Do you have a desire to embark on a safari but each cost quoted on the internet makes you sad and disappointed? Yes, it happens to me as well. The minute I started looking for an affordable safari in Africa, I almost gave up the plan due to the high prices starting at $10,000 per person. Just for a single trip.
However, what you don’t know is that a safari need not be an expensive affair as all it requires is some knowledge, flexibility and an attitude of going without luxury facilities. All you need is some patience and it is possible to watch a lion stretching itself in the morning or even an elephant crossing the road using your car.
Why Safari Tours Cost So Much and How to Cut Costs
To better understand the “how” of safari costs, let us begin with the “why.” Basically, it all boils down to three factors that determine the price of an African safari tour: admission to national parks, accommodation, and transportation. The parks themselves are located in remote areas away from cities, making the trip expensive, while all the services offered there also become more costly.
But here is some good news: every single one of these items has its budget alternative.
Budget Safaris in Africa – Where to Go?
When planning for the best budget safari in Africa, destination becomes the most important factor. Kenya and Tanzania may be popular, but Uganda manages to edge both out by offering the best budget safari destinations in terms of price. Viewing of big five animals, lower numbers of tourists and significantly reduced costs for camping and park entrance tickets. Good options in terms of budget include South Africa and Malawi, though they come with smaller parks.
Botswana and Rwanda are examples of destinations in the expensive group because they have expensive permits for gorilla trekking and expensive lodges.
How to Plan a Budget Safari in Africa Without Missing Out?
And now the main question is – do you have to visit all parks, or will you be equally satisfied with one park? It is commonly believed that the more parks you visit during your safari, the better it will be, however, the wildlife in different parks in one region does not differ much. Choosing just one or two parks based on the animals you most want to see can make the trip more focused and save you a considerable amount of money.
A few other moves that make a real dent in your Africa safari costs and travel guide planning:
- Join a group safari. Sharing a vehicle with other travelers splits the cost of fuel, the driver, and the guide. It’s the single easiest way to cut your bill.
- Camp instead of lodge-hopping. Camping just outside park gates is often a third of the price of camping inside them, and it’s still an incredible experience – falling asleep to distant hyena calls is different.
- Travel just outside peak season. Avoid going in August or September if you can. The wildlife will be there, but the crowds won’t.
- Cook your own food if you can. If you are driving yourself, buying your supplies from a town will be cheaper than restaurant prices.
Read: THE ULTIMATE AFRICA TRAVEL BUCKET LIST
Price Of An Affordable African Wildlife Safari
Figures never lie; therefore, allow me to give you some figures of an inexpensive wildlife tour of Africa:
- Touring one national park in a day: $200-$300 per person
- Touring more than one national park in days with a group: $1,200-$1,500 per person
- Touring through many countries: $2,500
They may not be luxury figures, but they are realistic ones that will make your dream come true.
Budget Safari Packing List: Packing Effectively to Cut Costs
A budget safari packing list is important since it will help save a lot of money during your safari adventure. The following items are indispensable: Khaki, olive, or tan-colored clothing, a set of binoculars, reusable water bottles, sun block lotion, and some first aid kit supplies. Renting camping equipment from a local source will prove more economical than purchasing new equipment just for one trip.
Conclusion
“BUDGET SAFARI IN AFRICA” is not about being miserly with your African holiday. Whether you have spent $2,000 or $20,000 on your vacation, the sunrise in the savannah will be just as breathtaking. “A budget safari in Africa” symbolizes the TravellingAtlas philosophy that one does not need money to enjoy a memorable holiday.
FAQs
Is it possible to do a truly cheap safari in Africa?
Yes, although cheap is relative. However, there are cheap safaris at around $1,200 – $1,500 depending on how many days it takes and if one chooses a group tour and/or camp.
Which African country has the cheapest safari?
It is Uganda, then Kenya and Tanzania because of the group tour.
How can I have a cheap safari to see the Big Five animals?
If you wish to see all five in one park then the cheapest way will be taking a day tour from Nairobi or any other big city.
Should I buy special equipment for a budget safari?
Not much. No special equipment is needed besides neutral-colored clothes, strong shoes, sunglasses and binoculars. See above for more details on budget safari equipment.
When is the cheapest time to visit African safaris?
The end of the high season which excludes August and September.
