A group of elephants walking across the savannah with a lone acacia tree and a safari vehicle in the background at sunset.

What does an Africa Safari cost?

Price examples by destination, season & travel style – explained transparently.

Price examples by destination, season & travel style – explained transparently.

You want to know, what a safari in Africa costs? Here you will find a clear overview – without hidden surprises. We show you real reference values, explain the most important price factors, and give you tips for your planning. This way, you can better assess which safari experience fits your budget.

Written by: Anja Sterker Last updated at: September 29, 2025

Quick overview: Price examples in 3 clicks

Before we talk about details, we want to give you a clear starting point. The following price examples show you how much budget you need to plan for different types of trips in the most popular safari destinations.

Low Season

Destination

Budget

Mid-range

Luxury

Ultra-Luxury

Botswana

from €3,500

from €5,300

from €8,000

from €10,500

Namibia

from €2,700

from €4,500

from €8,100

from €11,700

Zambia

-

from €4,500

from €8,100

from €11,700

Zimbabwe

-

from €4,700

from €8,450

from €13,000

South Africa

from €2,350

from €3,900

from €7,050

from €10,150

Kenya

from €3,900

from €6,500

from €11,700

from €10,800

Tanzania

from €3,000

from €4,800

from €7,500

from €10,500

Madagascar

from €2,500

from €3,500

from €5,000

from €15,000

All prices per person, 7 days, excluding international flights.

Peak Season

Destination

Budget

Mid-range

Luxury

Ultra-Luxury

Botswana

from €5,000

from €7,500

from €12,000

from €16,000

Namibia

from €3,600

from €6,000

from €10,800

from €16,800

Zambia

-

from €5,600

from €10,100

from €15,700

Zimbabwe

-

from €6,000

from €10,900

from €15,700

South Africa

from €2,500

from €4,200

from €7,550

from €11,000

Kenya

from €4,700

from €6,500

from €12,000

from €15,500

Tanzania

from €4,000

from €6,000

from €11,500

from €15,000

Madagascar

from €3,000

from 4,000 €

from 6,500 €

from 15,000 €

including all prices per person, 7 days, excluding international flights.

Why do safaris cost what they cost?

Season & Availability

  • In high season, demand is high, accommodations are often booked early.
  • Wildlife observations are particularly good at certain times of the year – this affects prices.
  • In low season, you benefit from lower occupancy and a quieter atmosphere.
  • Some camps close completely during the rainy season, which limits availability.

Logistics & Fees

  • Many safari camps are located in remote areas, accessible only by light aircraft or 4x4 vehicles.
  • Supply of food, water, and fuel is elaborate.
  • National park and concession fees are part of the travel price.
  • Transport and permit costs vary by country and region.

Camp Size & Location

  • Small camps with a few tents offer more privacy but higher costs per guest.
  • Prices increase for locations directly on the river, waterhole, or in exclusive concessions.
  • The location affects not only the price but also the quality of wildlife observations.
  • Remote locations often require additional transfers.

Travel Style (Experience vs. Comfort)

  • Rustic camps focus on nature experience and authentic game drives.
  • Higher comfort often means larger tents, fine furnishings, and more service staff.
  • Private safaris with a personal guide and vehicle are more exclusive – and more expensive.
  • The style determines whether the focus is on adventure, luxury, or a mix.

All destinations at a glance

Botswana πŸ‡§πŸ‡Ό

Starting prices: Low Season from 3,500 €, Peak Season from 5,000 € (per person, 7 days, excluding international flights). The best travel time is between May and October, when dry days and clear views provide ideal conditions for wildlife observations. Transfers usually take place by light aircraft or 4x4 between the camps – often an adventure in itself. An unforgettable moment: silently gliding through the Okavango Delta in the early morning and watching elephants on the shore.

Namibia πŸ‡³πŸ‡¦

Starting prices: Low Season from 2,700 €, Peak Season from 3,600 € (per person, 7 days, excluding international flights). The best travel time is from May to September, when temperatures are pleasant and visibility is particularly clear. Transfers often take place by rental car or in combination with domestic flights – perfect for flexible routes. A special moment is the view of the dunes of Sossusvlei in the warm light of the morning sun.

Zambia πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡²

Starting prices: Low Season from 4,500 €, Peak Season from 5,600 € (per person, 7 days, excluding international flights). The best travel time is between June and October, when paths are dry and wildlife observations are particularly intense. Transfers predominantly occur by light aircraft or boat to remote areas. A highlight is a walking safari, where you follow the tracks of giraffes in the morning light.

Zimbabwe πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡Ό

Starting prices: Low Season from 4,700 €, Peak Season from 6,000 € (per person, 7 days, excluding international flights). The best travel time is from May to October, when the climate is dry and parks are easily accessible. Transfers occur by vehicle or light aircraft to the national parks. An impressive experience is the Victoria Falls, whose thundering roar can be heard from afar.

South Africa πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦

Starting prices: Low Season from 2,350 €, Peak Season from 2,500 € (per person, 7 days, excluding international flights). Year-round possible, the best travel time varies by region and safari area. Transfers occur by rental car or short domestic flights. Unforgettable is a game drive in the Kruger National Park, when lions rest in the shade of an acacia tree.

Kenya πŸ‡°πŸ‡ͺ

Starting prices: Low Season from 6,500 €, Peak Season from 8,200 € (per person, 9 days, excluding international flights). The best travel time is from July to October, when the great animal migration takes place. Transfers usually occur by domestic flight or 4x4. A magical moment is the observation of thousands of wildebeests during the river crossing in the Maasai Mara.

Tanzania πŸ‡ΉπŸ‡Ώ

Starting prices: Low Season from 3,000 €, Peak Season from 4,000 € (per person, 7 days, excluding international flights). The best travel time is between June and October with dry conditions and clear views. Transfers occur by domestic flight or 4x4 between the parks. Unforgettable is the view of elephant herds in front of the Kilimanjaro.

Madagascar πŸ‡²πŸ‡¬

Starting prices: Low Season from 2,500 €, Peak Season from 3,000 € (per person, 7 days, excluding international flights). The best travel time is from April to October, when the weather is dry and the roads are passable. Transfers often take place by vehicle, boat or domestic flight. Particularly impressive are encounters with lemurs in the rainforests.

Frequently asked questions

Direct booking vs. specialist

With a direct booking, you do not automatically pay less. Specialists often negotiate better conditions and ensure that route, accommodations, and transfers fit together perfectly. This saves time, stress and avoids expensive planning mistakes.

Single room surcharge

Those traveling alone often pay a surcharge in many camps, as prices are calculated per room. Some providers reduce this surcharge in the low season or for last-minute bookings.

International flights yes/no

Most safari offers do not include international flights. You book these separately for more flexibility regarding departure airports, flight times, and airlines.

Tips

Tips are often part of the appreciation for guides, drivers, and camp teams in Africa. They are usually given at the end of the stay and are voluntary but common.

Family & private vehicle

For families or small groups, a private vehicle with its own guide is often worthwhile. This makes daily schedules more flexible, and activities can be tailored to the group's pace.

Price differences between countries

Costs vary by country due to factors such as infrastructure, park fees, and travel effort. The density and exclusivity of wildlife areas also influence the price structure.

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