infrastructure, good road networks and safari parks.

5. Compromise on Luxury

Compromising on the level of luxury at your accommodation can reduce your costs drastically. Choosing to stay at a tented camp rather than a luxury safari lodge is not only an authentic and affordable African safari option, but it also offers you the romance of sleeping under canvas in the African bush. It also doesn't mean you have to rough it either – most tented safari camps have amenities like flush toilets, warm showers, comfortable beds and even swimming pools.

6. Travel During Low / Green Season

Safari's low season usually coincides with Africa's rainy season. Prices for safari tours and accommodation are low during this time of year – usually from about November to April, depending on the destination.

But budget African safaris are not the only incentive for travelling during the low or Green Season. The rains transform the African bush into lush, emerald landscapes that deliver breathtaking photography conditions. Plus, there are far fewer tourist crowds in the national parks and game reserves.

Ready to Plan an Affordable African Safari?

Browse our selection of affordable African safaris below, or get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help tailor-make the best itinerary for you: