Cost Breakdown Of Budget, Mid-Range, And Luxury Safaris In South Africa

There are so many options when choosing a safari package in South Africa, but it is usually the cost of the trip that determines the final decision. To make it easier for you, this article will provide a breakdown of our budget, mid-range and luxury safari packages in South Africa.

Image: Singita

Before we get started, we need to point out that this article is based on a standard safari package that includes private lodges and game drives situated within Big Five Reserves in South Africa. This article does not include self-catering camps, self-drives or lodges situated outside reserves, which may be more cost effective for those on a tighter budget.

What Is A Standard Safari Package In South Africa?

Our standard safari package in South Africa typically includes lodge/safari camp accommodation within a Big Five Game Reserve, inclusive of meals and two safari game drives per day in an open 4x4 vehicle with a wildlife ranger.

Additional Activities

Adding extra activities to your package is available at an additional cost and these activities will vary depending on what is on offer at your particular lodge or location. Examples of additional activities are community visits; big game walking safaris; conservation experiences such as rhino dehorning or a pangolin research and monitoring; various day excursions such as the Panorama Route if you are visiting the Kruger National Park, or Turtle Tracking if you are on a safari in KwaZulu-Natal.

At some lodges there is the option of exchanging one safari activity for another (for example, a game drive for a bush walk); and at certain lodges game drives and bush walks will both be included.

Star Grading, Location And Duration

The star grading of your lodge will affect the cost of your safari and most private lodges that are situated within Big Five Reserves range from 3 star to 5 star.

Location of the reserve will also affect the cost, for example a five-star safari package in KwaZulu-Natal may work out to be more affordable than a five-star safari package in the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

It is up to the traveler to decide how many nights they wish to spend on safari based on their budget; that said we recommend a minimum of two to three nights to give yourself more opportunity to spot Africa’s Big Five. In more remote destinations that take longer to reach, a minimum of 4 nights is recommended to make the most of your stay and to adapt to the rhythm of Africa’s wilderness.

Combining different lodges and locations is a great way to maximize your time on safari and our team will put together an itinerary and package that is suitable for your requirements and needs.

Image: Lion Sands Narina Lodge

Modes Of Transport

When traveling to your lodge there is often the option to drive, use domestic flights, or chartered flights between parks and camps. In some instances, a cost and time efficient solution would be to fly to your destination on a domestic flight rather than driving. Those who prefer a more exclusive experience, chartered flights are recommended but this will increase the cost of the safari package.

We will advise the best route available for your chosen safari while taking into consideration your budget.

Standard Safari Tier System

Tier	Cost
Budget Safaris	R4500-R8500 per person per night
Mid-Range Safaris	R8500 – R16000 per person per night
Luxury Safaris	R16000 – R30000 per person per night
Ultra Luxury Safaris	R30000 - R60000 + per person per night

Approximate figures quoted in ZAR.

Please check today's exchange rate for your preferred currency.

These costs are inclusive of the following:

• Safaris offering lodge/safari camp accommodation within a Big Five Reserve

• Safaris offering meals and restaurant facilities

• Safaris offering guided, open vehicle game drives

• Safaris offering Africa's Big Five (this means that sightings of lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo are possible)

Please note:

• At most lodges and camps single occupancy rates are higher than the sharing rate and this can be as much as 50% more

• High and low seasons may affect the rate

A Simple Breakdown Of Our Standard Safari Package Items

• Safari Game Drives

Two game drives per day in a Big Five Game Reserve conducted in an open-safari vehicle by a wildlife guide (at some lodges there will be a tracker as well). These drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon as temperatures are cooler, and the animals are usually more active.

• Lodge Accommodation In A Big Five Game Reserve

Staying in a Big Five Game Reserve is part and parcel of an authentic safari experience. Our standard safari package will include comfortable accommodation in a lodge or camp, whether you have booked budget, middle-range or a luxury safari.

• Meals

Breakfast and dinner are generally included in most safari packages, with some packages including lunch as well. There will be catering facilities available on-site. Beverages will either be included or excluded depending on the chosen lodge.

We are now able to review how each of these package items are affected when booking a budget, middle-range and luxury South African Safari.

Image: Rhino River Lodge

Budget South African Safari

When booking a budget safari package, the quality of the experience (Big Five game viewing) is not impacted, but you may not have all the bells and whistles that a mid-range or luxury safari may offer.

• Safari Game Drives

Guests can look forward to an authentic African safari experience with two game drives per day in a Big Five Game Reserve, with great opportunities for Big Five sightings. Drinks and snacks are usually served on game drives as an inclusion.

• Lodge accommodation in a Big Five Game Reserve

Clean and comfortable lodge or camp accommodation can be expected, with en-suite bathroom facilities. Swimming pools and public lounge/ dining areas can be expected unless stated otherwise. Laundry services available at an extra cost. Baby sitting services available at an extra cost (lodge dependent). Attentive and friendly staff.

• Meals

Breakfast and dinner will come included in this safari package option, and in some cases lunch as well

• Beverages

Beverages are likely to be an additional extra

Please note: Although we have used the term 'budget' for this safari cost bracket (R4500-R8500) it is by no means budget in the literal sense of the word and you will be pleasantly surprised by the star rating of many of these lodges.

Image: Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Mid- Range South African Safari

• Safari Game Drives

Two game drives per day in a Big Five Game Reserve with snacks and drinks served on both game drives. Bush walks are usually offered as an alternative or addition to game drives; however, this is dependent on the chosen lodge and location

• Lodge accommodation in a Big Five Game Reserve

You can expect attention to detail in a mid-range safari package, from the rooms to the excellent service. Lodges will have swimming pools to lounge at during the day between your morning and afternoon game drives, and some may even have private plunge pools; spa and gym facilities may also be on offer. Baby sitting services available at an extra cost. Laundry services available at an extra cost or included.

• Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are part of the package and depending on the lodge, a selection of local wines, spirits, and soft drinks. There are also options for those with specific dietary needs.

Image: Kirkman's Kamp

Luxury South African Safari

• Safari Game Drives

Two game drives per day in a Big Five Game Reserve with snacks and drinks served on both game drives. Nature walks and Big Game viewing walks are often included in this package.

• Lodge accommodation in a Big Five Game Reserve

Aside from communal areas at the lodge like swimming, gym and lounge facilities, your luxury room will usually feature a private plunge pool, an outdoor shower, and a well-stocked personal bar. A luxury lodge is usually equipped with an on-site spa that offers guests a variety of treatments at an additional cost, as well as a safari shop for souvenir purchases. Laundry services are also available to guests.

• Meals

Five-star cuisine can be expected, with all meals included in your stay, and a selection of local wines, spirits, and soft drinks.

Additional costs involved when going on safari in South Africa

• Flights to South Africa from UK & US

• Average cost of return flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg International Airport would be GBP600 - GBP850

• Average cost of return flights from New York to Johannesburg USD 1100- USD 1500

• Visas costs for UK passport holders are NIL for stays under 90 days

• Visas costs for US passport holders are NIL for stays under 90 days

• Travel Insurance approximately USD200 per person for US citizens - dependent however on one’s age, travel duration and cost of safari

• Travel Insurance approximately GBP150 per person for British citizens - dependent however on one’s age, travel duration and cost of safari

• There are no mandatory vaccinations when visiting South Africa. However, for travelers who have visited, or transited through, a country where Yellow Fever is endemic you will be required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination and produce a certificate upon arrival. We advise visiting your GP for further recommendations on vaccinations and costings.

• Airport transfers to safari destinations vary according to distance and the number of guests, with an average cost of GBP160 for a three-hour road transfer in a 4-seater vehicle.

• Mandatory Conservation Levy at a Big Five Game Reserve would cost an average of GBP8 per day per person

• Gratuities in South Africa are generally done in Rands although foreign notes are also accepted. Many employees rely on gratuities as part of their monthly salary.

• Tipping your guide and tracker at the end of your trip is at your discretion but a guideline would be a minimum of GBP7 per day per person

• Tipping lodge staff such as waiters, cleaners and private butlers, at the end of your stay is also at your discretion and you can opt to make an overall payment at reception using your card, or leave a gratuity in an envelope

The cost of a safari in South Africa is very much up to the individual and as discussed, the number of days, standard of accommodation, and location of the game reserve will determine the price of the package. Embarking on unique safari activities over and above the standard safari package will also influence the cost of the safari.

If you are ready to start planning your South African safari pop us an email info@safarisforafrica.com

Image: Mala Mala Rattray Camp