5 Tips for Planning an Affordable African Safari

When it comes to a bucket list, many people have “go on an African safari” in their top 10. But there’s a huge elephant in the room — the high cost. It used to be that safaris were only for the rich, but not necessarily anymore. Africa isn’t generally a cheap place to visit, but there are creative ways to cut costs.

To help you get started, check out our five tips for planning an affordable African safari. Before you know it, you’ll be packing those khaki pants and taking in the sights and sounds of magnificent landscapes and wildlife.

1. Decide where and how long to safari

Choosing your African safari destination is an important first step. Eastern and Southern Africa are the two main regions offering the best wildlife. Know that choosing a safari in more remote locations will mean higher costs. Operational costs, road accessibility and being able to fly in from a major airport rather than using a charter plane are things that drive prices higher. Consider fully inclusive safaris that include your accommodations, meals, and activities. Even more, you can save additional money by combining destinations.

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia are the key safari countries in Southern Africa. A short four-hour drive from Johannesburg will get you to Kruger National Park. With 7,580 square miles of area to explore, it’s filled with significant archaeological ruins and is considered a top wildlife experience in Africa. You can choose to take in game drives, African sunsets, and guided walks.

East Africa encompasses Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater has a large tourist draw as one of the most stunning natural features in Africa. Boasting nearly 30,000 animals, it’s one of the most densely populated animal populations in the world.

For more budget-friendly African safari locations, a little research goes a long way. Bookallsafaries.com and Safari.com are great places to start.

2. Decide what time of year to safari

Each season in Africa has its pros and cons. The May-August dry season offers excellent conditions for viewing wildlife, primarily because of the lack of vegetation and limited water supply. Remember though, the dry season is very hot.

To save money, you could consider traveling during the off-peak “Green Season.” The October-February wet season could mean cheaper flights and package deals. For example, Botswana’s rainy season can offer lush landscapes, new blooming flowers, and a chance to see newborn animal babies while saving on cash. However, visibility can be hampered during wet season and the state of the roads going into main safari locations degrade due to water.

For the best prices overall, consider the cusp of the dry season, which is March-May. Offering the best combination of savings, you may not compromise wildlife viewings quite as much as other times of year. Shoot for the shoulder season for the best months to safari.

3. Decide how you'll safari

There are more than a few ways to experience an African safari. Figuring out how you'll experience it will also dictate how much money you spend. For first-timers, organized tours are a good way to go. For those looking for independent adventure, hire a private guide or take on a self-guided tour.

Group safari

Group safaris can save you a bundle, from minibus tours to backpacker excursions. They're typically cheaper than private tours because you’re essentially splitting the cost and getting group rates.

Use a local tour company

Local tour guides, safari companies, and their associated accommodations usually offer cheaper rates than international organizations. They're the local experts, meaning they specialize in safari trips, destination suggestions, and lodging.

Mobile camping safari

According to some experts, this may be one of the most cost-effective ways of going on safari. If you want an experience that truly immerses you in nature, this option is the one for you. A safari expert can help you plan a mobile camping experience or one that combines camping with a few nights in a lodge.

4. Decide where you'll stay

You can save quite a bit by choosing a less luxurious place to rest at night. Also remember the more nights you stay the more money you’ll dish out, and the more lavish the lodging the higher the cost. If you want something between camping and luxury, consider one of the 3-star lodges located just outside of game areas.

5. Don’t forget about extra expense

From picking up safe drinking water bottles and choosing safari clothes to purchasing airline tickets and planning for tips, all the extras can add up. Always check the local embassy website of your destinations to check if you need visas and how much they cost. Check the CDC website for the best information on required vaccinations.

The more economical safari destinations are those with lots of choices for game reserves, ones that charge fees in local currencies rather than U.S. dollars, and those that don’t require visas or vaccinations. Outside major cities, you may have trouble with credit cards, so plan to carry enough cash to get your through your trip.

A smart idea to protect your travel investment is to look into travel insurance. Get a travel insurance quote now.