Africa Vacation Pricing Information
What’s Included on Safari?
While it’s true you can find cheaper safari lodges online, they often come with unexpected costs. Our recommended properties include everything you need:
All meals, tea and coffee, and local brand alcoholic drinks
2 safari activities daily
Expert safari guide and/or tracker
Daily sundowner cocktails in a scenic spot
Road transfers to/from the nearest airport
Taxes, park entrance fees, and conservation fees
How Much Does a Vacation to Africa Cost?
This varies depending on the lodges you use, when you travel, and many other factors, but here’s a rough guide for how much you can expect to spend on an African safari. These estimates include accommodations, game viewing activities, and road and air transfers.
Safaris start at $1,500 per person, per day (excluding international flights) and vary by season and location.
What changes the price of a safari?
When you travel
The dry season, roughly June to October in most of Southern and East Africa, is the busiest and costs the most. The green season can cost noticeably less, with lush scenery, baby animals and far fewer vehicles at sightings.
Where you go
Botswana's remote camps sit at the top of the range, because most are reached by small plane and guest numbers are kept low. South Africa's private reserves are easier to reach and often a better value.
The lodge you choose
Safari lodges range from classic tented camps to private villas with plunge pools. The level of comfort, the setting and how exclusive the land is all change the nightly rate.
How many camps
Most safaris combine two or three camps. Each move usually means a small-plane flight, so fewer moves keeps both the cost and the travel days down.
A private vehicle
Some lodges include one, others charge extra. It's worth it for families with young kids and keen photographers, because you set the pace.
Who's traveling
Family suites, minimum ages and child rates vary a lot from camp to camp. I check these first so you don't fall for a lodge that won't work for your family.
How long should a safari be?
Most first safaris are 3 nights each at two or three camps. Here's what I usually suggest:
| Botswana | 10 to 14 days |
|---|---|
| Kenya and Tanzania | Minimum of 8 days |
| South Africa | Minimum of 8 days |
| Uganda and Rwanda | 4 to 5 days |
| Namibia | Ask me |
| Beach after your safari | 5 to 7 days |
What's not included?
So there are no surprises, these are usually extra:
- International flights
- Tips for guides, trackers and lodge staff
- Premium wines and spirits at some lodges
- Visas and travel insurance
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
- Spa treatments and extra activities like hot-air balloon flights
When is the best time to go?
Botswana
June to October for the best game viewing. November to March is the green season.
Kenya
July to October, when the Great Migration is usually in the Masai Mara.
Tanzania
June to October in the northern Serengeti. January and February for the calving season in the south.
South Africa
Year-round. May to September is the dry winter, when animals are easiest to spot.
Namibia
May to October, when it's dry and cooler.
Rwanda and Uganda
June to September and December to February are the drier months for gorilla trekking.
Ways to get more for your budget
- Travel in the shoulder months just before or after peak season.
- Pair a few nights in Botswana with South Africa, which is often a better value.
- Stay longer in fewer camps.
- Book early. The best-value rooms at small camps go first.
Book with me: what you get
- Lodges chosen for your travel style, not just what's available online
- Trusted Africa specialists on the ground
- Partner perks at Virtuoso hotels in Cape Town and beyond, when available
- One person who knows your whole trip, from your first hotel to your last transfer
Safari pricing questions
How much does a luxury safari cost?
Safaris start at $1,500 per person, per day, excluding international flights, depending on the time of year and location. I'll give you a real quote for your dates.
How far ahead should I book?
For high season, I recommend booking 12 to 18 months ahead. That matters most for families who need a family suite or a private vehicle, because small camps have very few of them.
Can I take my kids on safari?
Yes. Many lodges welcome children, but minimum ages vary. Read about our family safari.
Does it cost more to book with an advisor?
No. You pay the same as booking directly, and you get my help with lodges, flights and transfers, plus partner perks where available.
Keep reading
Ready for a real quote?
Tell me when you'd like to go and who's traveling, and I'll put together options for your dates.
Plan My Safari