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How much does an African safari cost?
How Much Does an African Safari Cost? – A Complete Guide
An African safari is one of the most magical and life-changing travel experiences on earth. From the endless savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania to the misty rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda, Africa offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable encounters — all in one destination.
At Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, we believe that everyone deserves to experience Africa’s wild beauty, regardless of budget. Safaris are not just for luxury travelers — there are budget, mid-range, and luxury safari options for every type of explorer.
In this guide, we answer the most popular question: How much does an African safari really cost? We will also show you the best destinations and how to save money while still enjoying a world-class safari experience.
Average Cost of an African Safari Per Day
The price of an African safari varies depending on the destination, season, accommodation, activities, and level of comfort. On average, you can expect to pay:
- Budget safari: $125 – $250 per person per day
- Mid-range safari: $300 – $500 per person per day
- Luxury safari: $700 – $1,500+ per person per day
At Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, we design flexible safari packages ranging from 1 day to over 30 days, allowing you to customize your experience based on your budget and preferences.
Major Factors That Affect African Safari Costs
1. Duration of Your Safari
The length of your trip plays a significant role in determining the total cost:
- Short safaris (1–3 days) are affordable and great for weekend travelers
- Longer safaris (7–14+ days) provide better value per day
- Extended tours (15–30 days) often lower the daily average cost
The longer you stay, the more you save per day.
2. Time of Year (High vs Low Season)
The season greatly influences safari prices:
High season (June – October & December – February):
- Best wildlife viewing
- Dry weather
- Higher prices
- More crowds
Low season (March – May & November):
- Lower prices
- Fewer tourists
- Lush, green landscapes
- Occasional rain
Money-saving tip: Traveling in the rainy/low season can reduce your safari cost by up to 40%.
3. Destination Choice – East vs Southern Africa
Many travelers are surprised to learn that Southern Africa is often cheaper than East Africa, mainly because of better infrastructure and self-drive options.
Eastern Africa:
- Uganda
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
Southern Africa:
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Zambia
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
However, Uganda and Kenya still provide some of the best budget safari options, especially when booking with a trusted local operator like Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.
4. Accommodation Options
Accommodation is the biggest cost factor on safari.
- Budget campsites / guesthouses: $30 – $100 per night
- Mid-range lodges & tented camps: $150 – $350 per night
- Luxury lodges & private camps: $700 – $2,000+ per night
While luxury lodges offer top comfort, budget camping safaris can provide equally thrilling wildlife encounters at a much lower price.
See affordable safari accommodation ideas here
5. Transportation & Game Vehicles
Your safari experience also depends on your transport:
- Luxury safaris use custom 4×4 vehicles with open roofs
- Budget tours may use pop-top minibuses
- Self-drive safaris (for experienced travelers) reduce costs significantly
At Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, we offer:
✅ Private safaris
✅ Group safaris
✅ Self-drive safaris
✅ Family and student packages
Special Experiences That Affect Safari Costs
Some activities naturally cost more due to limited permits and conservation efforts, such as:
- ✅ Gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
- ✅ Chimpanzee tracking
- ✅ Kilimanjaro & Rwenzori mountain hiking
- ✅ Boat safaris & hot air balloon safaris
Although they increase your costs, these experiences are once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.
African Safari Cost by Country (14-Day Estimate)
Kenya Safari Costs
- Budget: $2,500
- Mid-range: $3,900
- Luxury: $9,000+
Kenya is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, Maasai Mara, cultural encounters, and coastal beaches in Mombasa.
Uganda Safari Costs
- Budget: $3,400
- Mid-range: $4,000
- Luxury: $7,500+
Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa, home to:
- Mountain gorillas in Bwindi
- Murchison Falls
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Source of the Nile
With over 90% success rate for gorilla sightings, Uganda is one of the best safari destinations in the world.
Discover Uganda safari packages
Rwanda Safari Costs
- Budget: $4,500
- Mid-range: $9,000
- Luxury: $15,000+
Rwanda offers premium gorilla trekking experiences, clean cities, and beautiful scenery in Volcanoes National Park.
Tanzania Safari Costs
- Budget: $2,900
- Mid-range: $4,950
- Luxury: $7,000+
Tanzania features iconic landscapes such as:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Nyerere & Ruaha National Parks
Cost of Hiring a Safari Guide
A guide can make or break your safari experience.
- Standard guide: $50 per day
- Multilingual guide: $80 per day
- Photography or birding specialist: Extra cost
At Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, we provide well-trained, friendly, multilingual guides with deep knowledge of wildlife and local cultures.
Why Book with a Local Company Like Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?
Booking directly with a local African tour operator helps you:
✅ Save money (no foreign agent fees)
✅ Support local communities
✅ Get authentic experiences
✅ Enjoy flexible customization
✅ Receive expert travel advice
Online platforms charge African companies high listing fees, which often get passed on to travelers. Instead, book directly with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris and enjoy affordable, authentic safaris.
Best Places for Safari in Africa
Some top safari destinations include:
- Maasai Mara – Kenya
- Serengeti & Ngorongoro – Tanzania
- Bwindi Forest – Uganda
- Okavango Delta – Botswana
- Kruger National Park – South Africa
- Etosha National Park – Namibia
- Lower Zambezi – Zambia
Each of these parks offers unique landscapes and different wildlife species.
Gorilla Trekking, Uganda – An Unforgettable Experience
One of Africa’s most emotional wildlife encounters is mountain gorilla trekking in:
- Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga)
- Rwanda (Volcanoes NP)
- DR Congo (Virunga NP)
Tourism plays a huge role in gorilla conservation, employing former poachers as rangers and guides. By booking gorilla trekking, you directly help protect these endangered primates.
Safari in South Sudan – Cultural & Wilderness Experience
Though less developed, South Sudan offers:
- Unique tribal cultures
- Vast wetlands and birdlife
- The White Nile river system
Ideal for adventurous travelers looking for untouched Africa.
Final Thoughts: Are African Safaris Worth the Cost?
Absolutely — African safaris are worth every dollar. Whether you travel on a strict budget or indulge in luxury, Africa promises:
✅ Stunning wildlife
✅ Rich cultures
✅ Beautiful landscapes
✅ Life-changing adventures
With Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, you get:
- Affordable packages
- Custom itineraries
- Professional guides
- Reliable 4×4 vehicles
- Eco-friendly travel
Your dream safari starts today.
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