An African safari is often described as the trip of a lifetime, but it’s also a significant investment. So, is it really worth the money? For those seeking meaningful, high-quality travel that supports conservation and delivers an unforgettable experience, the answer is a resounding yes.
Understanding Safari Costs
Access: Getting to the Wild
Safari Africa covers a vast area, and reaching prime wildlife regions requires careful budgeting. It’s not just the international flights you need to budget for. Since the pandemic, airfares have increased significantly too—where you might have snagged a Nairobi return for around £500 in the past, a direct flight is more likely to cost you £700+ these days, and flights to destinations in Southern Africa can easily cost around £1000 (depending on season, carrier, and availability).
Additionally, the more you move around within your destination, the higher your logistics costs will be. A well-planned itinerary minimizes unnecessary travel—rather than doing two nights here and two nights there, consider staying four to five nights in one place, giving yourself maximum opportunity to see as much as possible while keeping the costs of transfers down.
Quality: Small Camps & Expert Guiding
Not all safaris are equal. We specialize in low-density, high-quality safaris, utilizing small camps and lodges with accredited guides. Many of these properties are located in private reserves or conservancies, which have strict visitor limits, offering a more exclusive experience and a broader range of activities beyond standard game drives. They may cost more, but they also deliver more.
Security: Supporting Conservation & Communities
Wherever you visit, maintaining these wild spaces requires funding, and a significant portion of your safari cost goes towards conservation levies and park fees, directly supporting community landowners, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat protection. For example, SANParks reports that 80% of their operating budget comes from eco-tourism, highlighting the vital role travellers play in funding conservation.
Activities & Hospitality: What You’re Paying For
Unlike many other holidays, these types of safaris tend to be all-inclusive, covering transfers, accommodation, food and drink, and even safari laundry. Safari hospitality is an integral part of the experience, ensuring comfort while immersed in the wilderness. Additionally, for every day on safari, expert-guided activities are included—ranging from morning and evening game drives to walking safaris, horse-riding, boating, and wildlife hides. Some lodges also offer fly camping or other exclusive experiences for an added supplement.
Tips for Balancing Your Safari Spend
Travel Smart: Reducing Transfer Costs
In places such as South Africa, you can access excellent safari areas like Madikwe by road transfer, reducing costs compared to flying—particularly beneficial for two or more travellers. Chobe in Botswana, another iconic safari destination, can also be accessed by road from Victoria Falls, offering an incredible two-centre trip.
Balance: Combining Safari with Other Destinations
Nights on safari are more expensive than nights on the beach or in a city, so consider combining the two—for example, a Kruger Safari with Cape Town, Hwange with Victoria Falls, or the Masai Mara with the coast. This allows you to enjoy both the exhilaration of a safari and some relaxation while keeping overall costs more manageable.
This is where first-hand experience really helps—for most of us, budget is a factor, and we can help you get the best from yours by understanding your priorities and giving honest advice.
The Value of the Experience
Ultimately, a safari is about more than just spotting wildlife—it’s about connecting with nature, understanding conservation challenges, and immersing yourself in some of the world’s most extraordinary wild places.
Is an African safari worth the money?
If you’re looking for a journey that is both transformative and impactful, then yes—it’s worth every penny.
