Taking a safari with kids is a dream holiday that promises breathtaking wildlife encounters, important educational benefits and unforgettable memories.
However, the big question for most families is ‘how much does a family safari cost?
Our answer is: ‘It depends’. It depends on several factors, including destination, length of stay, accommodation type, and activities.
It also depends on where you are coming from in the world and whether you can use airmiles for your international flights so we have excluded flights. We can’t account for everything but this post will give you a rough idea of a family safari package cost (minus international flights).
To help you work out a rough cost for a family safari, we’ve given a detailed breakdown of what to expect in terms of the cost of a family safari including all the extras you may not have thought about.
We’ve also given tips on how to do a family safari on a budget (or see here for tips for booking budget family safaris).
Rather than just give an African safari cost for a family of 4 (which is what we are), we have given individual costings so that you can work it out for your own family size.
We have also given an example budget for a family of 4 at the end based on a 5 night mid-range safari in Kenya.
Not sure what to pack for a safari? Read our ultimate safari packing list for families.
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If you would like any more guidance on family safari holiday costs, we recommend speaking to the award-winning safari tour operator – Go2Africa. We book a lot of our Africa family holidays through them as they are the best in their field. See our booking experience with Go2Africa.
So how much does a family safari cost?
As we said, the cost of an African safari with kids can vary so much depending on different factors so we have broken each component down to try to make your caculations easier.
Here’s how to budget for an African safari with kids.
Choosing the destination
The first factor influencing the cost of a family safari is the destination. Africa offers a variety of safari options for families with each one being unique.
Popular destinations for family safaris include:
- Kenya: Known for the Masai Mara and the Great Migration.
- Tanzania: Home to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
- South Africa: Known for family-friendly self-drive safaris in Kruger National Park and malaria free safaris.
- Botswana: Famous for luxury safaris and the Okavango Delta.
- Namibia: Known for stunning landscapes and desert wildlife. See our epic 2-week family road trip in Namibia and best time for visiting Etosha and self-drive Etosha safari guide.
The country you choose can dramatically impact your budget. For example, South Africa often offers more budget-friendly options, thanks to self-drive safaris and a favorable exchange rate.
Botswana tends to be more expensive due to its focus on high-end, exclusive fly-in experiences.
Transportation costs
Getting to your safari destination from your arival at the international airport is one of the major expenses. Here’s what to consider:
Domestic flights: Many safari lodges are remote (particularly the more exclusive ones) and require additional domestic flights or chartered planes, which can cost between $150 and $600 per person per flight.
Ground transfers: Some lodges provide road transfers from the nearest airport, which may be included in the package or cost an additional $50 to $200 per person.
As a family that goes on safari often, we have done a whole mix of transportation options. For the most part, we save money on transportation by hiring a car and self-driving.
We love long road trips so this isn’t too much of a compromise for us but if we are wanting to save money on our family safari, we look to choose a family-friendly safari lodge that is easy to reach by car.
If you’re feeling adventurous and on a very tight budget, you could also look at public transport options!
We are considering this for our next safari in Zambia because the ground transfer is $900. We can’t hire a car because we are crossing borders and it just gets really complicated.
Accommodation costs
Accommodation is one of the most variable costs when planning a safari. Families can choose from budget-friendly lodges, tented camps, and luxury lodges. Below are typical nightly rates per person:
- Budget lodges: $100 to $250
- Mid-range lodges: $250 to $500
- Luxury lodges: $500 to $1,500 or more
Many lodges offer discounts or packages for children, such as “kids stay free” deals or reduced rates for children under 12.
We often mix up our accommodation and choose a few budget places and end with a luxury safari lodge.
Just make sure of the age restrictions when choosing your safari lodge. Some will not accept children under 12. We have a guide to family-friendly safari lodges in South Africa where children of all ages are welcome.
See here for our review of Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge for families (it’s in the luxury category).
Safari activities and guided tours
Most lodges include daily game drives in their pricing, but some activities may come at an additional cost:
- Game drives: Usually included in the package but if booked separately can cost $100+ per person
- Walking safaris: $50 to $200 per person
- Boat safaris: $50 to $150 per person
- Cultural visits: $30 to $100 per person
- Hot air balloon rides: $500 to $700 per person
Meals and dining
Most safari packages are all-inclusive because there is no way you are going to get food anywhere else if the lodge is remotely located!
They usually cover meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages (and maybe some alcoholic beverages).
This simplifies budgeting and ensures the family is well-fed throughout the trip (sometimes too well fed!). However, some lodges may charge extra for premium beverages or special dining experiences like a candlelit dinner in the bush.
Park fees and conservation charges
Many national parks and private reserves charge entry and conservation fees. These fees typically range from $50 to $200 per person per day.
The Kenyan government recently increased their park fees from $100 to $200 per person per day in peak season (July to December). Off season pricing remains at $100 per day (January to June).
These charges are not usually included in your safari package as they are paid locally. Check with your tour operator.
For a family of four spending five days on safari, park fees can add up to $1,000 to $3,000.
We traveled to Kenya in the low season. See here for our Kenya with kids itinerary.
Travel insurance and health precautions
Travel insurance is essential for a safari to cover potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
We always have annual travel insurance so there is never a time we are not insured. You need to make sure that your insurance covers travel to Africa and safari activities. Always read the small print. Our annual family travel insurance costs around $200.
In addition to travel insurance, families should budget for vaccinations which will vary dependent on their destination.
Countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are deemed to have a risk of yellow fever and you should seek advice on vaccination.
Note: if you spend more than 12 hours transiting through Kenya to South Africa, South Africa will require proof of your Yellow Fever vaccination before they will let you enter.
Malaria prophylaxis can also be expensive. If this is a cost you wish to avoid, you need to look at non-malarial safari areas.
Health-related expenses can total $200 to $500 for a family of four.
Tips and gratuities
Tipping is customary on safari in Africa and often expected by guides, trackers, and lodge staff. Their wages are minimal and their tips can make a huge difference in helping them support their family.
Budgeting for tips is important:
- Guides: $10 to $20 per person per day
- Trackers: $5 to $10 per person per day
- Lodge staff: $10 to $20 per family per day
For a five-day safari, tipping costs can total $300 to $500. Try to have USD in cash with you as you may not be able to get cash at the lodge.
Sample safari cost for a family of four
Here’s a sample safari budget for a five-night mid-range safari in Kenya for a family of four:
|
Expense category |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
Transport (domestic flights / ground transfers) |
$1000 |
|
Accommodation |
$7500 |
|
Park fees |
$2000 |
|
Safari activities |
$1000 |
|
Travel insurance & health precautions |
$500 |
|
Tips & gratuities |
$400 |
|
TOTAL |
$12400 |
Ways to reduce the costs of a family safari
- Travel during the off-season: Prices for flights and lodges are often lower during the green season (off peak season). In Eastern Africa this is typically November to December and April to May or November to April in Southern Africa. Park entry fees in the Masai Mara in Kenya are half the price in off-season.
- Choose family-friendly lodges: Look for lodges that offer discounts or special packages for children.
- Choose budget accommodation: You won’t spend much time in your room so do you really need to stay in an ultra exclusive lodge?
- Self-drive safaris: In countries like South Africa, renting a car and exploring national parks independently can be much cheaper. We have a guide on where you can do a self-drive safari in South Africa and a spotting animals on safari guide. See here for our self-drive safari advice.
- Book early: Early bookings often come with discounts or special offers.
- Buy safari clothes in sales: see here for a guide on what safari clothes kids need.
- Work with a travel specialist: A reputable safari planner can help you find the best deals and create a budget-friendly itinerary. We use Go2Africa for our African itinerary planning.
Final thoughts on family safari costings
A family safari is a significant investment without a doubt. But what needs to be taken into consideration is that it offers priceless experiences and lifelong memories.
Our eldest son has been going on safari since he was 3 years old and is a keen spotter and his bird knowledge has impressed many guides.
Through his safari experiences he has developed a love of animals and conservation and hopes to one day be involved with wild animals in some capacity. For us, this is priceless.
By carefully planning and budgeting, families can enjoy an unforgettable adventure that brings them closer to nature and each other.
Whether opting for a luxurious lodge or a more budget-friendly self-drive experience, there’s a safari option for every family seeking the adventure of a lifetime.
