How much does an African safari cost?
A private, guided African safari is a bespoke trip, so the cost depends on where you go, how long you travel, and the standard of lodges you choose. As a guide, here are realistic per-person budgets (excluding international flights) for our US and UK travellers.
Safari budgets at a glance (per person, per day)
- Mid-range: approx. USD 350-550 / GBP 280-440 per day
- Luxury: approx. USD 600-1,000 / GBP 480-800 per day
- Ultra-luxury / exclusive lodges: USD 1,200+ / GBP 950+ per day
These typically include accommodation, meals, park fees, a private vehicle with an expert driver-guide, and ground transport.
Gorilla & chimpanzee permits
Primate permits are a fixed, separate cost and are excellent value for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter:
- Uganda gorilla permit: USD 800 per person
- Rwanda gorilla permit: USD 1,500 per person
- Chimpanzee permit (Kibale, Uganda): from USD 250 per person
See our full gorilla trekking guide for details.
Sample trip budgets (per person, excl. international flights)
- 3-4 day gorilla-focused trip: from approx. USD 2,000-3,500 / GBP 1,600-2,800
- 7-day Uganda safari (gorillas + wildlife): approx. USD 4,000-7,500 / GBP 3,200-6,000
- 10-day multi-country (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya): from approx. USD 7,000-14,000 / GBP 5,600-11,200
What affects the price
- Season — peak dry-season dates cost more; green season offers better value
- Lodges — the single biggest lever, from comfortable to exclusive
- Group size — the per-person cost of a private trip falls as the group grows
- Domestic flights vs road transfers
- Number of permits and countries combined
What is included with Jackal Adventures
Our tailor-made trips bundle permits, hand-picked lodges, our own 4×4 Land Cruisers and expert driver-guides, park fees and transfers — real numbers, quoted clearly, with no vague estimates.
Get an exact quote
Tell us your dates and interests and we will build a precise, itemised safari budget in USD or GBP.