Why is a Safari in East Africa So Expensive?
It’s no secret that a safari in East Africa isn’t the cheapest vacation you can take. However, it’s undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable travel experiences. A safari is not just a holiday; it’s an adventure that can truly stir the soul, offering moments that stay with you long after you’ve left Africa.
While yes, the costs in East Africa are higher than in Southern Africa, it’s worth every penny.
But what makes a Kenya or Tanzania safari command such a high price? Factors such as limited infrastructure and complex logistics are just the beginning. Many countries also promote a ‘high price, low density’ tourism model to protect fragile ecosystems, much like Botswana’s policy for the Okavango Delta.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes these trips a true investment in a life-changing experience.
What Influences The Cost of Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania?
Distance & Infrastructure
In regions like Europe, the US, or Asia, travel is often affordable due to well-developed infrastructure. Airports, highways, and railways are abundant, and competition among transportation companies keeps prices competitive. Popular tourist destinations benefit from economies of scale, driving down costs as large volumes of travellers flock to these areas every year.
East Africa, on the other hand, presents a stark contrast. Beyond the capital cities, infrastructure is minimal. Instead of bustling airports, you’ll find remote airstrips capable of accommodating only light aircraft. These airstrips can only handle a few passengers at a time, limiting the number of travellers and driving up the cost of transport. Refuelling is also a challenge, as jet fuel must be trucked in at great expense, increasing operational costs for charter flights and transfers.
Unlike the highways and rail systems of more developed regions, there are no trains, buses, or low-cost carriers linking the safari destinations. As a result, most travel relies on private operators who handle everything from road transfers to charter flights.
That’s not all.
The limited availability of airlines within Africa often means higher costs for inter-country travel. In many cases, only one airline services a particular route, and flights may only be available a few days a week, further restricting flexibility and increasing the overall cost.
Here’s an example of what shuttle flight prices cost with an airline like Grumeti Air:
| Shuttle Flight Route | Average One-Way Price |
|---|---|
| Arusha - Lobo | $529 per person |
| Arusha - Sasakwa | $385 per person |
| Arusha - Ndutu | $345 per person |
*Flight prices can fluctuate and may differ from the above.
Then there are the special request stops:
| Flight Route | Average One-Way Price |
|---|---|
| Arusha - Grumeti | $385 per person |
| Ngorongoro - Ndutu | $343 per person |
| Kigali (Rwanda) to Grumeti | $856 per person |
If you’re planning a fly-in safari circuit to multiple reserves over a week, your flights alone will cost you $1,000 or more per person.
Remote Locations
Once you’ve arrived at your safari lodge or camp, you’ll quickly realise just how far removed you are from any city or town. These remote camps are completely self-sufficient, which means every single item you use or consume—whether it’s the rice on your plate, the soap in your shower, or the bed you sleep on—has been transported across vast distances, often on rough, poorly maintained roads. In many cases, it takes days to haul supplies that can only be flown in at great expense.
Flying to your camp may take just a couple of hours, but the logistics behind running these remote lodges are far more complex. Supplies often travel for days, sometimes needing to cross rivers on ferries or navigate challenging terrain. There’s no opportunity for a quick trip to the store if something is needed. In some cases, the nearest shop could be hundreds of kilometres away down rarely used roads.
The isolation of these lodges makes keeping them operational an enormous challenge. From food and fuel to maintenance equipment, everything must be planned and transported in advance.
Just to give you an idea of distances, here is the overland journey time from Dar Es Salaam to some of Tanzania’s lodges with no stops:
| Route | Distance & Time |
|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam to Nimali Mara | 1,019 km - 17 hours 30 minutes |
| Dar es Salaam to andBeyond Crater Lodge | 808 km - 13 hours 37 minutes |
| Dar es Salaam to Chem Chem Lodge | 760 km - 12 hours |
National Park Fees & Conservation Levies
Every visitor to a national park, game reserve, or conservancy in Africa must pay a conservation fee for each day they spend in these protected areas.
Tanzania Conservation Fees
| Destination | Conservation Fees Per Person Per Day |
|---|---|
| Serengeti and Nyerere National Parks | $70 |
| Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Parks | $50 |
| Katavi, Mikumi, Ruaha, Rubondo Island | $30 |
| Gombe National Park | $100 |
| Mahale Mountains National Park | $80 |
Tanzania Conservation Fees
| Destination | Conservation Fees Per Person Per Day |
|---|---|
| Amboseli | $70 |
| Tsavo East & West | $60 |
| Masai Mara National Reserve | $70 |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | $70 |
| Ol Pejeta Conservancy | $90 |
For a 3-day safari in Masai Mara, your park fees alone are $210 per person. If you want to go into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning and afternoon game drive, it’s $140 per person.
Then, there are the vehicle permits, which average around $50 to $200, which further add to the cost of your game drive.
The Time of Year
The time of year you choose to go on safari in East Africa can significantly impact the price of your trip, especially in popular destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. Safari prices fluctuate depending on the season, with higher costs during peak periods and more affordable rates in the off-season. Understanding how these seasonal variations affect pricing can help you plan the best safari experience within your budget.
East Africa safaris can start at around $5000 per person for a one-week trip in the low season. However, this varies depending on the level of luxury accommodation you’re looking for, the season and on-the-ground logistics.
Let’s look at an example of a trip itinerary for a 7-day Great Migration safari. Here’s how the pricing will differ depending on the season for entry-level camps in Kenya like Ubuntu Migration Camp:
| Low Season | High Season | Low Season | Mid Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 June - 30 June | 1 July - 31 Oct | 15 Nov - 15 Dec | 10 Jan – 14 March |
| From $4,400 per person sharing | From $5,200 per person sharing | From $4,400 per person sharing | From $4,500 per person sharing |
Here’s how that exact same itinerary will look with more luxurious accommodation options like Olakira Migration Camp:
| Mid Season | High Season | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 June - 30 June | 1 July - 31 Oct | 1 Dec - 19 Dec | 20 Dec - 31 Dec |
| From $7,000 per person sharing | From $7,600 per person sharing | From $6,300 per person sharing | From $7,600 per person sharing |
To help visualise how much safari prices change from season to season, here’s an average cost breakdown:
Seasonal Kenya & Tanzania Safari Costs
| Price per person per night All-Inclusive | Moderate | High | Luxury Fly-Ins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Season | $475-$575 | $675-$975 | $1,150-$1,500 |
| Shoulder Season | $550-$750 | $550-$750 | $1,200-$1,950 | Peak Season | $600-$800 | $850-$1,300 | $1,350-$2,550 |
Green Season: Dates vary depending on the camp, but it generally falls in April and May, with some extending into late March or November to mid-December. Many camps close during the rainy season.
Shoulder Season: This period varies significantly by camp, typically running from January to March, sometimes including November and June, and occasionally October.
Peak Season: July through October is prime safari time, along with Christmas. Some camps also consider June part of the peak season. In certain cases, October is usually more affordable with most lodges dropping their rates slightly.
Safari Cost By Activities
Another thing you’ll need to consider is the activities you’d like to do while in East Africa. While some of these are included (depending on where you stay), others, like the hot air balloon ride, are not.
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular safari activities in Kenya and Tanzania:
| Name of Activity | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Guided Walking Safaris | $40 - $160 |
| Hot Air Balloon Safaris | $600+ |
| Night Game Drives | From $60 |
| Horseback Safaris | From $4,000 |
| Cultural Tours | $50 - $350 |
Getting Around Your Safari Circuit
When booking a safari in East Africa, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is how you want to make your way around the safari circuit.
A Dedicated Driver & Private Game Drives
From the moment you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by your dedicated guide, who will accompany you for the entire safari. This includes driving you between lodges and taking you on private game drives in a closed Land Cruiser vehicle.
Since you won’t be sharing the vehicle with other guests. you’ll have the freedom to decide when to head out for game drives, how long to spend at each sighting, and when to return.
Fly-In Safaris & Shared Game Drives
Flying between lodges rather than driving can save time but also increase costs. Once you land, a guide from the lodge will pick you up and conduct the game drives. The vehicles used at the lodges are often open-sided.
The main trade-off is that game drives are typically shared with other guests staying at the lodge unless you’ve booked exclusive use of a vehicle.
Why is an East Africa Safari More Expensive Than Southern Africa?
While safaris across Africa offer incredible experiences, East Africa tends to command a higher price than Southern Africa. There are several reasons for this.
Cost of Travel: In East Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania, high national park fees and the charter flights contribute to higher costs. These regions often operate in US Dollars, and lodges are frequently located in remote areas, requiring costly air transfers. In contrast, Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, benefits from better infrastructure. Many lodges are accessible by road, allowing for more affordable self-drive safaris. South Africa also uses its local currency (ZAR), which is weaker than the US Dollar, providing better value for foreign travellers.
Park Fees & Conservation Levies: East Africa has comparatively high national park fees, which significantly influence the overall cost of a safari. Iconic parks like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are world-renowned, and the demand to experience events like the Great Migration drives up both park fees and accommodation costs. Southern Africa, while still imposing conservation fees, generally offers more affordable rates, especially in destinations like Kruger National Park, where self-drive safaris further reduce expenses.
Luxury & Exclusivity: East African lodges, especially in remote locations, often focus on offering exclusive, high-end experiences with fewer guests. The remoteness and focus on luxury add to the price. While Southern Africa also has premium lodges, the infrastructure and competition among operators allow for a broader range of price points, making it easier to find more affordable options without sacrificing comfort.
Read More: Which is better, an East African or Southern African Safari?
Finalising Your Safari Plans
East Africa's safari experience comes at a premium, and for good reason. At Viatu, we personally quality-check our suppliers to ensure you have an unforgettable holiday without compromising on comfort.
While you might find cheaper options, they often mean cutting corners on quality, which can affect your overall experience. Unlike Southern Africa, East Africa doesn’t have a formal grading system for lodges (like the 4-star or 5-star rankings), but we take extra care to ensure the accommodation we offer meets the high standards you'd expect from top-tier lodges elsewhere. We’re committed to providing a luxury safari experience—not the basic camping vibe.
From the remote locations to the exceptional staff and top-tier accommodations, every aspect of the journey is carefully curated to ensure an adventure that’s both authentic and extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a bucket-list experience or simply exploring your next destination, understanding what influences these costs helps ensure that you get the most out of your East African safari.
To find out more about how we carefully curate and create life-changing and immersive safari experiences in both East Africa, explore our trips or contact our safari experts today.
