It’s not a secret.
Going on safari in Africa has a reputation for being once-in-a-lifetime and heavy on your bank balance.
…Or does it?
While it is true that African safaris are more expensive than a trip to Thailand, it doesn’t mean you need to go negative on your savings account.
As long as you have the right strategy in place, you can scoop up incredible wildlife encounters you’ll rave about for years without the hefty price tag.
To help you get the most out of your Africa safari budget, I sat down with Steph from Big World Small Pockets to pick her brain on the best safari money-saving tips.
Here’s how to plan the best value African safari of your dreams!
To watch our chat on YouTube, visit: African Safari on a Budget: Top Money-Saving Tips
Let’s face it.
Accommodation costs can make or break your safari budget. Depending on the country and your preferred lodge level, prices can quickly clock in at thousands of dollars per night.
(I’m looking at you, Botswana!)
Luckily, that’s not your only option.
Book Your Budget Safari at the Right Time.
Timing is everything when it comes to getting the best deal on your African safari.
Want to see the Great Migration in all its glory? Book well in advance (like at least a year) to lock in your preferred dates and accommodation. Availability is limited and dates fill up fast for everything (group tours included) during high seasons.
Got more flexibility? Steph recommends waiting for last-minute discounts. Safari lodges often drop their rates closer to arrival dates.
It’s called dynamic pricing, and it’s a way to get “bums in beds” instead of holding out for the top dollar.
Booking platforms are a great way to research accommodation options, but they shouldn’t be your endpoint for two reasons.
Why? The property doesn’t have to pay a commission fee to a third party.
Another, often overlooked factor, is the use of internationally based travel agencies that often add a hefty commission fee.
Using a smaller Africa-based company like African Budget Safaris can offer huge savings for the same product, with better on-the-ground service.
African Budget Safaris, for example, can offer better rates because their commission comes from their suppliers, not from you. Unlike larger international brands, local companies don’t layer in as many fees and often get better rates because they have worked with companies for years and have strong industry relationships.
Chat with an experienced safari consultant today and start a conversation about creating your dream safari.
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Safari lodges come with a lot of advantages and additional amenities. Still, if you’re looking to cut costs for a budget safari, it’s a good idea to look at other accommodation options.
…Like national park chalets and rest camps. Kruger National Park and Addo National Park in South Africa both have options that let you stay inside the park for a fraction of the cost.
If you love camping, you can cash in on further discounts by bringing along your tent. As Steph mentions, it’s the most immersive safari experience, allowing you to fall asleep to the sounds of lions calling in the distance.
There’s a reason why so many of the luxury lodges offer “Sleep-Out” experiences. The thrill of sleeping in the wild is a bucket list experience.
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During the winter months in South Africa, you can often find seasonal promotions like “stay three, pay two” or a low-season discount on a circuit itinerary with a specific lodge group.
For SADC (Southern African Development Community) residents, you can pick up massive discounts. Many lodges offer SADC rates, but the catch is that these prices aren’t advertised anywhere. You’ll need to enquire directly.
I promise this is a thing! For my 29th birthday, I picked up an incredible deal to Mumbo Island in Malawi that included flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board meals at a steal of a price, all because I asked for SADC rates.
African Budget Safaris has some excellent safari specials, including: 15% off Overland Camping Safaris, and 10% off Small Group Tours. View all safari specials here.
The time of year you book your safari impacts everything. While peak season means guaranteed sightings and good weather, it comes with higher park fees, crowds of vehicles at sightings, and a massive bump in accommodation costs.
The solution?
According to Steph, the sweet spot for budget safari travel is the shoulder season.
In destinations like Botswana, the Emerald Season (December–March) comes with lush landscapes, migrating birds, and accommodation rates 30–40% cheaper than high season.
In East Africa, travelling just before or after the migration’s peak can save hundreds of dollars while still delivering incredible game viewing.
For example, during high season for the great migration, you’ll pay $200 per person per day for park fees alone. However, outside of season, the price drops to $100.
That’s not all.
Travelling in shoulder season comes with a bunch of other benefits:
For more information, you can read our blog, The Best Time to Go on Safari in Africa.
Not all African safari countries cost the same. East Africa is notorious for its higher prices because of the park fees, lack of infrastructure, and use of the U.S. dollar.
Southern Africa is different. It still delivers excellent game viewing, but for a fraction of the price.
Southern Africa consistently delivers the best balance of affordability, accessibility, and quality.
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Kruger National Park is world-renowned for good reason. It’s a Big 5 reserve, home to huge numbers of wildlife, and is easily accessible. Hire a car and drive down from Johannesburg in a few hours, or join a group overland tour. With affordable rest camps, chalets, and low daily conservation fees (compared to East Africa), it’s a budget safari dream.
Want to escape the crowds of other travellers flocking to Kruger? Fly down to Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) and self-drive to Addo National Park. It’s home to more than 600 elephants and is the only place in the world where you can see the Big 7! With fewer travellers and no malaria (unlike Kruger), it’s a great option for families looking to plan a budget safari in Africa.
Another firm favourite is Etosha National Park in Namibia. Only a few hours from Windhoek, it’s perfect for self-drive safaris. The roads are well-maintained, and there are plenty of affordable rest camps to choose from.
Etosha’s downside? It’s not a Big 5 reserve, but the wildlife sightings are incredible, especially in the dramatic landscape of the salt pan.
If you have the time, I recommend pairing your Etosha safari with Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Damaraland. It’s a loop that will take your breath away thanks to the unreal landscapes and beauty of the Namib Desert.
Browse some of our affordable Namibia Safari packages.
However, the drive times are long in Namibia. If you’re a passenger princess like me, Namibia is a good choice for an overland group tour. I’ve done two and loved every moment of being able to sit back and watch the scenery go past.
Okay, remember when I said Botswana is an expensive African destination? I told no lies. If you ever want to give yourself a jump scare, look up the prices for the top luxury camps.
That said, there are ways to bring down the costs of a Botswana safari.
By combining all three, the discounts make travelling to the Okavango Delta on a budget possible.
Exchange rates matter: For Europeans and North Americans, the South African Rand is a weaker currency, giving you more buying power.
For Africa safaris, going solo is expensive. Almost every lodge has a single supplement fee, and many activities require more than one traveller.
To get around this and save money, choosing group travel is one of the best safari budgeting tips.
Why group tours save money:
Don’t want to give up your independence? Steph suggests mixing it up with both travel styles. Start with a group overland trip to cover major highlights, then branch off into solo travel for an easy logistics destination like Cape Town.
Read more about Private Tours and Group Safaris.
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Even on a tight budget, there are some safari experiences worth every cent. Steph suggests setting aside money for bucket-list activities you may never have the chance to do again.
For example:
Her logic is simple: you’ve already paid for the long-haul flight, park fees, and accommodation. Planning your itinerary around unforgettable activities maximises the value of being there.
Budgeting for your safari is more than cutting down your expenses. It’s also about knowing what extra charges to expect.
Here's a detailed look at some of the 'hidden costs' that you can plan for when booking your safari.
An African safari doesn’t need a luxury price tag to be unforgettable. As Steph’s shown us, what you need is good timing, affordable destinations, and knowing where to splurge and when to tighten your purse strings.
Ready to request leave and book your flights?
Speak to one of our Africa Budget Safari experts today and finalise your dream trip!
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