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I have fallen head-over-heels in love with African safaris! For many of us, African safaris are bucket list trips, and, unfortunately, bucket list trips don’t come cheap. So I created this guide to answer one of the most common questions I’m asked, “how much is an African safari?”
The Ultimate Safari Travel Guide
The answer to this question varies based on the type of safari, accommodation, and destination you choose, so I will break it down for you in this post.
Safaris are designed to fund conservation efforts and maintain wildlife reserves, so remember that many of your safari costs are going to worthy causes.
Here’s the answer to “how much is an African safari!”
Cost of a Safari
As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on spending a minimum of $1,000 per night per person at an all-inclusive safari camp.
This number might give you sticker shock, but let’s break down what this $1000 covers: all food, lodging, drinks, activities, guides, transfers, and conservation fees. So the only additional costs would be your flights and tips.
You get what you pay for on safari, so don’t skimp!
The Environmental Importance of Your Safari Costs
The Environmental Importance of Your Safari Costs
Part of the reason safaris are so expensive is that a significant portion of your dollars funds wildlife protection and conservation efforts. So your money goes a long way!
You can find all-inclusive safaris for less than $1000 a night per person, but this is a red flag for your experience, the service you’ll receive, and how the lodge treats wildlife and locals. Often, budget companies and accommodations prioritize profits over wildlife and environmental protection.
If you love this planet and want to be a conscientious and responsible traveler, don’t cut corners when choosing a safari.
All-Inclusive vs A La Carte
While all-inclusive resorts can be a budgeting mistake for some types of trips, this isn’t the case with an African safari. There is very little you can do on your own on a safari, and even if you did pay for things à la carte – it will add up to around the same price.
I’ve consistently found it’s better and often more economical go all-inclusive.
The one exception is if you’re doing a driving safari where you’ll only spend one or two nights at each stop. In this case, an à la carte or half-board rate might be a better financial choice.
If you’re driving and guiding yourself, you don’t want to pay as if you were using a safari lodge’s vehicles and guides. And if you’re moving accommodations every other day, chances are you’ll be eating some of your meals on the road, so an all-inclusive rate could mean you’d be paying for meals you won’t get to eat.
Choose the best type of safari for your budget
There are many different kinds of safaris for a wide range of budgets.
For example, walking safaris and tented-camp safaris are usually less expensive than game lodge safaris.
Browse my guide on choosing the right safari to find the best adventure for your budget!
Choose the best type of safari camp for your budget
Just like there are many different kinds of safaris, there are also LOTS of different safari accommodations for a wide range of budgets.
A glamping tent will be cheaper than a private bungalow. A bush camp with one dining area and common space will be more affordable than a game lodge with multiple pools, restaurants, and bars.
My guide for choosing the perfect safari camp will take you step-by-step through the process of prioritizing what you want in a safari lodge to match your budget.
How To Reduce Your Safari Costs
If you need to reduce your safari costs, take a shorter trip. A three-day safari of your dreams will be a better trip than a week-long safari you have to settle for.
The more flights you have to take to a safari accommodation, the more expensive your trip will be. So search for safari options that are a short drive from a regional airport instead of taking multiple bush flights to get to a game lodge.
Another way you can reduce your overall safari budget is not to buy a new wardrobe for your trip. You want to look adventure-chic in your safari photos, but you can do that with the boots, pants, shirts, dresses, and accessories you already have.
Shop My Safari Essentials
What would you add to this post about how much is an African safari? Share with us in the comments!
For Planning The Rest Of Your Safari
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How Much Is an African Safari
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an average 10 day Kenya safari cost?
Most people have sticker shock when they see the cost of a safari. Safaris are expensive, but you get what you pay for, so don’t skimp.
Remember that safari accommodations are usually all-inclusive, where all your food, lodging, alcohol, game drives, transfers, and other activities are included. So the only additional costs would be your flights and tips.
I recommend opting for all-inclusive options, unless you’re road tripping. If you’re staying at a different accommodation every couple of nights and/or hiring a driver or guide, the all-inclusive rate might not be the best choice.
As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on spending a minimum of $1,000 per night per person at an all-inclusive resort. You can find cheaper options, but this is a red flag for your experience, the service you’ll receive, and how the lodge treats wildlife and locals.
If you need to reduce your safari costs, take a shorter trip. A three-day safari at a lodge of your dreams will be a better trip than a week-long safari at an accommodation you have to settle for.
Browse my ultimate guide to budgeting for a safari to break down the financial details of your trip!
How much is an African safari for a family of 4?
Safaris are not cheap, and you get what you pay for, so don’t skimp on your lodge. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on spending a minimum of $1,000 per night per person at an all-inclusive resort.
You can find cheaper options, but this is a red flag for your experience, the service you’ll receive, and how the lodge treats wildlife and locals.
I recommend opting for all-inclusive options unless you’re road tripping. If you’re staying at a different accommodation every couple of nights and/or hiring a driver or guide, the all-inclusive rate might not be the best choice.
Be wary of overcrowding when considering an all-inclusive accommodation that’s less than $1000 a night. Before you book, establish how many guests a property can accommodate. It’s a good sign when the lodge website states how many people will be on game drives. The last thing you want on a safari is to be packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people on game drives, at the pool, at dinner, and in the common spaces.
If you need to reduce your safari costs, take a shorter trip. A three-day safari at a lodge of your dreams will be a better trip than a week-long safari at an accommodation you have to settle for.
What is the price for safari?
Safaris are not cheap, and you get what you pay for, so don’t skimp on your lodge. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on spending a minimum of $1,000 per night per person at an all-inclusive resort.
You can find cheaper options, but this is a red flag for your experience, the service you’ll receive, and how the lodge treats wildlife and locals.
I recommend opting for all-inclusive options unless you’re road tripping. If you’re staying at a different accommodation every couple of nights and/or hiring a driver or guide, the all-inclusive rate might not be the best choice.
Be wary of overcrowding when considering an all-inclusive accommodation that’s less than $1000 a night. Before you book, establish how many guests a property can accommodate. It’s a good sign when the lodge website states how many people will be on game drives. The last thing you want on a safari is to be packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people on game drives, at the pool, at dinner, and in the common spaces.
If you need to reduce your safari costs, take a shorter trip. A three-day safari at a lodge of your dreams will be a better trip than a week-long safari at an accommodation you have to settle for.
Why are African safaris so expensive?
Safaris are not cheap, and you get what you pay for, so don’t skimp on your lodge. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on spending a minimum of $1,000 per night per person at an all-inclusive resort.
You can find cheaper options, but this is a red flag for your experience, the service you’ll receive, and how the lodge treats wildlife and locals.
I recommend opting for all-inclusive options unless you’re road tripping. If you’re staying at a different accommodation every couple of nights and/or hiring a driver or guide, the all-inclusive rate might not be the best choice.
Be wary of overcrowding when considering an all-inclusive accommodation that’s less than $1000 a night. Before you book, establish how many guests a property can accommodate. It’s a good sign when the lodge website states how many people will be on game drives. The last thing you want on a safari is to be packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people on game drives, at the pool, at dinner, and in the common spaces.
If you need to reduce your safari costs, take a shorter trip. A three-day safari at a lodge of your dreams will be a better trip than a week-long safari at an accommodation you have to settle for.
A walking safari could also be a good alternative for you.
Are African safaris safe?
Yes!
The Best Safari Destinations in Africa:
1. South Africa
2. Botswana
3. Kenya
4. Tanzania
5. Zambia
6. Zimbabwe
7. Namibia
8. Rwanda
9. Uganda
10. Mozambique
Pro Tip: go on safari in the dry season when wildlife is easier to find around water holes.
What is the average cost of an African safari trip?
Safaris are not cheap, and you get what you pay for, so don’t skimp on your lodge. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on spending a minimum of $1,000 per night per person at an all-inclusive resort.
You can find cheaper options, but this is a red flag for your experience, the service you’ll receive, and how the lodge treats wildlife and locals.
I recommend opting for all-inclusive options unless you’re road tripping. If you’re staying at a different accommodation every couple of nights and/or hiring a driver or guide, the all-inclusive rate might not be the best choice.
Be wary of overcrowding when considering an all-inclusive accommodation that’s less than $1000 a night. Before you book, establish how many guests a property can accommodate. It’s a good sign when the lodge website states how many people will be on game drives. The last thing you want on a safari is to be packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people on game drives, at the pool, at dinner, and in the common spaces.
If you need to reduce your safari costs, take a shorter trip. A three-day safari at a lodge of your dreams will be a better trip than a week-long safari at an accommodation you have to settle for.
Which African country is best for safaris?
The Best Safari Destinations in Africa:
1. South Africa
2. Botswana
3. Kenya
4. Tanzania
5. Zambia
6. Zimbabwe
7. Namibia
8. Rwanda
9. Uganda
10. Mozambique
Pro Tip: go on safari in the dry season when wildlife is easier to find around water holes.
How long is enough for a safari?
I recommend spending at least two nights at each safari camp you plan to visit, and I’d suggest spending at least a week in Africa on safari.
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This article about how much is an African safari is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post about how much is an African safari are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about how much is an African safari are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this article about how much is an African safari.
Average African Safari Prices
Beautiful blog post with nice tips for African Safari planning
Lucy On Locale
Thank you! I’m glad my post can help you plan a trip!
Msangai Adventure Safaris
Your guide on the cost of an African safari is a much-appreciated resource for wanderers like me dreaming of this bucket-list adventure. The breakdown of expenses based on safari type, accommodation, and destination is incredibly insightful, providing clarity on budgeting for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your reminder about the funds supporting conservation efforts adds a meaningful perspective. A valuable and transparent guide that navigates the often murky waters of safari pricing. Thank you for shedding light on “How much is an African safari!”
Lucy On Locale
Thank you! I’m glad my article is helpful and insightful for you!