A first African safari typically costs about $500 to $3,000 per person per night at peak-season camps, before international flights. Over the 9 to 11 nights we recommend for a first trip that works out to roughly $4,500 to $33,000 per person, depending on camp tier, season and internal flights. The top figure assumes every night is spent at an ultra-luxury camp, which few itineraries do.
Key Takeaways
- Peak-season camp rates run from about $500 to $3,000 per person per night. International flights are extra.
- Divide the nightly rate by two to estimate the price of each game drive. That is a better value test than the nightly rate alone.
- Tips (about $25 per person per night is the norm), bush flights, travel insurance and private vehicles are the costs most quotes leave out.
- A longer trip lowers the cost per night because airfare is spread across more days.
- Shoulder and green season travel cuts rates and often leaves vehicles half empty.
What a Safari Costs Per Night
Rates differ by camp as much as by season. The lower end covers budget-friendly camps while the upper end buys ultra-luxury suites and exclusive private concessions. Mid-tier camps sit between the two.
A camp night usually buys about two game drives. We plan on roughly six drives from three nights at one camp. That lets you turn any rate into a cost per drive. The rates below are examples for comparison and are not quotes.
| Example rate per person per night | 10 camp nights | Approximate cost per game drive |
| $500 | $5,000 | $250 |
| $1,000 | $10,000 | $500 |
| $1,500 | $15,000 | $750 |
| $3,000 | $30,000 | $1,500 |
These totals assume camps that bundle meals and game drives. Most luxury camps do. Flights, tips and extras come on top.
What Is Included and What Is Not
Most surprise costs hide in the second column of this table. Ask for every line in writing before you compare two quotes.
| Usually included in a camp rate | Usually extra |
| Accommodation | International flights |
| Meals and scheduled game drives | Bush flights and charter transfers |
| Many park or conservation fees | Visas and vaccinations |
| Laundry at some camps | Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover |
| Water and often house drinks | Tips for guides and staff |
| Shared safari vehicle | Private vehicle upgrade |
| Single occupancy surcharges |
How Park Fees Fit In
Park fees confuse many first-time planners because countries charge them differently. In Tanzania national park entry is charged per person for each 24 hours and varies by park. Vehicle charges and concession fees for sleeping inside a park are separate. The Tanzania National Parks Authority publishes the current tariff and fees do change.
Private conservancies and concessions in Kenya and Botswana often fold their conservation fees into the nightly rate. The key question is never whether fees exist. It is whether your quote includes them.
Season Changes the Price and the Experience
Camps price by season, so your travel month moves the total more than almost any other choice. We suggest skipping the busiest stretch from June to September when you can. Late May and late September to October bring lower rates and quieter vehicles. A shared vehicle carries up to six to nine guests at peak while off-peak months can leave seats empty. Our best time to go on safari in Africa guide shows which months suit each region.
Why a Longer Safari Can Cost Less Per Night
Airfare is a fixed cost. Suppose a flight costs $2,000. Spread across 7 nights it adds about $286 per night. Spread across 12 nights it adds about $167. The longer trip also gives you more drives at each camp. We recommend 9 to 11 nights for a first safari with at least two destinations. If you are weighing trip length, our comparison of a 14 day vs 7 day safari walks through the trade-offs.
Do Not Forget Internal Flights
Many of the best camps sit far from any road. Light aircraft link them and each hop adds to the bill. Bush flights also cap baggage at about 20 kg per person including hand luggage. A soft duffel bag is a must. Read our guide to bush planes on safari before you add a remote camp to your route. A single extra remote camp can cost more than a second night at a nearby camp.
Worked Example: One Traveler, 10 Camp Nights
Here is how the pieces add up at an example rate of $1,000 per person per night. The figures illustrate the method. Your own quote will differ.
| Line item | How we estimate it | Example |
| Camps | 10 nights at $1,000 | $10,000 |
| Tips | $25 per night for 10 nights | $250 |
| Private vehicle | $100 per day for 7 days | $700 |
| Subtotal on the ground | $10,950 | |
| International flights | Check fares for your dates | Add separately |
| Internal flights, visas and insurance | Taken from your itinerary | Add separately |
Five Ways to Lower the Cost
| Lever | What it does | Trade-off |
| Travel in shoulder season | Lowers nightly rates | Some weather variation |
| Share a vehicle | Avoids the private vehicle fee | Less control over timing |
| Mix camp tiers | Pairs one splurge with simpler camps | Less consistency in comfort |
| Choose fewer remote camps | Cuts internal flight costs | Fewer wilderness extremes |
| Stay longer | Spreads airfare across more nights | Higher total spend |
Eight Questions to Ask Before You Compare Quotes
- Is the price per person or per room?
- Are park fees and conservation fees included?
- Is the vehicle shared or private?
- Are internal flights included and what is the baggage limit?
- Are meals and drinks included?
- Is laundry included?
- Is there a single supplement?
- Are taxes and levies included?
A cheaper quote that leaves out half of these items is rarely cheaper in the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an African safari cost per day?
Peak-season camps typically charge about $500 to $3,000 per person per night. The figure depends on the camp tier and the season.
Are flights included in safari prices?
No. International flights are almost always separate. Bush flights between camps may be included or billed separately so confirm it in writing.
How much should I tip on safari?
About $25 per person per night is the norm. The amount depends on the service you receive.
When is the cheapest time to go?
Green season and shoulder months usually bring the lowest rates. Peak months from June to September cost the most.
