Last Updated on April 1, 2022 by Rose Morah
The cost of an Africa safari may go up to $3000. Many factors will determine how much you will pay for an African safari.
When planning to go on a Safari, it is essential to know your options in order to estimate the total cost of a Safari.
To break this down, here are the factors that determine the cost of an African Safari.
- Length of your safari (number of days).
- Transportation.
- Accommodation.
- Quality of tour guide.
- Other factors.
But first, it is important to note that most (if not all) safari packages don’t include flights from your home country to the safari destination.
It is important to keenly check the safari package and request them to tailor it according to your preferences.
Depending on how much you are willing to spend, a safari package will have three options:
- Budget safari option – for those traveling on a budget and are not looking to spend much on this trip.
- Middle price option – for those not on a tight budget.
- Luxury option – for those looking for a better experience but are not worried about spending much.
I will explain in more detail later in the article.
Related:
Best Time For An African Safari in Kenya.
Top 15 Cheapest Destinations to Travel Internationally Even on a Tight Budget.
Factors that determine the cost of an African safari
1. Length of your safari (number of days)
The length of your safari will affect the total cost of your safari. The shorter time you spend on a safari, the lower the cost and vice versa.
2. Transportation
As earlier mentioned, most safaris packages don’t include your transportation from the airport to your safari destination. However, if you choose the luxury package, transfers are typically included. This means you will get airport and hotel transfers.
If you choose to go with the budget or the middle price option and would like to get an airport transfer, you can request an add-on package at an extra cost.
Additionally, on some safari destinations, you have the option to choose between flying or driving to your destination.
Flying will definitely cost more compared to driving to your safari destination.
And additionally, the type of vehicle that will take you through the National park will depend on how much you pay.
What are the type of vehicles available at an African Safaris?
When going on an African safari, you will have the following options;
- Toyota Land Cruiser. This is a standard high-end vehicle. They are the best for an African safaris mostly because they are more comfortable and carry fewer people. Additionally, you get the best view of the wildlife.
- Van. This type of vehicle is less comfortable compared to the land cruiser when going on safaris and usually carry more people.
How does the type of vehicle affect the cost of a safari?
- On a budget price option you mostly use the vans, which are less costly. While on a middle price option and luxury African safari, you will use a Toyota Land Cruiser, which is more expensive.
- In most cases the Toyota Land Cruiser tour guide/driver of is usually more experienced compared to the vans tour guides/drivers.
And this takes us to the next point:
See also: What is an African Safari Like? (Is an African Safari Worth it?).
3. You tour guide‘s level of experience
The level of experience of your tour guide will also determine the cost of your safari.
It costs more to get a good and very experienced tour guide. Therefore, if you are on a budget safari, you might miss the advantages of going on a safari with a professional tour guide.
Usually, the middle and the luxury safari options are provided with more experienced tour guides/drivers.
Experienced tour guides also have great safari tips and are more familiar with the local experience.
| Note: A guide will make or break your trip! |
See also: The Ultimate Women’s Safari Packing List (With Printable Checklist).
4. Type of accommodation
On an African safari, there are different options when it comes to the type of accommodation. This affects the cost of your safari.
Most packages provide tourists with the following accommodation options:
- Budget tented camps
The budget tented camps are not high-end. They’re usually just tents. They are the cheapest, and you will pay less compared to other packages.
- Mid-range accommodation
Mid-range rooms or tents are usually more comfortable than the budget tented camps. Below is an example of mid-range budget tents.
- Luxurious Accommodation
Luxury accommodation is very comfortable and comes with extra amenities as compared to the budget and mid-range accommodation.
You enjoy different amenities such as a spa, swimming pool, gym, laundry services, etc. But it will cost you more.
5. Park entry fees
Park entry fees are usually included in the total cost of the safari trip. The park entry fee remains the same no matter the type of package you choose or prefer.
6. Meals
Meals are usually included in your safari package. However, it would be best to inquire whether the meals include a whole day meal (Breakfast, lunch, and evening) or only evening meals and vice versa.
I remember one time going on a safari. I thought the package covered meals for the whole day. On arrival, we were told the meals included would only be the evening meals.
Additionally, if you book a luxury safari package, expect to get the best foods. The mid-range budget’s food is also great.
See also: Best Duffle Bag for African Safari (Features and Requirements).
Which is the best safari package for travelers?
Here is my best advice:
- Don’t book a budget safari package.
If you don’t have enough cash for a safari, it would be best if you waited till you got enough cash for a mid-range price safari package.
After all, your safari experience will determine how memorable the safari will turn out in the end.
So, if you are wondering if a safari is worth it, it is totally worth it if you book a mid-range or luxury package. But if you choose a budget safari package, then it might not be worth it.
- The best package is usually the mid-range budget safari.
When you book the mid-range package, you get to experience most things enjoyed in a luxury package apart from the amenities and a few services. The luxury package is not worth it unless you have money to spend. If you do, then go for it!
