South Africa Safaris: What Are Your Options?

Your budget will be greatly affected by the safari type you select. Price is determined by factors such group size, mode of transportation, and level of exclusivity. There is a wide choice of safari options in South Africa to accommodate all tastes and budgets.

• Classic Safari: South Africa’s national parks and private reserves offer game drives, the most popular way to see the country’s amazing wildlife. Visitors can go on guided game drives or self-drive safaris in national parks including Pilanesberg, Kruger, and Addo Elephant National Parks in the hopes of seeing the Big Five and other famous species. Exclusive, guided game drives with professional rangers are available at private reserves like Sabi Sands, Madikwe, and Phinda. These reserves generally provide off-road access, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with wildlife. South Africa’s varied ecosystems and plethora of animals can be experienced on game drives, whether in a public park or a private concession.
• Fly-In Safari: If you want to get the most out of your safari, this is the way to go. Instead of taking extensive road transfers, you can take internal flights between places. For individuals who would want to see more than one safari site in South Africa, a fly-in safari is the way to go. These safaris provide breathtaking views of the country’s landscapes from above.

How Much Does a Safari Cost in South Africa?

There is a wide range of prices for safaris in South Africa, and the value is great. During peak season, the price per person for a driving safari or guided group can range from about US $920 – 1,090 at mid-range lodges to about US $1,100 – 1,300 at luxury facilities and US $2,630 – 3,020+ at 5 star alternatives. Dates of travel, lodge style, and mode of transportation (self-drive vs. plane) all affect total costs.

Please Note: These are merely ballpark figures for what it would cost in high and low season, based on two people sharing a room. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

Types of Accommodation in South Africa & Their Costs Per Night

From rustic camping to five-star resorts, South Africa has it all for a comfortable vacation. For a rough estimate of how much a safari in South Africa can cost each night, based on two people sharing a room:

• Mid-Range/4-star Accommodation: Comfortable lodges and camps offering good amenities without the extravagance of luxury properties.
• Luxury Accommodation: Exclusive lodges featuring world-class service, gourmet dining, and premium amenities in prime wildlife areas.

South Africa Accommodation Pricing

Please Note: These are merely ballpark figures for what it would cost in high and low season, based on two people sharing a room. Foreign flights, visas, and extracurricular activities are not included. Keep in mind that conservation levies, taxes, and permits can and will alter. Typically, the busiest times of year are between July and October, as well as throughout the holidays and new year.

How the Time of Year Can Affect the Cost of a South Africa Safari

South Africa has pleasant vacation weather all year round, which is one of the country’s distinctive selling points as a vacation spot. But, you could find that animal watching in the wilderness is just a little bit better at certain times of the year.

When you go to South Africa for a safari, the ideal time to go is up to you and your desires. Because animals congregate around water sources and foliage is scarce during the dry season (May–October), this is supposedly the ideal time to see wildlife. The South African safari season is in full swing at the moment, so expect to pay a premium for your safari experience.

Lush vistas, great birdwatching, fewer crowds, and cheaper costs are all benefits of the wet season (November–April). Along with the rain, you may expect to observe many baby animals and spectacular thunderstorms over the savannah during this season. The ideal time to go on a safari is totally up to you, since they run all year.

Additional Costs to Consider

You should know that “all-inclusive” isn’t necessarily the most exhaustive definition. When planning a safari in Africa, it’s important to be clear what is and isn’t included in the package. To start, you might want to check out our blog post about African countries that do not require a visa for US citizens. That could solve one problem with the prices right there. Are there any potential hidden expenses that you might encounter? Below is our list for your perusal:

• International flights – These are not included in safari packages, so budget accordingly.
• Domestic transport – While some safari lodges include road transfer others may require separate arrangements. Internal flights between provinces are not included.
• Vaccinations – South Africa does not require yellow fever vaccination unless you are arriving from a high-risk country. However, malaria precautions are recommended in Kruger and other lowveld regions during the wet season.
• Tipping – While not mandatory, tipping is customary for safari guides, trackers, and lodge staff. Refer to our safari tipping guide for detailed recommendations. It’s best to tip in cash (ZAR) and hand gratuities over discreetly with a thank-you. For specific recommendations based on your itinerary, consult your Africa Safari Expert.
• Personal and travel insurance – Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and unexpected disruptions.
• Additional activities – Some activities, such as bush walks, hot air ballooning, and night game drives, may incur additional costs depending on the lodge or reserve.
• The exchange rate– The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), though US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas and safari lodges. Credit cards are widely used, but carrying local currency is advisable for small purchases, tips, and transactions in rural areas.
  South Africa offers excellent value for money compared to other African safari destinations, with luxury lodges priced similarly to those in Tanzania or Botswana, while self-drive safaris and mid-range accommodations provide more budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality.
• Country specific requirements– such as park fees and conservation levies – These may or may not be included in your package, so check with you Africa Safari Expert beforehand.

Your budget for a once-in-a-lifetime safari in South Africa will be more realistic if you account for these extra expenses in advance.

One of the best places to go on a safari in Africa is South Africa, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife and exciting activities all year round. With all the possibilities, picking a destination and a time can be a daunting task. Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts, and they will create a tailor-made schedule that incorporates all your dream locations into the most memorable safari in South Africa.