A luxury African safari sounds like an oxymoron. But is it?
A luxury safari sounds like an oxymoron.
Far from it.
Of course, such hardcore safaris are available, but nowadays you can glamp in such an ostentatious way that would make Teddy Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway envious.
Why do a luxury safari?
For many people, a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for good reason. First, there’s the travel involved. You’ll get slammed with jetlag, expensive flights, and a time-consuming drive to the national park.
Second, even the cheapest safaris can break the bank. Dirt cheap operators cost $100 per day—and you’ll get little for that. You’ll get crammed in a bus, where your view is limited. You’ll camp on the floor and in a sleeping bag. Food and expensive park fees are all extra.
Because safaris are such expensive affairs, it seems paradoxical to double down and increase your costs. However, it’s precisely because safaris are such a big production that it’s a good time to splurge. Why cut corners when it’s a once-in-lifetime experience?
How much does a luxury safari cost?
Luxury safaris start at $500 per day per person to a staggering $2,000 per person per day for absolute A+ top of the line luxury safaris. This will include everything from the airport pickup, luxury accommodations, park fees, three tasty meals per day, a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, a naturalist, and a professional driver/guide.
Like anything, it’s easy to spend much more, especially on lodging. For example, you can stay at fancy camps for over $1,000 per person, per night. Most luxury tour operators such as our very own AROYÓ Safari will happily customize your trip according to your budget.
Where to go?
At least 10 African countries give you an option to go on a safari. However, only a few have the infrastructure to take you on a luxury safari. The usual suspects are Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa. Other reliable options are Botswana, Uganda, and Namibia.
Today, we'll focus on Tanzania, arguably the best Safari country in Africa!
Most tourists flock to the following national parks in northern Tanzania:
They go there for good reason: they're amazing.
Lodging options in northern Tanzania are endless, but here are a few I've stayed at and can recommend:
When should you NOT go on a Tanzanian safari?
In northern Tanzania claim to fame is the Great Migration. It would be a shame to miss it. September to November is not so good to go to northern Tanzania because it's when the Great Migration is in Kenya. These dates aren't guaranteed but it's a good guideline.
The worse time to go to southern Tanzania is March to June when it's the rainy season.
On the other hand, going on the offseason has benefits of low prices and few tourists.
Whether you splurge on a luxury safari or not, an African safari should be on your bucket list. Just like safari's aren't like they were during Hemingway's time, they won't be the same in 2050. So go now.
