Independent luxury safari guide · Updated October 2026
Plan Africa’s finest safaris with real numbers
What a luxury safari costs in 2026–2027, when to go, and how to choose between Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and more. Researched from official tariffs and lodge rate sheets.
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Botswana and the Okavango
Private concessions, fly-in camps and elephants wading the Delta’s June–August floodwaters.
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When to go, month by month
Dry season June–October puts wildlife at the water; November–March brings newborns and lower rates.
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The Great Migration
Mara River crossings usually run July to October in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara.
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What a luxury safari really costs
Plan on roughly US$1,200–2,500 per person per day; ultra-luxury camps run US$3,000+.
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The four questions everyone asks first
How much does a luxury safari cost?
Plan on roughly US$1,200–2,500 per person per day for a well-designed luxury safari in East or Southern Africa. Ultra-luxury camps, private villas and peak migration dates run US$3,000+.
See the full cost breakdown →When is the best time to go on safari?
June to October is peak dry season across most of Africa, when wildlife gathers at water. November to March brings lower rates, newborn animals and the Serengeti calving season.
Month-by-month guide →How much is a gorilla permit?
A gorilla trekking permit costs US$1,500 per person in Rwanda and US$800 in Uganda. Trekkers must be 15 or older, and you get one hour with a habituated gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking guide →When can you see the Mara River crossings?
The dramatic river crossings usually happen from about July to October in the northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. The exact timing depends on the rains each year.
Great Migration calendar →Where to go
Nine countries, each best at something different. Start with the one that matches your priorities.
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- Read and shortlist. Use our guides to choose a country, season and lodge tier, with real fees and no surprises.
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