• EXCLUSIVE:

     Expect to pay $600/person per day.

• LUXURY:

     Expect to pay between $400 to $600/person per day.

• BASIC:

     Expect to pay between $200 to $400/person per day.

A word about International Airfares...
When beginning to plan your safari, many travelers experience sticker shock at the cost of an international air ticket to Africa alone. A bargain fare in the off season from New York to Johannesburg, South Africa or to Nairobi, Kenya (two major hubs) is in the neighborhood of $1,200 including taxes. If you wait until the last minute (3 months or less prior to travel date), you will more likely pay around $2,000 for the same ticket.

Considerations about safari costs
Once you've determined what your safari budget is aside from International airfare, you can begin to think of your priorities on safari. Unless you have a limitless budget and no time restrictions, you will be asked to prioritize your wants and needs for your trip. Is price your number one concern, is having a flush toilet most important, or do you not care about anything but seeing the endangered black rhino? More than ever the old adage, "you get what you pay for" applies to safaris.

In general, safaris get more expensive for the following reasons:

• the accommodation is more luxurious / or more modern
• the accommodation is more remote/ 'off the beaten track'
• the type of transportation used (tour bus, land rover, charter flight)
• how many flights are needed to complete the itinerary
• whether the safari is private or part of a group
• the particular countries chosen to visit
• whether or not you are traveling alone

If you are looking to make your safari more affordable, you may consider:

• being flexible with dates to go
• being flexible with destinations to visit
• going with a larger group/ or a set departure
• going with an even numbered party
• choosing countries to visit where you can do more activities on your own schedule
• downgrading your level of accommodation

Traditionally more expensive countries to visit

• Botswana's expensive reputation stems primarily from the necessity of flying people in and out of game areas. Additionally, the country promotes smaller, more intimate camps.
• Zambia has a reputation for being expensive due to the flights involved in getting there and getting around. This country is a premier walking safari destination, employing a superior caliber of guides.
• The higher costs of safaris in Tanzania are attributed to the poor road conditions and expense of fuel used in traversing those roads with people, gear, food, and other supplies. Getting off the beaten path in Tanzania is especially pricey due to the flight costs.
• Namibia shares similar issues to Zambia and Tanzania. Though the roads are generally in good repair, they have limited access. Charter flights do increase costs.

Traditionally less expensive countries to visit

• Kenya is a economical choice due to its solid tourism infrastructure. There are many more modern lodges throughout Kenya than in Tanzania. The system of scheduled flights between the major parks and Nairobi makes getting around easy.
• Including South Africa in your itinerary may decrease costs by offering the potential for self drives (renting a car). South Africa's highway system is similar to that in the United States. For the do-it-yourselfer, driving around seeing the flora along the ocean or the fauna in the major parks is a way to maintain a schedule at your own pace, while lightening the burden on the wallet. Do remember that booking a trip of B&B's and driving yourself to destinations can mean spending more cash while in the country as opposed to having every meal and activity included in the price booked ahead of time.

Accomodations

Your choice of accomodation is a big factor in price. It is expensive to run a safari camp, remote or not. Supplies must be shipped in from major cities on a regular basis- a costly but necessary venture. While staying at safari destinations your accommodation, park fees, meals, pro guide services, transfers, staff services, and two or more game activities should be included every day (arrival and departure times permitting).

"Luxury Camps"

Typically, luxury camps will have the basics such as clean water, sanitary bathrooms, hot showers, comfy beds and enjoyable food.

"Budget Camps"

For budget camps, you can't make the same assumptions as above. You may or may not have showers available. If showers are available, they are not always of the highest standards. The food will be adequate, but not gourmet. At the participation level, you may be the one cooking it! Some budget operations may require you to bring a sleeping bag.. Even for the most budget operations, transporting, feeding, guiding, and watching over a group of people can be costly, so prices start at around $150 per person per night and go up from there.