Ever since the famous lion king film debuted in 1994, the demand for African safaris has skyrocketed. Going on an african safari is on the bucket list of many people around the world.
Africa’s wide range of wildlife, stunning landscapes, diverse cultures and white sandy beaches has made it a top destination for adventure seekers. However, the cost of a safari can be an inhibiting factor for many people.
In this article, we are going to explore which countries have the cheapest safari, what the average cost of a safari is in each country, and types of accommodation.
What is an African Safari?
Safari is a swahili word which means Journey. Taken literally, an African safari is a journey to Africa. However, its meaning is now synonymous with a journey to experience African wildlife in their natural habitat. Some of the most famous animals you can expect to see while on safari include lions, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and many bird species.
The difference between the animals you see on safari and the ones in your local zoo is that African animals roam freely in vast grasslands unlike zoo animals which are born in captivity.
What is the cost of an African safari?
The cost of an African safari depends on a number of factors such as the number of days you want to stay, type of accommodation, location of the accommodation, number of people travelling, whether it’s high season or low season, the country you want to visit and many more. The average safari can cost anywhere from $100 to $3000 per person per day.
Which African country has the cheapest safari?
As previously mentioned, the cost of your safari will depend on where you’re going. Some countries have more affordable safaris compared to others due to various factors.
The table below shows the average cost of a safari for the various types of accommodations for the most visited african countries.
Camping |
Budget |
Mid Range |
Luxury |
Luxury Plus |
|||||
Private |
Group |
Private |
Group |
Private |
Group |
Private |
Group |
Private |
|
Botswana |
£300 |
£225 |
£300 |
£250 |
£425 |
£325 |
£625 |
£575 |
£1,350 |
Kenya |
£175 |
£150 |
£175 |
£125 |
£250 |
£250 |
£450 |
£400 |
£825 |
Namibia |
£175 |
£150 |
£175 |
£150 |
£175 |
£150 |
£475 |
£425 |
£900 |
South Africa |
£175 |
£150 |
£175 |
£150 |
£175 |
£175 |
£450 |
£425 |
£1,100 |
Tanzania |
£225 |
£200 |
£200 |
£200 |
£325 |
£300 |
£500 |
£425 |
£900 |
Uganda |
£250 |
£200 |
£225 |
£175 |
£350 |
£225 |
£500 |
£450 |
£625 |
Zimbabwe |
£175 |
£175 |
£200 |
£175 |
£300 |
£225 |
£450 |
£425 |
£900 |
Zambia |
£175 |
£125 |
£175 |
£150 |
£325 |
£200 |
£475 |
£425 |
£900 |
Source: Safari Bookings
The prices listed in the table above do not include international flights, visa costs, travel insurance, tips and personal items.