The Prices of Safaris to Africa
Jump to: Best Tours | Tour Prices
Going on a safari through Africa is like stepping into a nature documentary come to life. Imagine spotting majestic wildlife roaming free against stunning backdrops, from golden savannas to lush jungles. Whether you're chasing the Big Five or exploring hidden corners brimming with biodiversity, safaris offer unforgettable adventures for every nature lover.
In this guide, we'll break down the prices and costs of safari tours in Africa, highlight some of the best options, and share must-visit destinations for incredible encounters with the wild. To make your decision easier, we've analyzed a variety of safari tours, comparing price, quality, destinations, and included perks. Whether you're planning an affordable getaway or indulging in a luxury experience, we've got the details to help you find the perfect safari. So, dust off your safari hat and get ready - Africa is calling you to the wild!
Why does Africa appeal to travelers on safari?
Africa is synonymous with iconic safari experiences, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. Africa's expert-guided tours and various accommodation options enhance the safari adventure, making it a top choice for wildlife lovers.
How much do safaris in Africa cost?
The average price per day for safaris in Africa is $377, based on our analysis of 283 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $91 to $1,543 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $196 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $596 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
The Best Safaris in Africa
Budget-Friendly Safaris
Budget-friendly and affordable safaris in Africa average $196 per day, with daily prices from $91 to $269. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out 10 Days in Egypt: Cairo (GEM) Wonders, Nile Cruise & Hurghada Beaches here.
Mid-Range Safaris
For typical safaris in Africa that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $341 per day. Daily prices range from $271 to $414. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha National Park ( Comfort) 7 Days / 6 Nights.
Luxury Safaris
Luxury safaris in Africa average around $341 per day, with daily costs ranging from $418 to $1,543. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Kenya: A Classic Safari with Nairobi.
Which tour companies offer these trips?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer safaris in Africa. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.
See All Tours from Intrepid Travel
Acacia Adventure Holidays
Acacia Adventure Holidays offers local overland truck tours through South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 3 days to 8 weeks. Their expertise is in organizing fantastic overland truck adventures to exciting destinations. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, and whale watching.
See All Tours from Acacia Adventure Holidays
Globus
Globus is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, snorkelling, and whale watching.
Zara Tours (Zara Tanzania Adventures)
Focusing on Tanzania and Kenya, Zara Tours (Zara Tanzania Adventures) is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by Zara Tours (Zara Tanzania Adventures) are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.
See All Tours from Zara Tours (Zara Tanzania Adventures)
Departure Destinations in Africa
Wondering where tours launch from in Africa? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
A few of the most popular places visited by tours in Africa include Nairobi, Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Arusha, and Cape Town.
Safaris vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're debating whether to plan your trip solo or join a guided tour, take some time to reflect on the pros and cons of both options.
Organized Tours
Pros- Guided safaris provide expert wildlife trackers and guides who enhance the experience.
- Professional guides know the best times and places to spot animals.
- Safari vehicles are specially equipped for wildlife viewing and photography.
- Guided tours handle permits and park fees, simplifying logistics.
- Knowledgeable guides offer detailed insights into animal behavior and habitats.
- Accommodations are often located in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
- You can join a group, making the experience more social and shared.
- Guided tours offer increased safety, especially in remote or dangerous areas.
- Pre-planned itineraries ensure you maximize time in key wildlife hotspots.
- Guides can adapt the tour to improve your chances of seeing specific animals.
- Fixed itineraries might not align with your specific preferences.
- Larger group sizes can make it harder to enjoy quiet wildlife moments.
- Departure times and schedules are not always flexible.
- The tour may focus on popular attractions, missing hidden or less-visited gems.
Independent Travel
Pros- You have complete flexibility in choosing destinations and timing.
- Independent trips allow you to prioritize animals or parks you want to visit most.
- Planning your own trip allows for more privacy and solitude.
- You can create a personalized itinerary based on your interests.
- Some parks and wildlife areas require guides for safety purposes
- Researching and organizing the trip can be time-consuming and complex.
- Navigating unfamiliar terrains without a guide can be challenging.
- Spotting animals without expert knowledge can be difficult.
- You need to arrange permits, park fees, and accommodations on your own.
- Safety concerns, such as wild animals or remote locations, can be stressful.
- Missing key details, like optimal viewing times, can limit the experience.
- Without local expertise, you might overlook prime wildlife areas.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided safaris more expensive than independent travel? It depends. Tours typically bundle accommodations, transportation, meals, tickets, guides, and activities into one price, while independent travel requires paying for these elements separately. To understand the cost difference, compare the total price of a tour with the estimated cost of handling all arrangements yourself. Personal preferences, like staying in budget accommodations or dining at upscale restaurants, could tip the balance either way. Always check what's covered in the tour to make an informed comparison.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Africa, The Best Historical Tours in Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in Africa, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Africa, The Best Extended Trip Tours in Africa, One Month or Longer, The Best River Cruises in Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Africa, The Best Bird Watching Tours in Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to Africa, The Best Eco Tours in Africa, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Africa, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Africa, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Africa, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Africa, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Africa, The Best Volunteering Tours in Africa, The Best Photography Tours in Africa, The Best Camping Tours in Africa, The Best Educational Tours in Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Africa, The Best Self Drive Tours in Africa, The Best Budget Safaris in Africa, The Best Religious Tours in Africa, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Africa, The Best Walking Tours in Africa, The Best Mountain Biking Tours in Africa, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to Africa, The Best Budget Tours to Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to Africa, The Best Contiki Tours to Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Africa for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.