Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa
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Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa
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SAFARI COST COMPARISON[ OVERVIEW ] - [ COST COMPARISON CHART ] - [ ANALYSIS ] In almost all itineraries, safari is the most expensive component of a trip to southern Africa. Various factors play a role in one's choice of safari destination and, for most people, cost is one of the many criteria that influence this important decision. Below we present a comparison chart of rough costs for safari in southern Africa's four major 'big game' safari countries - South Africa (Kruger Park), Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These are not exact quotes, they are rough guidelines for comparative purposes. Within Botswana and South Africa camps/lodges exhibit a fairly wide price range, which is indicated by the quotes for mid-range and 'top of the line' properties. Camps in Zambia and Zimbabwe are more clustered around an average rate. The costs quoted are per person sharing (single travelers almost always pay a single supplement of between 30-50%) and are fully inclusive, starting and ending at the airports listed. Rates include charter flights, accommodation, meals, activities, laundry, park fees, services of a professional guide, and (in most cases) drinks. Scheduled flights to and from the starting and ending points are not included. The costings are based on travel in peak season. Where applicable we also list off-peak periods and approximate cost savings during these timeframes. ** Please note that many safari lodges and camps in southern Africa currently feature promotional offerings for travel in 2009 and the first half of 2010 that might result in savings relative to the costs quoted below. Conditions apply, but please contact us for further information.
The explanation for cost differences between safari destinations, and between camps/lodges within the same areas, is multi-faceted and complicated. The safari market in southern Africa is highly competitive and driven by supply and demand, there are very few pricing anomalies. Below we list some of the factors that are behind the cost differences between destinations as well as individual camps/lodges. By their nature, these generalized explanations are fairly crude and we would be happy to elaborate in more detail regarding specific cost differences between individual camps/lodges. * Concentrations of high profile game (especially predators and/or the 'Big Five'). This is a sine qua non for any safari destination, and the most consistent factor influencing pricing. * Camp/lodge experience. The level of style and luxury in accommodation, the quality of food and service, facilities and amenities, ambience, and attention to detail. The more expensive properties invariably excel in these elements of the overall experience. * Wilderness and exclusivity. As a rule, the larger and more private the concession/reserve, the higher the premium. Botswana (where private concessions are typically 100,000 acres or larger) is the most prominent example of this model of 'low volume / high value' eco-tourism. Zambia is an 'emerging' safari destination heading towards this model. * Guides. Many factors influence where guides want to work, but two of the most important are concentrations of game and remuneration. Inevitably, the best guides want to work at the more high end lodges/camps. * Remoteness. The further from civilization a camp/lodge, the more expensive it is to supply and operate, and the higher the access costs for guests. Zambia's three major National Parks are very different, and fairly far removed from each other. This makes a Zambian safari a very diverse experience, but travel costs are a little higher than in Botswana for example. Namibia, home to some of southern Africa's most remote camps, is perhaps the most pronounced example of this. * Convenience. Camps/lodges with private airstrips that are close to camp offer increased convenience due to shorter transfer times between the airstrip and camp. This means less time in transit and more time on safari or relaxing. Such airstrips, in addition to being expensive to build and maintain, are desirable to guests and attract a premium. * Political perceptions. The biggest factor influencing the discounted rates in Zimbabwe is the negative perception surrounding the government of Robert Mugabe. Without doubt this regime has had a very negative impact on the lives of local Zimbabweans but, as a safari destination for foreign visitors (assuming you stay within National Parks), the effect has been very limited. We are happy to discuss the pros and cons of a Zimbabwe safari. Call toll-free on 1-888-227-8311 or email us at
info@classicafrica.com |
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