The Prices of Safaris to South Africa
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If a safari around South 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 South 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 South Africa!
Why does South Africa appeal to travelers on safari?
South Africa is synonymous with iconic safari experiences, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. South 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 South Africa cost?
The average price per day for safaris in South Africa is $340, based on our analysis of 168 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $120 to $1,720 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $175 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $553 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 South Africa
Budget-Friendly Safaris
Budget-friendly and affordable safaris in South Africa average $175 per day, with daily prices from $120 to $239. 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 The Garden Route 10 Days here.
Mid-Range Safaris
For typical safaris in South Africa that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $292 per day. Daily prices range from $239 to $343. 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 Uncover South Africa!.
Luxury Safaris
Luxury safaris in South Africa average around $292 per day, with daily costs ranging from $352 to $1,720. 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 Cape to Kruger: Wine, Wonders & Wildlife Fly-In Safari – 10 Days.
Which tour companies offer these trips?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer safaris in South 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.
Amatungulu Tour
Amatungulu Tour is a smaller tour company that offers tours to 4 countries, including South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. There are opportunities to customize some tours to specifically meet your needs. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. 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.
See All Tours from Amatungulu Tour
T.S TOURS
T.S TOURS is a smaller international tour company with tours to 8 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by T.S TOURS are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service.
Drifters Adventure Tours
Drifters Adventure Tours offers local overland truck safaris through South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and others. Most participants are adults and the safaris range in length from 5 days to 3 weeks. Their expertise is in organizing fantastic overland truck adventures to exciting destinations. Many of the safaris fall into the mid-range price category. Wildlife viewing tours are their focus, guaranteeing a memorable and exciting experience.
See All Tours from Drifters Adventure Tours
Encounters Travel
Encounters Travel is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Many of their tours visit Africa and Asia. Some of their most popular destinations include Turkey, Egypt, India, and Jordan. 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. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as camping, water sports, camel riding, and snorkelling.
See All Tours from Encounters Travel
Departure Destinations in South Africa
Wondering where tours launch from in South 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 South Africa include Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, and Knysna.
Safaris vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
Choosing whether to join a guided tour or organize your own adventure? Be sure to think about the unique benefits of each option.
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?
Is it cheaper to plan your own trip or join guided safaris? The answer isn't clear-cut. Tours typically package accommodations, transportation, meals, entry fees, and activities into one price, whereas independent travelers must arrange and pay for these themselves. To understand the cost difference, compare the tour's price with the cost of booking everything individually. Depending on whether you choose budget-friendly options or splurge on certain aspects, the tour might be a better deal—or not. Make sure to check what's included before drawing conclusions.
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 South Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to South Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South Africa, The Best Historical Tours in South Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in South Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in South Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in South Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in South Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in South Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in South Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in South Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best Eco Tours in South Africa, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in South Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in South Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in South Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in South Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in South Africa, The Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa, The Best Photography Tours in South Africa, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Self Drive Tours in South Africa, The Best Budget Safaris in South Africa, The Best Walking Tours in South Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in South Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to South Africa, The Best Budget Tours to South Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Africa, The Best Contiki Tours to South Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to South Africa for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 3-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Johannesburg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pretoria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best 10-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cape Town, The Best 2-Week Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 2-Week Tours from Durban, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Pretoria for more package tour options.
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