Budget Zambia: How Much Does a Zambia Safari Cost?

Zambia is one of southern Africa’s less talked about safari destinations. The safari parks in Zambia do not have the same reputation as Serengeti, Masai Mara, Chobe, Etosha, Okavango, and Kruger National Park. Zambia, however, is an amazing safari destination that serves outstanding safari experiences in untrammelled wilderness settings. South Luangwa, Kafue, Lower Zambezi, and Bangweulu, all offer outstanding safaris. And, let’s not forget Livingstone, the gateway to Victoria Falls, and the adventure hub of southern Africa. In addition to these excellent Africa safari destinations, Zambia has a reputation for quality and excellence, without the crowds of the more popular parks. So what will Zambia cost, and how much should you budget for a Zambia safari?

Elephant on canoe safari Zambia

Your Budget Zambia Safari Costs

Travelling to Zambia on safari, safari enthusiasts need to take into consideration several factors that will all affect their safari budget. The single biggest factor to consider is Accommodation, followed by your dates of travel and the duration of your stay, and finally your destinations of choice. These are the big considerations but not the only factors. Group size also plays a role, as well as safari extras like helicopter rides or walking safaris, as well as things like buying curios and tips along the way. All of these factors will affect your Zambia safari budget, and this budget safari guide is here to help you get started.

Carmine bee-eaters, Zambia

Zambia Safari Budget Rough Guide

This is a rough guide to your Zambia budget safari, but for expert, up-to-date, and accurate information, you should talk to a safari travel expert. A budget safari in Zambia can start between $250 to $400 per person per day. This usually includes basic accommodations like camping, shared facilities, and game drives. Mid-range safaris can range from $400 to $800 per person per day and often include more comfortable lodging, private facilities, and a wider range of activities. Luxury safaris, on the other hand, start around US$ 600 and can go well beyond US$1500 per person per day, but these offer premium accommodations, personalized services, and exclusive experiences.

South Luangwa lion safari

Zambia Safari Budget & Accommodation

Zambia offers a range of accommodation options for safari-goers, catering to different budgets and preferences. The country is renowned for its small, intimate bush camps that provide a high standard of comfort and service. However, these luxury camps can be quite expensive, often starting at around US$ 500 per person per night. For travellers seeking a more affordable option without compromising on quality, there are excellent mid-range safari camps available. These camps offer a similar experience to luxury camps but with a slightly lower price tag, typically ranging from US$ 300 per person per night. They provide comfortable accommodations and a variety of amenities, allowing guests to enjoy their safari experience without excessive costs.

For budget-conscious travellers, basic campgrounds can be found in and around popular parks in Zambia. These campgrounds offer a genuine bush experience and are suitable for self-sufficient adventurers. While they require visitors to be more independent, they provide an authentic connection with nature at a more affordable price point. It's important to note that accommodation often constitutes the largest portion of the safari cost, so choosing the right lodging option is crucial for managing your budget effectively. Whether you opt for luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodation, it's essential to consider what is included and excluded in the price. While an all-inclusive lodge may appear initially more expensive, a seemingly lower-priced lodge might have additional charges for amenities such as drinks, laundry, internet access, and other extras. Therefore, it's important to carefully evaluate the overall value for money when selecting your accommodation.

Victoria Falls, Zambia safari costs

Zambia Safari Accommodation Table*
Budget Zambia Safari Accommodation Camping: US$ 200 to US$ 300 Mid-Range Zambia Safari Accommodation: US$ 300 to US$ 450 Luxury Zambia Safari Accommodation: US$ 1000 to US$ + *These Zambia budget price ranges are meant as a guide. For accurate prices and quotes, contact one of our African Budget Safari travel consultants.

South Luangwa National Park safari

Best Time for Budget Zambia Safaris: Safari Dates & Duration

Zambia does have 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. This will affect your Zambia safari budget. Zambia safari destinations have peak seasons with higher rates and low-season with budget safari charges. The shoulder seasons are often a good compromise. These fall from April to May, and again from October to November. The shoulder seasons may be a little wetter or hotter but offer more moderate pricing for your 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.

Additionally, adjusting the duration of your Africa vacation can have a significant impact on the overall Zambia safari cost. Shortening the length of your safari will generally result in a reduction in expenses. When planning a budget safari in Zambia, it's important to consider how much time you want to spend at each destination and the timing of your trip. 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. While the prices don't decrease the longer you stay in a park, there may be a small per-day reduction in costs if you spend an extended period on safari, especially if you focus on one or two safari destinations in close proximity.

African Budget Safaris can assist you in maximizing the benefits of low-season pricing and finding the most cost-effective options for your budget. Being flexible with your dates allows you to better consider the timing of your safari and adjust the duration accordingly, thus optimizing your safari budget, and getting the best Zambia safari experience.

Devils pool Zambia safari

Zambia Safari Budget Destinations: Where to Go for Budget Zambia Safari

When planning a budget Zambia safari, it's important to consider the destinations you choose to include in your itinerary. Adding more destinations and countries to your safari increases the overall cost due to transportation expenses and potential visa fees. It is generally more cost-effective to focus on one comprehensive safari experience that allows you to see everything you desire, rather than splitting your budget across multiple smaller safaris.

While nowhere in Zambia is overcrowded with tourists, the better-known parks like South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks, thanks to increased competition among camps and improved infrastructure, tend to offer slightly cheaper safari options compared to more remote and wilder camps like Kasanka National Park or Kafue National Park. If you concentrate your safari around the Victoria Falls area, you can find some excellent-value accommodation options that cater to budget-conscious travellers.

African Budget Safaris 4-Day Victoria Falls Explorer Package includes hotel accommodation, sunset cruise, canoe excursion, and a helicopter flight for an inclusive price of US$ 1532 pp.

By focusing on these budget-friendly destinations, you can make the most of your Zambia safari experience while keeping costs in check. It's essential to strike a balance between your desired wildlife sightings and the affordability of the destinations you choose to visit.

Zambia walking safari budget

Safari Group Size & Your Zambia Safari Costs

Zambia safaris tend to have a more exclusive feel due to the limited availability of large group tours compared to other Africa safari destinations. However, this exclusivity often comes with higher costs. Game packages, where you fly between camps and share vehicles for game drives with other guests, may initially appear more affordable due to shared vehicle costs. However, the cost of flights between camps can offset these savings.

Depending on the size of your group, it may be more cost-effective to consider hiring your vehicle (with an optional driver/guide) and driving from camp to camp. By doing so, you can have more control over your itinerary and reduce costs. With your own dedicated driver, vehicle, and fuel expenses, the costs can be divided among the members of your group. African Budget Safaris specializes in private and custom safari tours. Our team can provide guidance and assistance in exploring these options to optimize your Zambia safari budget while ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Adventure Victoria Falls, Zambia

Zambia Safari Activities & Your Safari Budget

Your Zambia safari budget should consider some of the diverse range of activities available and their potential impact on your safari budget. Zambia offers an array of thrilling options that can be added to augment your safari experience. Activities such as walking safaris, game drives, and canoe safaris are often included in the safari package cost, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wilderness and observe wildlife up close. These activities offer unique and intimate encounters with nature, providing a deeper connection to the African wilderness.

For those seeking a touch of adventure, helicopter rides and white water rafting at the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls are exhilarating options. While these activities may come with an additional cost, they offer unforgettable experiences and breathtaking views that are well worth the investment. Victoria Falls has bountiful adventure activities to suit just about any taste. From adrenaline-fuelled outings like bungee jumping, white water rafting, and swims in Devils Pool, to horse riding, and walking safaris, these optional add-ons can provide an adrenaline rush for those looking for an extra thrill.

Victoria Falls, Zambia safari cost

Livingstone & Victoria Falls Adventure Costs

Helicopter ride 15 to 30 minutes US$ 200 to US$ 350 pp +/- 2 hr Horse Ride is US$ 85 pp Half-day Zambezi Canoe trip +/- 3.5 hrs US$ 105 pp Zambezi River Cruise +/- 2 hrs US$ 70 pp Devils Pool US$ 125 pp White Water Rafting +/- 6.5 hrs US$ 140 pp Bungee Jumping around US$ 160 pp *These are sample prices and are meant as a guide. If you want to include any of these activities, check out up-to-date prices with your experienced safari consultant.

When booking, remember that cheaper does not always mean better value. Safari packages are often inclusive of a variety of activities, ensuring a well-rounded and exciting itinerary. By selecting a comprehensive safari package, you can have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities without having to worry about separate fees for each experience, which often comes with the benefit of overall savings.

When making your booking, it is essential to review the details of your chosen package to understand which activities are included and which may require additional fees. This way, you can plan your safari budget accordingly and make sure that you get exactly what you want from your Zambia safari adventure. African Budget Safaris specializes in bespoke safari itineraries to make sure that you get the best value for your safari budget.

Livingstone market, Zambia safari

Safari Budget Extras & Your Zambia Safari Budget

While safari packages to Zambia are usually all-inclusive, it would be remiss if we did not mention a few costs that people seldom include when planning for their Africa safari. These 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 Zambia safari package. Most international flights will fly to Lusaka, while numerous airlines connect with Livingstone from east and southern African countries.

Though there are no mandatory vaccines for visiting Zambia, it is recommended that you are up to date with routine vaccines like tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A & B, and yellow fever. In addition to this, Zambia is a malaria area and you will need to travel with malaria prophylactics, as well as an effective bug spray. Visit a travel clinic for up-to-date information, and include these costs in your safari budget.

Travel Insurance for Safaris is mandatory: Going on a safari to Africa has its risks, and as a safety precaution, travel insurance is mandatory for all clients booking with African Budget Safaris. Visit our Travel Insurance page for more information. At the time of writing, 7 days in Zambia for 2 travellers in their 40s, travelling from New Jersey USA will cost from around US$ 150 to US$ 300 depending on the insurer and the plan.

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. Similarly, 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. As a rule of thumb, tip once at the end of your stay at each lodge. Tipping is discretionary, and while it does make a difference to the guides and staff, tipping too much can be detrimental. If you are unsure, talk to the lodge manager about what they recommend for the guides and background staff.

Zambia safari cost

Budget Zambia Safari Planning

Zambia is an amazing place to visit with plenty of safari options for those looking for the perfect African safari adventure. Whether you pay for a luxury experience or take a budget break, there are options available to suit all needs and wallets. Familiarize yourself with the different factors that impact the cost of a Zambia Safari and look for ways to combine them to get the most value for your money. African Budget Safaris specializes in 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. You can browse some of our Zambia Safari Packages, or, talk to one of our expert safari consultants today, and start planning your Zambia safari.

Find out more about African safari costs and compare safari prices in different countries in our up-to-date African Safari Cost guide.