The Prices of Budget Safaris to East Africa
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A safari in East Africa doesn't have to break the bank to be extraordinary. Imagine witnessing majestic animals in their natural habitat while surrounded by breathtaking scenery – all without stressing over your budget.
In this guide, we'll show you how to plan an affordable safari adventure through East Africa. We've researched tour options, compared prices, and uncovered great-value safaris that still deliver unforgettable experiences. From shorter trips to extended adventures, we've found tours that let you explore the wild without stretching your wallet. So, dust off your safari hat and binoculars – your affordable journey into East Africa's untamed beauty starts now!
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 budget safaris in East Africa cost?
The average price per day for budget safaris in East Africa is $136, based on our analysis of 11 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $91 to $200 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $94 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $185 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 budget safaris in East Africa average $94 per day, with daily prices from $91 to $95. 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 Affordable 5-Day Amboseli & Masai Mara Kenya Budget Joining Tour for groups here.
Mid-Range Safaris
For typical budget safaris in East Africa that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $126 per day. Daily prices range from $103 to $153. 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 Nairobi To Kigali (13 Days) Gorillas & Gameparks.
Luxury Safaris
Luxury budget safaris in East Africa average around $126 per day, with daily costs ranging from $179 to $200. 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 5 Days Safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara,Tarangire National Park.
Which tour companies offer budget safaris?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer budget 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.
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris offers local safari safaris through Kenya. Most participants are adults and the safaris range in length from 3 days to 10 days. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many safaris focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.
See All Tours from Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
Safari Serengeti Booking
Safari Serengeti Booking offers local safari tours through Tanzania. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 1 day to 6 days. 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. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. By specifically offering wildlife safaris, this company offers a number of great adventures that can't be missed.
See All Tours from Safari Serengeti Booking
Sterling Travel
Sterling Travel offers local safari tours through Kenya. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 3 days to 6 days. Traveling with Sterling Travel provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 8 people. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. If you're looking for a great safari tour company, they provide many great options.
See All Tours from Sterling Travel
Oasis Overland
Oasis Overland is a large company with a focus on overland truck tours through Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Argentina. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 38 weeks. Overland truck tours are their primary specialty, offering travelers the chance to visit remote destinations. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time.
See All Tours from Oasis Overland
Budget Safari Destinations in East Africa
Wondering where budget safari tours visit 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, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Serengeti National Park, and Arusha.
Budget Safaris vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're torn between arranging your own trip and booking a guided tour, take a moment to weigh the differences between the two approaches.
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 budget 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
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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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