7 Things That Affect the Cost of an African Safari

The first step in determining the cost of your African safari is to define what you want most from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your priorities will guide every other decision, whether they revolve around seeing a specific animal, accommodating family needs, or achieving a certain level of exclusivity. Clarifying what is most important to you will ensure you can effectively allocate your budget to create an adventure that perfectly matches your dreams.

• Wildlife goals can steer you toward specific regions, whether your dream is to witness the Great Migration or focus on parks abundant with elephants.
• Health considerations such as choosing a malaria-free reserve, especially when traveling with children, can be a primary deciding factor.
• Exclusivity level is key, as deciding whether a private game-drive vehicle is a non-negotiable will significantly impact the price.
• Travel style will influence costs, from a time-efficient fly-in safari to a more complex multi-destination itinerary.
• Desired pace helps determine if you prefer to immerse yourself deeply in a single park or sample the diversity of several different reserves.

Your choice between the continent's two primary safari regions is a fundamental factor that shapes the overall cost of your trip. While East and Southern Africa offer an impressive range of quality and luxury, they differ in their typical safari styles, dominant currencies, and popular travel circuits. Understanding these distinctions will help you decide which region best aligns with your budget and travel preferences, with more information available in our Types of African Safaris: Different Ways to Experience a Safari

• Southern Africa is renowned for its modern luxury, premier private concessions, and how easily a safari combines with city or beach escapes.
• East Africa offers classic safari landscapes, with an incredible density of wildlife, and is the epicenter of iconic events like the Great Migration.
• Currency matters, as Southern Africa primarily prices in the local South African rand (ZAR), while East Africa predominantly uses the US dollar.
• Logistical costs for moving between destinations can vary significantly, with flight networks and road infrastructure differing by region.
• Overall style in East Africa often focuses on private or small-group adventures, while the South offers diverse and independent travel circuits.

While you can enjoy an African safari at any time of year, not all seasons are priced equally and your travel dates will have a major effect on the cost. The simple principles of supply and demand are at play, with the peak dry season commanding the highest rates due to optimal game-viewing conditions. Conversely, traveling during the "green" or "low" seasons can offer exceptional value and a different perspective on the bush.

• Peak season from June to August offers prime, dry-weather game viewing, but comes with the highest demand and prices.
• Shoulder months like May, September, and October can provide a fantastic balance of great viewing and more moderate costs.
• Green season from November to February brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and more attractive, lower rates.
• Low season falls during the heaviest rainfall months, typically from March to early May, offering the most significant savings.
• Demand drives prices, so for the most popular travel times like July and August, booking far in advance is essential.

For more information on choosing the top time for your adventure, take a look at our Best Time to Go on an African Safari.

Where you choose to stay and go on game drives is a crucial factor in your safari's cost and character, whether in a vast, government-managed national park or an exclusive, privately-owned reserve. Both models are dedicated to wildlife conservation, but private reserves typically offer a more intimate and flexible safari experience with additional liberties, which comes at a premium price.

• National parks are generally larger, open to the public, and have stricter rules, such as staying on designated roads during game drives.
• Private reserves provide unparalleled exclusivity with far fewer vehicles allowed, resulting in more personal and uncrowded wildlife sightings.
• Added liberties on private land often include thrilling activities not permitted in national parks, such as off-road driving, night drives, and walking safaris.
• Expert guides in private reserves often provide an exceptionally high level of interpretive skill, which is reflected in the premium cost.
• Higher price is the trade-off for the intimacy, flexibility, and enhanced luxury service typically found in private concessions.

To learn more about the differences between these destinations, see our What’s the Difference Between National Parks, Conservancies, Private Concessions, and Private Game Reserves?.

Your choice of lodging is one of the most significant variables in your overall safari budget, with a vast spectrum of options available across the continent. The style of accommodation ranges from authentic, back-to-basics bush chalets to opulent lodges that rival the world's best hotels. The level of comfort, service, and exclusivity you select will directly determine a large portion of the final cost of your trip, with our Types of Safari Accommodations and How to Choose providing further guidance.

• Luxury lodges represent the top tier of safari pricing, often featuring hotel-style amenities like private plunge pools, spas, and gourmet dining.
• Tented camps offer an immersive "Out of Africa" feel and range from comfortable and stylish to incredibly glamorous and exclusive.
• Mobile camping follows the wildlife, leaving less of a footprint, while still providing comfortable and stylish facilities, often at a more moderate price.
• Bush chalets and more traditional lodge rooms can provide solid comfort and an authentic feel without all the luxurious extras.
• Lodge size matters, as larger properties with more rooms are generally a less-exclusive and more affordable option than intimate boutique camps.

The expertise leading your game drive can influence the quality of your sightings and the structure of your trip costs, particularly when it comes to gratuities. While single, highly skilled guides can offer fantastic experiences on Zicasso’s Best All-Inclusive African Safaris and Packages, many premier lodges employ a dynamic guide-and-tracker team. This partnership can elevate a safari, using an incredible depth of knowledge to find and interpret the secrets of the bush.

• Solo guide experiences feature one expert who is responsible for driving, spotting wildlife, positioning the vehicle, and providing commentary.
• Dynamic duo teams pair a field guide with a tracker, who sits at the front of the vehicle, focusing solely on finding fresh tracks and signs.
• Tracker's skills are often priceless, using incredible eyesight and generations of local knowledge to find elusive animals.
• Enhanced experience is the goal of the two-person team, often leading to more successful and exciting wildlife sightings.
• Tipping costs will be structured differently, as you will be budgeting for two essential team members for your game drives instead of one.

Beyond the primary package price that covers your accommodation, transport, and meals, several additional costs can arise during a safari. From drinks and optional activities to customary gratuities and personal indulgences, being aware of these potential extras is crucial for accurately budgeting for your adventure and avoiding any surprises at the end of your stay.

• Beverage policies can vary significantly, with some lodges being fully inclusive while others charge for premium wines, spirits, or all drinks.
• Optional activities such as a spectacular hot-air balloon ride or a guided bush walk may be offered at an additional cost.
• Customary tipping for your guide, tracker, and general camp staff is a standard part of safari etiquette that should be factored into your budget.
• Wellness treatments like a relaxing massage with the sounds of the African bush as your background will be an extra, but worthwhile charge.
• Souvenir shopping at the camp's curio shop or in local communities provides an opportunity to purchase unique crafts and mementos.

While the factors that affect the cost of an African safari are numerous, they represent not obstacles, but opportunities for perfect customization. By understanding where your budget has the greatest impact, you can make informed choices, investing in the elements that matter most to you.

Whether you dream of sipping a sundowner on a private game drive, knowing you prioritized an exclusive reserve, or waking to the sounds of the bush in a classic tented camp chosen for your style, you can find inspiration for your trip with our African safari tours and vacations. Then, speak to one of our safari experts to start creating your adventure. Further information can be found in our African Safari travel guide.