What You Should Expect to Budget
South Africa offers a wide range of safari costs, from budget-friendly trips to high-end lodge experiences. How much you spend depends on:
- duration
- accommodation level
- guided vs self-drive
- reserve type
- included activities and transfers
A rough per-day guideline for safari accommodation and experiences ranges from about USD 180–300 per person per day on budget options up to USD 700–1,500+ per person per day for mid-range to luxury stays when meals and game drives are included.
If you’re still deciding how this fits into your overall plan, start with the South Africa Safari Guide
Budget Safari Options
On the lower end, safaris in South Africa can be surprisingly accessible:
- Basic budget lodges or camps with meals and daily game drives can start from around USD 180–300 per person per day.
- Group shared excursions or rest camp stays in Kruger are often more affordable than private reserves.
These options typically include:
- accommodation
- some meals
- shared game drives
- basic wildlife viewing experience
If you’re weighing independent travel versus guided trips, see Self-Drive vs Guided Safari South Africa
Mid-Range Safari Costs
Mid-range safaris — comfortable lodges with private rooms, multiple game drives, and better services — commonly fall into:
- USD 350–600 or more per person per day at mid-tier properties.
- Multi-day guided safari packages (e.g., 7-day tours) often start around USD 1,100–1,500 total per person, depending on inclusions.
These usually include:
- safari accommodation
- all main meals
- twice-daily game drives
- park entry fees
For differences in safari area value, see Kruger vs Private Game Reserve
Luxury Safari Experiences
South Africa also has world-class private reserves and exclusive lodges.
- High-end stays can be around USD 700–1,500+ per person per day.
- Ultra-luxury lodges in exclusive concessions may go well beyond that, especially with private guides or exclusive vehicle use.
Luxury safaris normally include:
- boutique accommodation
- gourmet meals and premium drinks
- private game drives
- additional activities
Example Costs to Give You Context
To illustrate range:
- A budget 4-day safari package can start around USD 1,200+ per person.
- Mid-range multi-day safaris commonly run around USD 1,100–1,500 per person total for a week.
- Private reserve stays and ultra-luxury options often exceed USD 2,000 per person per night at peak experiences.
These figures usually include accommodation, meals, activities, and game drives — excluding international flights, travel insurance, visas, and domestic transfers.
Extra Costs to Factor In
Safari packages rarely include everything, so factor in:
- international flights
- domestic flights or transfers between city and safari lodge
- tipping for guides and staff
- optional activities (e.g., bush walks, birding)
- park conservation fees and taxes
Planning Around Cost
Your budget also relates to how long you plan to stay. Shorter, intensive safaris tend to cost less overall than longer multi-region trips, and combining city and safari may increase total spend but improve overall experience. For itinerary guidance see Cape Town and Safari Itinerary
If uncertainty about duration persists, this may help set expectations: How Many Days for a South Africa Safari?
