Our over 10 years of East African safari planning experience shows that its crucial for guests to understand well the components of African Safari Costs due to the many considerations involved. There are a variety of safari accommodation types and experiences in Africa and these include but are not limited to mid-range and luxury options that are suited to every level of adventure. Having said the above, the biggest question is about how much does an African safari cost on average and what should you budget for when planning your first African Safari trip?

The answer depends on more than just flights and accommodation. The final African Safari cost is shaped by the destination you choose to visit, the season you choose to travel in for example traveling to East Africa during the high season of June-October is expensive compared to traveling during the low season of April, May and November, the level of comfort you choose to have on your trip between budget, mid-luxury, luxury and ultra-luxury and how you structure your itinerary. For example, A week in Uganda will look very different from a multi-country journey through Tanzania and Uganda/Rwanda.

In our African Safari Cost guide below, we break down with clarity the real price ranges and what drives costs up or down and what an African safari package includes.

What’s included in an African safari package?

A safari itinerary by Engabi Tours and Travel is designed to provide a seamless, all-inclusive experience typically covering mid-luxury to Ultra-luxury accommodation, three gourmet meals daily and expert-led wildlife activities like 4×4 game drives and guided walks where applicable. Most packages also bundle in local transfers to ensure a hassle-free journey.

While these are usual inclusions, it is important to note that every lodge operates with its own specific set of inclusions and exclusions and every itinerary can be tailored to suite you. Your dedicated Africa Safari Expert will always advise you on exactly what is covered in your specific itinerary, ensuring that you have total clarity on extras like premium spirits or specialist activities like hot-air ballooning.

Major Factors that Influence the final Cost of an African Safari

The time of the year that you choose to go on an African Safari

The cost of your African Safari vacation will much depend on the time of the year or safari season you choose to visit whether you are visiting Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania or Kenya. Visiting much of Africa and specifically East Africa during the high season Months of June, July September and October and from December & February will mean a costly vacation because it attracts high rates for accommodation as this is the time most tourists choose to visit African parks due to high levels of wildlife visibility and better roads since its a dry season.

The off-season Months of April, May and November come with a less costly Africa safari vacation due to low accommodation rates as a result of few tourists visisting. However, this season is characterised with less visible wildlife and occasionally washed out roads due to heavy rains.

The Number of Days you want to stay on your African Safari Vacation.

The more days you spend on an African safari the higher the final cost of your African safari vacation and vis-vasa. However, the cost of your African safari per day will tend to be less if you spend more days on safari but with the same company.

The Countries and Destinations You Choose to go for your African Safari.

The country you choose to go to for your African Safari vacation partly determines the cost of your African safari cost. For Example, visiting Rwanda for a gorilla trekking and Wildlife safari is more expensive that visiting Uganda for your gorilla trekking and Wildlife safari. This is because gorilla permits and accommodation fees are high in Rwanda compared to Uganda. Additionally, combining gorilla trekking in Uganda/Rwanda with a wildlife safari in Tanzania or Kenya is more expensive than visiting just Uganda/Rwanda.

The type of accommodations you choose to stay in During you African Safari Vacation

As with any vacation, accommodation is going to eat up the lion’s share of your budget and the same applies to an African safari Vacation. The more luxurious the accommodation that you choose to stay for your vacation the higher your final African safari cost will be. Mid-luxury lodges cost from 500$ in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda & from 300$ in Uganda, Luxury lodges cost from 500$ Per Person per night in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania while Ultra-luxury lodges cost from 2000$ Per Person Per Night in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

How you Choose get around on your African Safari Vacation

The most common way of getting around during your safari in Africa is by road though this is characterised with long drives and bumpy roads. However, you can choose to do the transfers with a mixture of both Bush flights and short road transfers. Therefore, the African safari cost will be high if you do a mixture of bush flights and road transfers compared to when you do only road transfers.

How exclusive you would like your African safari experience to be

When you choose to stay in private conservations that attract exclusiveness and unlimited game drives in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the cost of your African safari will be high compared to when you do your experiences in the general parks.

Extra Safari activities/requirements due to interests or hobbies

Adding extras like Hot Air Balloon safari or cultural encounters on your safari will increase the cost of your African Safari Vacation.

Now that you understand the major factors that can influence an overall African safari cost, you can also have a look at the additional costs that you may incur on your African safari Vacation and you might need to add into your overall budget.

Additional African Safari Costs Explained

International Flights

Flights from you your home to Africa are one of the major additional cost you have to
include in your budget when planning for an African Safari Vacation.

Visa Costs

Rules and regulations vary by nationality and destination country but all East African countries charge for visas though exempted for some Nationalities. Normally this is in the range of US$30 to US$50 per person.

Accommodations Before and After the trip

Due to the long distances in between the major Airports and parks in Africa, you will need a night before the start of the trip or after trip especially if you have an early morning flight.

Vaccinations

Health-wise you will probably need several vaccinations before arrival in most safari
destinations. Malaria is widespread and a serious risk – it’s recommended to take anti-malarial medication (seek advice from your local doctor).

Travel Insurance

Don’t even think about skipping this. A decent policy can cost anything from US$50 to
US$175 for two weeks.

Tips

Tips for drivers, waiters, room staff and guides can quickly add up. Bring a couple of
hundred US dollars in smaller bills to cover tips. To give you a hint, tips per day range from US$20 and above per person per day depending on how satisfied you are with the services.

What is the Cheapest Time to Go on Safari in Africa

The cheapest time to embark on a safari in Africa is during the “long rains” of April, May and November in East Africa. During these low-season months, luxury lodges often offer lower rates and many waive the “single supplement” fee for solo travellers. While the bush is thicker and wildlife can be more dispersed due to the abundance of water, this season offers incredible value as you will enjoy lush, emerald landscapes, the arrival of migratory birds and the “baby boom” of newborn animals. For those seeking a middle ground, the shoulder low season offers a sweet spot with a perfect balance of reduced rates and excellent game viewing before the peak-season crowds arrive.

African Safari Cost FAQs

What is the cheapest African safari destination in East Africa?

Uganda for us is the cheapest African Safari destination compared to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda and it provides some of the best value for travellers seeking affordable gorilla trekking and safari experiences.

What is the most expensive safari destination in East Africa?

Rwanda is widely considered one of the most expensive safari destinations because many camps are exclusive and designed around low visitor numbers.

How much does a luxury African safari cost in East Africa?

Luxury safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania typically range from $900 to $1,500 per person per day. Ultra-luxury safaris can exceed $3,000 per person per day depending on the camp, destination, season and included flights.

How much does a safari cost for two people?

A 7-day mid-range safari for two travellers often costs between $6,000 and $12,000
depending on destination, season, accommodation level, park fees and transportation.

Are flights included in safari prices?

International flights are usually not included unless clearly stated. Many safari packages include road transfers, local transportation and sometimes internal flights between parks or camps.

How much does gorilla trekking cost?

Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda cost 800$ Per Person for normal gorilla trekking and 1,800$ Per Person for Gorilla Habituation according to Uganda Wildlife Authority. On the other hand, Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost 1,500$ Per Person according to Rwanda Development Board.

The permit is only one part of the cost and it is worth understanding the full picture before you budget for a trek. A complete 3-day gorilla trekking trip, covering the permit, accommodation, meals, transport and a guide typically runs between $1,500 and $3,000 per person with the range driven almost entirely by your choice of lodge and the season you travel in. A mid-range lodge near the park boundary sits toward the lower end of that range, while a luxury property premium dining pushes it toward the top.

Season changes the equation further. Uganda offers discounted gorilla permits at $600 per person during April, May and November when lighter rainfall keeps trekking conditions muddier but visitor numbers noticeably lower. Travelling during these months can bring the cost of a 3-day trip down by several hundred dollars without compromising the trek itself since permit access and gorilla viewing time remain the same regardless of season.

Beyond the permit and the trip package, budget for a few smaller costs that are easy to overlook. Porters who carry your bag and help you navigate the forest’s uneven terrain typically charge $15 to $20 for the day and are well worth hiring on your first trek. Tips for your guide and trackers, usually in the range of $20 per day, are customary and go directly to the individuals who make the encounter possible.

Is a safari worth the cost?

For many travellers, a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines wildlife,
landscapes, expert guiding, cultural experiences and remote locations that are difficult to experience anywhere else.

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Safari to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania or Kenya?

The important thing to remember is that the above costs are guidelines only. Your agent at Engabi Tours and Travel is an expert at maximizing your budget so you get the most bang for your safari buck. Don’t be shy to find out what you can get for your money – you may be very pleasantly surprised!