The cost of an African safari varies widely depending on where you go, when you travel, the level of accommodation you choose, and the style of safari you want. Safaris are generally more expensive than typical holidays because they take place in remote wilderness areas and include specialized services that are not common in other travel experiences.
Many safari destinations are far from major cities and lack extensive transport networks. Unlike Europe or the U.S., there are limited trains, buses, and low-cost carriers between safari regions, and domestic flights can be costly due to limited competition and schedule frequency.
Safari lodges and camps are often hours away from towns or supply hubs. Every supply — from food and fuel to wine and toiletries — must be flown or trucked in, increasing operational costs.
To ensure safety, excellent guiding, and personal service, lodges and camps employ a high number of staff relative to guests. Many staff live on-site, which adds to food and accommodation costs as part of the overall pricing.
Safari tourism contributes directly to conservation. Daily park fees and levies help fund anti-poaching efforts, wildlife protection, habitat management, and community projects. These fees can form a substantial portion of the total cost.
Most safari properties charge a that covers accommodation, meals, snacks, standard drinks, and scheduled game-viewing activities such as game drives. This simplifies budgeting but means the headline price already includes many services you’d pay extra for on other trips.
Below are typical price ranges (in USD) to help you estimate costs. These are approximate averages and can vary by country, season, and specific lodge or operator.
- $300 – $650 per person per day
- Comfortable lodges or tented camps, smaller groups, most meals and drives included
- Best for couples, families, or first-timers seeking good balance of comfort and cost
- $650 – $1,500+ per person per day
- High-end lodges or camps, private vehicle drives, gourmet dining
- Often includes premium services and extras like guided walks or spa treatments
- , and in some ultra-premium cases even higher
- Private guides, exclusive reserves, boutique villas, charter flights, personalised itineraries
- Tailored experiences for travellers seeking the highest level of comfort and service