Safari cost is always a question on everyone’s mind and one that we frequently must answer, so we thought it best to break it down for you and explain what factors to consider when crunching the numbers.
Many factors must be taken into consideration when working on your budget – location (which countries/regions you want to visit); seasons (rates vary for different times of the year); and of course, your level of comfort or luxury.
Let’s look at each of these in a bit more detail:
Seasons
Prices will vary according to the time of year you come on safari. Seasons can be categorized into the high season, also known as the safari season, and the low season.
High or peak season usually starts in early June and runs to the end October.
This is during the dry winter months, and because of low rainfall during this period it is generally considered to deliver the best game viewing. Animals will be drawn to the remaining water holes and the vegetation is not so dense as in the summer months.
Rates will be at their highest during the safari season – demand is high, and supply is limited, thus it is best to book early if you wish to safari in the high season.
The rain usually comes from early October and so the rainy season also known as the green/low season begins.
Some regions will be completely inaccessible during this period, but most can and must still be visited, not just because of the affordability, but because it is much quieter.
Most rates will be at their lowest during this period, November to May.
Comfort level
Comfort level actually refers to the level of luxury.
There are mainly three tiers in the safari industry – comfort/mid-range luxury/5-star luxury.
With a comfort or budget safari you will most likely be staying in basic accommodation whereas luxury you will be staying in luxury suits/camps and your level of privacy and exclusivity will increase with your budget.
Comfort safaris might also mean that you will be sharing your game drive vehicle with many more guests, and with mid-range and luxury it will be 4 – 6 guests at most.
There will always be some overlapping and it is possible to find luxury level accommodation at good rates.
This is why it is important to speak to one of our safari consultants – they will be able to assist in finding you the perfect solution for your budget and comfort level.
Location
Some regions will be more affordable to visit and others will be more costly – please look at the comparison below.
Here is a breakdown of the average expected pricing according to region, season, and comfort level.
Hopefully this will help you make an informed decision, but ultimately talk to our consultants and they will design and plan the perfect safari according to your budget and requirements.
Please note that these are only guidelines.
All rates refer to price per person per night sharing accommodation.
Botswana Safari
Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $600 | $800 | $800 | $1,250–1,375 | $1,450 | $1,800–2,850 |
Namibia Safari
Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $300-450 | $350-500 | $600 | $700 | $1,350-1,600 | $1,600-1,750 |
South African Safari
Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $350 | $500 | $550 | $600–800 | $1,000 | $1,100–1,700 |
Victoria Falls Safari
Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $250 | $600 | $600 | $700–900 | $1,100 | $1,200–1,900 |
Zambia Safari
Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $750 | $1,000 | $950 | $1,250 | $1,450 | $2,000 |
Tanzania Safari
Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $500-675 | $550-725 | $800-1,200 | $950-1,350 | $1,250 | $1,850 |
Kenya Safari
Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $420-500 | $550-650 | $650-750 | $800-1,050 | $1,100-1,250 | $1,300-2,350 |
Zimbabwe Safari
Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $550 | $900 | $950 | $1,450 | $1,550 | $2,950 |
Zimbabwe Safari Costs/Prices
| 4-star comfort | 4-star comfort | 4-star luxury | 4-star luxury | 5-star luxury | 5-star luxury |
| Low | High | Low | High | Low | High |
| $550 | $900 | $950 | $1,450 | $1,550 | $2,950 |
