The Prices of Safaris to East Africa
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If a safari around East Africa has been on your bucket list, you're in for a treat! From breathtaking landscapes to up-close encounters with extraordinary wildlife, safaris provide an unparalleled way to connect with nature. Picture yourself tracking animals across the savanna or relaxing in a luxurious lodge surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
In this guide, we'll explore the prices and costs of safari tours through East Africa, highlight some top-rated options, and introduce you to popular destinations where adventure awaits. After digging into prices, itineraries, and amenities, we've uncovered the best-value safaris for every type of traveler. Whether you're a first-timer looking for affordability or a seasoned explorer seeking ultimate luxury, there's a safari here for you. So, pack your binoculars and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in East Africa!
Why does East Africa appeal to travelers on safari?
East Africa is synonymous with iconic safari experiences, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. East 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 East Africa cost?
The average price per day for safaris in East Africa is $439, based on our analysis of 144 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 $232 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $666 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.
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The Best Safaris in East Africa
Budget-Friendly Safaris
Budget-friendly and affordable safaris in East Africa average $232 per day, with daily prices from $91 to $322. 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 Tanzania & Zanzibar Island: African Safari, School Construction & Education, Swim with Dolphins here.
Mid-Range Safaris
For typical safaris in East Africa that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $419 per day. Daily prices range from $323 to $505. 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 11 Days Tanzania Wildlife Cultural Safari*.
Luxury Safaris
Luxury safaris in East Africa average around $419 per day, with daily costs ranging from $506 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 East 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.
Africa Venture Safaris
Africa Venture Safaris offers local safari tours through Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 4 days to 2 weeks. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. There are options to personalize select tours to suit your requirement. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by Africa Venture Safaris are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.
See All Tours from Africa Venture Safaris
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
GIVE Volunteers
GIVE Volunteers offers local cultural tours through Costa Rica, Laos, and Nicaragua. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 11 days to 2 weeks. The company primarily focuses on younger travelers looking for adventures. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.
See All Tours from GIVE Volunteers
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.
Departure Destinations in East Africa
Wondering where tours launch from in East 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 East Africa include Nairobi, Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Arusha, and Tarangire National Park.
Safaris vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're trying to decide whether to book an organized tour or plan the entire adventure yourself, keep in mind the following factors for each style of travel.
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?
Can you save money by traveling independently instead of joining guided safaris? It's not a simple yes or no. Tours usually include key expenses such as lodging, transportation, meals, entry fees, guides, and activities, which you'd need to manage and pay for individually on your own trip. To figure out the difference, compare the total tour price with the cost of making your own arrangements. Depending on your choices—like opting for budget hotels or premium dining—the cost of a tour might be higher or lower. Be sure to examine the tour inclusions carefully when comparing.
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
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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.
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