The Prices of Safaris to South Africa
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If a safari around South Africa has been on your bucket list, you're in for a treat! From breathtaking landscapes to up-close encounters with extraordinary wildlife, safaris provide an unparalleled way to connect with nature. Picture yourself tracking animals across the savanna or relaxing in a luxurious lodge surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
In this guide, we'll explore the prices and costs of safari tours through South Africa, highlight some top-rated options, and introduce you to popular destinations where adventure awaits. After digging into prices, itineraries, and amenities, we've uncovered the best-value safaris for every type of traveler. Whether you're a first-timer looking for affordability or a seasoned explorer seeking ultimate luxury, there's a safari here for you. So, pack your binoculars and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in South Africa!
Why does South Africa appeal to travelers on safari?
South Africa is synonymous with iconic safari experiences, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. South Africa's expert-guided tours and various accommodation options enhance the safari adventure, making it a top choice for wildlife lovers.
How much do safaris in South Africa cost?
The average price per day for safaris in South Africa is $316, based on our analysis of 96 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $120 to $1,720 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $161 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $537 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
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The Best Safaris in South Africa
Budget-Friendly Safaris
Budget-friendly and affordable safaris in South Africa average $161 per day, with daily prices from $120 to $198. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out The Garden Route 10 Days here.
Mid-Range Safaris
For typical safaris in South Africa that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $251 per day. Daily prices range from $200 to $302. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is South African Odyssey 15 Days/14 Nights (Comfort).
Luxury Safaris
Luxury safaris in South Africa average around $251 per day, with daily costs ranging from $308 to $1,720. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger.
Which tour companies offer safaris?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer safaris in South Africa. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
The Mzansi Experience
The Mzansi Experience offers local safari tours through Botswana and South Africa. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 3 days to 10 days. Customers of The Mzansi Experience often have a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 9 people. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.
See All Tours from The Mzansi Experience
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.
See All Tours from Intrepid Travel
HoneyBadger Travel & Tours
HoneyBadger Travel & Tours is a smaller international tour company with tours to 3 countries, including Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Most of the tours provided by HoneyBadger Travel & Tours are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience. Elephant admirers will treasure the tours that allow you to witness the beauty of these majestic creatures.
See All Tours from HoneyBadger Travel & Tours
Wonderful Holidays UK
Wonderful Holidays UK is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Nepal. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as snorkelling, island hopping, and cooking classes.
See All Tours from Wonderful Holidays UK
Safari Destinations in South Africa
Wondering where safari tours visit in South Africa? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
A few of the most popular places visited by tours in South Africa include Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, and Knysna.
Safaris vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
Deciding between an organized tour and independent travel? Keep these important aspects of each option in mind.
Organized Tours
Pros- Guided safaris provide expert wildlife trackers and guides who enhance the experience.
- Professional guides know the best times and places to spot animals.
- Safari vehicles are specially equipped for wildlife viewing and photography.
- Guided tours handle permits and park fees, simplifying logistics.
- Knowledgeable guides offer detailed insights into animal behavior and habitats.
- Accommodations are often located in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
- You can join a group, making the experience more social and shared.
- Guided tours offer increased safety, especially in remote or dangerous areas.
- Pre-planned itineraries ensure you maximize time in key wildlife hotspots.
- Guides can adapt the tour to improve your chances of seeing specific animals.
- Fixed itineraries might not align with your specific preferences.
- Larger group sizes can make it harder to enjoy quiet wildlife moments.
- Departure times and schedules are not always flexible.
- The tour may focus on popular attractions, missing hidden or less-visited gems.
Independent Travel
Pros- You have complete flexibility in choosing destinations and timing.
- Independent trips allow you to prioritize animals or parks you want to visit most.
- Planning your own trip allows for more privacy and solitude.
- You can create a personalized itinerary based on your interests.
- Some parks and wildlife areas require guides for safety purposes
- Researching and organizing the trip can be time-consuming and complex.
- Navigating unfamiliar terrains without a guide can be challenging.
- Spotting animals without expert knowledge can be difficult.
- You need to arrange permits, park fees, and accommodations on your own.
- Safety concerns, such as wild animals or remote locations, can be stressful.
- Missing key details, like optimal viewing times, can limit the experience.
- Without local expertise, you might overlook prime wildlife areas.
Which is cheaper?
Is independent travel less expensive than booking guided safaris? The answer varies. Organized tours package essential services like accommodations, transport, meals, entrance fees, and activities into a single price, while independent travel involves booking each aspect separately. To assess which is more economical, compare the tour price with what you'd spend arranging everything yourself. If you prioritize budget options or premium experiences, the cost comparison could swing either way. Always review the details of what's included in the tour package to decide.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
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Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 3-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Johannesburg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pretoria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best 10-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cape Town, The Best 2-Week Tours from Johannesburg, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Pretoria for more package tour options.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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