What are Private African Safari Packages and Can You Afford Them?

Are you considering private African safari packages but need to know more? See what a private tour costs and what it entails. No matter where you choose to go – Chobe in Botswana, Amboseli in Kenya, or Serengeti in Tanzania – it’s good to know what you are getting for your hard-earned buck on private African safaris.

Not all private safaris are the same. So, what is a private African safari, and can you afford it?

Private African Safaris Explained

A private safari is an African trip where you can choose your tour group and control the size of your travel party. You choose who to share your private African safari with and the number of people travelling in your group.

There's a spectrum:

The first thing to know is that private safaris come in different shapes and sizes on a spectrum. There are private African safari packages to suit most budgets. Whether you want a high-end bespoke safari experience with luxury accommodations, swimming pools, and exclusive game viewing or something a little more rustic with an African bush flavour in a tented camp, there is an option made for you and your budget.

Private safaris can be broken down into two basic categories: a private African safari package or a private tailor-made African safari. The first category is a private safari based on an existing itinerary program, and the second is a custom safari tailored to your wishes. Let's dive into the differences in more detail...

What Are Private African Safari Packages?

Private African safari packages are fixed-itinerary tours for you and your group. These safari packages visit pre-arranged destinations and follow pre-determined routes.

Set private safari packages often visit the most popular African destinations without specific or specialised activities and sights. Group sizes can be anything from 2 to 29 people. So, if you want to travel with your best friends or extended family, this quick and easy option will give you an amazing African safari experience without too much fuss.

Simply pick a package, and off you go on your set private safari. 

Although these private African safari itineraries and departure dates are 'set' beforehand, they are often flexible. This means you can usually request some changes.

For a private African safari package that can be adjusted to some extent, talk to African Budget Safaris.

Tailor-made or Custom Safaris in Africa

A tailor-made private safari gives you more control. You get to choose not only who you go with but also where you go, how you go, and what you do. Bespoke safari packages (or custom safaris) are great for those with specific African destinations and particular activities on their bucket list. You might be travelling to see Zanzibar’s Old Town or want to get a glimpse of the black-maned lions of the Kalahari Desert; well-known or obscure, you get to choose on private custom safaris.

Secondly, custom safaris can get you off the beaten track and into specialized activities. Whether you're kite-surfing in Cape Town, kayaking the Orange River, birding in the Okavango Delta, or climbing Kilimanjaro, a tailor-made private safari is ideal for you. A custom African safari is just the ticket to explore Africa on your own terms. The big question is, will your budget stretch, and can you afford it?

Go to Private Custom Safaris for a better idea of how these private safaris work and your options, or talk to an African travel expert.

Can You Afford a Private African Safari?

So here is the great news: a custom private African safari does not necessarily have to cost more than a fixed-itinerary private safari package. That’s right. A tailor-made private safari can even cost you less! But how, you might be wondering? Well, there are a few things to consider when you are planning your private safari in Africa with your expert travel consultant.

How many are you?

The number of people will affect the cost of your private safari. The more people in your private safari group, the lower the individual safari cost. Think of the difference between driving your car to work and taking the bus. Share the ride, share the cost. The balancing factor here is a smaller group's intimacy versus a larger crowd's hubbub. Look for the sweet spot that suits your ideal best.

Luxury Safari or Not?

Next, you need to consider your private safari's comfort level or luxury. The more comfort you want, the more you are going to pay. But that is the great thing about a custom private African safari: you can choose. You can even mix it up, budgeting in tents for certain experiences and then splashing on a five-star lodge in a special location. Communicating with your professional travel consultant is key. The travel experts at African Budget Safaris have experience putting together custom safaris and private safari packages. Our team knows how to save on safari costs and where to get the best value for your money.

Location, location, location...

Lastly, your destination is key.

Remote locations will be harder to access, pushing your African safari costs up. For example, the remote regions of the wild Okavango Delta will be more costly than visiting the Chobe National Park. Popularity, on the other hand, is a double-edged sword and can go both ways. Visiting the endangered mountain gorillas is both popular and remote and these safari experiences come at a premium. An experienced safari travel consultant will have a good idea about where to save and where to spend and will work with you to tick all the boxes.

Affordable Private Safari Packages

​These are just a few private African safari packages you can book through African Budget Safaris. Many of our shared group safaris can be booked as private group tours upon request and customized to suit you. 

Private Tanzania Safari Packages:

• 4 Day Private Tanzania Safari - Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
• 7-Day Private Tanzania Safari to Mikumi & Ruaha National Parks
• 10-Day Private Tanzania Safari - Best Northern Parks

Private Botswana Safari Packages:

• 13-Day Private Botswana Safari: Okavango Delta, Moremi & Chobe (Mobile Camping Trip)
• 10-Day Private Botswana Safari: Kalahari & Salt Pans (Mobile Camping Trip) 
• 7-Day Private Botswana Safari: Chobe & Khwai River Area (Mobile Camping Trip)
• 11-Day Private Botswana Safari: Moremi & Chobe (Mobile Camping Trip)

Private Namibia Safari Packages:

• 5-Day Private Namibia Desert & Swakopmund Safari
• 7-Day Private Namibia Desert, Swakopmund & Etosha Safari
• 10 Day Explore Namibia Private Safari - Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Etosha & Waterberg Plateau
• 14-Day Northern Namibia Private Safari - Western Etosha Park, Kunene, Kaokoland, Damaraland

Note that safaris to private game reserves, private concession areas, and private lodges or camps are not necessarily private safaris. These more exclusive safaris are often small group tours (limited to about 6 or 7 travellers per group), but not private group safaris.

Ready to Plan Your Private African Safari?

A private safari is a fantastic option if you plan to visit Africa. Private African safaris come in all shapes and sizes.

If you want a quick fix, pre-set private African safari packages are an easy option. If you or your group have bucket list items and specialist interests, it’s worth researching and conversing with an experienced African safari consultant. A custom private safari doesn’t have to cost more. Talk to one of our friendly consultants today and take the first step towards making your African safari dream a reality.

Andrew Hofmeyr Senior Safari Blogger

Andrew Hofmeyr is a seasoned travel writer with over 10 years of experience. He’s travelled widely in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe, with favourites including Bali, the Drakensberg, and the Amatole Mountains. His writing covers conservation, wildlife, and travel advice, with work featured in Wild Magazine and the Kingdom of Eswatini Tourism. He also conducts insightful interviews with global experts.

Andrew's Profile