Ultimate Guide on How to Save Money for an African Safari Trip

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Cost will always be a major consideration when it comes to going for a fantastic getaway, and African Safari is no exception. Meanwhile, how to plan a budget-friendly African safari will always bother the mind of the tourist looking to experience the continent’s diverse wildlife. Therefore, we have brought you an ultimate guide on how to save money for an African Safari trip.

The chance to witness the raw beauty of nature, majestic wildlife, and some of the world’s most stunning landscapes is priceless. Such an ecstatic adventure won’t dig a hole in your wallet if you can adopt the cheap safari guides contained in this article.

The tourist will realize that there are indeed affordable safari destinations in Africa if they can go about it with the right planning, smart decisions, and knowing how to find budget-friendly options.

An ill-planned itinerary works against affordable safari travel due to hidden costs that push up the price.

Things to Know to Save Money for Your African Safari Trip

This article therefore comes in handy as it addresses how to save money for an African safari trip, without missing out on any of the appeals. The residual knowledge will be discussed under:

Off-peak travels,
Early bookings and last-minute deals
Embracing self-drive option
Going for affordable safari lodges and campsites
Preferring local safari operators

After checking the boxes mentioned above, the tourist still must wisely choose their destinations. African safaris are so vast that they traverse several countries. However, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania offer unique experiences and price points to be taken into consideration as per how to save money for an African safari trip.

Travel during off-peak months to save money on African safari trip

This can be likened to traveling outside rush hours to avoid overcrowding in public means of transport. You’ll be saving a lot of money with cheap African safari in the rainy season which in many cases is as attractive as in the high season.

Off-peak African safari happens during the low or rainy season. Aside from the derivable better prices at this time, you would get to enjoy a greener, more vibrant safari. Low season means low prices on luxury lodges!

Conversely, the high season (typically from July to October) comes with higher costs. For example, in East Africa, visiting outside the Great Migration period is cheaper, yet still offers excellent game viewing opportunities.

Another example of budget safari during the low season is the game-viewing period in South Africa’s Kruger & Madikwe areas. There’s less surface water around so the animals need to come to the rivers and waterholes to drink.

This happily coincides with the country’s traditional low season when many game lodges offer low season rates or longer stay rates such as ‘four for three’.

On the other hand, peak season, typically during the dry months from June to October, can see a spike in prices for flights, accommodation, and safari tours. However, the off-season comes with several advantages.

Benefits of Off-Season Travel

Lower Costs: Accommodation, park fees, and tours are often discounted during the off-season, sometimes up to 50 per cent off the peak season prices.

Less Crowded: With fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience with the wildlife and won’t have to jostle for the best views.
Lush Scenery and Baby Animals: The rainy season transforms the landscape into a lush, green paradise. It’s also the time when many animals give birth, offering plenty of opportunities to see adorable baby animals.

Book Early or Grab Last-Minute Deals for Cheap African Safari Packages

Safaris can be pricey, especially in peak seasons. Locking in a deal several months in advance or going for last-minute deals can save you money. By being flexible with your travel dates, you get to enjoy early bird safari discounts.

Long-haul flights tend to increase in cost the nearer to departure you book, so you could save a fair whack by getting in there quickly. For accommodation, booking within three weeks of travel can give you big discounts at some camps. Platforms like Bookmundi.com often have flash deals on safari tours, allowing you to save up to 30 per cent on the original price.

Anita Powell, who is the founder of The Africa Hub recommends booking two years in advance to pay the current year’s prices, saving you up to 20 per cent. As soon as flights have been released, go ahead and book to enjoy competitive prices.

If out to solve how to save money on an African safari trip, be flexible with your dates so you can enjoy the following benefits of last-minute deals:

Cost Savings: As airlines, hotels, and tour operators discount prices to fill unsold seats or rooms, last-minute travellers get to snap up the bargains.
Flexibility: If not bent on specific travel dates and destinations, you can take advantage of unexpected opportunities and explore new places without extensive planning.
Excitement and Spontaneity: You can jump on an adventure without the worries of sorting out the details months in advance. This injects excitement and spontaneity into your travel experience.
Avoid Overcrowding: With last-minute deals, you safari during quieter periods which proves to be more enjoyable and authentic.
Opportunity for Upgrades: Tour companies entice last-minute bookings with upgrades or additional perks that enhance the overall value of your trip.

How Self-Drive Options Save Money for African Safari Trip

Without relying on a tour guide, you can have a self-drive safari in Africa by designing your itinerary, with the ability to choose which wildlife to observe and for how long. All this answers how you can save money for an African safari.

In destinations like the Kruger National Park (South Africa), Etosha National Park (Namibia), and Moremi Game Reserve (Botswana), self-driving comes highly recommended for the following reasons:

Extensive tarred road networks
Generally good road maintenance although this can vary
Good supporting logistics like cell phone signal, Internet connectivity, and petrol stations
Well-designed maps and logical signage
Fewer dirt roads unless you are choosing a very remote destination

To begin with, you will need a 4×4 or SUV to explore national parks at your own pace, without the need for a guide.

You should also plan your game drives to suit your schedule, maximizing your wildlife-viewing opportunities without the limitations of group tours.

How to have a great self-drive safari

Your driving ability: While confident in your ability to drive without getting stuck in the sand and across rutted or stony roads, you should be able to change a punctured car tyre or amend the pressure for different types of terrain.
Your stamina: It is highly recommended that your party include at least two adults who can share driving duties and swap seats every two hours.
One country at a time: Restrict driving to one country rather than trying to take a vehicle across a border. You can always pick a new rental in each new country, even as you fly between countries.

Opt for Budget-friendly Safari Lodges and Campsites

This is why you have to decide on the level of comfort you need and how much rustic simplicity you’re willing to adopt. There are different levels of luxury when it comes to safari lodges, from ‘premium’ through to ‘ultra-luxury’. While all are luxurious, the difference in cost could be as high as 300 per cent!

Safari accommodation can range from ultra-luxurious lodges to basic campsites. While luxury lodges offer amazing services, stunning views, and gourmet meals, they come with hefty price tags. To save money, consider staying at budget-friendly lodges and campsites.

If you’re not a seasoned camper, tented camps offer a more enjoyable safari base than a basic tent, making them the best option for getting the lowest safari prices while enjoying a decent level of comfort!

Affordable safari lodges like Shindzela Tented Safari Camp, Mutale Falls Camp (Kruger Park) and Mingi Eco Camp, Lenchada Tourist Camp (Masai Mara) offer comfortable accommodations without the high-end price tags of luxury safari resorts.

Benefits of African Safari Camping

Lower Costs: Campsites are significantly cheaper than lodges, with some offering pitches for as low as $10 per night. You can rent camping gear if you don’t have one.
Closer to Nature: Camping gives you an authentic wilderness experience, with the sounds of wildlife just outside your tent.
Communal Facilities: Many campsites in national parks have communal kitchens and bathrooms, which helps cut down on accommodation and dining expenses.

Budget Lodges

If camping isn’t your style, you can find affordable lodges or guesthouses near most national parks like Mara Chui Resort and Africa on Foot, Klaserie. These budget lodges offer comfortable accommodations without the high-end price tags of luxury safari resorts.

Book with Local Tour Operators to Save on African Safari Costs

Tour Operator for African Safari trip — Free image from Shadows Of Africa

Booking safaris through international travel agencies can be convenient, but local African safari guides are where to go if considering how to save money for an African safari trip.

Local safari tour operators have valuable on-the-ground knowledge – they are familiar with smaller, lesser-known camps, and can show you hidden gems as well as off-the-beaten-path experiences. Local tour operators also have better connections, which gives them access to the best safari deals, resulting in a personalized service and the best prices for you!

Though some of these online companies and global agencies offer deals, you have higher chances of negotiating for better prices based on your budget when dealing directly with the ground operator. Make sure that you book with a reliable travel operator with trusted reviews.

How to Find Reputable Local Operators for an African Trip

Read Reviews: Look for operators with positive reviews on travel platforms like TripAdvisor.com or SafariBookings.com. Many operators have a credible reputation for delivering excellent services at lower costs.
Compare Quotes: Don’t hesitate to reach out to multiple operators for quotes and compare their prices for the best value. This can be done through online platforms and tools to easily compare safari costs in Africa.

Conclusion: You Can Save Money for an African Safari Trip

An African safari doesn’t have to break the bank. You shouldn’t skip the thrilling experience altogether just because your budget is limited. It is wildlife stupid. Even if you choose a public campsite while others are luxuriating in a lodge with a swimming pool, you both get to see the same incredible nature as everyone else.

The best part is that at the end of your safari tour, you will have experienced life-changing adventures and vibrant cultures while staying within your budget. What it takes is for you to carefully choose your destination, travel during the off-peak season, go for early bookings and last-minute deals, embrace self-drive options, and opt for affordable safari lodges and campsites. Remember to employ the services of local safari operators!

These are all functions of detailed planning, flexibility, and research. So, start planning your safari adventure, and remember, the thrill of the African wilderness is priceless!