People often think African safaris cost a lot. But, digging deep into a search might surprise you with more budget-friendly choices. Because common belief assumes safaris are always a high-budget affair, an assumption that may not hold true for all.
Well, let’s set the record straight. Not all safaris will dent your wallet. You can absolutely enjoy a reasonably priced African safari, without feeling the pinch.
Even considering lodging and travel, which frequently account for much of the safari expense, there exist choices. These options can help you reduce expenses and yet guarantee a remarkable safari adventure.
But first, choosing a low-priced African safari means knowing what you’ll get for your buck. Your choices can, indeed, impact the final cost. Thus, we’re discussing key dollars-and-cents issues tied to African safaris in this blog post. We’ve got you covered on a bullet list of big factors:
- Group or private safari
- Lodging style.
- How getting around on the safari might cost.
- The cheapest seasons for a safari.
- How long you plan to stay.
- Airport commute.
Now, let’s break these down:
Group vs private safari
Everyone knows that choosing an overland group safari is a cost-effective way to have a planned trip. Yes, this type of adventure won’t break the bank, but it means you’ll spend lots of time in the vehicle.
When arranging a group safari, don’t just consider the total group size. Instead, look at the maximum allowed in each vehicle. A lower number here can mean a better game drive experience.
If you’re journeying with a small child (younger than 5-6 years), you might get the green light to bring them on safari adventures, given the guide says it’s okay. But remember, tots generally aren’t permitted on these thrilling expeditions.
Accommodation
Parks and game reserves have different types of places to stay. There are simple and luxurious tents, and likewise with lodges and private cottages. What you pick depends on what you like and can afford. As you look at your choices, remember the cost is more about how fancy it is, not what kind it is. Here’s what you might find:
Budget options.
Many people think a tent is the cheapest choice. That’s right if it’s a basic tent camp. These have shared bathrooms, no power plugs, and no fences. But a simple lodge isn’t much more expensive. You might have a shared or private bathroom and a shared kitchen. Meals aren’t usually included, so you’ll prepare your food.
Mid-range options.
These are a step up from the basics but not flashy. A lodge room with a private bathroom is a good mid-range choice. Extras could be a restaurant and pool. A fenced-in camping tent with power and a shared bathroom also falls in this category. Sometimes breakfast and dinner are part of the cost.
Luxury options.
Luxury options are all around in the wilds of Africa. Normally, the farther away it is, the more it costs. You could go for a posh tent with everything a lodge has or a lodge for multiple people with lots of rooms, a private bathroom, a kitchen, and a social area. Or you could go for a private cottage. Often meals are included, along with a pool, dining places, internet, and kids’ activities.
Transport during game drives
Your choice of ride can shape your safari adventure. Be it enclosed vans or open land rovers, here’s what you’ll encounter:
Budget safaris
For budget-friendly safaris, the go-to rides are closed safari vans or pop-up roof vans. Seems quite safe, but they could limit your safari experience. Also, many safari planners offer large group buses or fast-moving overland trucks as enclosed vehicle options, covering vast distances quickly. The downside of being in a closed vehicle? It’s tough to view the animals and landscape. Snapping decent photos can also be tricky since a window seat is not always assured.
Mid-level safaris,
The preferred rides are the open safari vehicle or open 4×4 wheel drive. Preferably, they host as few people as possible—everyone sits comfortably and gets a window view. This allows easy wildlife spotting and picture-taking.
Luxury Game drives
Luxury Game drives in a private game reserve or a private concession focused on smaller groups. The rides usually include an open safari vehicle or open Land Rover. You’re sure to have a window seat for spectacular wildlife viewing! Accompanied by a guide and a tracker (who finds the animals), they even have permission for off-road and night-time drives.
Best time to go on a budget safari
Your African safari adventure will highly rely on time. The season can impact both your experience and the cost.
Every country is unique, but in general, June to September seems to be the prime time to enjoy any safari – even those on a budget.
Let’s say you decide on any African nation for your adventure. The wildlife sightings during this time are typically excellent due to the less rainy climate. Animals tend to hang around watering spots, and spotting them in the shorter, parched grass becomes easier.
The peak travel time doesn’t always fit into this period, which is a relief if you’re aiming for a budget-friendly safari.
People often think of July and August as the busy period since it’s summer holiday time in the Northern Hemisphere. Just as busy, though, are December and January due to winter festivities. Busy times typically lead to heftier prices and packed parks. So, even if you opt for a budget safari, the cost may be higher than expected. Making your safari bookings early is strongly advised, particularly if a gorilla trek is on the agenda. During busy times, these permits are few and far between.
July and August often seem jam-packed because it’s summer vacation in the North. Yet, December and January get just as crowded due to winter celebrations. More people usually mean bigger prices and busier parks. Hence, even a planned budget safari might cost more. Early safari booking? That was a smart move. Especially if seeing gorillas in their natural habitat is part of your plans. During hot times, those hard-to-get permits become even scarcer.
Length of the safari
Safaris aren’t necessarily cheaper if they are shorter. Other aspects also impact their real worth.
The drive from the airport to the park can take a lot of time. Because of this, a safari of three to four days turns into one or two days of enjoying nature.
Don’t overlook flight lengths when planning. You don’t want to travel from New York to Cape Town, an 18-hour flight, to spend merely 48 hours on a safari. Should you already be nearby and blending the safari with other plans, you needn’t worry about the length of the flight.
Beware of extra expenses: ask if the safari package covers transfer fees, park entry costs, and meals. It’s better to pay more for a longer safari. This allows you to savour wildlife watching and leisurely photography. There’s no rush, and no jet lag gets in the way of appreciating your African adventure.
Access from the airport
Safaris aren’t necessarily cheaper if they are shorter. Other aspects also impact their real worth.
The drive from the airport to the park can take a lot of time. Because of this, a safari of three to four days turns into one or two days of enjoying nature.
Don’t overlook flight lengths when planning. You don’t want to travel from New York to Cape Town, an 18-hour flight, to spend merely 48 hours on a safari. Should you already be nearby and blending the safari with other plans, you needn’t worry about the length of the flight.
Beware of extra expenses: ask if the safari package covers transfer fees, park entry costs, and meals. It’s better to pay more for a longer safari. This allows you to savour wildlife watching and leisurely photography. There’s no rush, and no jet lag gets in the way of appreciating your African adventure.
When you’re booking a safari in Africa, think about which park you want to see and how near it is to the closest international airport. Safari planners might offer transfers, usually as an extra option. Always verify which airport to use with your safari planner before finalizing flight details.
Budget to mid-range
For budget to mid-range safaris, transport to and from the nearest airport might not come with the package. If it’s not, ask if they can arrange it.
Luxury
Luxury safaris always include transport in the price. Sometimes, it’s a private plane ride straight to the park’s airstrip, if available. Usually, though, it’s a private car ride from the airport.
What safari is best for me?
Selecting the perfect safari depends on what you’re looking for, what you need, and what you can spend. The more you know, the better placed you’ll be to pick a safari that meets your expectations. If you’re a nature lover and relish being outside, think about a tent stay.
You can choose from budget to high-end tent camps, based on your travel style. Alternatively, if you prefer more secure accommodations, a lodge is a great pick. From rooms with a private bathroom to exclusive lodges, the options are plenty. The great part? You can find a safari to suit any budget and preference.