Luxury African Safari Cost

How Much Does a Luxury African Safari Cost?

The cost of a luxury African safari can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the location, duration, accommodation, and activities included. On average, a luxury safari trip can range from $800 to $1,000 per person per night. This typically includes high-end accommodation, meals, game drives, and other activities. However, more exclusive or bespoke experiences, such as private reserves or luxury camps, can cost upwards of $1,500 to 3,500 per person per night. It’s also important to factor in additional costs such as flights, visas, and travel insurance.

What factors affect the cost of a luxury African safari?

The cost of a luxury African safari can be influenced by several factors. These include the location and duration of the safari, the time of year (peak season vs off-peak), the type of accommodation (luxury lodges vs tented camps), the size of the travel group, the inclusion of special activities or experiences (like hot air balloon rides or private game drives), and the level of exclusivity desired. Additionally, costs can be affected by transportation methods (chartered flights vs road transfers), park and conservation fees, and whether meals and drinks are included in the package.

Are there any hidden costs associated with luxury African safaris?

Yes, there can be hidden costs associated with luxury African safaris. While the upfront price may seem all-inclusive, there are often additional expenses that aren’t covered. These can include international and domestic flights, travel insurance, visa fees, vaccinations, gratuities, personal purchases, and optional extra activities. Some safaris also exclude certain meals, drinks, and park entrance fees. It’s important to thoroughly read the terms and conditions and ask the tour operator about any potential extra costs.

What are some popular destinations for luxury African safaris?

Luxury African safaris offer a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and wildlife exploration. Some popular destinations include the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, known for its abundant wildlife and annual wildebeest migration. Botswana’s Okavango Delta offers a water-based safari experience with luxury lodges. South Africa’s Kruger National Park is renowned for its upscale safari lodges and Big Five game viewing. Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater offer spectacular wildlife sightings, while Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is famous for walking safaris. Namibia offers a unique desert safari experience in the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park.

Comparing luxury vs. budget African safaris

Luxury and budget African safaris offer different experiences based on the level of comfort, exclusivity, and services provided. Luxury safaris provide high-end accommodations, often in private reserves, with gourmet meals, private guides, and personalized services. They offer a more comfortable and exclusive experience, often with fewer tourists. On the other hand, budget safaris are more affordable and typically involve group tours, basic accommodations such as camping or budget lodges, and self-catering or simple meals. While they may lack the frills of a luxury safari, they still offer the thrill of wildlife viewing and the beauty of the African landscape.

Luxury African safari packages

Luxury African safari packages offer an exclusive and high-end experience of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. These packages often include stays at premium lodges or glamping sites, private game drives, gourmet meals, and personalized services. They may also offer unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides over the savannah, guided bush walks, or even private charter flights. The destinations can range from the vast plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, to the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Botswana

A Botswana safari may be considered one of the most expensive safaris in the world, but it’s also one of the best. Home to incredible safari destinations such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe River, the wildlife sightings are second to none, but it’s the Botswana hospitality that makes it really special.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	277 USD	266 USD	300 USD
Mid Range	573 USD	510 USD	616 USD
Luxury	1240 USD	920 USD	1440 USD
Super Luxury	2548 USD	2134 USD	3133 USD

Kenya One of the most traditional safari destinations in this list, Kenya Safari is on the bucket lists of many travellers. The country’s Masai Mara national park is one of the best places in the world to see big cats, while Amboseli is home to the largest population of African elephants too. As wildlife tourism is one of the most important revenue streams to the country, lodges here can afford to charge their worth. Make sure you know how much to budget per night using the table below.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	129 USD	84 USD	213 USD
Mid Range	393 USD	332 USD	435 USD
Luxury	747 USD	475 USD	935 USD
Super Luxury	995 USD	953 USD	1076 USD

Namibia

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the Big 5 in Namibia’s famous game park at Etosha, but what makes this country really special is the unspoilt and sandy landscapes of the Namib desert and Skeleton Coast. Like its southern African cousin, South Africa, Namibia Safari is a more budget-friendly option if you’re looking to try a safari for the first time or are simply trying to save those pennies. Of course, high-end lodges are still available if you want something a little more luxurious. Find out more about what to budget below.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	106 USD	79 USD	125 USD
Mid Range	241 USD	171 USD	299 USD
Luxury	409 USD	397 USD	433 USD
Super Luxury	684 USD	535 USD	951 USD

Rwanda

A country famous for its opportunities to see gorillas in the wild, Rwanda Safari may not be the most traditional safari destination, but it is one of the most biodiverse. Volcanoes National Park is home to over 600 gorillas as well as plenty of other rainforest species you won’t find in other countries. Rwanda has a smaller range of safari lodges available in a more concentrated space. As a result, prices may be a little higher than in other areas of the African continent. Work out your ideal budget in the table below.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	TBC	TBC	TBC
Mid Range	435 USD	125 USD	1,070 USD
Luxury	588 USD	378 USD	740 USD
Super Luxury	1,822 USD	1,039 USD	2,150 USD

South Africa

With tourism contributing a huge amount to South Africa’s income, there’s plenty for visitors to do here. From adrenaline activities on the southern coast and wine tours in the valleys, to incredible wildlife sightings in the east and north, South Africa Safari is a dream destination for many. It’s also a budget-friendly holiday for first-time safari goers, families and those after a bargain. Though luxury experiences are available (and incredible with it!), there is also a good variety of cheaper lodges to choose from here. See below for more budget information.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	TBC	TBC	TBC
Mid Range	232 USD	77 USD	334 USD
Luxury	454 USD	211 USD	792 USD
Super Luxury	1575 USD	874 USD	3380 USD

 

Tanzania

Home to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is an extremely popular location for an African safari. Lucky guests have the opportunity to spot all of the Big 5, with viewings of the big cats being especially plentiful. Despite the high demand, Tanzania Safari is still a reasonably expensive destination, also thanks to the high number of luxury lodges on offer. Work out what to budget using the table below.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	TBC	TBC	TBC
Mid Range	403 USD	124 USD	845 USD
Luxury	849 USD	265 USD	1800 USD
Super Luxury	1671 USD	1080 USD	2501 USD

Uganda

Primates fans are in for a treat in Uganda. Like Rwanda, Uganda safaris are focused on the country’s population of gorillas living in the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi. Chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys and many other species are just as exciting to see. For those wanting to see the Big 5, sightings in Uganda aren’t quite as plentiful as in other countries, but this makes them even more exclusive. Find out more below.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	35 USD	23 USD	45 USD
Mid Range	167 USD	65 USD	291 USD
Luxury	365 USD	114 USD	640 USD
Super Luxury	TBC	TBC	TBC

Zambia

Aside from the incredible opportunities to spot wildlife in Zambia, there is a lot to keep visitors entertained. Though a landlocked country, two of Zambia’s most famous attractions are water-based – the spectacular Victoria Falls and the Zambezi. Make sure you visit both while you’re in the area! Like most other African destinations, Zambia can be a relatively expensive place to go on safari, but there are still bargains to be found. Discover what you can expect to spend in the table below.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	TBC	TBC	TBC
Mid Range	545 USD	337 USD	790 USD
Luxury	755 USD	445 USD	1090 USD
Super Luxury	977 USD	595 USD	1400 USD

Zimbabwe

Like its northerly neighbour, Zambia, Zimbabwe Safari offers a range of natural wonders to see alongside its wildlife. Head to the border to view the thundering Victoria Falls, or Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks for game-rich safari sightings. There are many tour companies that operate in Zimbabwe for the budget conscious, as well as lots of higher-end options for those with more to spend. Have a look at the table below for a guide.

	Average cost per person per night	Minimum cost per person per night	Maximum cost per person per night
Budget	TBC	TBC	TBC
Mid Range	425 USD	188 USD	700 USD
Luxury	499 USD	235 USD	790 USD
Super Luxury	989 USD	405 USD	2065 USD

Quality of African Safari service

You’ll notice I’ve included four different service levels in my safari budgets. Because, believe it or not, you get what you pay for! An explanation of the different service levels is given below:

• Budget – On a budget safari, you’ll probably be sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag, and have to use the forest as your toilet. Some tours may call this ‘overground safari’ as you’ll likely be transferred between various national parks and campsites on a coach or bus, which then doubles as your safari vehicle.
• Mid-range – Mid-range safaris are likely to offer a slightly more comfortable tented option, with furniture, flush toilets and warm water provided by the lodge staff whenever you need it.
• Luxury – Luxury lodges offer rooms more like city-based hotels than other options. Guests may still be in canvas tents, but they’re likely to be in permanent camps with fully functional bathrooms, housekeeping and communal areas offering restaurant-quality food and service.
• Super Luxury – With a super luxury option, you can expect ridiculous levels of luxury. Think: personal butlers at your beck and call every hour of the day, champagne included with every meal, helicopter transfers… the works.