African Safari Cost Guide: How Much Does an African Safari Really Cost?
Planning a safari and wondering about the budget? This comprehensive African Safari Cost Guide breaks down everything you need to know. Whether you're seeking a luxury safari, mid-range adventure, or budget wildlife tour, you’ll discover exactly what to expect and how to plan with confidence.
Budget: $250–400/day | Mid-range: $450–750/day | Luxury: $900+
- TripAdvisor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Licensed safari operator
- Experienced professional guides
- Customizable itineraries
- Clear pricing transparency
African Safari Cost Guide — How Much Does a Safari in Africa Cost?
Planning a safari is exciting, but understanding the African safari cost is one of the most important steps before booking.
Safari prices vary widely depending on destination, travel style, season, and level of comfort. This guide breaks down realistic costs so you can confidently plan your dream safari.
Average African Safari Cost
On average, safari prices range from $200 to $2,500 per person per day, depending on the experience level.
Budget Safari
$200–$350 per person/day
Basic lodges or camping
Shared vehicles
$350–$800 per person/day
Comfortable lodges
Small group or private guides
Luxury Safari
$900–$2,500+ per person/day
Exclusive lodges
Private guides and flights
African Safari Cost by Destination
Different countries have different pricing levels.
Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination, known for high-end, low-impact tourism.
Average Daily Costs:
Mid-range safari: $700 – $1,200 per person/day
Luxury safari: $1,200 – $2,500+ per person/day
What affects price:
Fly-in logistics to remote camps
Private concessions
Seasonal water levels in the Okavango Delta
👉 Best for luxury travelers seeking exclusive wilderness.
Tanzania delivers some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations and premium safari circuits.
Average Daily Costs:
Budget safari: $250 – $400 per person/day
Mid-range safari: $500 – $850 per person/day
Luxury safari: $1,000 – $2,000+ per person/day
What affects price:
Park fees in Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Private guides and vehicles
Fly-in vs drive safaris
👉 Best for luxury safaris and world-class wildlife density.
Kenya offers a classic Big Five safari experience with excellent infrastructure and diverse parks.
Average Daily Costs:
Budget safari: $180 – $300 per person/day
Mid-range safari: $350 – $650 per person/day
Luxury safari: $800 – $1,500+ per person/day
What affects price:
Private conservancies vs public parks
Great Migration season (July–Oct)
Domestic flights vs road safaris
👉 Best for first-time safari travelers and migration viewing.
Uganda combines gorilla trekking, primate safaris, and traditional wildlife experiences.
Average Daily Costs:
Budget safari: $250 – $400 per person/day
Mid-range safari: $450 – $800 per person/day
Luxury safari: $900 – $1,600+ per person/day
What affects price:
Gorilla trekking permits ($800 per person)
Lodge category in forest parks
Domestic flight options
👉 Best for primate safaris and adventure travelers.
Zambia is a premium safari destination known for authentic walking safaris and remote wilderness.
Average Daily Costs:
Mid-range safari: $600 – $1,000 per person/day
Luxury safari: $1,100 – $2,200+ per person/day
What affects price:
Remote park access logistics
Walking safari guides
Seasonal availability
👉 Best for experienced safari travelers seeking exclusivity.
Zimbabwe offers excellent value for high-quality wildlife viewing, especially around Victoria Falls.
Average Daily Costs:
Budget safari: $250 – $400 per person/day
Mid-range safari: $450 – $750 per person/day
Luxury safari: $900 – $1,500+ per person/day
What affects price:
Private concessions vs national parks
Victoria Falls activity add-ons
Seasonal demand (June–October peak)
👉 Best for travelers seeking premium wildlife at more competitive prices than Botswana.
Namibia offers diverse landscapes — deserts, coastlines, and wildlife parks — often with flexible self-drive options.
Average Daily Costs:
Budget safari: $200 – $350 per person/day
Mid-range safari: $400 – $700 per person/day
Luxury safari: $800 – $1,400+ per person/day
What affects price:
Self-drive vs guided safari
Desert lodge exclusivity
Internal flight transfers
👉 Best for scenic landscapes, photography safaris, and flexible travel styles.
Ethiopia safaris focus more on unique landscapes, rare wildlife, and historic routes rather than traditional Big Five game drives.
Average Daily Costs:
Budget tours: $180 – $300 per person/day
Mid-range tours: $350 – $600 per person/day
Luxury tours: $700 – $1,200+ per person/day
What affects price:
Domestic flights between regions
Remote trekking logistics
Cultural guide requirements
👉 Best for travelers interested in history, rare species, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Many travelers forget these additional expenses:
International flights
Visas
Travel insurance
Tips for guides
Optional activities
You can reduce costs without sacrificing experience.
Smart Tips:
Travel during shoulder season
Choose mid-range lodges
Book longer safaris (better value)
Join small group tours
Is an African Safari Worth the Cost?
Absolutely.
A safari offers:
Once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters
Exclusive nature experiences
Expert guiding
Uncrowded wilderness
For many travelers, it becomes their most memorable travel experience.
How to Get the Best Safari Value
Working with safari specialists ensures:
- Transparent pricing
- Trusted lodges
- Custom itineraries
- No hidden costs
African Safari Cost FAQs
How much does a 7-day African safari cost?
Most 7-day safaris range from $2,000 to $10,000 per person depending on comfort level.
What is the cheapest African safari destination?
Kenya and Tanzania typically offer the most affordable safari options.
Why are Botswana safaris expensive?
Botswana focuses on luxury, conservation, and low visitor numbers.
Are African safaris all-inclusive?
Most packages include accommodation, meals, park fees, and game drives.
Get Your Personalized Safari Cost Estimate
Every safari is unique. Our experts can design a trip based on your budget and preferences.
