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Budget Safari Destinations in Africa
How To Go On An African Safari On Budget
Travel To Africa During Off Season
Most African destinations have low travel seasons. During shoulder seasons, which often align with periods there are fewer tourists and more affordable prices for accommodations and tours. For example consider planning your safari between April and June in East Africa or from November to April in Southern Africa. During off peak times you can still enjoy opportunities to spot wildlife.
Choose Your Safari Destination Wisely
Certain African countries offer safari experiences compared to others. While popular safari destinations like Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana provide encounters, with wildlife they can be quite costly.
If you’re looking for affordable travel options consider exploring South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. These countries offer opportunities, for budget safaris. Kruger National Park in South Africa and Etosha National Park in Namibia are particularly recommended for self drive safaris.
Join A Group Safari
Another cost saving option is to join a group tour or opt for a safari. These types of trips are designed with budget travelers in mind. Often involve traveling in a specially equipped truck, camping overnight and sharing tasks. They can range from week adventures to month journeys across different countries and parks.
Choose A Self Drive Safari
For those who prefer independence renting a car and embarking on a self drive safari can be a cost choice. This allows you to have control over your itinerary and expenses but requires some planning and navigation skills. South Africa and Namibia are destinations for self drive safaris due, to their maintained road networks and clearly marked parks.
Select Budget Safari Lodges & Hotels
It’s important to factor in accommodation costs as they can significantly impact your budget. While luxury lodges offer experiences they often come with price tags.Instead you might want to consider cost options, like affordable lodges, guest houses or campsites. Many parks offer campsites that’re open to the public and come with amenities all surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Budget lodges and guest houses while being choices still provide a range of comforts for your stay.
Lower Your Food & Drinks Expenses
Opting for self catering accommodation or camping can significantly reduce your food expenses. Buying groceries from markets and preparing your meals not only saves money but also adds a fun element to your experience. Many budget accommodations even have shared kitchen facilities. Additionally exploring eateries outside the parks can be both delicious and pocket friendly.
Book Your Tour With a Local African Safari Company
Booking your safari through a tour operator can often be more cost effective compared to using agencies. These operators have knowledge about the region and wildlife while also contributing towards the growth of the economy.
Get Your Self A Worth Travel Insurance
Although it may seem like an expense at glance investing in travel insurance is a wise decision. It offers protection against costs such, as emergencies or unforeseen trip cancellations. Take some time to compare policies that align with both your budget and requirements.
Travel Smart
Many low cost airlines, in Africa have rules about baggage. To avoid paying fees it’s an idea to pack light. However don’t forget to bring items like sunscreen, a hat, binoculars and mosquito repellent. Another clever trick is to bring your snacks of buying them at expensive tourist spots.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park provides the opportunity, for self drive safaris which’re a cost effective option compared to guided tours. The entrance fee for the park is $25 per person per day. There are various reasonably priced rest camps available within the park. These camps offer accommodation choices ranging from camping at around $20 per person per night to comfortable huts and bungalows starting at approximately $50 per person per night. Additionally these camps often provide amenities such as restaurants, shops and even swimming pools.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers value for money when it comes to experiences. Hwange National Park charges an entry fee of $20 per person per day. There are campsites and lodges located within and around the park that cater to budgets. Camping fees can be as low as $20 per person per night while lodges offer rooms starting from around $60 per person per night. The primary activity in this park is game drives, which can be relatively inexpensive with group drives costing $30 $50 per person.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha National Park stands out as a destination due, to its policy of allowing self drive safaris.
Entrance fees, for visiting the park are $6 per person per day along with a charge for the vehicle. Staying inside the park at state run accommodations is notably cheaper compared to lodges. Camping options are available at a cost of around $20 per person per night while chalets can be booked starting from around $70 per night.
Maasai Mara Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara Reserve offers options when visited outside the peak wildebeest migration season. The entrance fees amount to $80 per person per day which may seem steep initially. However given the concentration of wildlife it presents value for money. There’s a range of accommodations including budget tented camps priced from around $60 per person per night of meals. Budget game drives can cost about $20 $30 per person especially if you opt to share with a group.
Serengeti National Park Tanzania
Opting for budget camping safaris can make these destinations more affordable without compromising on experience. The entry fee for Serengeti is $60 per person per day while camping fees are $30, per person each night. In the case of Ngorongoro Conservation Area there’s an entry fee of \$60 charged on a basis and an additional vehicle fee of \$200; however if you’re traveling with a group this cost can be shared among all participants.
Budget friendly accommodation options can be found at the rim of the crater, where camping starts at $30, per person per night.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
While safaris in Botswana are generally known for being costly Chobe National Park offers an alternative if you choose to camp and go on self drive adventures. The parks entrance fee is around $10 per person per day along with a vehicle fee. You can find campsites within the park that provide priced accommodation with camping costing approximately $30 per person per night.
Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
For Kidepo Valley National Park, an entrance fee of \$40 per person per day applies. Accommodation options within and near the park vary in price range. Budget friendly choices like camping start at around $10 per person per night. If you prefer accommodations there are bandas and cottages available ranging from $50 to $80 per person per night. Game drives are activities in the park. Can cost as low as $20, per person when sharing a vehicle.
Please keep in mind that prices may vary and its always advisable to check for the updates on pricing when planning your adventure. Additionally traveling in a group can significantly reduce expenses.
