Budget Safari

Budget Safari

Going on safari is a dream for many, but the guided tours and upscale lodges often come with big price tags. However, it is absolutely possible to experience amazing wildlife encounters on a budget in many African countries.

The key to a low-cost safari is skipping the luxury accommodations and going for more affordable options. In South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and other nations, you’ll find basic but clean campsites, hostels and budget guesthouses for $25-50 per person per night. Be ready for shared bathroom facilities rather than your own en-suite. But after a day of game viewing, simple lodging is really all you need.

Renting your own safari vehicle is another way to cut costs versus guided excursions. 4×4 vehicles can be hired for $100-200 per day, depending on the size of your group. Split between travelers, the per-person rate is reasonable. You’ll have full freedom over your daily safari schedule without preset routes. I recommend hiring a local driver familiar with wildlife locales and backroads.

Many parks offer daily entry fees of $20-50, which allows full access to go exploring on your own. Bring your own picnic lunch toavoid costly park restaurants. With inexpensive accommodations and self-driving, you can design a hands-on safari experience for under $50 per person per day in most areas. That’s a huge savings versus packaged tours which often cost over $150 daily. With a budget approach, the raw beauty of Africa’s wilderness is very accessible.