Safaris in Africa are not cheap, but they don’t have to be ‘break the bank’ expensive. Just like at any destination around the world, there are the 5 star luxury lodges, but there are also 4* lodges that are amazing, as well as self-catering lodges.

Also remember that if you are not at a self-catering lodge, then the price usually includes almost everything (but you must check this before you travel to avoid unwanted surprises). This means your accommodation, all meals, snacks, high teas, your drinks, and all of your safari activities are included in the price. Usually. Just please check.

Approximate Daily Safari Costs (per person)

Safari pricing varies hugely, but these ranges will give you a realistic starting point:

Luxury Safari

• $1,500 + per person, per night
• Found in places like Serengeti National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Kruger National Park (private reserves)
• Includes: luxury accommodation, all meals, drinks, game drives, guides, and often flights between camps

👉 Think: high-end lodges, private plunge pools, elite guiding

Mid-Range Safari

• $450 – $1,500 per person, per night
• Mix of comfort and value
• Often includes: accommodation, meals, and shared game drives

👉 Think: boutique lodges, small-group safaris, excellent guiding without ultra-lux frills

Budget Safari

• $150 – $450 per person, per night
• Typically in areas like Kruger National Park (public camps) or group tours

👉 Think: self-drive, larger groups, simpler accommodation

The types of things you need to consider are the safari brand name (if there is one), if you are going to travel in high season vs low season, the type of lodge or camp you’re wanting to stay at, and what is included such as all meals, beverages (?), game drives (?), laundry and other activities.

Your safari experience or your style of travel will also, of course, affect the pricing – think of renting a car and driving yourself versus booking bush planes and flying. One is cheaper than the other.

Remote areas such as the Okavango Delta in Botswana will cost more than the easily accessible Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Where to Splurge on Costs on Safari with Kids

1. Your Safari Lodge

This is your entire experience — not just a place to sleep. While you don’t have to have a super high-end lodge to have an amazing safari, obviously it does come with its perks such as luxury, better locations, more exclusivity, better wildlife sightings, better service and food and so on.

A luxury lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa can completely transform your safari holiday.

2. Private Game Drives

Some lodges have a rule that if your children are under a certain age (usually around 12 or 13 years), you HAVE to book (and pay for) a private vehicle.

In saying that, I love personally private vehicles! You have so much more flexibility, you can stay longer at sightings, you can leave sightings if you want to move on, and it’s pretty much tailored to your interests.

Also check the rules around this; you usually can’t book a private vehicle for just one day – if you’ve booked your accommodation for three days, you will need to book and pay for the private vehicle for three days.

Safari lodges have enough seats on vehicles to accommodate everyone staying with them, but you will most likely be sharing with other people. The number of additional ‘private’ game vehicles is always limited, so if this is what you want, book far in advance.

3. Prime Wildlife Locations

Lodges that are close to major highlights and wildlife locations, do have a higher price tag and you will spend more to be in the right place.

For example: Serengeti National Park during migration season. But, look around. IN the Serengeti for example, there are also other options such as mobile camps which aren’t as luxurious as the high-end lodges, but they are comfortable and follow the migration. So you still get to enjoy the same game experience, but on a lower price.

Where to Save on Costs on a Safari with Kids

1. Flights to Lodges Within Africa

Often, self-driving is the cheapest way to travel if you can and are willing, and have the time.

This will also depend on which country you are in.

For example, if you are in Johannesburg, South Africa, and want to go to a lodge in the Kruger National Park, there are a few ways you can get there:

1. Self-drive with a rental car (cheapest and gives you the most freedom)
2. Book a commercial flight to either Hoedspruit Airport (HDS airport code) or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP airport code) and then book a road transfer to your lodge. Or again, hire a car.
3. Book a road transfer from Johannesburg (imagine HOURS in the road)
4. Book charter flights with Federal Air from Johannesburg to the airstrip of the lodge.

So, can you fly to the lodge? Yes.
Will it save you time? Yes.
Will it save you money? No.

Just a quick tit-bit for you. You can rent a car and drive to:
* Lodges in South Africa
* Lodges in Hwange National Park from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
* Lodges around Kenya
* Lodges around Tanzania
* Lodges around Namibia

You can drive to places in Zambia and other countries, but you need a 4×4 and to have experience driving around this type of terrain.

2. Safari Trip Length

You can have the most amazing safari experience on a 3-night stay in one lodge, in one good game reserve. This is so much better than 10 rushed nights in multiple camps trying to pack everything in. While you might tick off all the animals on your bucket list, you will be exhausted.

‘Lodge hopping’ is honestly very tiring. You are constantly moving, packing and unpacking and don’t really get a change to relax.

For a family, a great itinerary especially if it’s your first time in Africa, is to road trip up the Garden Route and end at a game lodge.

3. Shoulder Season Travel

Should season is a great time to travel on safari because the wildlife sightings are usually really good, the weather is comfortable, and you’re not hitting those peak season prices.

4. Combine Destinations Smartly

If you do want to spoil yourselves with a luxury safari, then you consider pairing a higher end safari with a more affordable location

• Example: Luxury safari + a few nights exploring Cape Town

A safari is one of the few travel experiences where what you pay directly impacts what you see and feel.