A safari is one of the most exciting and memorable holidays you’ll ever undertake. It’s a life-changing experience that’s on most travellers’ bucket lists. However, finding cheap African safaris can be challenging – our comprehensive guide on African safari costs can help you navigate your options.
Our affordable African safari tours and packages are designed to provide genuine, value-for-money safari experiences in the continent’s most iconic destinations. Below, we recommend some of our top safari options.
For those interested in East Africa, we offer authentic itineraries in Kenya and Tanzania. Our range of affordable safaris includes destinations like the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of East Africa’s top experiences.
In East Africa, we emphasize affordability with our safari packages in Tanzania. Our best-value itineraries allow you to experience some of Tanzania’s premier game viewing and most dramatic scenery for far less than you might expect. While we’ve scaled back the luxury aspect, you’ll still visit classic big game destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. These itineraries ensure you have an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank.
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Tips On How To Book An Affordable African Safari
1. stay Longer in One Place
Internal flights and road transfers can be expensive. Choosing one national park or game reserve for your entire trip helps minimize these costs. For example, stay in Serengeti National Park to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (December to July) or the Ngorongoro Crater for excellent Big 5 sightings in a compact area.
2. Select a Budget-Friendly Destination
Tarangire National Park is less crowded and more affordable than the Serengeti, with diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Lake Manyara National Park, known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos, is smaller and less expensive, making it a great addition to your itinerary.
Be cautious with remote areas like the far reaches of the Serengeti or parks like Katavi, as these often require costly charter flights.
3. Book with a Local Safari Operator
Local operators typically offer better rates and more flexible packages. They provide 24/7 support from professionals based in Tanzania, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
4. Consider a Self-Drive Safari
Renting a vehicle and driving yourself is a cost-effective way to explore parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and even parts of the Serengeti. This option is ideal for independent travelers and adventurous families, allowing you to plan your own itinerary and explore at your own pace.
5. Opt for Less Luxurious Accommodation
Tented camps offer an authentic and affordable safari experience, often including amenities like flush toilets, warm showers, and comfortable beds. Budget lodges provide essential comforts at a fraction of the cost of luxury options. Accommodations on the outskirts of major parks are typically cheaper.
6. Travel During the Low/Green Season
The rainy seasons, typically from March to May and November, see lower prices for tours and accommodations. The landscapes become lush and green, perfect for stunning photography, and there are fewer tourists, making for a more peaceful safari.
Browse our selection of affordable African safaris below, or get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help tailor-make the best itinerary for you:
