How Much Does a Safari Cost in 2023?

Many of us dream about going on safari, but how much does it cost?
The answer isn't simple. There are many factors that come into play when estimating the cost of your dream safari. In this video I simplify the expected costs and share how much I've budgeted for my past trips to give you a better understanding of how much a safari would cost for you.
I've travelled extensively across Eastern and Southern Africa and have gathered a lot of insight about safari trips and expenses. I've experienced everything from dirt-cheap budget safaris to ultra luxury trips, but in this video I break down a modest, comfortable safari that most people are interested in.
Ready to start planning your dream safari? Let’s make it happen together! Fill out the inquiry form on our contact page gorillaoclock.com/contact-2/ to kickstart your journey. On the contact form, be sure to mention my name (Jeff Hyer) in the "how did you hear about us" box!
I’ve partnered with Gorilla O’clock - my favorite and most trusted tour operator in East Africa - to craft, design, and book the perfect tailor-made safari experience just for you. We’ll arrange transport, lodging, safari guides, and drivers so that everything is taken care of on your trip. Whether you're looking to save costs on a budget safari, or dreaming of a luxurious experience, we cover the whole range of safari itineraries. Send us an inquiry (link above) to start your next wildlife adventure!
If you found this video helpful and want to learn more about my eco experiences, I kindly ask that you subscribe to my channel to see more. Thanks so much for watching.
IG: @jeff_hyer
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#SafariBudget #SafariTrip #Safari

[@motherpacker]

Thank you for such useful content!

[@joanieschwartz748]

Awesome information! Thank you!

[@sharilevine761]

Jeff, thank you! Fun and informative video.

[@o.d5337]

Great explanation about the safari with details, the first video on KZbin that explains the costs accurately, thanks a lot.

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Thank you for your feedback, appreciate it!

[@Roos3979]

I think you wildly overstated South Africas cost as I went to a all inclusive luxury resort (Umkumbe bush lodge) in Sabie Sands (Greater Kruger) for a whole week for $3000, you can do a self catering self drive comfortable safari ( Kruger) for a week for $1000 inclusive of car rental, both these prices are per couple

[@RogerZoul]

Super helpful. Thanks.

[@amc8177]

thank you so much for this video. i was so intimated with the quotes i have been getting back for the trip i'm trying to plan. understanding the breaking down of the cost for involving a safari is a big help.

[@Jeff_Hyer]

You’re very welcome! Glad I could help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you want a quote from my team! jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/

[@abbienormal2103]

This is a very helpful video. Thank you!! I’m in the beginning stages of planning our first safari and the amount of information out there is overwhelming. There’s such a huge range of info on pricing and how much to budget and this is a great and realistic breakdown!! Looking forward to watching your other videos on here!! Thanks again!

[@Jeff_Hyer]

I’m glad you found this helpful in your safari planning! Feel free to reach out to me if you’d like my team and I to send you an itinerary/quote based on your chosen destinations and travel preferences. You can reach out to me via the inquiry form here: jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/

[@CindyLMunger]

From Montana too. Getting ready for my first Safari. Covid cancelled it once. Thanks for the info

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Thanks for watching, Cindy! If you need help planning/booking your safari, don’t hesitate to reach out to my team. We’d love to design a custom itinerary for you. Here’s the link to get started, do mention my name in how you found this service if you decide to move forward :) travelbymitra.com/get-started/travel-by-mitra-form/?amp=1

[@robinbregman7540]

Thanks so much for sharing your expertise and tips. I am so jealous of your travels! My family is planning a special trip next summer to Kenya so I’ve been studying as much as I can to learn what we need to know and decide for our trip.

[@Jeff_Hyer]

So glad to hear that these videos have been helpful to you! Let me know if you’re looking to design and book a safari itinerary, I’d be happy to send over contacts to get the planning process started.

[@afw1134]

@@Jeff_HyerI’m also planning a safari trip. Could you send over contacts that you have? Trying to find middle of the range accommodations/safari trips. Thank you!

[@princesscarla2089]

@@Jeff_Hyer I just responded with a message but did not tag you. I hope you can find my message. I would love for you to help me. I have been looking for someone that could help me that was not with an actual tour company. I am planning on September 2025.

[@christophersoi]

Hi Jeff,I thank you for your informato videos. I am a tour agent and I look forward to meeting you for a coffee in Java when you come to Nairobi, your other home again 😀

[@cynthialiberatore368]

Great video! how many shots do you need to get before going to Africa. No one talks about that either that I know of!

[@LameezBrown-on8cr]

Looks amazing

[@abdullaalshamsi6]

Also it depends on the time you travel and travel agency u deal with.

[@fit1234561]

Thank you!

[@mchyinLyons]

Very helpful, how about cost/quality of food

[@loridelin6696]

Thank you for the video. Who would you call to organize this? Can you make recomendations?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

I suggest reaching out to gorillaoclock.com, they'd be happy to organize a trip for you!

[@alfredvinciguerra532]

Safari plus flight cost from the USA cost me about $10k for 12 days

[@Jeff_Hyer]

That’s sounds about right and is on par with with estimates laid out in this video. Thanks for sharing your specs! I hope you enjoyed your safari :)

[@francisakali2101]

That's a hefty daily expenditure! My Dutch classmate visited me in Kenya, and we paid a total of 200 dollars per person for 2 nights (transportation, food and park entrance) at Maasai Mara. Maybe because I am a local and was able to avoid overcharges. The tricks are to: insist on paying in the local currency if possible; join local travel groups; call the hotel/tour company and haggle.

[@RareSightings]

Can you please give me their number and recommend me to them? I want to try the safari on around Feb 1.

[@RareSightings]

Is an iPhone and a DSLR with a kit lens enough to capture all the hunting moments? Or should I buy a zoom lens? How many hunting and different species interactions shall I watch in 2 days?

[@francisakali2101]

@@RareSightingsYou can even find them on Google, search ‘Bonfire Adventures Kenya’.

[@francisakali2101]

⁠@@RareSightingsthat’s more than enough. I have always used my iPhone, but if you prefer but captures you can always upgrade. Wildebeest migrations are between July and November, more expensive months.

[@RareSightings]

​ @francisakali2101 Thank you for your response. This is for KZbin and I want to take footages like the one on "Maasai Sightings" and "Latest Slightings" KZbin channels. Buying DSLR zoom lens are really expensive...

[@onepiecefan5765]

Thank you Jeff for this very detailed and honest video. Just curious, are you a solo traveller during your safari? Will the cost be significantly higher for a solo traveller compared to when you are part a group? I plan to go on a safari in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya on August (which is a peak season) as a solo traveller. Is USD 400/day enough for a solo traveller traveling in peak season? Thank you in advance Jeff for your response

[@TheMessiah__]

Hey, recently been to Kenya with my Dad on a private safari (high mid range) Full Board , Guide and Vehicle for two of us + guide for 11 days. For the Two of us, it costed around 310 USD PP Per night This price per person was lower when my mum was also planning on joining (270) USD PP, so I am assuming bigger group = lower price.accommodation

[@Hitesh7heavens]

Very informative 👏 Thank You. Please guide me, is April good time to visit ? Except migration what would I miss.

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Thanks for your comment! April fall under the rainy season in East Africa; however, you can enjoy lower rates on accommodations and safaris during this time. I've traveled a lot during the month of April and while sometimes it can be rainy, it's still a great time to travel in my opinion. Feel free to send me a safari inquiry if you're interested in me designing a safari itinerary adapted to your needs and preferences: jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/

[@loborocket]

I am glad you included tip guidance in this video. I am going later this year, and was wondering about budgeting for tips and had no real idea where I should be on that, this at least gives me an idea. Your price per person per day seems about in line with what my wife and are paying for our trip to Tanzania in late Aug-early Sept this year. Cost is about $8,000 for a 12 day trip and a few add ons.

[@Roos3979]

You could have done that in a luxury loge in SA for $ 6000 Maybe you will join us in SA another time to experience the magic of Kruger

[@archsafaritours9683]

So true

[@justinweeks6608]

So what companies do you contact that give you customizable options? the ones im seeing are set trips. Trying to go to Tanzania for my honeymoon!

[@kitkatie91]

Super helpful video! Me and my fiance are currently planning a safari for our honeymoon and some of the quotes we've got back are eye watering. Trying to remember this will be a once in a lifetime luxury experience. Are there any particular resorts you would recommend that feel luxury without maybe the super $$$ price tag?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Thanks for your message, kindly send me a safari inquiry through this link and I’d be happy to assist in finding the best stays for the best value for your honeymoon :) jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/

[@garyhudson9655]

Hi Jeff, great information thank you. It's a bit of a mine field trying find something decent. I am looking at doing a safari through Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda also, with the trip you did do you have an itinerary you are willing to share and who the company was that you booked through.

[@Jeff_Hyer]

I understand, it’s a challenge to find the right tour operator for a trip like this! If you’re looking for a high-end safari planning service, please reach out to [e-mail]. I work with this company and would gladly assist in arranging your itinerary. If you’re looking for a midrange safari I suggest reaching out to www.gorillaoclock.com or www.beyondtheplainssafaris.co.ke I’ve tried and tested both of these operators and highly recommend them. Hope that helps get your planning started! If you’re interested in learning about my itineraries, I have videos on my channel where I cover each of those destinations.

[@garyhudson9655]

@@Jeff_Hyer Hi Jeff, Thank you very much for all your help. I am watching your Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda videos now, some amazing footage. Keep up the good work and enjoy your travels.

[@matrishva]

Can you suggest any camp inside the park boundary costing 100 usd per night

[@sleepnomore6065]

PS Any mid-range (under 300/dy) for a Kruger (SA) safari?

[@vidhyadharsansare7278]

Only 4×4 land cruise cost for game drive cost? Per Day?

[@carthodblade8438]

That's why we have low numbers of visitor people think it's soo expensive,

[@whoisjavan8747]

Can you share which safari operators you reached out to? DO you have one that you recommend?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

My top pick would be a tour operator called Gorilla O’clock. My good friend runs it and he provides excellent, responsive service. I’ve experienced two itinerary safaris with them in both Uganda and Kenya. Here is their website for reference: gorillaoclock.com

[@whoisjavan8747]

@@Jeff_Hyer Thanks so much! Really excited to plan my safari trip. Your videos have been incredibly helpful.

[@dennusbaum7210]

Jeff, On your Kenya trips, add $200 per day per guest for the new park fee. The Kenya government is now charging everyone who goes on Safari in Kenya. I believe Private concessions are exempt.

[@mdawnnelson4997]

Would you mind sharing the touring companies that you're working with?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

It depends on the destination you plan to visit and what kind of experiences you're hoping to include in your trip. Let me know your trip preferences by filling out my safari inquiry form, then I'll know exactly which tour companies to involve in your trip! jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/

[@ellenc4368]

$8k including solo room, not included airfare from the US for east Africa safari. About $7k without solo room, group size 12 max, all adults no one below 18

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Thank you for sharing these numbers here! It’s great to know this so that others watching can get the best budget idea for their own trip.

[@thomasbritton647]

❤

[@ddphotoadventure2657]

Hi, What is the minimum number of days do you recommend for a safari?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

I recommend a minimum of 7 days, 1 week. This allows enough time to really immerse and experience the wild 😄

[@ddphotoadventure2657]

@@Jeff_Hyer Thank You

[@princesscarla2089]

I absolutely want to do the trip you did for 33 days can you please help me plan that and I’m traveling solo I’m not interested in the real posh luxury lodges. I love sitting outside by lanterns and eating dinner for me. I envision like the movie out of africa that’s what I’m hoping to get out of this trip and I definitely want to do the gorillas and I definitely want to have a cultural experience with the Masai Mara tribe, I would love for you to help me. also I was planning on going in September 2025 do you think June 2025 is better as far as the migration goes or not?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Hello, thank you for your message. I invite you to send me a safari inquiry by filling out the form linked here: jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/ Once I receive more details on your travel preferences, I’ll be able to assist further. In another one of your comments, you mentioned you’d like to work with an individual instead of a tour company. I’m a safari travel advisor who can gladly assist, but keep in mind that I do bring in tour operators to make certain arrangements and finalize an itinerary. I carefully select which tour operators are involved with your trip depending on your specific needs and requests. All the companies I work with are handpicked and used by me before. I look forward to hearing from you. -Jeff H

[@jimbeam4111]

Is a 7 day 6 night safari too short for a first time?

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Not necessarily! You can experience a lot in that amount of time - it doesn’t take long to feel fully immersed!

[@sleepnomore6065]

Dumb question but if you only visit a country for safari, what's the benefit of doing another in the same or new country that has the same wildlife you already saw? I feel like 1 Big 5 safari is good, 1 gorilla one, etc. What did YOU notice different in each place? Was it ever monotonous?

[@stephenvj]

I lived in Africa for 42 years and never got tired of going on safari or visiting game parks, because it's not like a zoo where you just observe animals. Every day is different and you always see something new. One time we saw lions take on a porcupine, which they definitely regretted. Another time there was a boom in the kudu population and we got to eat kudu several different ways (delicious btw). On another trip a leopard got into the camp and stalked us, but luckily the rangers were very awake and got it out of the camp before it could chomp anyone. I must have been on 50 game outings and I'll do another one tomorrow without thinking twice, if I had the chance.

[@Roos3979]

South Africa’s own parks have different species, yes most have the big 5 but those aren’t the only animals worth seeing, after your first big 5 it tends to become more about the sightings the behaviour the intimacy rather than just the species of animal

[@Leopard164]

Have you ever done a walking safari

[@Leopard164]

If not will you

[@Moeyti]

you are over paying I went for a week to Kenya and payed R30000 for two people and we stayed at Tortilis Camp

[@chrisbennett6260]

you can see all these animals in euopean game parks its pointless

[@gaboroot4599]

it would really interest me who the heck gets all that money...? 800 dollars for 1 day trekking gorillas, who gets that money? and then tip the people...sounds pretty abusive. And if that entire money is not for the people then poor humans, someone is rich as fk. Thanks for the video

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Allow me to share some more insights with you on this. There are several factors to consider that make gorilla trekking permits high-cost. 1. Conservation Efforts: The high cost of permits helps fund conservation efforts to protect gorilla habitats and populations. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is 330 square miles and home to about ~450 gorillas. Maintaining this vulnerable ecosystem and its native inhabitants takes a monumental amount of effort and workforce to maintain/preserve. 2. Limited Access: To minimize human impact on gorilla populations, the number of permits issued each day is limited, making them more exclusive and hence more expensive. 3. Local Community Benefits: A portion of the permit fees often goes to local communities living near gorilla habitats, providing them with incentives to protect the gorillas and their environment. 4. Monitoring and Protection: The funds generated from permits contribute to monitoring and protection efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and veterinary care for the gorillas. Overall, the high cost of gorilla trekking permits is essential for the continued conservation of these endangered species and their threatened habitats.

[@gaboroot4599]

@@Jeff_Hyerthank you. i feel better.

[@jillgallagher2828]

25 A DAY FOR TIPS IS BEING VERY CHEAP!!

[@Jeff_Hyer]

Firstly, tipping is relative. This daily amount per person is simply a reference point based on safaris in the low-mid range category. For trips in the more upscale category than the tipping expectation is more, which the service level should reflect. Secondly, if you have 6 people in a vehicle then the total comes out to $150 USD a day for your guide/driver. After a 7-10 day itinerary this becomes a very generous bonus. If there are fewer than 3 people I'd consider increasing this amount per person, however the tipping amount really boils down to the group's perceived value of service from a guide. Tipping is something I've spent considerable time understanding for safari trips because I've always wanted to be considerate and generous to those who provide exceptional service. Having worked and spoken with several tour operators across the continent about this topic, this is the number I landed on for this rough budget calculation. Use this suggestion at your own discretion.

[@JeoJeoJeo125]

That tip alone is more than the average salary in Kenya.

[@rimanair3007]

That’s 25 USD…. definitely NOT cheap.

[@Mollyjaleighingram]

Have you heard of the Sabi sands elephant plains lodge?? I’m looking into their Rondavels room! Seems like it’s a pretty good place to go for budget travelers. Do you have any personal experience, or any other recommendations? I’m looking for a Safari near South Africa/Cape Town!

[@Jeff_Hyer]

I’ve been to Sabi Sands Game Reserve and highly recommend! I haven’t been to the Elephant Plains Lodge specifically but have heard great things. If you’re interested in a South Africa safari (with Cape Town) itinerary, I’d be happy to arrange one for you. Feel free to send me an inquiry and we can start looking at safari trip options ↓ jeffhyer.com/safari-inquiry-form/