Travelers have options
Suppliers have identified approaches to make safaris accessible to more people.
Alana Hayden, founder of Born Free Safaris' Worldwide Tours, advocates being flexible.
“Travel agents need to be prepared to do things ‘piecemeal,’” she said. “Travelers can visit Cape Town on their own. Then the travel agent can do the safari and Victoria Falls for them.
This hybrid approach allows travelers to benefit from expert advice where it matters most.
Bell, of The Pack, emphasizes the value of traveling using road transport rather than more expensive charter flights.
“Flights take you to remote places, but many places off the beaten track are accessible by road and therefore cheaper,” she explained.
Group travel offers another opportunity to save.
“Sharing the costs by traveling in a group saves a lot of money,” said Murphy of African Budget Safaris, adding that land groups of around 30 people are popular with younger or more adventurous travelers who enjoy he social aspect, while a family or group of between six and 12 people offers savings “but also the intimacy of traveling with people you know”.
Understanding seasonality and logistics is also crucial to creating affordable safaris. For example, migration season is expensive, but going during off-peak hours, Saint said, “cuts the cost by at least a third, and you don't have all the crowds.”
Mobile safaris also offer what Grant Reed, co-founder of Letaka Safaris in Botswana, called a “comfortable and affordable way” to access major wildlife reserves.
“Although more rustic than luxury lodges, these trips are often a better experience due to the intimacy with nature, the much smaller group sizes and the relaxed nature of the safari,” he said. declared.
Another consideration is that different African destinations offer varied opportunities for mid-budget travelers.
“You get a lot more value in Tanzania,” Hayden said. “You have so many more choices of accommodation, from very high-end to low-end, which are still very acceptable.”
South Africa appears to be a particularly attractive option for new visitors.
“First of all, their marketing is amazing,” Schaer said. “They have exceptional health care and higher education, wonderful wine country and, of course, the Big 5; they have a beautiful coastline, speak English and offer experiences at every price point.
Even mid-range accommodation maintains high standards in South Africa. “You can’t go wrong,” Hayden said. “Actually, I'm more likely to make a mistake in Europe because there are some really crummy hotels there. I think in South Africa, even at the mid-level, the hotels are still very decent and the service is generally much higher.
Kenya also offers many affordable options beyond the Masai Mara.
“Kenya has excellent accommodation options in Amboseli and Samburu (national reserves),” said Karoline Hood, of King Salama Safaris. “Ol Pejeta Conservancy is also an option. Nairobi National Park is easily accessible and there are many affordable hotels in the area offering plenty of activities, such as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Centre.
For those wanting to venture further off the beaten path, Hood suggested Malawi. “Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park, both managed by African Parks, have a great conservation success story, are uncrowded and offer great rates on their accommodation,” she said.
