An African safari is high on many travellers’ wish lists. But how much does such a trip actually cost? Safari prices range from affordable camping adventures to exclusive fly-in safaris with luxury lodges and private transfers.
In this article, we explain approximately how much an African safari will cost in 2027, which components are usually included and how to choose the right trip for your budget.
For a complete safari lasting approximately two to three weeks, you can use the following indicative prices per person for 2027:
| Type of trip | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|
| Camping group safari | €1,800–€3,500 |
| Accommodated group safari | €3,000–€5,500 |
| Self-drive safari with camping equipment | €2,000–€4,000 |
| Tailor-made lodge safari | €3,500–€7,000 |
| Private guided safari | €4,500–€9,000 |
| Luxury fly-in safari | €7,000–€15,000+ |
These prices are estimates and generally exclude international flights. The final cost depends on the destination, length of the trip, travel period, type of accommodation and selected activities.
Two trips of the same length can differ in price by thousands of euros. This is because a safari consists of many different elements.
South Africa and Namibia are generally well suited to travellers who value independence and would like to drive themselves. A self-drive holiday is often more affordable than a fully guided private safari.
Botswana is known for its small-scale, exclusive safari areas. Accommodations are often remote and sometimes only accessible by light aircraft, which increases the cost.
In Kenya and Tanzania, entrance fees for famous wildlife areas such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Masai Mara have a significant influence on the total price.
A camping safari is generally the most affordable way to explore several African countries and national parks. You travel in an overland vehicle and stay at campsites in a dome tent. On some tours, travellers help set up their tents and assist with a few daily camp duties.
On an accommodated tour, you stay in hotels, guesthouses, permanent safari tents or lodges. You enjoy greater comfort and privacy, but naturally pay more for it.
A camping safari does not necessarily mean travelling without comfort. Many campsites have hot showers, good bathroom facilities, swimming pools, restaurants or bars. You will also often sleep in beautiful locations surrounded by nature.
For a return flight from Europe, you can generally expect to pay approximately €700 to €1,200 per person.
Flights during school holidays, around Christmas and during popular safari seasons are usually more expensive. Your arrival and departure airports also influence the price. A return flight to Johannesburg is generally more affordable than a multi-city ticket arriving in Windhoek and departing from Victoria Falls.
Travellers who are flexible with their departure dates and airports can sometimes make considerable savings.
Always check carefully what is included in the tour price. A low-priced safari can ultimately become more expensive when numerous activities and meals must be paid for separately.
An organised safari will often include:
The following may not be included:
A camping safari lasting two to three weeks generally costs between €1,800 and €3,500 per person, excluding international flights.
Longer overland journeys can be relatively economical when calculated per travel day. Transport, guide and logistical costs are shared with the group, allowing you to visit several countries at an attractive price.
Camping safaris are particularly suitable for travellers who:
For an accommodated safari lasting two to three weeks, you can expect to pay approximately €3,000 to €5,500 per person, excluding international flights.
You may follow a similar route to a camping safari, but stay in lodges, hotels, guesthouses or permanent safari tents. This is a good option if you want to travel adventurously but appreciate a private room, bathroom and comfortable bed after an eventful day.
A private safari with your own vehicle, driver and guide generally starts at approximately €4,500 per person. Depending on the destination, length of the trip and level of luxury, the price can rise to €9,000 or more.
The main advantage of a private safari is that the journey can be tailored entirely to your interests and preferred travel pace. You do not have to consider the needs of a group and can often spend longer at exceptional wildlife sightings.
Travelling with four or more people? A private safari can sometimes be surprisingly affordable per person because the costs of the vehicle and guide are shared between more travellers.
During a fly-in safari, you travel between remote wildlife areas in light aircraft. This reduces the amount of time spent on long overland journeys and allows you to reach special locations that are difficult to access by road.
A luxury fly-in safari generally costs between €7,000 and €15,000 or more per person. Exclusive lodges frequently include meals, drinks, game drives and sometimes even laundry services.
Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania all offer outstanding opportunities for luxury fly-in safaris.
Your travel dates have a significant influence on the price. During the high season, popular lodges fill up more quickly and prices are generally higher.
Travelling during the shoulder season can be an attractive alternative. There are fewer visitors, some accommodations offer lower rates and the landscapes can be exceptionally beautiful.
The rainy season does not necessarily mean continuous rain. Showers often occur at the end of the day, while the landscape is green and vibrant. This period can be particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, photographers and travellers who prefer to avoid the crowds.
The ideal travel period depends on the country and what you hope to experience. The Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya, the flooding of the Okavango Delta and the dry safari season in Southern Africa do not all occur at the same time.
You do not automatically have to choose the cheapest available trip. The most important thing is to spend your available budget wisely.
The following choices can help reduce the cost:
An unforgettable safari does not necessarily have to be extremely luxurious. Sleeping in a simple tent beneath the African stars can be every bit as memorable as staying in an exclusive lodge.
The best option depends on your personal preferences. Do you want to experience as much as possible, enjoy adventure and like travelling with a group? A camping or accommodated group safari could be an excellent choice.
Do you value independence and enjoy driving yourself? Consider a self-drive safari through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe or South Africa.
Are you looking for tranquillity, privacy and the personal attention of a guide? A tailor-made journey or private safari will probably suit you better.
Every traveller has different wishes, expectations and priorities. That is why we consider not only your available budget, but also your preferred pace, comfort level, travel period and the animals or landscapes you would most like to experience.
From adventurous camping safaris and comfortable group tours to self-drive holidays and luxury private safaris, there is almost always a style of travel that suits both your preferences and your budget.
Get in touch with one of our African specialists for bespoke travel advice!
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