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Budgeting for Safaris 101 – how to travel Africa on a budget
Budgeting for Safaris 101 – how to travel Africa on a budget.
Travelers who are organizing their first safari trip in Africa should read this page. Do you know how much money you’ll need even if you may know where you want to travel, when you want to go, and how long you want to stay?
It is highly likely that you will also need to spend for airfare and potentially a night’s lodging before and after your trip if you are booking a safari package. Food, gratuity, travel insurance, and a few more expenses must be taken into account in addition to the major expenses.
How much should I spend on an African safari?
So that you don’t have to worry, we’ll go over everything in this piece, from the major to the minor charges. If you plan ahead, determining your budget before making a reservation can be easy and stress-free. You may prolong your vacation or save enough money to offer you some additional spending money with a little forethought and preparation.
Before You Go: Pre-Safari Expenses
You may pay for a lot of the more expensive parts of your safari trip well in advance. These include travel, safaris, lodging (usually only a deposit), visas, health insurance, and vaccines, among other things. The only lodging expenses you will likely have to account for when booking a safari package are those for your pre- and post-tour lodging. A complimentary night’s stay at the beginning or conclusion of your safari vacation may also be included in certain packages.
Seasons: High and Low
The low and high seasons of the nation you are visiting should be taken into consideration. Flights, lodging, and other expenses are substantially less expensive during off-peak hours. Researching the country you are visiting’s school holidays is also a good idea because, once more, those will be peak times and have higher prices.
South Africa
Winter is considered the low season in South Africa. With the exception of Easter and the July school holidays, this runs from April to October (which in many places also corresponds with a lower risk of malaria). Although there is a noticeable reduction in temperature, particularly at night, this is the dry season in areas such as the Kruger National Park. Because the jungle is not as thick and green as it is in the summer, this provides excellent game watching.
Africa’s Eastern and Southern regions
Since many lodges close because they are inaccessible, the rainy season is regarded as the low season. Look for businesses that stay open if you don’t mind a little rain because they do provide offers during the rainy season or seasons.
The primary rainy season in Kenya and Tanzania typically lasts from March to May, with a shorter one in November and December.
Many hotels and parks close from November to March, which is Zambia’s main wet season. Rainfall occurs from December to March in Botswana.
Costs of Flights and Transportation
Flights Abroad
Once more, the cost of flights varies depending on the season. It’s worthwhile to search for discounts and take flights during off-peak seasons if you don’t have a set time frame for your trip. However, exercise caution when booking deals, as they frequently involve lengthy layovers and inconvenient travel times!
When evaluating and scheduling flights, be mindful of “excluded” expenses. Are there a lot of extras or is the listed amount the one you’ll actually pay? In addition to the “hidden” expenses of visas, excess baggage, and even food (at airports and on the plane), taxes can be very high. Read the entire thing before clicking “Pay” to avoid the annoying small print!
Transportation to and from airports is another unstated expense that is frequently overlooked. Numerous “cheaper” flights land at obscure airports that might be farther from the city. The ticket can be the more expensive choice because of the additional fee for a transfer in or out!
Local Air Travel
The cost of flights within Africa is famously high. However, because of the vast distances, you must compare the expense of traveling by road with the time and fuel expenditures (as well as whether the roads in the area you are visiting are reasonable).
There are several “budget” airlines in South Africa that operate both domestic and international flights, so it’s a good idea to compare prices before making a reservation. Once more, read the fine print, often known as the “Terms and Conditions.”
Many of the “cheaper” flights arrive at lesser-known airports, which might be farther from your intended destination, just like your international flights. The ticket can be the more expensive choice because of the additional fee for a transfer in or out!
To drive or to fly?
A self-drive option is available on many African safaris, particularly in Southern Africa. But since distances might be great, careful consideration of both road quality and distance is required before making a decision. Although gas prices are high, it’s worth looking at because there are always discounts available on rental cars.
The further north one travels in Africa, the worse the road conditions tend to get. A 4X4 vehicle and a driver with rough road driving skills are necessary in many places. Once more, there are choices. Many businesses provide “guided” self-drive tours. In essence, you rent a vehicle and a driver to operate it. This is a fantastic way to travel across the nation and meet the locals.
Insurance for Travel
When making a reservation with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, travel insurance is required. If you use a credit card to book flights, several banks provide travel insurance. However, make sure to review the tiny print and details because you might discover that not everything is covered, in which case you will need to purchase additional insurance.
medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost luggage, canceled tours, and more.
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris and Global Rescue collaborate to provide comprehensive travel insurance through IMG Signature Travel Insurance as well as travel protection services. Learn more about African travel insurance.
First Aid Kits, Vaccinations, and Malaria Prevention
Vaccines and medications are an expense that is sometimes overlooked when planning a safari budget. To find out whether immunizations are necessary and whether the destination is malaria-endemic, get in touch with your local travel clinic well in advance of your trip.
While there, make a budget for the goods on the list that you should include in your first aid kit. You want to be prepared because many of the places you visit on safari are rural and remote from medical assistance.
Passports and Visas
Depending on your passport and the nation you’re visiting, different visa requirements apply. In certain nations, you must apply (and pay) before you depart, whereas in others, you must purchase it after you enter the nation. Make sure your budget accounts for these expenses.
Additionally, passport requirements vary by nation. The expiration date must be at least six months following admission in some countries. Others demand that your passport contain a specific quantity of blank pages. Prior to scheduling your safari, be sure you meet these requirements because passport renewals can be time-consuming and expensive.
You can get started by following our easy 8-step guide on How to Plan the Best Safari on a Budget now that you are aware of the main safari costs.
Tips for Budgeting on Safari Accommodations
Accommodations before and after a safari trip are not included in the total fee, but lodging on a scheduled safari trip is. Additionally, the safari trip’s lodging options have a big impact on the cost. The price difference between a five-star luxury safari resort and a tent you set up yourself might range from $100 to $1000 per night.
Naturally, these are not your only choices. Particularly in South Africa, there is a wide variety of lodging options to fit every taste and comfort level. Your lodging, both before and after your safari, can be nothing more than a place to sleep if you’re on a tight budget. Hopefully, the remainder of your time will be spent touring and taking in the sights.
When arranging your safari lodging, find out what is and is not included, such as game drives and meals. All-inclusive package providers are frequently more cost-effective than paying for each component separately. Once more, remember to account for transportation from airports to final locations.
Costs of Kitty or Local Payments
At the start of the journey, the tour guide receives a Kitty or Local Payment amount from most, but not all, safaris. Usually, US dollars are used to make this payment. Make sure to inquire with your consultant about the existence of one and its cost so that you can account for it in your budget.
Set aside money for extracurricular activities.
Activities beyond those on the schedule are optional on all safari tours. Be sure to check which activities are included in the cost when planning your vacation so that you can account for any additional activities you want to perform.
The majority of itineraries will include a guide to the cost of optional activities, such hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti or bungee jumping at Vic Falls. Some of these are once-in-a-lifetime chances that are definitely worth budgeting for.
Souvenirs and Curiosities
You want to bring home mementos from your trip to Africa, of course. as well as presents for friends and family. Don’t forget to account for this in your budget. From soapstone bowls to wooden giraffes and everything in between, Africa is home to some amazing artists and traders that create a wide variety of authentically African art.
There are marketplaces and stalls everywhere, as well as quirky stores. Purchasing directly from the artists in the market is less expensive than patronizing curio shops, which frequently tack on a markup. We also encourage haggling.
Bartering is also accepted in more rural places, particularly in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and East Africa. Beautiful African curios can be exchanged for non-perishable food, clothing, shoes, pencils, and batteries.
Budget for Tipping Safari
Tipping varies by nation and is based on the type of service provided. However, it does contribute significantly to the income of many individuals, such as waiters and guides, so it should not be disregarded when planning a safari budget.
When leaving a tip, make sure you deliver it to the intended recipient directly.
Although US dollars can also be offered, South African Rands are typically used for tips in South Africa. The US dollar is preferred across the remainder of Africa. Because it could be difficult to obtain change, make sure you have lower denominations.
In restaurants, the standard tip is between 10% and 15%. This might be automatically added to the bill for tables with six or more guests. Depending on the sort of restaurant, pricing can vary greatly. Do some research before choosing the first restaurant you come across if money is limited. The locals-only one is most likely the greatest deal!
Here is a general tipping guide for other employees:
Hotel employees: 1-2 USD per day
Drivers/Trackers: $3โ$5 per day
Expert Drivers/Guides: $10 USD each day
Move Taxis and drivers: 1-2 USD (or 10% of the fare, depending on your preference)
Petrol attendants: between 50c and $1
Advice for Trekking the Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro at dawn
Roman Boed’s Kilimanjaro at Sunset
A significant amount of the mountaineering crew’s income from climbing Kili with you comes from tips. This team may consist of up to ten individuals, depending on the size of your group, and they all need to be tipped. They include the guide, assistant guide, cook, waiter, and porters.
The typical expected tips are as follows (by group):
Guide: $15โ$20 per day
Guide Assistant: $8โ$12 per day
Cook: $8โ$10 per day
Waiter: $7โ$9 per day
Porter: $8โ$10 per day
On the final day of your Kili trip, it is best to present the chief guide the entire amount of the tips along with a list of who is responsible for what. This list is read out during the departing ceremony to make sure that everyone on the team is aware of their outstanding balance. We welcome used equipment.
The Okavango Delta’s polers
Once more, a significant portion of the Okavango polers’ revenue comes from tips. One to five dollars in tips are acceptable.
See Tips for Tipping: The Definitive Guide On Safari for further tips.
Budgeting for Food and Drink
Some meals are not covered by the overall cost of a safari vacation, but many are. When creating your budget, carefully review the itinerary to determine how many meals you will need to pay for in addition to the safari fee.
The majority of the time, the cost of the safari tour does not include drinks. Soft beverages and bottled water are provided on certain tours but not on others. Budget for alcoholic beverages, which are rarely included in packages and must be purchased separately.
Depending on how much you enjoy food and drink, a daily budget of roughly $25 USD should be sufficient to pay these expenses! You won’t spend any money on some safari days because you’ll be in the wilderness, but you can utilize the money you save up from those days to treat yourself on another day.
Giving to charity
Africa’s poverty is a crippling problem. You will notice this everywhere you look while you are there. Plan to donate a small amount to charitable organizations, such as schools, if you want to give back while you’re there. Offer a small portion of your time if money is scarce.