You’re dreaming of an African safari and you’ve seen the luxurious pictures of infinity pools looking out over a herd of elephants. You think it costs a fortune to go on safari.
Well – yes it can. But with careful planning you can book a cheap family safari vacation.
From selecting the best destination to managing costs on accommodation and transportation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to book a cheap family safari in Africa.
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How to book a cheap family African safari
We’ve combined all of our knowledge gained over years of organising our own trips to help you book affordable African safaris for families.
You can use all of just some of these tips for booking budget safari vacations for families.
If you need help booking a family safari on a budget, we highly recommend Go2Africa. They have booked lots of our travel in Africa and have won numerous travel industry awards for being the best in their field.
We have written a review of Go2Africa to help you find out more about the level of service they offer.
Think about your safari destination
Africa is vast, with diverse ecosystems and wildlife reserves, each offering unique safari experiences.
But at the end of the day, if it is the animals you are going on safari to see, you can pretty much choose any eastern or southern African country as they all have the same animals.
The one exception would be the wildebeest migration which you can only see in Kenya and Tanzania.
Your choice of destination will significantly impact the overall cost of the trip.
For a budget-friendly family safari, consider the following countries:
- South Africa: With well-developed infrastructure and accessible self-drive game reserves like Kruger National Park, South Africa is our number one safari destination for families and is perfect for a family safari on a budget.
- Namibia: Known for Etosha National Park and its striking landscapes, Namibia is budget-friendly and perfect for families who enjoy self-guided adventures. See our full 2-week Namibia holiday with kids, guide to self-drive safaris in Etosha and best time of year to visit Etosha.
- Kenya: Whilst Kenya can be expensive during the peak season (wildebeest migration), big savings can be made if travelling during low season. Park fees go from $200 per person per day down to $100.
- Tanzania: While the Serengeti can be pricey, you can find affordable options in other parks like Tarangire (self-drive). Opting for lesser-known parks will help you book cheap family safari vacations without compromising the safari experience.
Other countries like Botswana, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are generally more expensive but you can still find budget safari holidays for families using some of the tips below.
And by the way, if you are thinking of a safari in a destination where there is malaria, you need to consider the cost of the malaria medication for the family.
See here for destinations for a malaria free safari.
Travel during the low season
Kenya is a great example of a safari destination where you can get a more affordable family safari package if you travel during the low season.
The low season (also referred to as the Green Season in the safari industry), is generally during the wet season.
In East Africa this runs from November to December and April to May. In southern Africa it runs from November to April.
Although some areas may be harder to access due to rain, the scenery is lush, and there are fewer tourists. Wildlife viewing is still excellent in many parks. Birdlife is usually at its peak at this time and it doesn’t rain all day every day.
If you can’t travel in low season then the next best time for a budget-friendly safari is the ‘shoulder season’. This is the period just before or after the high seasonand usually offers good weather and wildlife sightings.
We traveled to Kenya in the low season. See our family-friendly Kenya itinerary here.
Book flights strategically
Flights to Africa can be one of the most significant expenses of your African family safari. Saving on airfares involves research and flexibility. Over the years we have learned a few tricks.
- Compare flights: Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner and enable price alerts to track changes in airfares.
- Book in advance: Booking your flights several months ahead increases your chances of securing a better deal (same for accommodation – see below).
- Be flexible with dates and airports: Flying midweek and choosing less popular departure and arrival airports can save money. For example, flights to Nairobi might be cheaper than Kilimanjaro, or Johannesburg might offer better deals than Windhoek.
- Use connecting flights: Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. Opting for connecting flights with layovers can save you a substantial amount. Qatar is often a good layover on the way to South Africa.
- Consider ground transfers: flying into the main international airport and then taking a ground transfer if the distance isn’t too vast. We have done 4 hour drives to the Masai Mara from Nairobi airport and to the Kruger from Johannesburg airport and saved hundreds of dollars each time.
Choose budget accommodation
Picture a safari holiday and you imagine safari chic luxury lodges and private camps. In reality these cost and arm and a leg and while they are very tempting, you don’t actually spend much time enjoying the facilities.
There are plenty of budget-friendly options suitable for families.
Campsites: National parks often have affordable campsites within the park where you can pitch your tent or rent one. You just need to make sure you book well in advance. Facilities are usually fairly basic.
Whilst on the subject of campsites, I’m just going to mention one of our favourite campsites in Etosha in case you’re heading that way. It’s called Tamboti and is part of the Onguma group which has a private reserve next to Etosha.
We had our own private bathroom and access to the swimming pool of the lodge. It is brilliant! If you don’t fancy camping then Onguma Forest Camp is great for families too and not a bad price. It is ideal if you’re looking for a cheap all-inclusive African safari.
Self-catering lodges: Self-catering chalets or bungalows are available in many parks and reserves, such as those in Kruger National Park, allowing you to cook your own meals and save on dining costs.
Vacation rentals outside the parks: Renting a house or apartment near a game reserve can be a cost-effective option for families. In South Africa we stayed at AfriCamps Hoedspruit near the Kruger and it was perfect. This is our favourite way to do cheap family safari holidays.
We also stayed in a lovely self-catering vacation rental near Hoedspruit (Kruger) where the estate had giraffe and other wildlife wandering through our garden. Amazing!
A final tip about accommodation is to stay longer in one place if you can. Transfers between lodges (if you aren’t self-driving) can really add to the cost of your family safari holiday.
If you choose more than one place, why not do what we do and have a cheaper place for the first half and the more luxury one at the end. It’s always nice to finish in the better place.
See here for a list of South African game lodges for families ranging from budget to high end.
Opt for self-drive safaris
One of the best ways to save money on a family safari is to drive yourself.
Many African safari destinations, particularly in South Africa and Namibia offer excellent infrastructure for self-drive safaris. See here for where to find self-drive safaris in South Africa as well as our Garden Route safari guide.
We have done a few self-drive safaris in the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the majority of our safari was on tarmac road.
Etosha in Namibia was mostly gravel roads which are fine in the dry season but can be trickier in the wet season.
The best thing to do is to research where you are going (along with the weather) and see what type of vehicle is recommended.
We usually rent a higher clearance car (not necessarily a 4×4). Specialized car rental services often provide camping gear as part of the package.
A self-drive safari eliminates the need for a guide, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Families with young children will particularly benefit from being in charge of the length of your game drive.
See here for our tips on self-drive safaris for beginners and also wildlife spotting tips (which will come in handy when there is no guide to help).
Consider group tours and local guides
If self-driving isn’t your preference, group tours can offer cheap family safari packages.
Many tour operators offer budget-friendly packages tailored for families, which include transportation, accommodations, meals, and park entry fees.
- Group tours: Shared tours with other families or travelers often have lower per-person costs compared to private tours.
- Local operators: Book tours with local safari companies rather than international agencies. Local operators often have better deals and insider knowledge. Ask on groups like ‘Adventurous Family Travel‘ for recommendations on local guides that people have used.
Bring your own gear
To reduce costs further, bring essential gear from home. Renting or purchasing equipment at your destination can be costly, especially during peak seasons. Here are a few items to pack:
- Binoculars: Essential for wildlife viewing from a distance. We have these ones.
- Cameras: A decent camera with a zoom lens ensures you capture memorable moments. You can get reasonably priced entry-level cameras like this one that we have and this lens.
- Snacks and reusable water bottles: Carrying your own snacks and water for game drives saves money and keeps kids satisfied.
See here for a full packing list for a family safari.
Use your loyalty programmes
If you’re a frequent traveller, leverage airline miles, hotel points, or credit card rewards to reduce costs.
- Redeem miles: Use frequent flyer miles to book flights for part or all of your family’s journey.
- Look for discounts: Many operators and lodges offer family discounts or lower rates for children. Some parks also waive entry fees for young kids.
- Membership programs: Organizations like SANParks (South African National Parks) offer membership cards that provide discounts on accommodations and park entry fees.
Budget for additional costs
Budgeting for a family safari involves more than just transportation and lodging. Be mindful of the following additional costs:
- Travel insurance: Look for affordable family travel insurance that covers safari activities.
- Visas and vaccinations: Research visa requirements and vaccination costs for your chosen destination.
- Tipping: If you are staying in a lodge and have a guide for your game drives then you need to consider their tips. We have more guidance on tips in our post on the cost of a family safari.
- Safari clothing: you will need to buy special clothing for the safari. See here for our guide on safari clothes for kids.
Final thoughts
Booking a cheap family African safari holiday requires careful planning and flexibility, but it’s absolutely achievable.
By choosing budget-friendly safari destinations, traveling during the low season, and considering options like self-drive safaris or group tours, you can create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
