Africa Tour Operators

Budget African Safaris

Safaris in Africa are still encircled by a characteristic of beauty and uniqueness which only emphasizes the mistaken belief that they are all high-priced. Simply carry out some research online and although you may first come across luxury Safari options there are a number of affordable tours that will reward you with a memorable experience and even appropriately suit your budget. It’s for that reason but I recommend you focus on countries that offer affordable Safari activities, and make a comprehensive search so that you know what to expect during your safari.

As a budget traveler you may not afford to pop some champagne during the sundowners however depending on what you will be doing on your Safari, be assured of very rewarding views and encounters of different wildlife such as elephants, hyenas, lions and several grazers. In summary budget safaris are not about enjoying the comfort and luxury of the holiday but they focus on getting you closer to Mother Nature and numerous wildlife.

Below I have highlighted some of the countries in Africa where you can enjoy a budget Safari and have a very memorable wildlife experience and encounter

South Africa Budget Safaris

south africa safaris

Visit Kruger National Park the largest national park in the whole of South Africa which is home to approximately 48,000 buffaloes, 1500 Lions, 1,000 leopards and 17,000 elephants. This is the best place to see Africa’s big 5 wild animals and it is very appropriate for any budget traveler. The best time to visit Kruger for a budget traveler should be in the low tourist season which is from April to the month of September. As a budget traveler you should always do away with visiting Kruger NP during the traditional holiday times of the northern hemisphere which are in the month of July, August as well as December. At that time international flights as well as accommodation are excessively expensive as compared to the other time of the year.

Kenya Budget Safaris

kenya safari

When we talked about having a safari in Kenya what crosses many people’s minds is taking a balloon Safari over the well-known Masai Mara game reserve. However it isn’t mandatory that you should engage in it to have a memorable encounter of the amazing wildlife found in this reserve. Special about the Masai Mara is that although it is home to the big five wild animals it is also a marching ground for the popular great wildebeest migration that happens every year. So all you need on your Safari is quiet and serenity so that you can sink into the wilderness and splendor of these uncountable wild animals that take this reserve to be their home.

The reserve can best be visited during the dry season which runs from the month of June to October and which in fact is the peak Travel season implying that prices are generally high. so as a budget traveler it is better to book a safari in the month of May when the conditions for game viewing are still relatively good as the park is green, and there are beautiful flowers all over the terrain during this time. there are higher chances of getting discounted prices especially on accommodation considering that it is the off-peak season for tourism

Botswana  Budget Safaris

botswana safari

Generally speaking Botswana may not be a very budget destination however if you have it in mind you cannot fail to get something pocket friendly that will reward you with a memorable experience. you can visit Chobe National Park where you will enjoy views of large elephant herds as they traverse the plains close to River Chobe. Numerous other animals such as crocodiles, hippos, cheetahs and lions that live within this park are also worth encountering. From the month of August all through to October the park is dry, the weather is conducive, the vegetation is thin and game viewing is at its best. However, that is the peak tourist season so as a budget traveler I recommend you visit Chobe National Park during the low tourist season which is from November to June. At that time chances of getting discounted rates on accommodation are higher and you will also be rewarded with amazing views of baby animals such a zebras since most animals will be calving at this time.

Uganda Budget Safaris

Uganda prides in a total of ten different national parks that are highly diversified. Although the biggest number of safari tours is focused on wildlife viewing, there are a number of different safari activities you can engage in as a budget travel there. There are birding excursions, guided primate watching tours, game viewing, exciting cultural tours like the Batwa cultural visits, hiking expeditions and various water sport adventures on its numerous water bodies such as the peaceful lake Bunyonyi, Lake Victoria the largest freshwater lake and River Nile – the longest river in the entire world. These include: kayaking, fishing, rafting, bungees jumping, tubing on the Nile and so much more.

Uganda is also home to the largest number of mountain gorillas found in the word (there are about 900 mountain gorillas remaining in the world). you can visit the Murchison Falls National Park together with the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and queen Elizabeth National Park for views of the Big Five animals, or Kibale National Park for primate watching as well as hiking either on Mt Elgon or Mt. Rwenzori

Tanzania Budget Safaris

tanzania safaris

Safaris in Tanzania are mainly associated with viewing the millions of animals that take part in the annual Great Wildebeest Migration which marches through the Serengeti National Park, the neighboring Ngorongoro conservation area and the adjoining wild wildlife reserve known as Masai Mara found in Kenya. However, in order to enjoy views of these numerous animals that take part in this great march you do not have to travel when everyone is doing so majority of holidaymakers visit the Serengeti between June and July to see the great herd while it’s in the western corridor and then in August and September especially when exploring the northern part of the park. special about the Serengeti is that most of the year is peak Travel season so in order to cut your budget as a traveler one of the recommended options would be camping rather than staying in the lavish is comfortable lodges – after all you will enjoy the same wildlife views as the luxury travel do.

Namibia Budget Safaris

namibia safari

Well honestly speaking the remarkable beauty of the landscape we see in Namibia will not only entice a luxury traveler But also the budget traveler. Fortunately there are various accommodation options including affordable facilities especially campsites where budget travelers visiting Namibia can stay. The Etosha National Park is one of the most recommended Safari destinations for Budget travelers. Nearly most of the year the largest area of the park is dry and the huge dried out bed of the lake is well exposed attracting very large numbers of wild animals around the few surviving waterholes.

from July to October which actually is the high tourist travel season the game viewing is at its best however why stay in a five-star facility and yet you can enjoy The view of the African sky shining with thousands and thousands of twinkling stars in the night? So pack your tent and go camping in Namibia for a memorable and very rewarding wildlife Safari experience.

Top beach destinations for budget safaris in Africa

Africa’s top beach destinations easily combine with the traditional wildlife Safari destination that are characteristic most African travel holiday itineraries. You no longer have to fly all the way to the tropical beaches in Thailand at the end of your African wildlife Safari and this is because there are a number of beautiful beach destinations where you will find fine white sand, a cozy breeze and beautiful palms. This combination of destinations makes the experience of the Bush and Beach very affordable even to a budget traveler.

The beach destinations in Africa offer a tropical refreshing and relaxing holiday experience so getting to travel to any of the idyllic beaches will reward you with a great cultural interaction with the local people, sights of beautiful landscapes, some game viewing and the perfect getaway from the crowded cities. The water is warm, the beaches are quiet and the sand is fine and clean. When you visit the seaside or the coastal areas, many present crystal clear waters that offer you an opportunity explorer the rich sea life beneath the water.

Below I have highlighted some of the top destinations you can enjoy Beach holiday in Africa

  1. Bazaruto to island and Mozambique beaches

Found on the eastern coast of southern Africa the coast of Mozambique together with its islands pride in warm clean Waters of the great Indian Ocean. There are a number of beaches you can visit on the mainland not far from the Bazaruto archipelago which include Vilanculos Praia de Zavorra, Praia do Tofo, Morrungulu and Inhambane.

And there you will get an opportunity to engage in various activities such as dhow sailing trips, Snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving as well as stuffing. The Bazaruto town which is also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Indian ocean’ is internationally renowned for its beautiful reefs and rich sea life that includes whale sharks thus making scuba diving and snorkeling very popular activities here.

The majority all of the tours to Bazaruto island and the beaches of Mozambique are combined with a wildlife safari to Kruger National Park plus trips to various attractions and game parks in southern Africa such as lake Malawi and the popular Victoria falls.

How to get to Mozambique and the Bazaruto islands: For travels within Mozambique, Maputo which is the capital city of the country is the main starting point. The majority of the affordable tours to the Bazaruto islands are carried out in Vilanculos on the mainland which offers the most affordable holiday options.

  1. Zanzibar Island off the Tanzania coast

The glamour of the Zanzibar Island also known as ‘The spice island’ located off Tanzania’s mainland within the Indian Ocean is comprised of the rich history and culture of the resident people whose heritage is influenced by a combination of the Arabic and the native African cultures.

The majority of the tour on the Zanzibar archipelago take you to the beaches located on the northeastern and east coast of Unguja island which prides of beautiful beaches with white sand, beautiful palm that line the water front as well as the historical Stone town filled with wonderful people, colorful houses and a vibrant marketplace.

Spare some days on your Safari itinerary and a go away to the idyllic beaches where you will sink into the Faraway life of the ordinary people living by the waterside. There are a number of activities you can engage in here and these include waterskiing, swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, kayaking and sailing in the traditional dhows. Because of the warm clear waters, rich sea-life and the colorful reefs, Zanzibar is internationally popular as a great destination for diving.

Some of the activities you can combine your Zanzibar beach holidays with include: game viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai Mara National Reserve.

How to get to the Zanzibar Island: from Dar es Salaam, you can easily connect to Zanzibar by air and then catch a ferry to the renowned stone Town. Majority of the tours to the Zanzibar islands depart from Dar es Salaam and such a beach trip can be combined with a wildlife safari in Tanzania. if connecting from Johannesburg or Nairobi you have an option of directly flying into Stone Town.

  1. Lake Malawi Beaches

Malawi is a country blessed with very hospitable and welcoming people is very popular for its warm and clear waters. Being a freshwater lake, the beautiful Lake Malawi is blessed with a rich number of tropical fish and several other marine wildlife, and it is lined with beautiful beaches having fine sand and impressive palm trees. There are a couple of small local community settlements found close to the shores of the lake found in an area bordered by beautiful mountains. Accommodation is readily available within the area depending on your budget.

As a budget traveler, there are various water sport adventure activities you can engage in during your beach holiday here among which is: dhow sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and scuba diving. You can also take community tours to the neighbouring bays to visit the locals living there. In addition, you can enjoy hiking and horseback riding, and even get a chance to try out your bargaining skill as you visit the vibrant markets to buy some souvenirs.

A number of beach holidays in Malawi can easily be combined with wildlife safaris in South Luangwa National Park as well as a number of other adjacent game parks after or before unwinding at the beach.

How to get to the Zanzibar Island: depending on where you are coming from, there are a number of places you can begin your tours to Lake Malawi among which are Dar es Salaam found in Tanznaia, the Victoria falls of Zimbabwe as well as Lilongwe found in Malawi.

  1. The Beaches of Madagascar

One of the very unique holiday destinations is Madagascar which is also referred to by ecologists’ as the eighth (8th ) continent because of its unique plant and animals species with nearly ninety percent (90%) of its wildlife species endemic to Madagascar.  Off Madagascar’s northwestern coast is Nosy Beach Island St Marie Island, Morondava beach and Faux Cap which are favorite beach destinations among holidaymakers. Madagascar’s climate is very favorable for sun-bathing especially in Nosy Be Island. Although the summer months are extremely hot, from late August all through to November, it is warm and dry offering the best conditions to unwind on the beaches and explore the islands.

Thanks to the warm clear waters as well as the pristine quite beaches with fine sand, there are a number of exciting activities you can enjoy all year round in Madagascar such as: dhow sailing, snorkeling, fishing and diving.

Whale watching can also be enjoyed from the month of July all through to late august especially on Antongil Bay, off the eastern cost of Madagascar as well as on St Marie Island. At this time it is very easy to see the humpback whales with their young ones. In the months of September and November, many of the jacaranda trees are flowering and the baby lemurs can easily be seen.

The natives of the Madagascar islands who are known as the Malagasy posses a very distinctive and strong cultural identity that is unique from other cultures on the African continent. There are several game parks on the island which is among the highly bio-diversified destination in the world; these protect different wildlife and its verdant rainforests.

How to get to the Madagascar Island: the biggest number of holiday tours to Madagascar begins in Antananarivo which is the capital city of Madagascar. There are flights directly connecting from Nairobi city in Kenya or Johannesburg in South Africa into Ivato International Airport (TNR) found within Antananarivo city.

Best tips to enable you travel Africa on a small budget

Not many holiday expeditions in the world are as exciting or complex to organize as it is within an African safari especially when you are a budget traveler. However below we have brought you some of the best tips to follow while organizing a holiday in Africa when on a small budget. This will include planning for your accommodation, mode of transport, travel insurance, tips and food. We are going to focus on nearly everything you will need including both the ‘important’ ones and the ‘less important’ ones.  With proper research, you will enable you make some considerable saving to allow you perhaps to extend your holiday for a couple of days.

  • What to do before you Travel

Majority of the biggest costs affiliated with the Safari are normally paid before your travel date, and among these are deposits on accommodation, your flight costs, the Safari cost, vaccinations and medical insurance as well as visa costs among many others. In case you are booking your Safari package through a tour operator, it is likely that the only accommodation fare that you will have to plan for is that before and after the Safari. Fortunately some tour packages entail a free night at the beginning as well as at the end of the Safari with that accommodation fully paid for.

  • Peak Safari Season Verses Low Safari Season

A very important factor to into is the low tourism seasons and the peak tourism season of the country you will be visiting. During that time, the cost of accommodation and flights are normally very high. it is also highly recommended that comprehensively research about the school holidays within the country are will be taking the Safari as all that falls within the high (peak) season which will definitely offer higher safari rates.

Seasons in South African Region

In South Africa for instance the winter is considered to be a low tourism season and this begins in the month of April all through to October which are also within the low malaria risk time in most parts of the country, however this excludes the Easter holiday as well as the school holidays that come in the month of July. During this time, although the temperatures in the night may drop very low, it is generally a dry season in areas such as Kruger National Park. As a result you will be rewarded with remarkable views of wildlife since the vegetation is not as green and very thick and it is in the summer months.

A country like Zambia experiences its main rainy season from November up to March. At that time, quite a number of game parks are closed as well as several accommodations. Similarly, from December to March Botswana is also experiencing a season of long rains.

Seasons in East Africa region

When you look at the Eastern region countries like Kenya, Uganda as well as Tanzania experience the main rains from the month of March until May and then from mid-November to December the shorter rains come in. this rainy season is generally considered to be a low tourism season and as a result majority of the accommodation lodges are closed because of inaccessibility due to the slippery roads. In case you don’t mind the rain then you can take a safari during this time and search for the open lodges which normally offer a special discount at this time of the year.

  • Air fares (flights) and Transport Costs

Similar to a number of other factors, the cost of flights changes depending whether it is the peak tourist season or the low tourist season. In case you do not have a specific time for your travels I recommend that you take your flight during the off-peak season as well as look out for some ‘specials’. When it comes to specials however you have to pay more attention as a number of such flights include traveling at times that are not comfortable, as well as several lay-overs along the way.

You should also pay great attention to the included or excluded costs. Find out whether the price that has been quoted is the actual price or there are a number of other affiliated costs. Cost for additional luggage, taxes, hidden costs on visas as well as the cost of food in the plane may make the overall cost of you ticket rather high. So you are highly recommended to carefully read through all the provided information about the different flight fares and the affiliated costs before you click on the ‘pay’ button.

Something else that you should look at is the cost of transfer from and to the airport. Normally, the cheapest flights land in less popular airports which are in most cases quite a distance from the main cities. Extra cost of transferring you to and from the airport may in the long run make the flight fare really high at the end of the day.

  • Choosing your international courier

When it comes to international flights the majority of the cheaper flights normally land into less popular airports which are in most cases quite alone drive from your safari destination. So the additional cost of transferring to and from airport makes cost of the ticket rather more costly.

  • Taking domestic flights in Africa

The biggest number of flights on the African continent is quite costly. because the distance from the airport to most tourist destination is generally long, it is good that you make a good comparison between the cost of taking a local charter flight and the cost of traveling by road which includes the cost of hiring a vehicle, fuel, the cost of driver and not forgeting the duration you will spend while traveling. Afterwards opt for what works for you best. In South Africa for example there are several cheap domestic airlines that serve most of the local destinations as well as fly into the nearby countries whose prices are worth comparing as you book your Safari.

  • Deciding whether to fly or (use road transport)

majority of the safaris in Africa especially in southern Africa offer self-driving options, however, I can’t fail to warn you about the distances which maybe very huge between destinations. It’s for that reason that you are advised to make a thorough research on the distance between the various destinations you will be visiting on your Safari in Africa as per your itinerary. Don’t forget to look into the cost of renting a car as well as the road conditions before you make your decision. The price of fuel in some countries is pretty high so look into that as well, although most car rentals come with good discounts.

When you move deeper into Africa, you will realize that many of the road condition actually deteriorate so you may need a four-wheel drive Safari vehicle, as well as get yourself an experienced driver who is familiar with the roads. The biggest number of tour companies in Africa offers self drive trips which are accompanied by an experienced guide. I therefore recommend that on your safari in Africa if you opt to use road transport, you not only rent a safari car but hire a driver-guide as well, so that you enjoy a better experience as you explore beautiful Africa.

  • Travel Insurance

While traveling to Africa, it is very important that you acquire a comprehensive insurance cover. Fortunately, several banks provide insurance cover especially as you book your flight using your credit card. I recommend as you acquire your insurance cover, I highly recommend that you thoroughly read through the fine print to ensure that it covers everything that you want. This will save you from the travel to buying another insurance cover.

Below are some of the things that you insurance should be in position to cover:

Baggage loss

Medical evacuation

Medical costs

Tour cancellations among others

  • Cost for Malaria Prophylaxis, required vaccinations and First Aid Kit

Many a times, several tourists forget to budget for the cost of malaria preventative treatment (Malaria Prophylaxis) as well as for medicines plus vaccines. Visit your physician in advance of the safari travel date and get all necessary information you will need for the country you will be visiting. There are some parts of Africa where malaria is prevalent so the physician will be able to plan for your Malaria prophylaxis.

Also don’t forget to get a list of necessary items that you will need to carry in your first aid box .since most tourist destinations are found within the rural countryside in Africa, a first aid kit will come handy since medical assistance may be far.

  • Visas and Passports

Requirements for Visa vary from one country to another depending on where you will be going and on the type of passport you’ll be having. a number of countries necessitate that you apply and pay for your Visa before your journey, whereas some others can offer you the Visa at any of the entry points into the country. It is therefore important that you should always remember to include this cost in your budget for your Africa Safari

The passport requirements as well differ from one country to another. a number of them require that a traveler has a specific number of blank pages within their passport whereas others require that the expiry date of your passport should be at the least six (6) months from the date of entry into their country. Always check the details of the Visa and passport requirements for the particular country you will visit.

  • How to plant for Budget accommodation

If you book your safari through a tour agent, you will realize that the coast of accommodation is normally included in the cost of the entire trip which will be presented to you as the Safari cost quotation. You will not be provided with accommodation before and after the safari ends. For that reason, you should pay close attention on those two nights.

Something important to know about accommodation is that it is a very important determinant in the overall cost of your safari. If you compare for example choosing to stay in a basic tent as compared to staying in a 5 star lodge, you will surely realize a difference close to 1,000 US dollars in the price quotation for each night.

On the positive side Africa offers a variety of different options of accommodation that offer a comfortable stay and suit ever traveler’s budget. Nonetheless travelers who are extremely budget-conscious in the cost of pre-safari and post-safari accommodation can simply find a place where they can lay their head just for the night. Before you book your accommodation or in case you’re doing it through your tour agent inquire what the accommodation rate includes. Majority of the accommodations used by tour operators offer all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and a soft drink as part of their package. There are some accommodation facilities that offer game drives to their guests; so such a facility is definitely more economical as compared to paying for every aspect differently.

You can also go ahead and inquire whether the accommodation facility offers airport pickup and airport drop services.

  • Kitty or local payment costs

There are number of safaris that require a kitty or local payment amount that is supposed to be given to the leader of your Safari. This payment which is normally made in US dollars varies from one company to another. Inquire with your tour operator and find out if your Safari includes this cost, and if so, find out how much it is and include it in your budget as you prepare for the Safari.

  • How to engage in Optional activities when you are  a budget traveler

Majority of the Safari tours include different optional activities which may not be part of your itinerary. Budget for your holiday clearly check out which optional activities have been included in the price quotation. this will enable you to well budget for the different optional activities that you may be interested to engage in.

Activities like bungee jumping, taking a balloon Safari ride in the Serengeti, or a visit to the Ziwa rhino sanctuary for rhino trekking which literally offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to engage in are in most cases listed optional activity in your itinerary, and you will realize that a number of them are worth it including in your Safari budget.

  • How to deal with souvenirs and curios

I know that every traveler would love to carry back home a souvenir to remind them the amazing trip and adventure they had in magical Africa. Many want to come back home with some special gifts for their family members, loved ones or friends.
Special on this continent is that it is blessed with a number artists who are good at crafting and painting art pieces which may range from different wild animals such as wooden giraffes, to very interesting pieces made from stone.

There are several souvenir markets found in most places across the continent where you will find several stalls among which will be the original artists who offer a cheaper price for the items. There, you will actually get a chance to put to test your bargaining skill so as to get a fair price for the different items.

Some parts of Africa such as east Africa, Mozambique as well as Zimbabwe, may accept bartering in some instances. A number of artists are willing to exchange their beautiful art pieces for none perishable food staff, clothes, batteries, shoes as well as scholastic material.

  • How to plan your tipping budget

In restaurants the amount of tip offered is between 10% to 15% when it comes to tables of as many as six or more people this tip can be added to your bill automatically. The price of tips varies from one restaurant to another basing on the type of restaurant. so if you are on a minimum budget it is recommended that you carry out some research before deciding on which restaurants to eat at. usually if you find a restaurant that is filled by many local people be sure that the quality of food there is very good and the prices are very affordable.

There are a number of other staff that you will encounter during your Safari I have made an estimated guide of how much you should tip them

  • Hotel staff 2 to 3 US dollars each day
  • Drivers and trackers 5 to 7 US dollars each day
  • Your professional guide or driver $10 a day
  • Drivers for your airport transfers or taxis 7 to 10 US dollars or you could give them 10% of your fare. This will all depend on what is comfortable with you

Also important to note about tipping is that there is a number of different activities which have a special tipping format such as mountain climbing. Below we are going to focus on mountain Kilimanjaro as an example; this is the highest mountain on the African continent and it is also known as the rooftop of Africa.

Tipping on Mount Kilimanjaro when mountaineering

Tips make up a large proportion of the income of the mountaineering crew that climbs Kili with you. Depending on the size of your group, this team – including guide, assistant guide, cook, waiter and porters – can be up to ten people, all who require tipping.

 

tips comprise a big portion of the total income earned by the crew that will be climbing the mountain wit you. the size of the crew will depend on the size of the hiking group that will be climbing the mountain. if you are a group, the tip will be shared amongst you.  the mountaineering crew will include: your guide, the Assistant guide, a cook, the waiter as well as the porters. at times this Crew can be as big as ten (10) people and each of these needs to be tipped at the end of the expedition. Below I have broken down how the tips should be divided

  • The lead guide 15 to 20 US dollars a day
  • Assistant guide 9 to 12 US dollars per day
  • The cook 8 to 10 US dollars per day
  • The waiters 7 to 9 US dollars per day
  • Porters 8 to 10 US dollars per day

When you complete tour adventure on mountain Kilimanjaro The tip is offered on the final day of your expedition. Normally you call the whole crew together and then hand over the tip to the lead guide with a list of what to give to whom. This is normally done during the departure ceremony then this list is read out loudly by the lead guide so that every member of the crew gets to know how much they have received. In addition, you can donate some of your equipment you used during this expedition to any of the crew members that you feel deserves it.

Tipping polers has on the Okavango Delta

well one would wonder who is a poler? A poler is a person who has been well trained to guide as well as take tourists into the okavango delta while sailing in a canoe or a mokoro or a dugout. These people are trained by high level and very knowledgeable guides who knows so much about the area and the wildlife that lives within it. So I should point out to you gain that these polers greatly depend on the tips received during such trips to support their families financially.  The tips offered are between 3 to 7 US Dollars.

How to budget for your food and drink as a budget traveler

By simply looking at your itinerary you may think that all the meals that you will need on your Safari have been included, sometimes however, that may not be the reason. it is highly advise that you carefully read through your itinerary, calculate the different meals you will need in a day and in case you discover that some have not been included in the itinerary, then plan and budget for them as well.

 

 

We it comes to drinks, majority of the safaris do not cover this so they will not be included in the overall cost of your Safari. You will actually realize that most of the safari packages include just a few soft drinks and bottled drinking water. alcoholic beverages are in most cases never included in the Safari package and they have to be catered for from your personal budget; so have this in mind while planning. having a budget of approximately 25 US Dollars per day to cover your drinks and food might be enough depending on how much you love to drink and eat. In fact, on some particular days of your itinerary you will be exploring the wilderness and in such instances you may not have to spend a lot of money on meals, however, you can always spend that additional money saved from such days and you treat yourself to some extravagant meals on any other day of your Safari

  • How to engage in charity as a budget traveler

Sad to say Africa is a continent that has been crippled by the prevalent poverty that cuts across most of its countries so during your visit in Africa expect to see this almost everywhere. In case you’re interested in giving out some charity either financially or offer scholastic items to schools you can have this as part of your budget as well. In case your budget is extremely limited you can simply volunteer as your time will equally be valued by these very hospitable people

How Much Does A Cheap Safari To Africa Cost?

Below I bring you some of the budget estimated prices per day for a safari in different African countries with different accommodation options

 

Budget camping

Accommodation

Budget Accommodation Mid-range Accommodation Luxury Accommodation
Country private group private group private group private group
Botswana $350 $275 $375 $300 $525 $400 $750 $700
South Africa $225 $200 $225 $175 $225 $200 $550 $500
Kenya $200 $175 $200 $175 $300 $300 $550 $475
Uganda $300 $250 $275 $225 $425 $275 $600 $550

 

Namibia $225 $175 $225 $175 $225 $175 $575 $525
Tanzania $275 $250 $250 $250 $400 $350 $600 $525

 

 

7 best tips to Plan a Memorable Budget African Safari

Plan in advance the destination to visit and the best time to visit

Planning a safari in Africa to many people is part of their bucket list items, so it is very essential that you plan appropriately in advance. The African continent offers quite a large number of safari destinations in different countries that you can visit during your holiday such as South Africa, Uganda, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Namibia to mention just a few. to determine which is the best country to visit you will have to consider a couple of factors such as the visa requirements for that country, the animals in that country, the language commonly used in that country, the vaccines you need to take, the airline’s you prefer to use as well as the airports there, and above all the quality of accommodation offered within that particular country.

When you finally zeroed down to your preferred destination then you’re ready for your adventure. the best views of wildlife are enjoyed during the dry months normally from the month of June all through to August. During that time most of the water has dried up so the animals normally come together around the few remaining water sources or water holes.  In the wet season however the vegetation is greener and thick water is readily available and for that reason the animals are more scattered across the terrain. During that time the parks and wildlife reserves receive fewer tourist thus lodges offer fairly affordable accommodations rates.

The most important thing when you are going on a safari in Africa irrespective of what time of the year you go is to always remain flexible and go by the flow or pace of doing things of the African people. That way you will be able to enjoy your Safari!

 

Pack the appropriate clothing

When it comes to packing clothing for an African safari, it is very important that you only carry those that are flexible and useful. It is important to bring with you some layers especially for the early morning when you will be going for the game drives as well as in the evenings since it is normally cold then. During the midday heat, you can always remove the heavy jackets or sweaters. In case your Safari itinerary includes visiting the African bush as well as the cities then you will need clothes that will be appropriate for both settings

During the Safari tourists are normally encouraged to wear camouflage colors close to the natural green or tan and any colors that are early toned especially when doing the game viewing. For many white or the brighter colors have not worked out well for them because most of Africa’s countryside is dusty so it is recommended that you leave such colors including the bright yellow, hot pinks and the like back for the city adventures.

It is also highly recommended that you bring breathable clothing. For many people cotton is very comfortable; however in case you acquire some fabric that is insect-resistant and offers sun protection SPF then that will be a very good option. You can always search online for the various retailers that deal in Safari clothing both for men and women.

It is also greatly advised that if you are going to engage in any outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking to bring strong hiking boots that’s offer support to the ankle. These will help you traverse even the challenging trails.

Pack the essential items

There are a number of items that are very important when going on a Safari in Africa such as sunglasses, a full brimmed hat preferably with a strap; you can also bring a scarf, a head band as well as a face cover to protect you from the dust. Don’t forget your toiletries when traveling; because of the remoteness the game packs and wildlife reserve it may be challenging to get all the basic products you need within the shops there.  For that are that reason you are highly encouraged to pack all your favourite items that will be sufficiently enough throughout the whole Safari duration. These include toothpaste, shampoo, tampons, lotion and soap. it is very important that you remember to carry your sunscreen as well as insect repellent.

On the Safari most tour operators will offer you bottled drinking water however you can carry your own re-usable water bottle which you can always refill for it is very important to hydrate well while in one Africa

Prioritise on your personal safety on the Safari

while planning your Safari I am sure that you will discover that there are a number of pre-safari vaccines that every traveler should take and these are specific to each country in Africa so you are advised to make an online search about the different countries you will be visiting and find out which vaccines or medicines you will need while going there. Don’t forget to consult with your physician back at home before traveling. Another important thing that is commonly asked in many African countries is the yellow card as proof of having acquired a yellow fever vaccine; please endeavor to get that as well.

Your personal safety is very important, so below I’m going to point out a few core tips that you should follow to ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe experience while on your Safari. Ensure that you only drink bottled water, be watchful of your skin always wear sun protection, do not eat raw food that doesn’t have peeling, applying an insect repellent especially when going out in the wild or spending the evening out, don’t forget to use a hand sanitizer and above all take anti-malarial medicine – consult with your physician. it is always good to pack a fast aid kit because medical facilities may be quite a distance away from the African jungles that you make be exploring. Include in it basic medicine for headaches, dry eyes, heart burn, sore throat, diarrhea, bug bites and sunburn as they will be very helpful. You can always consult with your physician back home who will avail you with a list of needed medicines.

Pack appropriate and necessary gear

when traveling in Africa always remember to bring with you and electrical outlet adapter irrespective of which part of the country on the continent you will be going to be (in big cities or the remote countryside alike). In case you don’t have one you can check on Amazon and you will get quite a number of affordable options, it would be a better option if you got one that has several USB plugs. Another important thing is a lightweight USB battery or power bank this will enable you to recharge your gadget. Also bring with you a flashlight and extra batteries for your electrical equipment

When we talk about Safari gear we cannot fail to talk about a camera and lenses for a safari in Africa is all about photography – capturing unique moments that Mother Nature will reveal to you during your game drive. It is very important that you bring a camera with good zoom lenses to enable you capture long-distance photos of wildlife such as elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, rhinos and Giraffes not to forget the large number of different birds that you will encounter on your adventure. fortunate for you the Safari will definitely reward you with views of all these these animals including primates and many other  grazers so tell me how best then will you be able to tell the story back home if you don’t capture it on camera? Still when it comes to the camera it is very important to bring covers for the lenses and the camera body since Africa is very dusty and yet you well know that lenses and dust don’t mix at all. Don’t forget a waterproof bug to keep you camera safe from the rain.

Enjoy Africa’s rich wildlife

When you talk about taking a safari in Africa what comes to many people’s minds is visiting the vast jungle with very many animals. well some of you I know have heard about the big 5 animals which include lions, cape buffaloes, elephants, cheetahs and the rhinos which are thought to be the most challenging animal to find and hunt on foot. when we come to the reality game driving in Africa wont only rewarded with views of those mentioned above but you will see a couple of many others as you traverse the wilderness. so rather than obsessing about only the renowned big five wild animals be open-minded and simply enjoy all the different wildlife and magnificent creatures that you will encounter such as the hippos, crocodiles, eagles, hyenas, pythons, different antelope, mountain gorillas, baboon, chimpanzees and very many others that you will see. Your Safari guide whom I believe will be professional is very knowledgeable about the wildlife in whichever destination you will be exploring so simply follow their lead and you will be treated to something way bigger than you actually imagined.

Explore Africa’s land and water

In Africa majority of the traditional Safari itineraries comprised of game drives in jeeps, safari land cruises and safari vans during which you will track down different animals within their natural habitat. The safari driver will always reduce the speed to enable you get the best photos. However have you ever thought that wildlife in Africa can you be watched in yet a different angle which is water? well I’m glad to reveal to you that there are number of river cruises, boat rides, canoe rides and the like which will offer you a chance to sail on the different waterways and enjoy views of different wild animals living in the water such as crocodiles and hippos in addition to various animals that normally linger around the shores. Don’t forget the large number and diversity of birds living around Africa’s waterways.

Special about Africa is that longest river in the world – the River Nile is found here it begins its course in Uganda where it’s source is found, then flows over thousands of miles through Central to northern Africa before pouring into the Mediterranean Sea. get an opportunity to explore the Nile in addition to many other large and small waterways in Africa while on your Safari.

fortunately today expeditions including  cruises and boat rides on rivers and lakes are growing more and more popular especially in countries like Botswana, Uganda, Zimbabwe and  South Africa however if you only prefer a land safari experience do not hesitate to discuss that with your tour operator. they can always Taylor something affordable that suits not only your financial budget but satisfies your desires  and need on your Safari in Africa.