Best All‑Inclusive African Safaris: What’s Included, Costs & Where to Go
- Jan 9
- 12 min read
Updated: Jan 12
All-Inclusive African Safaris: What You Need to Know
An all‑inclusive African safari sounds simple: everything covered, no surprises, just you and the wild. Yet “all‑inclusive” can mean very different things depending on where you go, the lodge you choose, and the experience you’re expecting.
Some safaris truly take care of every detail; others still leave room for unexpected extras. If you’re weighing all‑inclusive options, this guide breaks it down clearly: what’s usually included, what often isn’t, how much you should expect to spend, and which African destinations deliver the best all‑inclusive experiences.
What Does “All‑Inclusive” Really Mean?
A genuine all‑inclusive safari bundles most of your daily experience into one rate. Here’s what to expect:
Accommodation & meals – Lodges and tented camps provide three meals a day plus snacks
House drinks – Soft drinks, teas, coffees, local beers and house wines are typically included. Premium spirits and imported wines cost extra
Guided activities – Twice‑daily game drives with professional guides and trackers are standard; many camps also include walking safaris or night drives.
Park fees & transfers – National‑park fees and transfers between local airstrips and lodges are usually bundled into the package.
What’s often not included:
International flights & visas – You must arrange your own international flights and entry visas.
Premium drinks & specialist activities – Champagne, top‑shelf spirits and activities like hot‑air ballooning or helicopter flights are charged separately. (Some high-end lodges include all drinks)
Gratuities – Tipping guides, drivers and camp staff is customary but discretionary; guidelines are in the FAQ.
Travel insurance & medical costs – Comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance is essential.
Laundry (sometimes) – Many mid‑range and luxury camps include laundry; budget camps may charge.
Nuance: Inclusions vary by camp. Some lodges include walking safaris, night drives or canoe excursions as standard, while others charge extra. Ask for a detailed list before booking.
Where to Go for the Best All‑Inclusive Safaris
South Africa offers malaria‑managed reserves, strong infrastructure and easy logistics. Private reserves bordering Kruger National Park (e.g. Sabi Sands) share unfenced boundaries with Kruger, ensuring superb Big Five sightings and polished service.
Shoulder and green seasons (November–April) offer fewer tourists and lower prices; dry winter months (May–September) concentrate wildlife around waterholes.
Botswana – Okavango Delta & Chobe
Botswana sets the benchmark for premium all‑inclusive safaris. Fly‑in camps deep in the Okavango Delta and neighbouring Linyanti and Chobe reserves deliver complete immersion in wilderness, with everything taken care of from arrival to departure.
Peak wildlife viewing runs May–October when the Delta floods; January–March is the green season with lush scenery and up to 50 % lower rates.
Kenya – Masai Mara & Amboseli
Kenya’s Masai Mara is legendary for the Great Migration and year‑round predator action. All‑inclusive lodges and tented camps line the Mara River and private conservancies, often including cultural visits to Maasai villages. Combining the Mara with Amboseli National Park (famous for elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro) delivers a contrasting landscape and broader experience.
Tanzania – Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Tanzania offers sweeping landscapes and varied ecosystems, often combined into longer itineraries. Premium tented camps provide front‑row seats to the Great Migration in the Serengeti and the wildlife‑rich Ngorongoro Crater.
Dry season (June–October) brings dense wildlife and high prices; November and March–May see greener landscapes and fewer visitors.
Other Regions
Namibia: Dramatic deserts and quieter safaris; some lodges are semi‑inclusive (activities are à la carte). See the best Luxury Safari Lodges in Namibia
Get a Spa Treatment at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge Zambia & Zimbabwe: The Lower Zambezi, Mana Pools and Hwange offer canoeing and walking safaris with a raw wilderness feel.
Rwanda & Uganda: Best for gorilla trekking; packages are short (3–5 nights) and expensive because of permit costs. See best lodges to see Gorilla Trekking
Bisate Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
How Much Do All‑Inclusive Safaris Cost?
Prices vary by destination, season and accommodation level. As a general guide (per person, per night):
Tier | Price Range (USD) | What You Get |
Entry/Value | $300–500 | Basic lodges or very simple tented camps with shared vehicles and limited amenities. |
Mid‑range | $600–1,000+ | Comfortable camps or small lodges with en‑suite facilities, all meals, drinks and activities. |
Luxury | $1,200–3,000+ | Private concessions, premium accommodation, top‑shelf drinks, personalised guiding. |
A quick note on safari pricing by country:
All-inclusive safari costs vary significantly by destination. South Africa generally offers the most accessible entry-level lodges, while Kenya and Tanzania sit in the mid-range. Botswana is typically the most expensive, due to fly-in logistics, low-impact tourism policies, and limited guest numbers. The table above reflects broad ranges, your final cost will depend on where you go, when you travel, and how exclusive you want the experience to be.
As a rule of thumb:
South Africa = best value.
Kenya/Tanzania = balance of value and spectacle.
Botswana = premium wilderness.
Cost snapshot:
Entry/value safaris typically start around $300–500 per person per night, covering simple lodges, meals and activities (often road‑based rather than fly‑in).
Mid‑range safaris usually fall between $600–1,000 per person per night, offering comfortable tented camps, excellent guiding and inclusive drinks.
Luxury safaris range from $1,200–3,000+ per person per night, providing private guides, exclusive locations and top‑shelf services.
Why All‑Inclusive Safaris Feel Expensive (And Why They’re Worth It)
If you’ve read forums or Reddit threads, you’ve probably seen travellers express sticker shock at safari prices. It’s normal: safaris take place in remote wilderness areas with limited access and low guest numbers.
Your rate isn’t just paying for a bed and meals; it funds conservation levies, park fees, highly trained guides, trackers, support staff and logistical costs such as flying supplies into camps. The premium reflects the real cost of protecting wildlife and delivering a safe, seamless experience.
What All‑Inclusive Is Not
Not every “all‑inclusive African trip” is a safari. Many tours sold as all‑inclusive are escorted group trips or beach resorts where meals and transport are covered but time in the bush is limited.
A true all‑inclusive safari is lodge‑based, set within or adjacent to wildlife reserves, and includes daily game drives, walks or boat excursions with professional guides. Resort packages or coach tours may offer convenience and value, but they’re not a substitute for the immersive wildlife experience of a lodge‑based safari.
A note on marketplace listings
If you’ve searched for “all‑inclusive safari” on booking engines or travel‑aggregator sites, you’ve probably been overwhelmed by a long list of hotels, tours and generic packages.
Many of these “all‑inclusive” labels apply to beach resorts or escorted trips that include meals and transport but offer little or no safari time. In contrast, a genuine lodge‑based safari bundles wildlife activities and park fees into the rate and prioritises conservation and guiding. Large marketplaces rarely explain the difference or break down inclusions versus exclusions, so it’s worth reading beyond the headline and seeking expert guidance.
Example All‑Inclusive Safari Packages
To give you an idea of what’s available, here are sample itineraries based on popular packages. Prices are starting figures; actual costs vary by season and lodge:
Destination & Package | Duration & Starting Price | Highlights & Inclusions |
Kruger National Park Extravaganza (South Africa) | 7 days from ≈$5,500 | Luxury lodges in Kruger and Sabi Sands; guided game drives and bush walks; gourmet meals and spa treatments; Big Five sightings. |
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Adventure (Tanzania) | 10 days from ≈$6,800 | Great Migration in the Serengeti; Ngorongoro Crater; premium tented camps; game drives, cultural visits and optional hot‑air ballooning. |
Masai Mara & Amboseli Safari (Kenya) | 8 days from ≈$4,950 | Masai Mara’s predator action and Amboseli’s elephant herds; luxury lodges; cultural interactions; optional balloon safari. |
Namibia Desert & Wildlife Odyssey | 9 days from ≈$7,200 | Sossusvlei dunes, Etosha wildlife and cultural encounters; desert lodges; desert excursions and game drives. |
Botswana Delta & Chobe Explorer | 10 days from ≈$8,000 | Okavango Delta mokoro trips and Chobe’s elephant herds; luxury camps; boat cruises and game drives. |
Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu Retreat | 6 days from ≈$4,500 | Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park; relaxing at Lake Kivu; permits, luxury lodges and cultural tours. |
These examples illustrate how all‑inclusive safaris vary in length, destination and cost. Use them as inspiration rather than an exhaustive list.
How to Choose the Right Safari Company
There are three main ways to book an all‑inclusive safari: through a specialist planner who designs your trip and coordinates with trusted operators and lodges; directly with a local operator who runs the safari on the ground; or via lodge brands and collections that package stays across their own camps.
We explore the pros and cons of each in our guide to how safari companies work
Look for:
Experience & local expertise – years of in‑country experience, trained guides and membership in industry associations.
Safety & reliability – licences, insurance, well‑maintained vehicles and emergency procedures.
Tailored itineraries & group size – customisable itineraries and small group or private options.
Transparent inclusions & exclusions – clear lists of what’s included and what’s extra
Responsible practices – conservation and community support, fair wages and ethical wildlife encounters.
Reviews & references – independent traveller reviews and client referrals.
Who to Book an All‑Inclusive African Safari With
When planning an all-inclusive African safari, the choice of operator is especially important. These journeys often combine international flights, regional transfers, multiple lodges, guiding, meals, and activities into a single itinerary, making experienced coordination essential.
Go2Africa - Partner recommendation
Go2Africa is frequently chosen by travellers seeking a fully managed yet flexible safari experience. With planning teams based in Africa, they design all-inclusive itineraries across southern and eastern Africa that bring together flights, transfers, accommodation, and guided activities into a cohesive journey.
Rather than relying on fixed packages, Go2Africa adapts each itinerary to suit individual interests, whether that’s a luxury honeymoon, a family safari, or a multi-country journey combining wildlife and beach destinations.
For travellers who value a single point of contact, clear planning support, and an end-to-end safari experience that removes much of the logistical complexity of travelling through Africa, Go2Africa’s planning depth and regional reach make them a reliable starting point.
Practical Considerations
Luggage limits: Fly‑in safaris restrict luggage to about 20 kg (44 lb) in Southern Africa and 15 kg (33 lb) in East Africa.Use soft‑sided duffel bags; laundry services are usually provided.
Tipping guidelines: Budget US$10–20 per guest per day for guides and trackers, US$5–15 per day for drivers and transfers, and about US$20 per guest per day for lodge staff
Insurance & health: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is essential. Consult a travel doctor about vaccinations (yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid) and malaria prophylaxis.
Booking timelines & payments: Plan your safari 6–12 months in advance, popular camps sell out quickly. Deposits of 20–35 % are usually required within two weeks of booking, with the balance due 60 days before travel. Flights often require full payment at the time of deposit.
Visas & documents: Ensure your passport has six months’ validity and at least two blank pages. Visas may be issued on arrival or require electronic applications; check embassy sites. Carry a yellow fever certificate when travelling through endemic areas.
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Simply fill out this form and our Africa‑based team will craft a personalised itinerary that reflects your interests, budget and travel style.
Why Choose an All‑Inclusive Safari?
Convenience: Everything from meals and drinks to daily game drives is handled, freeing you to immerse yourself in the experience.
Value for money: Bundled inclusions often make all‑inclusive safaris more cost‑effective than piecing a trip together yourself, especially once park fees, transfers and guiding are factored in.
Luxury & comfort: Many all‑inclusive packages feature high‑quality lodges, personalised service and exceptional cuisine, ensuring a seamless, relaxing experience.
“We planned a Kenyan safari and beach honeymoon. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every cent, we saw the Big Five and everything was taken care of” Thomas- African Safari Mag Client
Why Your Safari Matters: Supporting Communities & Conservation
All‑inclusive safaris can be more than a holiday. When you choose operators who partner with local communities and conservation projects, your trip fees directly fund anti‑poaching patrols, habitat preservation and research.
Lodges that hire and train staff from nearby villages provide meaningful careers and help communities see the value in protecting wildlife. Many camps also invest in sustainable practices, solar power, waste reduction and community education, to minimise environmental impact. In fact, industry groups note that bundled safari packages contribute significantly to both conservation and local economic development.
When you travel with an ethically minded safari company, you’re not just seeing Africa’s wildlife, you’re helping keep it wild.
Planning Your Safari
Every safari is personal. The right destination, lodge and timing depend on your priorities—wildlife density, exclusivity, cultural interactions, level of luxury or photography. If you’re unsure where to start, connect with people who know these places intimately. A well‑planned all‑inclusive safari isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about getting the experience right.
Ready to plan your once‑in‑a‑lifetime safari? Let the African Safari Mag team, based in Africa with decades of on‑the‑ground experience, help you design a personalised adventure. Explore more on our destination pages South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania, or contact us for tailored advice.
About the Author & African Safari Mag
This guide was written by Craig Howes, founder and editor of African Safari Mag. Based in Africa and deeply embedded in the safari industry, Craig has spent years travelling across the continent, from the Okavango Delta to the Serengeti, working alongside guides, lodge owners, conservationists and safari operators.
Through African Safari Mag, we’ve helped countless travellers cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and plan safaris that genuinely match their expectations, whether that’s a first-time Big Five experience or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury journey.
We’re not a booking engine, and we’re not tied to a single operator. Our role is simple: to listen to what you want, understand your budget and travel style, and connect you with the lodges or operators that best fit, at no extra cost to you.
If you’re ready to start planning, you can share a few details about your trip and let us guide you from there.
Plan your African safari here → https://www.africansafarimag.com/plan-african-safari
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an all‑inclusive lodge worth it compared to self‑driving?
Yes, if your priority is wildlife sightings and ease. In a Fodor’s forum discussion, a traveller who had spent 15 days self‑driving in Kruger noted they saw “leopard only once, lion about five times, and never rhino.”
“We love Kruger, but after 15 days we’d seen leopard once. In a private reserve we saw Big Five daily – it was worth getting another credit card for” – Fodor’s forum user, emphasising the wildlife advantage of private lodges.
At a private lodge they saw the Big Five every day, often twice, and said it was worth splurging, even if it meant getting “another credit card”. Private lodges also include meals, guiding and logistics, so you spend your time spotting animals instead of planning.
How much does an all‑inclusive safari cost?
Expect to budget roughly US$300–500 per person per night for entry‑level lodges, US$600–1 000 for mid‑range camps and US$1 200–3 000+ for luxury concessions. A traveller who booked a Kenyan safari and beach honeymoon through a tour operator said it was “not cheap” but “worth every cent” because everything was taken care of and they saw the Big Five.
Should I use a safari operator or book everything myself?
For first‑timers, working with a specialist is wise. In a photography forum thread, an experienced safari‑goer urged beginners to use companies like Good Earth Tours or Expert Africa to customise itineraries and match them to their budget and interests. A good agent will secure the right camps and handle logistics without adding to the cost.
When is the best time to go on safari?
The dry season (June–September) offers the best wildlife concentration, but prices are highest. A forum contributor summarised it neatly: visit Tanzania in February–March (calving season), South Africa or Botswana in June–July, and Kenya’s Masai Mara in August–September for the Great Migration. Shoulder months (May and October) balance value and sightings.
What does a typical day at an all‑inclusive camp look like?
One traveller described the daily rhythm like this: “Early wake‑up with coffee, morning game drive with a coffee break, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening drive with sundowners (wine/beer), dinner and then bed, repeat”. The lodge handles all activities and transfers, so you can relax and enjoy the bush.
How far in advance should I book?
High‑demand lodges in Botswana and Tanzania often fill 6–12 months ahead. If you’re targeting peak migration dates or specific camps, plan a year in advance. For South African private lodges, booking 3–6 months out is usually sufficient, but earlier is better.
How much should I tip guides and staff?
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. General guidelines are US$10–20 per guest per day for guides and trackers and US$5–10 per day for drivers; many lodges suggest US$20–25 per day total for staff, pooled into a general tip box. One Reddit user asked whether to tip after each game drive or at the end; most people tip once at check‑out.
Which country is best for a first safari?
South Africa’s Kruger/Sabi Sands region is ideal for first‑timers: easy logistics, year‑round Big Five sightings and a wide range of lodges. Tanzania’s Serengeti/Ngorongoro offers epic scenery and the Great Migration, while Kenya’s Masai Mara combines predator action with cultural experiences. Botswana delivers exclusive wilderness but at a higher price point.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Consult a travel clinic at least four weeks before departure. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for some East African countries, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most safari regions. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance,including evacuation coverage, is essential.
Is a safari suitable for families with children?
Many lodges welcome children and offer family suites and child‑friendly activities, but some camps have minimum age limits (often eight or twelve years) for safety reasons. Always check age policies and be realistic about your children’s ability to sit quietly on game drives.
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