How much does an African safari cost?
A Kenya or Tanzania safari typically costs between $150 and $1,000+ per person per day, depending almost entirely on your comfort tier and the season you travel. Budget and mid-range safaris in shared or comfortable lodges start around $150–$400 a day, while luxury lodges and private guiding push $700–$1,200+. Solvo's own packages span roughly $240 to $3,000+ per person for the full trip.
The calculator above turns those ranges into a personalised estimate: choose your destinations, how many days you'll travel, your group size, and your comfort tier, and you'll get an instant total range plus a per-person, per-day figure you can actually plan around.
What drives the price of a safari
Four things move the number most: the season (July–October peak season carries the highest lodge rates), your accommodation tier, the number of parks you visit, and group size. Park and conservancy fees alone can run $70–$200 per person per day in premium reserves like the Maasai Mara conservancies or the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Crossing between Kenya and Tanzania, or adding a Zanzibar beach extension, adds cross-border transfers and logistics — the calculator factors in a small uplift for this. What it deliberately leaves out are international flights, visas, travel insurance, and staff gratuities, which you'll budget separately.
How to lower your safari cost without cutting the experience
Travel in the green season (March–May or November) for lower rates and dramatic scenery, share a private vehicle across a group of four to six to split the biggest fixed cost, and mix one luxury night with mid-range lodges rather than going premium throughout. Once you have an estimate, send it to us on WhatsApp and we'll return an exact, itemised quote — free and with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 5-day Kenya safari cost per person?+
A typical 5-day mid-range Kenya safari costs roughly $1,500–$2,200 per person based on two travellers sharing, including park fees, a private 4x4, a guide, and full-board lodging. Budget options start lower and luxury lodges run considerably higher. Use the calculator above for a figure matched to your exact trip.
Is a Tanzania safari more expensive than Kenya?+
Tanzania is often slightly more expensive because Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater park fees are among the highest in Africa. Kenya's Maasai Mara national reserve can be more affordable, though private conservancies there carry premium fees. The difference is usually modest for comparable comfort levels.
What is the cheapest time to go on safari?+
The green (low) season — roughly March to May and November — offers the lowest lodge rates, fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and excellent birdlife. Wildlife viewing is still very good; the main trade-off is occasional rain and thicker vegetation.
Are park fees included in the safari price?+
In a Solvo package, yes — park and conservation fees, your vehicle, guide, and full-board accommodation are all included in the quoted price. International flights, visas, insurance, and tips are typically excluded and budgeted separately.
How much should I budget for tips on safari?+
A common guideline is $10–$20 per guest per day for your safari guide, plus a smaller amount for lodge staff. On a week-long trip that's roughly $100–$200 per person in total.