An African safari costs a lot of money. From a few hundred dollars (USD) per person, per night, to a few thousand dollars, the price varies greatly based on the lodge, location, and experience. Regardless, an African safari is one of the most expensive holidays you can take. Though we definitely believe it is worth it.
So, the question is, “With how much an African safari can cost, what do you get for your money?” It is probably more than you expect.
*Please note that this blog primarily focuses on Botswana, as Brave Africa is based there. But Africa is a vast continent, and numerous countries offer safari experiences at varying costs, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Uganda, and Rwanda.
African Safari Cost Considerations
There are several factors to consider when determining the total cost of an African safari. It can be extremely complicated and confusing if you’ve never been on safari before, so we’ll do our best to break it down as simply as possible.
Cost Per Person, Per Night
First, it is essential to understand that a Botswana safari cost is typically broken down into a per-person, per-night rate. You do not pay for a room (like a hotel); you pay per person. This is because most safaris are either all-inclusive or semi-inclusive, and therefore, your rate is not limited solely to accommodations. Instead, your nightly rate includes all meals and activities.
Safari Activity Costs
Speaking of activities, daily game drives to find and view animals are almost always included in the nightly rate. This means that, in addition to your room and board, you will also have access to a safari guide and vehicle to get around the bush. At a minimum, you can expect morning and evening game drives (unless otherwise stated). Additional activities (such as mokoro or walking safaris) may also be available and included in the fee. However, please check with your lodge, camp, or operator for details.
A key point to note about activities is that most operators have a set schedule that must be adhered to. So, while game drives are included in the cost, they are limited in scope (2-3 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the evening), unless otherwise indicated or paid for. Game drives are also a shared activity with other guests in the vehicle, unless an additional fee for privacy is paid.
Travel Costs
Travel costs are NOT included in the per-person, per-night rate. For Botswana, this may mean budgeting an additional $1,000 – $2,000 per person beyond your African safari costs.
International flights are, of course, not included. You will need to pay for your flights into Botswana. In addition, Botswana is a fly-in, fly-out safari destination. This means that once you arrive on your international flight in Botswana (either in Maun or Kasane), you will need to book a bush flight to reach your lodge or camp.
Additionally, if you are staying at multiple lodges and locations within Botswana’s bush, you will need to pay for transfers between those locations. Often, this means paying for additional bush flights.
Bush flights often cost $300 – $500 per person one way.
The only time transfers are included in your safari rate is when you choose a mobile safari. On a mobile safari, such as Brave Africa, you will still need to pay for your bush flights into and out of the bush, but transfers between camps are included in the price of your safari. This can save you $600 to $1,000 per person for a six or nine-night safari in two or three locations.
Every Lodge/Camp is Unique
All safari operators are unique in what their rates include. Some camps and lodges offer more than others. The key is to reach out directly to each operator you are interested in and ask exactly what is included in your African safari cost. Do not make assumptions.
African Safari Cost Per Safari Type
Now that you know how the cost of an African safari is broken down, let’s look at the cost of an African safari based on the type of safari you choose. There are three main types of safaris: self-drive, budget, and all-inclusive.
Self-Drive African Safaris
A self-drive African safari is the most affordable option, but it is also the option with the fewest perks. You rent a 4×4 vehicle and camping equipment, and then you drive yourself around Botswana’s wilderness. You must book your own campsites, find the animals yourself, follow all the safety rules and regulations, and take care of everything on your own.
You can rent a 4×4 vehicle for as little as $100 per day.
What do you get for the cost?
- A 4×4 vehicle
- Camping equipment, which includes tents, a small kitchen (fridge/freezer, stovetop), water tank, and fuel tank.
Basic items NOT included:
- Food, water, and other drinks and snacks will need to be purchased, stored, and prepared by you.
- Fuel will need to be purchased for your vehicle and cooking for the duration of your trip.
- Campsites must be booked and purchased, along with all accompanying park fees.
Important considerations to make before planning and executing a self-drive safari.
- You do not have a safari guide, which means you will need to travel the bush completely on your own using a map and limited GPS. Self-drivers often get lost, experience car trouble, or become stuck in the Botswana bush and require rescue, which can cost thousands of dollars.
- You will not have an expert to follow animal tracks or explain what you are seeing. This means you will be floundering on your own with whatever guidebook you have to figure out what you are seeing, and why. That’s even if you find the animals in the first place.
- To minimize your African safari costs, you must be well-versed in wilderness camping. There will be no one to assist you in putting up and taking down camp, preparing meals, or generally making your way in the bush. You will need to be prepared for every and any eventuality on your own.
We do not and cannot recommend a self-drive safari.
Not only can it be very dangerous to take yourself into the bush when there are very few roads, but also difficult driving conditions. But a self-drive safari in Botswana is not the best experience. You will miss out on so many animal sightings, and more than that, pertinent information that only a safari guide can share.
Budget African Safaris
The second most affordable option is a budget African safari. This is typically a combination of an all-inclusive safari and a self-drive safari. You will enjoy some of the key benefits of an all-inclusive safari, including a safari guide, camp equipment, safari vehicle, basic meals, and navigation. But it will be bare bones.
You can plan a budget African safari for $250 – $400 USD per person, per night.
What do you get for the cost?
This can vary between operators, so please do your research, but in general, you can expect:
- A safari guide to drive you around the bush, track animals, and act as your information resource for any and all questions and safety considerations.
- All camping equipment, including small tents, sleeping bags/cots, drop toilets, folding chairs, and other basic necessities.
- Basic meal preparation and cooking (generally over a fire), along with basic drinks (sometimes including local alcohols).
- A 4×4 vehicle (driven by your safari guide).
- Campsite reservations, park fees, and all fuel are included in this African safari cost.
Basic items NOT included:
- Premium meals and alcoholic beverages.
- Full-service is often not included. In many cases, you will need to set up your own tent and treat the experience as self-camping with a guide nearby.
Important considerations to make before planning a budget safari.
- You need to be comfortable camping on your own in basic environments and with few creature comforts if you choose a budget African safari.
- The equipment might be old, run-down, or of subpar quality. This may impact your game drive experience, as your vehicle may not be very comfortable or may lack helpful features such as telescoping armrests for photography, charging ports, or a portable refrigerator for cool drinks on long days.
- Since a budget African safari is very basic in terms of service, you will need to prepare to give up some conveniences in order to accommodate a lower budget. It does not mean your safari days won’t be incredible; it just means that you might have to make some sacrifices in one area to enjoy others.
We do recommend budget safaris.
If you are on a tight budget but you still want to experience an African safari, a budget safari is a great option. The key is to make sure that you choose a budget with features that provide the necessary comfort level you need. For example, if you need a bed with a mattress, you might have to pay more. Or some budget options do not have en-suite bathrooms and instead stay at campsites with public toilets and showers. There is a budget level for almost everyone, so ask questions and choose what works for you.
The only thing you do NOT want to be cheap on is your safari guide. Your safari guide will make or break your experience. Ask about their guides and the level of experience they have.
All-Inclusive Safaris
The final option for an African safari is an all-inclusive safari. This is your standard safari option and is what you can expect at almost every lodge and some mobile camps. An all-inclusive safari is exactly what it sounds like: you pay one price and everything is included. Basically, your cost covers all accommodations, daily room cleaning, chef-made meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), safari guiding, and other safari activities.
All-inclusive safaris start at $500 per person per night and can cost upwards of $3,000 per person, per night.
What do you get for the cost?
The cost of an all-inclusive safari is highly varied because it depends on the level of luxury you desire. So, please research the lodges and camps you choose, but in general, you can expect:
- Daily safari activities, including game drives and walking safaris (mokoro, boating safaris, and even helicopter flights might also be included).
- A safari guide to drive you around the bush, track animals, and act as your information resource for any and all questions and safety considerations.
- All accommodations, including en-suite bathrooms (the luxury is dependent on your cost), and a pavilion, a lobby, and meal areas.
- Full-service provided by staff, including daily cleaning, meal service, and camp care (often including daily laundry service).
- Premium meal service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with drinks including local alcohols and premium liquors.
- Campsite reservations, vehicles, park fees, and all other incidentals.
Basic items NOT included:
The only items not included on an all-inclusive safari are those items of a personal nature. Anything else is supplemental and depends on the cost of your luxurious accommodation.
- Travel insurance, health insurance, visa and passport fees.
- Cash gratuities (tips).
- Flights (international and bush) to arrive at your lodge or camp.
Important considerations to keep in mind before planning an all-inclusive safari.
- The nightly rate you are willing to pay will significantly impact your lodge or camp experience. More money might get you a plunge pool, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, television, premium (imported) alcohols, etc. Think of it the same way you would a hotel: the more expensive the hotel, the more luxurious the experience.
- What does not tend to change even as you pay more is the actual safari experience. Often, paying more does not equate to better guides or more frequent daily game drives. That experience is dependent on your operator and not your budget.
- Decide what is most important to you about your safari, and then determine what fits within your budget and what you are willing to compromise on for something else. More does not always mean better. Some all-inclusive safaris are expensive simply because they can be, and the experience may not be worth the astronomical cost of an African safari.
We do recommend an all-inclusive safari.
If you have the budget, we highly recommend an all-inclusive safari. This will provide you with the best and most memorable safari experience, leaving you with the fewest concerns and worries. The key is to decide what you need and what you do not. If you don’t plan to swim in a pool during your safari, don’t pay for it. If you want to unplug, don’t pay for Wi-Fi or TV. If your goal is to spend time with the animals, consider an all-inclusive safari option that focuses on game drives rather than imported alcohol.
Brave Africa Safari Cost: All-Inclusive
What about Brave Africa Safaris? We are a boutique, luxury mobile safari company ideal for guests seeking an authentic under-the-canvas safari experience while still craving the comfort and convenience of a fully serviced safari lodge. We harken back to the romantic adventure of the safaris of yesteryear. Guests who stay with us spend their days seeking out animals, basking in the sun, and enjoying the tranquility of unspoiled wilderness. It’s how a safari was always meant to be experienced!
Our price starts at $645 per person, per night during the Green Season and increases to $930 per person, per night during the High Season.
What do you get for the cost?
Crafted by safari enthusiasts, Brave Africa is an intimate, tented camp that invites you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Botswana bush. Our large, spacious tents feature comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets, washbasins, and a refreshing bucket shower (with hot water on demand). It is a comfortable and luxurious camp experience.
Our goal is to provide you with everything you want from a safari, without all the frills.
- Large three-roomed guest tents (Meru-style) with plush mattresses, flushing toilets, wardrobes, and bucket showers (hot water on demand).
- An oversized, tented pavilion serves as the social hub of camp.
- Solar energy and battery charging are available in the pavilion and in vehicles.
- Daily housekeeping, daily laundry, and full-service camp tear down, movement, and setup on transfer days.
- Full-meal preparation (for any diet) including gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
- Soft drinks, local beers, and local wines, plus one premium liquor drink daily.
We focus on high-quality guiding, including fully customizable game drives (no set schedules or itineraries). Our priority is spending time with the wildlife, not at camp. Guests can also enjoy walking safaris, night drives, mokoro, boating safaris, village visits, and more.
Basic items NOT included:
The only items not included in our all-inclusive safari are those of a personal nature and transfers outside of your scheduled safari.
- Travel insurance, health insurance, visa and passport fees.
- Cash gratuities (tips).
- Flights (international and bush) to arrive at and depart from your Brave Africa safari.
Important considerations for a Brave Africa safari.
- A luxury mobile safari, such as Brave Africa, can save you money on your total African safari cost by reducing the cost of transfers. In Botswana, you have to fly into the bush to start your safari and fly out to end your safari, and you have to fly to each location in the bush (if you are visiting multiple locations). This cost is not included in your nightly rate. On a mobile safari, while the bush flight in and out is still required, transfers between locations are included in the price. This means that you can save almost $1,000 on a 9-night safari in three locations.
- Our camp doesn’t exist until you book your safari, making us truly mobile and following the creed, “take only memories, and leave only footprints.” We are truly eco-friendly with no permanent structures. It is a true adventure where, every few days, the Brave Africa team takes you to a new safari destination while providing you with the same amazing connection with the wilderness.
- Brave Africa is a boutique operator with a maximum of six tents and a capacity of twelve guests. This means you can expect personalized and passionate care that is tailored to your needs. Our commitment is to flexibility and customization, so you can enjoy the safari experience you want.
Brave Africa Safari Rates
Fall in Love with Botswana’s Wilderness
Join Brave Africa on a safari of a lifetime. Each trip will offer new sights, sounds, wildlife, and scenery—no matter if it is your first or hundredth safari. The Botswana wilderness is always waiting to reveal something incredible and new.
Our custom-designed safari itineraries are tailored to your schedule and can be created to make your dreams a reality. And with camps located in four exceptional regions of Botswana’s Okavango Delta—Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Community Concession, and Savuti—there is always a new destination to explore.
