Value of A Safari
When weighing safari options, travelers often compare prices at face value. However, the true worth of a safari is in its value for money. Like other luxury experiences, a safari includes a beautiful place to stay and great service. It also includes next level dining options, expert guides who share experiences both in and out of the jeep, exclusive amenities and an investment in the places you visit.
Expert guides at Royal Malewane share thrilling wildlife sightings.
Through our partnership with Africa’s top safari outfitter, we help you find the right Africa just for you. With our partner African Travel, Inc., we have provided answers about the cost of our luxury safaris.
What’s The Typical Cost of A Safari?
Safaris can range in price from $5,000 to $100,000+ per person. The budget mostly depends on the amenities of a lodge or camp and experiences. While online site pricing may seem cheaper, it often does not include park or conservation fees, taxes, how many game drives are included, transfers including any tour flights, and upgrades to rooms or special experiences like dinners in the bush or unique safari experiences.
Creating a custom journey of different lodges and camps often saves time and money especially with organizing the right date and experience to match your needs. African Travel takes care of the complexity of arranging memorable experiences unique to you, organizing internal air and transfers, selecting the right room (so you get something better than a picture) all in one cost. Also included in the cost is access to a team that help if a flight is cancelled or in country guest services that are available 24/7 to assist with changes while traveling.
Why is There An All-Inclusive Price On An African Travel Safari?
Because of the unique location and size of smaller and often more remote camps and lodges, most costs are already included to cover food, staffing, wildlife and community conservation projects.
Also included in this price is the cost of transfers, VIP meet and greet, and the time spent organizing a dream safari. Plus, working with a safari outfitter gives you access to special deals and room availability.
Why Do Lodges And Camps Require Deposits?
An African safari is a big investment and well worth it. Most camps require a deposit to hold space because they can only accept a limited number of guests. This ensures costs are covered for the staff and animal and community conservation efforts. Because of the longer window for planning a safari, most spots can’t be filled when cancelled with short notice. Your investment helps the lodge in maintaining their investment in the community and wildlife.
The best option is to invest in travel protection that offers cancel for any reason options.
Why Are Some Lodges More Expensive Than Others?
We work with the best four- and five-star lodges and camps. Each provides fantastic service, game drives, conservation programs, access to community and cultural experiences and amazing meals. The difference in price usually centers on location, style of lodge and camps, access to unique animals and your desired level of privacy.
Pricier options often include:
* Guaranteed private vehicles, guide and tracker
* Unique animals you can’t normally see on safari like gorilla treks or habituated meerkats in the Kalahari
* On site foundations and centers where you can participate in the research
* Six-star food experiences like menus designed by Michelin-star chefs or curated wine cellars
* Sleep under the stars on game reserves
* State of the art gyms & unique African spa experiences
* In art residence programs, on-site museums, and photographic studies/vehicles
* Villas, suites, honeymoon or special tents including on site butlers, spa staff, private boma and dining spaces
* Scenic transfers ranging from helicopters to luxury flying safaris
* Low impact lodge design and vehicles like silent safari vehicles and solar powered energy and water treatment
* Seasonality based on optimum wildlife viewing or holidays
Ready to plan a dream journey or have more questions about a safari?
Schedule a call with our team and we can discuss ideas to mix and match experiences based on interest and budget.