The Short Answer

An African safari holiday isn't cheap.

But it's often far better value than people expect.

Unlike many holidays where you're paying separately for accommodation, meals, activities and transport, most luxury African safari packages include almost everything you'll need.           

That means when you compare prices, it's important to compare what's actually included—not just the headline figure.

If this is your first safari, I'd recommend starting with my Complete Beginner's Guide to Going on Safari.

Typical African Safari Holiday Prices

As a rough guide, here's what you can expect to pay for a couple travelling from the UK (5 night safari package including international flights and transfers).

Safari Style	Typical Price (Per Couple)	What to Expect
Mid-range	£6,000-£10,000	Comfortable lodges, shared game drives and excellent wildlife viewing.
Luxury	£10,000-£15,000	High-end lodges, exceptional guiding, gourmet dining and premium locations.
Ultra-luxury	£15,000+	Private camps, charter flights, exclusive-use vehicles and completely bespoke itineraries.

As a guide, adding an additional 5 nights all-inclusive in a 5 star resort in Zanzibar would typically increase the overall cost by around £2,000+ per couple.

As always, the exact cost will depend on your choice of hotel and travel dates, but it’s a great option to consider if you want to turn your safari into a more complete holiday experience.

These safari prices are intended as a guide. Every tailor-made safari itinerary is different, so the final cost depends on your destination, travel dates and accommodation.

Still deciding where to go? My Complete Luxury Safari Guide compares major safari destinations.

What's Usually Included?

This is where safaris often surprise people.

Most luxury safari packages include:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• Daily game drives
• Park entrance fees
• Professional safari guides
• Airport or airstrip transfers
• Tea, coffee and sometimes local drinks

Once you're at your lodge, you’ll hardly need to reach for your wallet.

Spending Money, Currency & Tipping

One of the questions I'm asked most often is:

"How much spending money will I need?"

The answer is usually: less than you think.

Most safari lodges are highly inclusive, so once you've arrived, accommodation, meals, game drives and many drinks are already covered.

Which Currency Should You Take?

US Dollars are generally the most useful currency to carry across Africa.

Many lodges, guides and service providers prefer tips in US Dollars, particularly in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A few tips:

• Take clean, newer-style US Dollar notes.
• Torn, marked or damaged bills will not be accepted or appreciated.
• Small denominations ($10 and $20 notes) are useful for tipping.
• Credit cards are widely accepted at most lodges.
• Carry a small amount of local currency if you're spending time in towns or cities before or after your safari.

I normally recommend taking a mixture of cards and around $200–$400 in cash per couple, depending on the length of your trip.

How Much Should You Tip?

Tipping is a well-established part of safari travel and helps support the guides, spotters and lodge staff who often make the experience so memorable.

As a rough guide:

Who	Suggested Tip
Safari Guide	$10–$20 per guest per day
Spotter (where applicable)	$5–$10 per guest per day
General Lodge Staff	$5–$15 per guest per day (usually via a communal tip box)
Drivers / Transfers	$2–$10 depending on journey length

These aren't strict rules, and exceptional service may warrant more.

Most luxury lodges provide guidance on tipping when you arrive.

Do You Need Cash on Safari?

Not much.

In fact, on many fly-in safaris you may go several days without spending anything at all.

The main reasons people carry cash are:

• Staff tips
• Drinks not included in certain camps
• Souvenirs
• Local markets
• Airport snacks during transfers

Compared with a beach holiday or city break, safari spending can actually be surprisingly low.

What Affects the Price?

Several things influence how much your safari will cost.

Destination

Some countries are naturally more affordable than others.

South Africa generally offers excellent value, while Botswana is one of Africa's most exclusive safari destinations.

Time of Year

Travelling during peak wildlife season usually means higher prices.

If you're flexible, travelling just outside peak months can often mean excellent value without dramatically changing the experience.

Length of Stay

The longer you stay, the more you'll spend—but you'll also have more opportunities for wildlife sightings and different safari experiences.

For most people, 4-6 nights is an ideal length.

Type of Accommodation

Safari accommodation ranges from comfortable lodges to some of the most luxurious camps you'll ever stay in.

Higher-end properties often include extras such as:

• Private plunge pools
• Outdoor baths
• Butler service
• Fine dining
• Spa facilities
• Stunning wildlife views from your verandah

I've camped under African skies washing up for 22 people, and I've stayed in lodges where elephants wandered past the plunge pool. Both were unforgettable—but they're very different holidays.

Internal Flights

Many luxury fly-in safaris involve light aircraft flights between remote camps.

They add to the cost, but they also save hours of driving and allow you to experience several completely different regions in one trip. They also afford you a unique view of the African landscape one usually only reserved for the birds.

Can You Combine a Safari With Another Destination?

Definitely—and most people do.

Popular combinations include:

• Cape Town and the Winelands
• Mauritius
• Seychelles
• Zanzibar
• Victoria Falls
• Maldives

Spending a few days on safari and then unwinding with a week by the beach creates a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Ways to Get the Best Value

A few ways to get the most out of your budget include:

• Travel outside the busiest dates.
• Focus on one or two excellent safari areas rather than trying to see everything.
• Consider South Africa for outstanding value.
• Book early for the widest choice of lodges and flights.
• Work with someone (like me) who can match the right destination and accommodation to your budget.

Ready to Plan Your Safari?

I've spent months travelling through Southern Africa, from Namibia's deserts to Botswana's waterways and the wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania. Every safari I've arranged since has been based on those experiences as much as the brochures. If you're wondering where to start, I'd be delighted to help.

 Get in touch to get a tailor-made safari quote and start planning your journey! 

Continue Planning Your Safari

If you're still researching, these guides may help:

• Complete Beginner's Guide to Going on Safari

• Complete Luxury Safari Guide

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