Namibia Safari Costs & 7 Budgeting Tips to Save on your Trip

Thinking about doing a Namibia safari, but not sure how much it will cost. This article is the perfect intro to learning about the price of enjoying a world-class safari in this beautiful Southern African country.

As one of the most striking destinations in Africa, Namibia is a must for wildlife spotters and keen photographers alike. The desert topography and sparsely populated nature of this land mean that it offers breathtaking landscapes and incredible animal sightings amidst an utterly unique atmosphere.

Namibia safari cost, Etosha

From towering dunes and wild coastline to Big 5 bucket list ticking and adrenaline activities, Namibia is a feast for adventurous travellers, so read on to learn more about the factors that will influence the cost of your safari in Namibia.

Getting to Namibia

There are very few direct flights into Namibia, so most travellers connect internationally via Cape Town or Johannesburg in South Africa. From Cape Town, it’s then an easy 2-hour flight to Hosea Kutako International Airport, which is located near Namibia’s capital, Windhoek.

Windhoek, Namibia

Because many people going on a Namibia safari will not fly directly into this country, air tickets to Namibia can be a little expensive, so ensure you shop around to get the best prices.

Many Namibia safaris then depart from the capital, which makes things easy and convenient.

Just remember that, if your tour does depart from elsewhere in Namibia, such as the town of Swakopmund, you’ll have to factor in extra costs to get there. 

Tip #1. Fly via South Africa instead of flying to Namibia directly and get advice on the best flight options.

Time of Year

When you visit Namibia will certainly affect the costs of your safari.

Put simply, certain times of the year are considered better for Namibia safaris, and May to September - the country’s dry, winter season - when temperatures are more comfortable, skies are blue and chances of rain are low, are thought to be the best months.

Namib dunes, Namibia

During these “peak” months, however, the number of tourists is at its greatest in Namibia and the costs of accommodation and tours are therefore at their highest too.

Tip #2. If price is a concern for you, then taking a low or shoulder-season Namibia safari to keep costs down, is a great idea.

October through December is a good option here, when rainfall and humidity across the country are still low, and prices, as well as tourist numbers, are better.

Namibia Visas & Park Fees

Most travellers from Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa to visit Namibia, so entry to the country is free for them.

It costs around $10 for foreign nationals to enter Namibia's national parks, including the country’s most famous safari spot – Etosha National Park.

Tip #3. Visit Namibia's national parks as the low entrance prices are a great way to keep your Namibia safari costs down.

Types of Namibia Safari

Self-drive safari options in Namibia are possible and the most cost-effective, so speak to one of our African Travel Experts if you’d like to learn more about our car rental opportunities here.

Otherwise, many travellers opt to take a guided safari tour in Namibia, especially as the distances between destinations in this large country can be significant and drive times long.

Namibia safari cost

The need to be wary of wildlife on the road when driving here is also a reason many people opt for a guided safari.

We have a huge range of Namibia safari tours available, from luxury to budget options. The former include luxury lodge stays, as well as flights between safari spots in the country, which can help keep travel times down and allow you to pack more into your Namibia itinerary.

This does come at a price, however, so our more cost-effective options include camping accommodation, as well as driving between safari spots.

Tip #4. Opt for Africa Overland Tours (especially overland camping tours) to save on your travel budget, or consider a self-drive Namibia safari.

Check out these top Namibia safari options for more information. 

Safari Group Size

Namibia safari tours also vary in price according to group size.

It goes without saying that private tours, or smaller, more intimate group tours (such as family and friends travelling together), are usually more expensive.

Group shot from the top of big daddy, namib desert

On the other hand, larger tour groups, especially overland tours which are very common in southern Africa, are much cheaper.

That said, private Namibia safaris for large groups can be surprisingly affordable.

Tip #5. If you don’t mind traveling with strangers then enjoying a Namibian safari as part of an overland tour can be a great way to keep costs low. 

Namibia Safari Accommodation Costs

As well as travelling as part of a larger group, the most affordable way to safari in Namibia is by opting to stay in campsites.

Camping gives you the opportunity to experience Namibia at its most wild - sleeping directly under the stars, which are quite the spectacle in this remote and arid country.

Campsites cost you as little as 10 USD per person per night in Namibia, with even those found in national parks such as Etosha, setting you back as little as 15 USD per person per night.

Our guided camping safari tours are a great way to take the stress out of camping in Namibia, helping you to still experience the country’s raw beauty safely and easily.

Namibia safari, camping in Etosha

For those traveling with a larger budget, or as a part of family, lodges may be a more appealing option for your Namibia safari.

Usually offering air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms, private lodges are often set in beautiful areas that allow you to take in the natural beauty of this country without compromising on comfort.

If you would like to experience a little bit of everything, we also offer Namibia safaris that work on a mixed accommodation basis, allowing you to experience both camping under the desert skies and luxury lodges with unique wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Tip #6. Doing a camping safari is an excellent way to save on your trip costs. Alternatively, opt for a mixed (camping and lodge) overland tour which will also trim your budget nicely.

Extra Namibia Safari Costs

The official currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar.

South African Rand is also widely accepted here (and benchmarked at the same rate), so it’s a good idea to travel with a cash supply of both.

Although your safari tour is likely to include accommodation, some meals, and transport, there are always additional costs you’ll need to factor into your Namibia safari.

Windhoek market crafts

Extra spending money is always a good idea for expenses such as alcoholic drinks (rarely included in your tour costs), as well as souvenirs, optional activities, laundry costs, and guide/driver tips. 

Tip #7. Check what expenses and extras are included in your Namibia safari tour and plan your extra spending budget.

Book your Namibia Safari

Hopefully, this article has given you a basic understanding of how much a Namibia safari costs and the factors that will influence the price of your trip.

As you can tell, there are quite a lot of variables involved, but we’ve tried to spell out some of the ways you can keep prices down and still get to enjoy many of this country’s wonderful highlights.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

To learn more about a safari trip in Namibia, as well as get some more specific info on prices, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our African travel experts today.

For an overview of African safari costs and to compare safari prices in different countries - see our comprehensive African Safari Cost Guide which is updated regularly.