The Prices of Safaris to the USA
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A safari through the USA isn't just a trip – it's a chance to witness the untamed beauty of the natural world. From breathtaking encounters with wildlife to jaw-dropping landscapes, safaris offer a perfect mix of excitement and wonder. Whether you're scanning the horizon for elephants or marveling at the smaller creatures of the savanna, every moment on a safari feels like magic.
In this guide, we'll uncover the prices and costs of safari tours around the USA, introduce you to the best tour options, and point you toward the most iconic destinations to explore. We've done the homework for you by comparing prices, quality, and included amenities, so you can pick a safari that suits both your budget and your sense of adventure. Ready your camera and safari gear - the USA's incredible wilderness is waiting for you!
Why does the USA appeal to travelers on safari?
The USA is synonymous with iconic safari experiences, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. Additionally, the USA's national parks, like Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Sequoia National Park, offer well-maintained trails and diverse ecosystems, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts alike. The USA'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 the USA cost?
The average price per day for safaris in the USA is $511, based on our analysis of 13 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $281 to $752 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $392 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $648 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 the USA
Budget-Friendly Safaris
Budget-friendly and affordable safaris in the USA average $392 per day, with daily prices from $281 to $441. 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 Exploring America's Great Parks here.
Mid-Range Safaris
For typical safaris in the USA that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $498 per day. Daily prices range from $457 to $550. 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 Alaska's National Parks.
Luxury Safaris
Luxury safaris in the USA average around $498 per day, with daily costs ranging from $554 to $752. 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 South Dakota to Yellowstone Parks Explorer.
Which tour companies offer these trips?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer safaris in the USA. 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
BrushBuck Wildlife Tours
BrushBuck Wildlife Tours is a smaller tour company that offers tours to 5 countries, including the U.S., Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. While the prices may be a bit higher than average, the group size is usually small, giving travelers a more personalized experience. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. The tours offered by BrushBuck Wildlife Tours are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service. They are known for offering wildlife viewing tours, making sure your adventure is enjoyable.
See All Tours from BrushBuck Wildlife Tours
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
Bucket List Group Travel LLC is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Nepal, India, and Australia. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. The tours offered by Bucket List Group Travel LLC are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, snorkelling, and rock climbing.
See All Tours from Bucket List Group Travel LLC
Omega Tours
Omega Tours is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and North America. Some of their most popular destinations include Italy, Canada, the U.S., and Portugal. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and whale watching.
See All Tours from Omega Tours
Departure Destinations in the USA
Wondering where tours launch from in the USA? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a large and diverse national park in the state of Wyoming (with parts also touching Montana and Idaho). The park is filled with diverse landscapes and unique geysers including the most famous "Old Faithful". Visitors may see a number of wildlife species such as bison, elk, and bears. Within the park there are camping and lodges where visitors can stay (if they plan well in advance as places fill up).
Rapid City
Rapid City is in western South Dakota and it makes a great base for exploring the many national parks, state parks, and other landmarks in the area. The city offers convenient access to Mount Rushmore, but you'll also find Badlands National Park and Custer State Park nearby. Within town there are many museums and activities that highlight the region's unique geology and wildlife.
Cody
Cody, Wyoming is a historical tourist town that's not far from Yellowstone National Park. It's named for Buffalo Bill and it has a historic downtown that is filled with shops and restaurants that highlight the area's Wild West past. There are museums and live reenactments that make the town a fun place to spend a day or two.
Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is a large and stunning park in the state of Wyoming. It's includes the Teton mountain range and is a beautiful place to experience. The peaks are dramatic and there's wildlife that is diverse and unique.
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Other popular destinations for safari tours through the USA include Deadwood, Jackson, Sheridan, Badlands National Park, and Page.
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 worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.
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.
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Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 3-Day Tours from San Francisco, The Best 3-Day Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 3-Day Tours from New York City, The Best 3-Day Tours from Asheville, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Boston, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seattle, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Washington DC, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nashville, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Orleans, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from San Francisco, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Charleston, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Denver, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Fairbanks, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phoenix, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Miami, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rapid City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salt Lake City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Honolulu, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chicago, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Jackson, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Scottsdale, The Best 10-Day Tours from Honolulu, The Best 10-Day Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 10-Day Tours from Boston, The Best 10-Day Tours from Anchorage, The Best 10-Day Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 10-Day Tours from Washington DC, The Best 10-Day Tours from Denver, The Best 10-Day Tours from Nashville, The Best 10-Day Tours from Bozeman, The Best 2-Week Tours from Las Vegas, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from Honolulu, The Best 2-Week Tours from Atlanta, The Best 2-Week Tours from Phoenix, The Best 2-Week Tours from Denver, The Best 2-Week Tours from Chicago, The Best 2-Week Tours from Miami, The Best 2-Week Tours from Seattle, The Best 2-Week Tours from Boston, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Salt Lake City for more package tour options.
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