How Much Does an African Safari Cost?

A Kenya safari costs between $150 and $1,500 per person per day depending on accommodation level, season, and parks visited. A typical mid-range 7-day safari covering the Masai Mara and one additional park costs $2,500–$4,000 per person sharing. Budget camping safaris from Nairobi start at $150/day, while luxury conservancy stays with private guides run $600–$1,500/day. Park fees ($60–$80/day), domestic flights ($150–$350 per sector), and tips ($15–$25/day) are the main extras.

A Tanzania safari costs between $200 and $2,000 per person per day, making it one of Africa's more expensive safari destinations. A typical mid-range 6-day northern circuit safari (Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Tarangire) costs $3,000–$4,500 per person sharing. Budget camping safaris from Arusha start at $200/day. Park fees are the main cost driver at $60–$82/day for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Luxury camps inside the Serengeti (Singita, &Beyond) run $1,500–$3,000/night.

A Rwanda safari is dominated by one cost: the $1,500 gorilla trekking permit. Beyond the permit, daily costs range from $250 to $2,500 per person per day. A typical 5-day Rwanda itinerary covering gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP plus Akagera Big Five costs $3,500–$5,000 per person at mid-range level (including the permit). Rwanda positions itself as a high-value, low-volume destination — budget options exist but are limited compared to Kenya or Tanzania.

Uganda is the most affordable gorilla trekking destination in the world at $700 per permit — half of Rwanda's price. Daily safari costs range from $150 to $1,500 per person per day. A typical 7-day Uganda itinerary covering gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth NP costs $3,000–$5,000 per person at mid-range level (including permits). Uganda offers the best primate-to-dollar value in Africa, combining gorillas, chimps, and savanna wildlife.