An African safari for every budget: Travel Weekly

Travelers have options

Suppliers have identified approaches to making safaris accessible to a wider swath of people.

Alana Hayden, founder of Born Free Safaris’ Worldwide Tours, advocates being flexible. 

“Travel agents need to be willing to do things ‘piecemeal,’” she said. “Travelers can do Cape Town on their own. Then the travel agent can do the safari and Victoria Falls for them.” 

This hybrid approach enables travelers to benefit from expert guidance where it matters most.

Bell, of The Pack, emphasizes the value of trips using road transportation rather than more expensive charter flights.

“The flights take you to remote locations, but many off-the-beaten-track locations can be accessed by road and therefore at a lower price,” she said. 

Group travel offers another avenue for savings. 

“Sharing costs by traveling as a group is a big money saver,” said African Budget Safaris’ Murphy, adding that overland groups of around 30 people are popular with younger or more adventurous travelers who like the social aspect, while a family of group of between six and 12 people offers savings “but also the intimacy of traveling with people you know.”

Understanding seasonality and logistics is also crucial for creating affordable safaris. For example, the migration season is expensive, but going during off-peak times, Saint said, “cuts the cost by at least a third, and you don’t have all the crowds.”

Mobile safaris also offer what Grant Reed, co-founder of Botswana’s Letaka Safaris, said is “a comfortable and affordable way” to access prime wildlife areas. 

“Although more rustic than the luxury lodges, these trips are often a better experience due to the intimacy with nature, much smaller group size and the relaxed nature of the safari,” he said. 

Another consideration is that different African destinations offer varying opportunities for midrange budget travelers. 

“You get so much more value in Tanzania,” Hayden said. “You have so many more choices of accommodations from the very high end to a low end that is still very acceptable.” 

South Africa emerges as a particularly attractive option for first-time visitors. 

“First, their marketing is amazing,” Schaer said. “They have outstanding healthcare and higher education, wonderful wine country and, of course, the Big 5; they have a gorgeous coast and speak English, and they offer experiences at any price point.”

Even midmarket accommodations maintain high standards in South Africa. “You can’t go wrong,” Hayden said. “I actually have more chances of getting it wrong in Europe because there’s some really crummy hotels there. I feel South Africa, even at the midmarket, hotels are still very decent and the service is usually a lot higher.”

Kenya also offers numerous affordable options beyond the Masai Mara. 

“Kenya has great options for accommodations in Amboseli and Samburu [national reserves],” said Karoline Hood, of King Salama Safaris. “Ol Pejeta Conservancy is also an option. Nairobi National Park is easily accessible, and there are plenty of affordable hotels in the area with plenty of activities, such as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre.”

For those willing to venture farther off the beaten path, Hood suggested Malawi. “Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park, both managed by African Parks, have a great conservation success story, are crowd-free and have some great rates on their accommodations,” she said.