How Much Does a Zimbabwe Safari Cost? A Comprehensive Zimbabwe Safari Price Guide

Zimbabwe has had some bad press in recent years. However, much of the turmoil is internal, and Zimbabwe remains an excellent, and somewhat underrated, southern African safari destination. Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo Hills, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, are all exciting Zimbabwe safari destinations. Furthermore, Zimbabwe’s central location means that it is possible to use Vic Falls as a starting point to visit Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia, and finish your tour in Namibia, South Africa, or Tanzania, making for an out of Africa extravaganza. But what are the factors that will affect the cost of your Zimbabwe safari?

What are the most important Factors that Will Affect Your Zimbabwe Safari Budget?

Travelling to Zimbabwe on safari, safari enthusiasts need to take into consideration a number of factors that will all affect their safari budget. The single biggest factor to consider is your choice of accommodation, followed by the duration of your stay, destinations of choice, and finally, the group size you travel in. These are the big considerations but not the only factors. Especially when visiting a destination like Victoria Falls, you want to budget for extra safari activities like helicopter rides, Zambezi River cruises, white water rafting, bungees, or bridge swings, as well as walking safaris or day trips to Devils Pool or Chobe National Park in Botswana. In addition to these safari extras, there are always going to be extras like buying curios and keepsakes and tipping excellent service provided by guides, hotel staff, and waiters and waitresses. All of these factors will affect your Zimbabwe safari budget, and this budget safari guide is here to help you get your head around these safari costs.

Zimbabwe Safari Rough Guide: How Much is a Zimbabwe Safari Per Day?

A southern African safari could include Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or South Africa. The average cost of a budget safari in southern Africa can range from anywhere between US$ 150 to US$ 350 per person per day. This usually includes self-driving, basic accommodations like camping or park chalets, shared facilities, and game drives. Mid-range safaris can range from US$ 350 to US$ 700 per person per day and often include more comfortable lodging, private facilities, and a wider range of activities. Luxury safaris, on the other hand, can start around US$ 800, and go well beyond US$1500 per person per day. Luxury southern Africa safaris offer private lodges with premium accommodations, personalized services, and exclusive experiences.

Compared to the southern Africa safari average, the Zimbabwe safari cost per day works out to be a more budget-friendly safari option. A budget safari to Zimbabwe will cost between US$ 250 to US$ 350 per person per day, a mid-range between US$ 350 and US$ 550 per person per day, and a luxury safari anywhere from US$ 700 up. Because of the competitive prices, Zimbabwe is an attractive budget safari destination.

How Does Accommodation Affect Your Zimbabwe Safari Budget? The Pros & Cons

Zimbabwe safari accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes and caters to different budgets and preferences. To keep your budget strings tight, camping in basic park-run campsites is the best. Hwange National Park for example charges around US$ 50 per campsite pitch, max 3 people. ZIMPARKS also provide affordable lodges, and chalets that come in one bedroom US$ 86, two bedroom US$ 115, and 3 bedroom US$ 229 options. These accommodations are the most budget-friendly options and are basic but comfortable. It’s worth noting, that taking the budget camping route comes with setting up and taking down camp, preparing meals, and travelling with all the required gear, which can be expensive when getting set up. Signing up for a camping overland tour will take advantage of these rates while taking care of some of the logistical and equipment hassles.

Lodges, chalets, and tented camps provide a built-in level of comfort with ready-made structures, beds (and bedding), mosquito nets, and ablutions. From the ZIMPARKS self-catering basics above to high-end fully-catered, champagne-infused affairs, with bush baths and swimming pools, just about anything is possible - at a cost.

Accommodation constitutes the largest portion of any safari cost. Choosing the right lodging option is essential for managing your budget effectively. Whether you opt for budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodation, it's crucial to consider what is included and excluded in the price. While an all-inclusive Zimbabwe lodge safari may appear initially more expensive, a lower-priced lodge might have additional charges for collections, game drives, and amenities such as drinks, laundry, internet access, and other extras. Making sure you know what is included in the cost of your safari package is important to evaluate the ‘value for money criteria.

One of the advantages of working with a safari specialist like African Budget Safaris is that custom, bespoke itineraries are possible. This means that you can mix and match to create an itinerary that fits your budget. For example, you could afford to spend a night or two in a luxury lodge by taking advantage of budget safari options along the way. The great news is that there is no one-size-fits-all safari experience.

When is the Best Time for Budget Zimbabwe Safaris? Safari Seasonal Dates

Zimbabwe has two distinct seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. While both seasons have their benefits, generally speaking, the best game viewing is in the dry season from May to October. In addition to better wildlife safari conditions, the dry season is also the best time for activities like white water rafting, and swimming at Devil’s Pool. This will affect your Zimbabwe safari budget because this is the peak safari season. Demand is high, which drives prices up. Travelling in peak season is going to bring peak-season rates.

The low-safari season is not without its perks. Victoria Falls is at full flow from February to March, the bush is verdant and green, and if you are an avid birder, the addition of the migratory species makes the birdlife even more spectacular. On the downside, some safari lodges, like Mana Pools National Park, close during the rainy season. However, travelling during the low safari season can present some excellent budget opportunities. Another option, to beat the crowds but get the best of the bush, is to consider travelling in the shoulder seasons.

The shoulder seasons may be a little wetter or hotter but offer more moderate pricing for your Zimbabwe safari vacation. If you have flexibility in your safari travel dates, it's advisable to take advantage of shoulder and low-season rates. Unless of course, you have a bucket list item that falls within the peak safari season, like swimming in Devils Pool at Victoria Falls for example. The table below gives an example of seasonal Zimbabwe safari price fluctuations for a 6-day tour.

The best way to take advantage of low-season offers is to talk with an experienced safari consultant and let them know that you are flexible with your dates, and if possible would like to take advantage of off-peak rates. African Budget Safaris can assist you in maximizing the benefits of low-season pricing and finding the most cost-effective options for your budget.

What is the Best Time for Budget Zimbabwe Safaris? Safari Duration

Adjusting the duration of your Zimbabwe safari vacation can have a significant impact on the overall Zimbabwe safari cost. Shortening the length of your safari will result in a reduction in expenses. However, lengthening the safari often results in a per-day reduction in cost.

When planning a budget safari in Zimbabwe, it's important to consider how much time you want to spend at each destination. Travelling great distances, either by road or air, significantly adds to the safari cost, and it often pays to spend more quality time at a single park. Park entry fees are typically charged on a 24-hour basis. Hwange National Park, for example, charges US$ 20 per day for day visitors, plus a vehicle fee of US$ 10. If you are accommodation is within Hwange, the fees are US$ 10, and US$ 3 per day, a considerable saving. While the prices don't decrease with duration, there may be a small per-day reduction in costs if you spend an extended period on a safari. Hwange National Park, for example, offers a 10% accommodation discount for guests who stay for 7 consecutive nights.

As illustrated above, a budget-friendly approach to Zimbabwe safari would be to use one destination as a base and to do day trips. Every time you enter a new park, you will have a new set of fees, and every time you change country, you will have to get a new visa. If your trip includes Victoria Falls, Chobe, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, and Matobo Hills, and you are trying to do them all within 7 days, the costs are going to add up quickly. On the other hand, if you have a longer vacation period, it is more cost-effective to spend a few days at each destination, thus bringing down your safari cost per day. The below cost comparison is between a 6-day Zimbabwe safari and a 22-day Zimbabwe safari.

If you do have more time and are flexible with your dates, this greatly increases your budget power. African Budget Safaris offers 151 tours, that include Zimbabwe, and range from 4 to 57 days. Looking at the timing of your safari and adjusting the duration accordingly, optimizes your safari budget, and allows you to get the best value from your Zimbabwe safari experience.

Where to go for the Best Budget Zimbabwe Safari?

When planning a budget Zimbabwe safari, it's important to consider the destinations you choose to include in your itinerary. As discussed above, choosing more destinations adds cost, however, the destinations themselves will also affect your Zimbabwe safari budget. As a rule, popularity, and remoteness are the two biggest cost drivers when exploring Africa.

When visiting Zimbabwe, there is no getting away from Victoria Falls. Offering a plethora of activities from the sedate to the sublime, Victoria Falls is an African tourist mecca. While Victoria Falls is by no means a ‘cheap’ safari destination, it does offer value for money in a relatively compact area. Visiting Victoria Falls means doing activities, and below is the cost summary of some of the most popular activities.

On the other hand, the more remote and out-of-the-way your safari destination is, the more cost it will incur. The remote Zimbabwe National Parks include Mana Pools National Park in the far north and Gonarezhou National Park in the southeast. Needless to say, travelling to these destinations by private charter will save you time, but be expensive while driving you could detour via Matobo Hills National Park, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins to break the journey, but you are still looking at big distances and added food and accommodation costs too. The more remote parks are often better suited to safari veterans who are looking for something a little different.

Planning carefully to prioritize certain destinations will allow you to enjoy your Zimbabwe safari without overspending.

What is the best Safari Group Size for your Zimbabwe Safari Tour? 

The simple maths of it means that the larger your group, the smaller the individual cost. This can work in your favour if you love large groups, travelling with extended family, or are comfortable meeting new friends on an epic overland adventure. Like all of these budgeting factors, there is a sweet spot somewhere between intimacy and cost saving. With package tours, the largest group size is usually around 27, while the smallest group size is 6. Though it is difficult to compare directly, the following table gives a 12-day tour comparison with different group sizes.

African Budget Safaris specializes in small group and custom private safaris. This means that you do not have to travel with strangers. If you have a group of people that you’d like to travel with, African Budget Safaris can custom-make your safari tour. Our experienced safari team can provide guidance and assistance in exploring these options to optimize your Zimbabwe safari budget while ensuring an unforgettable experience. Start customizing your safari.

How Do Activities Affect Your Zimbabwe Safari Budget?

When planning your Zimbabwe safari budget it is important to factor in safari extras. Nowhere is this more pertinent than when visiting the Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls offers just about every African safari activity from walking safaris and game drives, to bungee jumps and helicopter rides, to river cruises and rhino tracking. There is a good reason that Victoria Falls ranks highly on most southern African bucket lists. These activities make a trip to Zimbabwe truly exceptional, and it is worth including a handful of these activities in your budget. See our comprehensive Victoria Falls Guide here.

Here are a few budgeting tips when visiting Victoria Falls:

• The KAZA Univisa US$ 50 allows multiple entries into Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as day trips to Chobe National Park. This saves on individual single-entry visa fees.
• Some Hotels based close to Victoria Falls have private gates. This may be more expensive, but will save money on entry fees, and transport costs.
• If adrenaline is your thing, consider getting a package price for your chosen activities as this can shave off a few dollars. Activities that can be packaged include bungee jumping, river rafting, bridge swings, and zip-lining.

Extra Zimbabwe Safari Costs: What Extras to Expect & How to Budget for These

The benefit of signing up for an all-inclusive budget safari package to Zimbabwe is that it gives you an all-in-one safari cost. It is a myth that independent travel is budget-savvy, because tour companies like African Budget Safaris, have spent years building relationships within the safari industry. These connections give them access to deals that they can then pass on to you. Often, when getting a cheaper deal, the saving gets lost in all the extra costs that are incurred, like transfers, game drives, and meals. However, even with an all-inclusive safari package, there will be extras. Extra safari costs that people seldom include in their Zimbabwe safari budget planning include expenses like international flights, vaccines, and travel insurance, as well as small costs like curios, and tips.

International flights must be purchased separately from your Zimbabwe safari package. For Zimbabwe, though you can fly directly from various international travel hubs like Dubai, it often works out cheaper to fly through Johannesburg, South Africa. Johannesburg is a much busier airport and this helps to bring international flight costs down, and then connect via a local carrier to Victoria Falls (also a busier travel hub).

Travel Insurance is mandatory for all safari bookings with African Budget Safaris. Going on a safari to Zimbabwe does have risks, and as a safety precaution, travel insurance is required when booking with us.

At the time of writing, 12 days in Zimbabwe for a single traveller in their 40s, travelling from Texas, USA, costs under US$100 for standard cover. Find out more about travel insurance here.

Though there are no mandatory vaccines for visiting Zimbabwe, it is recommended that you are up to date with routine vaccines like tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A & B, and although Zimbabwe is NOT a yellow fever area, you will need a vaccination passport IF you are travelling from a yellow fever area. In addition to this, Zimbabwe is a malaria area and you will need to travel with malaria prophylactics. Some Zimbabwean species of mosquito are resistant to certain malaria medications, and you must check this with your local travel clinic to make sure you get the correct protection for Zimbabwe. You can get up-to-date information from your local travel clinic.

Inclusive safari packages usually include everything from water to cool drinks and food, but not premium brands of alcohol. It is safe to assume that if you are partial to scotch in the evening, you should budget for this expense.

Tipping is important to many people who work in the safari industry. When eating out, if there is no service charge, a 10 to 15% tip is customary for good service. A rough guide for tipping safari guides is between US$ 10 – 15 per person per day, while lodge staff can expect between US$ 5 – 10 per person per day. Tipping too much can be as big of an issue as tipping too little, and if you would like to make sure, have a chat with the lodge or hotel manager. As a rule of thumb, tip once at the end of your stay at each lodge.

Finally, you will want to get gifts and keepsakes, and this is a great way to support the local craft economy. Decide on a budget for these expenses before you travel.

Ready to Start Planning for Your Best Budget Zimbabwe Safari?

Zimbabwe has plenty of fantastic destinations, and you could do worse than starting with Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. By taking note of the factors that will affect your African safari budget, you can mix and match and figure out the best solution for you and your budget. Whether you travel in the off-peak season and stay in luxury lodges, or camp through the peak season to have a longer Zimbabwe safari holiday, there is no one-size-fits-all. African Budget Safaris specializes in bespoke private and small group safaris that will put you exactly where you want to be, doing exactly what you want to do, all for the most value for your safari budget. For ideas, you can browse some of our Zimbabwe Safari Packages, or if you are ready to take the next step, talk to one of our expert safari consultants today, and start planning your Zimbabwe safari.

For more about how much African safaris cost see our regularly updated African Safari Cost guide where you can compare safari prices in different African countries.

Andrew Hofmeyr Naturalist, Artist & Writer

On the outskirts of Marloth Nature Reserve, Andrew can be found walking and swimming in the beautiful Langeburg Mountains. He is passionate about animals, birds, reptiles, and plants and loves nothing more than an adventure in nature. An established artist with a master's in English literature, Andrew has traveled far and wide but South Africa still has his heart.