How Much Does an African Safari Cost? Prices, Differences and Tips for Choosing

How much does an African safari cost? Prices and budgets for each destination

How much does an African safari really cost?

As a rough guide, a trip can start from around €1,900 per person for a basic safari or a self-drive itinerary and exceed €8,000–9,000 per person for an exclusive experience in the most prestigious lodges in Botswana, Tanzania or the private reserves of South Africa.

The price depends mainly on the destination, the season, the duration of the trip, the type of accommodation and the chosen for the safari.

A self-drive tour in South Africa or Namibia, for example, costs very differently from a safari with a private guide in Tanzania or an itinerary through the exclusive camps of the Okavango Delta.

In this guide, we compare the approximate costs of a safari in Africa, analysing South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, explaining what really affects the price and which destination offers the best value for money.

All prices quoted are indicative, are per person in a twin room and do not include flights. The actual cost may vary significantly depending on the time of year, lodge availability, included services and exchange rates.

How much does an African safari cost on average?

As a rough guide, we can consider the following price ranges:

• Economy or self-drive safaris: from €1,900 to €2,800 per person;
• Mid-range safaris: from €2,800 to €4,500 per person;
• Safaris in private reserves or with a private guide: from 4,500 € to 6,500 € per person;
• Luxury safaris: from €7,000 to over €9,000 per person.

However, it is not enough to compare prices alone. Two seemingly similar programmes may include very different services: transfers, park entry fees, meals, guided safaris, a private vehicle or safaris shared with other guests.

To properly assess an offer, it is therefore essential to carefully check all the services included in the quote.

How much does a safari in South Africa cost?

A safari in South Africa probably offers the best value for money in terms of quality, variety of experiences and price.

It is a very flexible destination: you can organise self-drive trips as well as guided safaris, private tours and stays in the most exclusive reserves of the Greater Kruger.

Self-drive in Kruger National Park

For an itinerary of around 7–9 days, you can expect an approximate cost of between:

€1,900 and €2,800 per person, excluding flights.

The price may include:

• car hire;
• accommodation in 3–4-star lodges or rest camps;
• some guided safaris;
• assistance during the trip;
• park entry fees, where specifically included.

The self-drive trips in South Africa and Namibia are a good option for those seeking greater freedom whilst keeping costs down. This doesn’t necessarily mean having to miss out on guided safaris: it’s possible to alternate days spent independently with game drives led by expert rangers.

Safaris in the private reserves of the Greater Kruger

For 3–4 nights in a good-quality private reserve, you can expect to spend:

€2,800 to €4,500 per person, excluding flights.

For luxury lodges, the cost can start at around:

€4,500 per person, excluding flights.

Prices in private reserves are higher because they generally include:

• two safaris a day;
• professional rangers and trackers;
• full board;
• the opportunity to go on off-road safaris;
• smaller groups per vehicle;
• greater exclusivity.

South Africa is also particularly suitable for families, honeymoons and those wishing to combine a safari with a visit to Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route or the coast.

How much does a safari in Namibia cost?

A trip to Namibia is ideal for those who love wide open spaces, desert landscapes and the freedom of a self-drive itinerary.

A comprehensive itinerary normally takes at least 12–15 days, as the distances between the main destinations are considerable.

The indicative price ranges, excluding flights, are:

• basic itinerary: from €2,200 to €3,500 per person;
• upmarket lodges: from €4,000 to €5,500 per person;
• luxury trip: over 6,000 € per person.

The main factors affecting the cost are:

• duration of the hire;
• vehicle category;
• insurance and additional cover;
• length of the itinerary;
• standard of the lodges;
• any guided activities;
• time of year.

Namibia is not just a safari destination. Its appeal lies in the combination of Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park.

For this reason, the price must be assessed by taking the entire trip into account, not just the days spent wildlife viewing.

How much does a safari in Botswana cost?

A safari in Botswana is ideal for those seeking one of Africa’s most exclusive nature experiences.

Its tourism philosophy prioritises small-scale accommodation, remote natural areas and a minimal environmental impact. Consequently, prices are on average higher than at other destinations.

For a safari lasting around 7–9 days in the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Khwai or Chobe, you can expect to pay:

from €4,500 to €6,500 per person, excluding flights.

For a luxury itinerary, featuring exclusive camps and transfers by small aircraft between the various areas:

from €8,000 to over €9,000 per person, excluding international flights.

The price may include:

• full board;
• safaris in open-top vehicles;
• excursions by mokoro or boat;
• guided activities;
• internal transfers between camps;
• accommodation in camps with a limited number of tents.

Botswana is particularly suitable for those who have already been on other safaris and are looking for more remote natural surroundings, high-quality guides and an intimate experience.

How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?

A safari in Tanzania represents, in the minds of many travellers, the quintessential African safari.

The Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara can be visited in a 4x4 vehicle with a dedicated guide for the entire itinerary.

For a safari lasting around 7 days, you can expect:

from €3,000 to €4,500 per person, excluding flights.

For higher-category accommodation:

from €4,500 to €6,000 per person, excluding flights.

For luxury camps and lodges:

over €7,000 per person, excluding flights.

In Tanzania, the following factors have a particularly significant impact:

• park entry fees;
• concessions;
• dedicated 4x4 vehicle;
• private guide;
• distances travelled;
• location of the camps;
• time of the Great Migration.

A trip to Tanzania can be rounded off with a few days by the sea in Zanzibar. In this case, the cost of transport and the beach holiday must be considered separately.

How much does a safari in Kenya cost?

A safari in Kenya allows you to combine famous nature reserves such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and Lake Nakuru.

For a tour lasting around 7–10 days, you can expect the following approximate costs:

from €3,000 to €4,500 per person, excluding flights.

For higher-category lodges and camps:

€4,500 to €6,500 per person, excluding flights.

Prices vary depending on the number of participants, whether you choose a private vehicle or a shared safari, the location of the camps and the season.

During the Great Migration months, particularly in the most popular areas of the Masai Mara, availability and rates can change rapidly. It is therefore advisable to book well in advance.

Kenya can be combined with a beach holiday along the coast or on an island in the Indian Ocean.

How much do Zambia and Zimbabwe cost?

A safari in Zambia or a safari in Zimbabwe is ideal for those seeking an authentic, less standardised and often more adventurous experience.

These destinations are particularly popular for:

• walking safaris;
• boat safaris;
• night safaris;
• less crowded parks;
• combined with a visit to Victoria Falls.

For an itinerary lasting around 7–10 days, you can expect to pay:

from €4,000 to €8,000 per person, excluding flights.

The cost depends on the standard of the lodges, internal transfers and the location of the lodges within the parks.

South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Hwange and Mana Pools offer extraordinary wildlife experiences, but some lodges only operate during the dry season.

What factors have the greatest influence on the price?

Time of year: The high season generally coincides with the best months for wildlife viewing, but this varies depending on the destination. The most popular periods are often:

• June–October;
• Christmas and New Year;
• the months of the Great Migration;
• Italian and European public holidays.

Travelling in the mid-season can offer an excellent balance between weather conditions, visitor numbers and cost.

Lodge category: A rest camp or a simple lodge can offer an enjoyable experience without particularly sophisticated facilities. As you move up the categories, the following may be included:

• a prime location;
• more spacious rooms or tents;
• full board;
• drinks;
• private safaris or those with small groups;
• personalised services;
• private swimming pools;
• dedicated transfers.

Self-drive or guided safaris: Self-drive safaris generally allow you to keep costs down and are particularly suitable for South Africa and Namibia. A safari with a private guide is more expensive, but offers:

• greater knowledge of the area;
• assistance throughout the tour;
• better interpretation of the wildlife;
• transport arrangements;
• a more relaxing experience.

Private or shared safari: A private vehicle allows you to set your own pace, choose where to stop and focus on your photography interests, whilst the cost is shared amongst a smaller number of participants. For couples or small families, a shared safari can be a good compromise. For groups of four or more people, the price difference compared to a private vehicle may be reduced.

Domestic flights: In Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia and other destinations, transfers by small aircraft may be necessary to reach the most remote camps. These flights can have a significant impact on the cost of the trip. Where applicable, these must be clearly stated in the quotation alongside all other transfers.

How much does it cost to combine a safari with a beach holiday?

Rounding off the trip with a few days by the sea is one of the most frequent requests.

As a rough guide, this extension may add:

• Zanzibar: from €1,000 to €2,000 per person;
• Mauritius: from €1,200 to €2,500 per person;
• Mozambique: from €1,500 to €3,000 per person;
• Seychelles: the cost varies considerably depending on the island and the category of accommodation.

These prices are also exclusive of flights. Any necessary connections and transfers must be added to the cost of the holiday.

How to save money without spoiling the experience

To reduce the cost of a safari, you can:

• travel in the mid-season;
• book in advance;
• opt for a self-drive safari where conditions allow;
• limit internal transfers by air;
• alternate between simple lodges and higher-end accommodation;
• avoid Christmas, New Year and other peak periods;
• opt for a small group tour rather than a fully private trip;
• focus your budget on the experiences that really matter.

Saving money doesn’t necessarily mean always choosing the cheapest accommodation. A well-planned itinerary allows you to invest in places where the quality of the lodge or the guide really makes a difference.

Budget safari or luxury safari?

The cheapest safari isn’t necessarily the best fit for everyone.

A self-drive safari in South Africa can offer great freedom and excellent value for money.price. An exclusive camp in the Okavango Delta, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience, with few guests, activities included and a more intimate connection with nature.

The choice should depend on:

• available budget;
• travel experience;
• desired level of comfort;
• interest in photography and wildlife;
• preference for independence or guided tours;
• the occasion of the trip.

For a honeymoon, an anniversary or a special occasion, it may make sense to invest in a few particularly exclusive nights, whilst keeping the rest of the itinerary more modest.

Which destination offers the best value for money?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but we can summarise it as follows:

• South Africa: best value for money and great variety;
• Namibia: ideal for landscapes and freedom of travel;
• Tanzania: classic safaris with an extraordinary concentration of wildlife;
• Kenya: an excellent balance between safaris, culture and the seaside;
• Botswana: the ultimate in exclusivity and untamed wilderness;
• Zambia and Zimbabwe: authentic experiences and particularly immersive safaris.

Why request a personalised quote?

The actual price of a safari cannot be determined by the destination alone.

A bespoke quote must take into account:

• the time of year;
• the duration;
• the number of participants;
• departure airport;
• standard of accommodation;
• type of safari;
• whether an Italian-speaking guide is required;
• whether children are travelling;
• combination with a beach holiday or other destinations;
• special occasions, such as a honeymoon or anniversary.

Depending on the destination and time of year, we can also organise safaris in Africa with an Italian guide, via private itineraries or small-group departures.

South African Dream operates directly from Africa and tailors every itinerary to travellers’ needs, personally selecting lodges, reserves, guides and experiences.

As we live in the region, we can recommend not only the best-known establishments, but above all those that offer the best balance between location, quality, authenticity and price.

Would you like to know which safari fits your budget?

Let us know the period, the duration of your trip, the number of travellers and your desired budget range. We’ll help you find the most suitable destination and itinerary.

Request a personalised quote

Frequently asked questions about the cost of an African safari

How much does a 7-day safari cost? A 7-day safari, excluding flights, can start from around 1,900–2,800 € per person in South Africa and up to 4,500–6,500 € in Botswana, depending on the type of lodge and the services included.

How much does a luxury safari cost? A luxury safari can start from around 5,000 € per person and exceed 8,000–9,000 € at the most exclusive camps. Flights are not included.

Which country is the most affordable for a safari? South Africa generally offers the most affordable options, particularly through self-drive itineraries in Kruger National Park.

Which is the most exclusive safari? Botswana is considered one of the most exclusive destinations thanks to its small-guest camps, remote locations and the opportunity to combine 4x4, boat and mokoro safaris.

Are flights included in the prices quoted? No. All prices quoted in this guide are exclusive of flights. Your personalised quote will list flights, transfers, entrance fees, meals and activities included in the itinerary separately.

How far in advance should I book? For the high season, it is advisable to start planning at least 8–12 months in advance. For Botswana, Tanzania and particularly exclusive lodges, it may be advisable to start even earlier.

Is it possible to organise a safari on a specific budget?&Yes. Knowing your budget range from the outset allows you to choose the most suitable destination, duration and standard of accommodation, whilst avoiding options that do not fit within your budget.

Last updated: August 2026. All prices are indicative, are per person in a twin room and exclude flights. Prices may vary depending on availability, exchange rates, seasonality and the services requested.

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