Zimbabwe Safari Cost

Types Of Zimbabwe Safari

Solo/Group

Solo travel to Zimbabwe will cost more money than those who travel in groups. The main advantage of traveling in a group is that the prices are shared. So, prefer going on a Zimbabwe Safari with friends or family or joining shared group tours.

The various prices that can be shared among the group members on Holidays in Zimbabwe are vehicle costs, transportation fees, and fees for the guides. The travelers can also try and share the rooms among themselves to save a little penny. This is why budget travelers are often advised to travel in groups or join group tours.

Guided/Self-Drive

All travelers on Adventure Holidays In Zimbabwe can either go for a guided safari or take a self-drive safari. Guided Safari are costly, pre-planned, and ensure comfort to travelers, whereas self-drive safaris are all about affordable trips around the country.   

The cost of a professional safari guide in Zimbabwe can vary from as low as $20 per day to as high as $100 per day. Specialized guides with knowledge and expertise in one area tend to charge more.

Factors Influencing Zimbabwe Safari Cost

The primary factors determining the cost of Zimbabwe Safari are the type of Safari and the length of the trip. Other secondary factors include the travel season, destination, and safari activities.

Yet, the type of Safari will always remain the most important factor that affects Zimbabwe Holiday Safari Cost. It is because all important cost aspects, like styles of accommodations, group size, and transportation options, fall under the type of safari you choose for Zimbabwe Travel.

Now, let’s look at the above-mentioned variables and how they can influence the overall Zimbabwe Safari Cost.

Length of your Safari

It’s inevitable to say that the cost you spend is directly impacted by the length of the trip. Generally, the more the length of the trip, the less you are going to pay on per day basis.

Time of the visit

Two ways you can time your Tours To Zimbabwe in such a way that the overall safari prices are reduced.

• Schedule your Zimbabwe Safari Holidays outside of school holidays.
• Try visiting Zimbabwe in the off-season or the Wet Season when fewer tourists arrive at national parks and the prices of accommodations are significantly low.

Destinations you want to visit

The safari costs will be far lower at a place where self-drive and camping safari options are available. Other exclusive places which offer stay-in luxurious hotels and tented camps will be highly-priced.

Number of Travellers

Solo travellers on a Safari to Zimbabwe will have to bear more expenses than visitors who travel in groups. This is because when you travel in groups, sharing all the costs becomes one important aspect. For this reason, it is often recommended that people travelling on a budget should always travel in groups to save some money.

Accommodation options

The accommodation prices take up the major share of the budget. Luxurious hotels and tented camps can cost around $200 per night per person. But, there are affordable options if you don’t want to spend a fortune on your safari.

Getting around

Getting around in customized safari vehicles is generally considered a comfortable and affordable option for game viewing. This option is often available with most camps and lodges. However, travelers opting for budget travel are often provided with mini-buses that are neither comfortable nor properly designed for game viewing.

Exclusivity of Zimbabwe Safari

The higher the cost of a safari, the more exclusive your experience is going to be. On the other hand, traveling on a low budget also means that there will be masses of other people surrounding you and the travel experience would be public.

Specific activities of interest

Generally, visiting a large park with an abundance of big mammals will cost you more. Plus, there are wide arrays of activities apart from game drives that are offered in the national parks.

Most of them are voluntary ones. If you are interested in taking part in any of them, then it is quite obvious that you have to pay more. Thus, indirectly affecting the overall safari cost.

Zimbabwe Safari Cost Inclusions - What Are You Paying For?

The following costs are included in our package and contribute towards the Zimbabwe Safari Cost

Park fees

The park entrance fees for all the non-residents choosing to visit Zimbabwe National Parks on your itinerary are included in the package. More about the detailed entrance fee in the Zimbabwe Safari Cost based on the destinations section!

All activities

The costs of safari activities that are offered in the national parks are included in the package. However, any activity which is labeled as optional is not included in the package and additional costs are to be paid by the traveler.

All accommodation options

All the accommodation options offered during your Zimbabwe Safari are inclusive of the package. And, yes accommodation facilities before and after your trip will cost you extra bucks.

Camping equipment

Camping equipment which is an essential part of your safari is also included in the safari cost.

Driver/guide fees

A guide or driver during your safari accompanies you to all the destinations in the country. Their in-depth knowledge and insights about the place will enhance your safari experience while adding value to it.

Airport transfers

The costs involved in the round trip transfer of visitors from the airport to the destinations and vice versa are all part of safari costs.

Meals and Drinks

Your safari cost will include all the costs of meals and drinks as mentioned in the itinerary.

Zimbabwe Safari Cost By Destination

Hwange National Park Safari Prices

• The entrance fees for Hwange National Park are US $5 for local adults and US $ 15 for foreign nationals.
• A 2-day Hwange Camping Safari costs from $450
• A 7-Day Hwange Camping Safari costs from $950
• During the stay in Hwange National Park, travelers to Hwange will get to discover the big game during walking safaris or game drives. Accommodation is provided in semi or extravagant camping tents.

Below is a table that summarises the national park entrance fees for different categories of travelers and vehicles:

Matobo National Park

• The entrance fee in Matobo National Park is US $15 per person for international travelers and US $ 5 for local adults.
• Matobo National Park day trip safari costs start from  $130.

This is a private tour that helps travelers explore Stone Age Rock art. Also, get the unique chance to track rhinos on foot in the company of your guide.

• 2 nights camping in the jungle costs from $798 to $4474 per person

Camping and hiking are two features that are included in this package. Hiking through the Rocky Mountains is a real adventure for safari enthusiasts out here.

Below is a table that displays entrance fees for other categories at Matobo National Park.

Gonarezhou National Park Safari Prices

• The entrance fees in Gonarezhou National Park are US $ 5 for international travelers and US $ 3 for local citizens.
• An 8-Day Gonarezhou Non-stop cost starts from $7729 per person.

The price includes accommodation in a lodge, tented camps, mobile-fly safari camps, food, and activities.

• A Gonarezhou 5-Day Camping Safari costs US $ 4645 per person, which is shared by a group of 4 people.

The prices here include transport, accommodations, food, and activities. Travelers get to discover the pristine wilderness of the national park while tracking known herds of elephants and other animals.

The below table shows daily conservation fees that are charged for various groups of travelers coming for Zimbabwe Safari are outlined below:

Mana Pools National Park Safari Prices

• The entrance fees of Mana Pools National Park are US $ 20 for international travelers and US $ 8 for local adults.
• Mana Pools Day Tour costs start from US $ 130 per person.

The costs for this package are inclusive of food and activities. The day tour includes exclusive wildlife sightings besides the river and its flood plains. Also, large herds of elephants and pride of lions can be spotted around the reserve’s waterhole during game drives.

• 2-day Mana Pools National Park Tour costs start from US $ 430 per person.

The food, accommodation, and activities costs are involved in the package.  Travelers get to spend 2 days and 2 nights at an authentic safari camp and participate in walking safaris which gives immense photographic opportunities.

• 6 nights Mana Pools Adventure costs start from US $ 3974 per person.

The price here is also inclusive of food, accommodations, and activities. Get to experience plenty of flora and fauna along with unbeatable safari adventures.

The table given below shows the daily conservation charges for Mana Pools National Park for different categories of travelers.

Matusodona National Park

• The park entrance fee in Matusadona National Park for international travelers is US $15 and for local adults is US $ 5.
• Matusadona National Park Safari costs start from US $ 1300 per person. The safari prices include food, accommodation, and activities costs.

The guests arriving at Matusadona get to participate in game drives, cruises, tiger fishing, and bird-watching activities. Also, people can take part in walking safaris with expert guides and armed rangers.

The below table highlights daily conservation charges for various categories of travelers coming to Matusadona National Park.

Victoria Falls

• Entrance fees to Victoria Falls are US $30 for all tourists on both sides of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
• Victoria Falls 7-Day Experience costs start from US $ 4590 per person.

The food, accommodation, and activities costs are included in the package.

This 7-Day getaway to Victoria Falls includes a guided tour of the area around the falls. Other activities that are included in the costs are a visit to the local craft market, unwinding on the Zambezi River Cruise, and experiencing a traditional dinner at Boma Dinner and Drum Show.

• Victoria Falls National Park 3-Day Trip costs start from US $ 5000 per person. The food, accommodation, and activities costs are included.

The 3-day trip allows visitors to stay at Azambezi River Lodge while participating in various activities like zip lining, gorge swinging, white water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, and microlight flights.

A sunset boat cruise on the River Zambezi allows a certain chance of spotting hippos and crocodiles.

The Victoria Falls entrance fees for different categories of travelers on Zimbabwe Vacation are given below:

Lake Kariba

• The entrance fee at Lake Kariba for international travelers is US $ 5 and for local citizens, the charges are US $ 3.
• Lake Kariba Day Safari cost starts from US $ 250 per person.

This includes the costs for meals and activities. Boat cruises, fishing, game-viewing, or walks along the shores are some of the Activities to Do in Kariba.

• Nine Days in Kafue National Park, Livingstone, and Lake Kariba cost starts from US $7895 per person. The food, accommodation, and activities costs are included in the package. These customizable Zimbabwe Safari Trips are a unique way to experience the two countries together while staying in houseboats throughout the journey.

Below is a table showing conservation fees that are to be paid by different categories of travelers on Zimbabwe Safari Tours.

Cumulative Representation Of Park Entrance Fees For Various Categories Of Travellers At All Tourist Attractions In Zimbabwe

The park entrance fee or the conservation fees at various Zimbabwe National Parks for adults and children (6-12 years) is represented below.

Note: Children below 6 years are not charged any fee in most national parks in Zimbabwe.

Entrance Fees For Vehicles To Different Zimbabwe National Parks

The park entrance fees for different categories of vehicles to different Zimbabwe National Parks (in Zimbabwean dollars) are represented in a tabular form below.

Zimbabwe Safari Cost For Different Safari Packages

Summary of Zimbabwe Safari Packages and their costs for different popular national parks in the country.

Zimbabwe Safari Cost By Category

Zimbabwe Camping Safari Cost (Us $ 50- Us $ 500)

The cost of a camping Safari in Zimbabwe can depend on several factors such as duration, luxury level, and the activities included in the package.

• A basic camping safari costs around US $ 50 to US $150 per person per day.

Camping equipment, transportation, and park entrance costs are included in the safari package. However, sometimes meals and other activities may not be included in the original price.

• A luxury camping experience will cost around US $ 200 to US $500 or more per person per day. High-quality camping equipment, gourmet meals, and a variety of activities and excursions are all included in the safari cost

Some of our recommended Camping Safari Options:

• 14-Day Victoria Falls to Mana Pools National Park via Hwange National Park – Starts from around US $ 5650 per person.
• 8-Day Matobo to Victoria Falls Tour – Starts from around US $ 4200 per person.
• 10-Day Best Of Zimbabwe Tour- costs start around US $ 2800.

Zimbabwe Family Safari Cost

On average, one-week Zimbabwe Family Safari can cost somewhere from US $ 3000 to US $ 7000 or more per person. However, it is also possible to find more budget-friendly options by choosing a modest itinerary.

You can choose to stay in basic camping and lodge accommodations and reduce the overall cost to around US $ 800 to US $ 3000 per person.

Some of our suggested family packages in Zimbabwe:

• Eight-day family safari – costs start from US $ 3195 per person
• Five-day Lake Kariba & Matusadona National Park Safari Tour- costs start around US $ 2938
• Two-weeks Victoria Falls National Park, Hwange National Park, and Lake Kariba –costs start from around US $ 10,600 per person.

Zimbabwe Photographic Safari Cost

The flora and fauna of Zimbabwe offer the best opportunities for photographic safaris. Any Zimbabwe Safari from July to October is best for game-viewing and capturing the wildlife on the camera. The months of November to April are optimal for bird watchers.

The magnificence of Victoria Falls can be best captured from August to November when the water level is low. The falls are at their visible best against the blue sky.

Specific photographic highlights comprise the rock art positions and granite boulders of Matobo National Park, the incredible sceneries of Mana Pools National Park, and the distinctive stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe.

Our suggested package for a photographic safari in Zimbabwe:

• Zimbabwe Wildlife Tour for 7 Days- costs around US $ 1840.
• Zimbabwe Water and Wildlife Safari 9 Days- Costs start from US $ 3484.

Luxury Zimbabwe Tours And Safari Cost

On average, Zimbabwe Luxury Safari Cost can range anywhere from US $ 1500 to US $ 35000 or more, per person. The cost includes high-end lodges or tented camps with all the necessary amenities.

These safaris include the usage of private vehicles and access to exclusive wildlife sightings. The cost of private guides and gourmet meals and drinks are all included in the safari cost. This essentially means, the overall safari becomes significantly high.

Some of the suggested packages for Zimbabwe Luxury Safari are:

• 9-Days in Kafue National Park, Livingstone, and Hwange National Park – costs start from US $ 4600 per person.
• 7-Day Zimbabwe Ultimate Fly-in Safari- costs start from US $ 8022 per person.

NOTE: All the prices mentioned are estimated to provide you with a comparative cost between different trips. The final price may vary as per seasonal fluctuations, discounts, and any other factors.

Zimbabwe Safari Costs For Different Activities

When talking about Safaris in African countries, the most obvious activity that features to mind are the game drives. But Zimbabwe has got a lot more options for safari enthusiasts apart from traditional game drives. The other activities which are on offer in a Zimbabwe Safari are often termed “optional/voluntary activities”.

This is because guests in Zimbabwe have to pay extra money to take part in these activities. The more activities you choose to partake in, the more exclusive your safari experience will be. However, it’s also seen that travelers going for budget safaris, generally do not engage in optional or voluntary activities due to budget restrictions.

Now, different optional/voluntary activities that guests can avail of during a Zimbabwe Safari and their corresponding prices are mentioned below.

Zimbabwe Safari Accommodation Costs

When planning a Zimbabwe Safari, the lion’s share of the budget is consumed by costs one spends on accommodation. As accommodations are an important cost factor, it is obvious that their cost will greatly influence the overall Safari Prices In Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe accommodations can be divided into three primary categories namely- Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury. For, Zimbabwe the average cost of accommodations for different categories is mentioned below:

Note: The above costs excluded additional costs such as international flights, tips, and personal items.

There are a variety of accommodation options in Zimbabwe National Parks like campsites, guesthouses, lodges, and tented camps. This wide ranges of accommodation options cater to everyone’s budget. So, you can choose from the available options based on the level of comfort you wish to enjoy on your holiday trip.

The average Zimbabwe Safari Costs for various categories of hotels are given below.

Some Best-Rated Zimbabwe Safari Accommodations

Some of our best and top-rated Safari Accommodations in Zimbabwe are listed below:

• Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Price ranges from US $ 139 to US $ 439 per night

Located in Gonarezhou National Park, this lodge offers full board accommodation in Luxury King and Twin Rooms. These rooms have private balconies overlooking Safe River. Each room is equipped with luxurious cotton bedding and a minibar.

Activities:  Game drives, cultural experiences, birding, and Chilo-fly camping experience.

• Amalinda Lodge

Price ranges from US $ 970 to US $ 1062 per night.

The Amalinda Lodge consists of nine thatched rooms including three romantic suites. The lodge has a swimming pool, a library, and a spa.

Activities: Visit the famous tomb of Cecil John Rhodes, walks or hikes, cultural and village tours, and rhino tracking.

• Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

The price of Bumi Hills Safari Lodge starts from US $ 920 per night.

The safari lodge has 20 rooms, all with a bath and shower, air-conditioning, mini-bars, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a balcony.

Activities: Cultural, game drives, walking safari, and boat cruises.

A list of other safari accommodations in Zimbabwe along with their amenities and activities is given below.

Costs Of Meals In Zimbabwe

The cost of meals on Zimbabwe Safaris varies depending on your region of stay. The country is known for its fast food which costs around US $ 6.

Nevertheless, food in sit-in restaurants or safari lodges costs more as compared to fast food or even street food. So travelers to Zimbabwe have two options. They can either opt for packages that include the costs of meals and drinks. Or, go for lunch and dinner away from accommodations for more cost-friendly options.

The following table includes the cost of food and beverages in restaurants in Zimbabwe.

An Insight: Travelers on a really low budget can opt for self-catering guests or camping where they can cook food by themselves in the kitchen.

How Zimbabwe Safari Cost Is Influenced By The Time Of Visit?

Zimbabwe experiences two tourist seasons –the High Season and the Low Season. These two safari seasons affect the number of visitors coming to Zimbabwe for travel which in turn directly impacts the price variation in both seasons.

The high safari season in Zimbabwe is the dry season extending from May to October when a large number of tourists visit the country. This causes an upsurge in demand for accommodations, which ultimately results in a doubling of the prices. Hence, the safari cost is increased around double-fold in the high season.

On the other hand, the low season witnesses fewer tourists arriving in the country. This is why most accommodations and tour operators offer good discounts on prices to attract travellers.

The variation of average Safari Prices In Zimbabwe for different comfort and luxury packages with different tourist seasons is represented below:

Note: These costs are only an average per person, per night.

Duration Of Zimbabwe Safari And Its Effects On Cost

The diverse itineraries of different Zimbabwe Safari Packages allow travellers to alter their duration of stay depending upon their likings and preferences. Generally, the safari itineraries offered by us extend from 3 days to as long as 21 days. So, depending on what you want to enjoy, you can pick up an itinerary of your choice.

However, many accommodations offer good rates of discounts for travellers who opt for longer stays at their facilities. Some accommodations may also offer discounts on different safari activities for their guests.

In short, the longer you stay and the more activities you chose to participate in, the greater the number of discounts you can avail yourself of. So, choose to extend your length of the trip while simultaneously cutting down on your expenses.

The variation in Zimbabwe Trip Cost with the length of the trip can be explained by referring to the following table.

Note: The costs mentioned here are a rough estimate, and are on per person basis during the peak travel season. It can be seen that the cost on a per-day basis is lowered as the duration of stay keeps on increasing.

Additional Costs Involved In Zimbabwe Safari

There are some additional costs involved in a Safari to Zimbabwe. Some are obvious costs and some are not so obvious and almost forgettable. But, they add up to your overall budget and take up a share in it.

• International Flights Costs

The flight costs during international travel depend on several factors such as carrier used, class of service, time of travel, type of journey, and the age of travelers.

Just for example, flights from the United Kingdom to Zimbabwe range from $ 700 to $ 1400 per passenger for one-way travel.

• Visa Costs

Visa costs are usually paid in cash by the travelers at a port of entry to the destination or online before arriving for other e-visas.

The eVisa costs and other details are mentioned in the table below. For more information on Zimbabwe visas, follow the given link.

https://www.visagov.com/en/zwe-visa-for-zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Visa Cost

• Accommodation Costs Before and After the Trip

Any requirement for additional accommodation before and end of the trip can be arranged but needs extra payment.

If you arrive in the afternoon, and your tour begins the next day, you would need accommodation before the tour. Similarly, after the tour ends and you have an early morning flight for the next day, you would also need additional accommodation facilities.

• Vaccinations

Several vaccinations (like malaria) are advised to be taken before arriving in Zimbabwe. These costs might be forgotten, but they do add up to the overall safari cost.

• Tipping

Tips are a way to show gratitude for the services you receive during Zimbabwe Safari Tours. The amount given as a tip depends generally on your level of satisfaction.

Tipping might not be necessary but it is encouraged to share appreciation tips.

So, what you can do is carry some handy cash to cover tips. Generally, it is recommended to tip US $ 15 per person per day.

• Travel Insurance

Guests are advised to acquire travel insurance before confirming booking insurance for the duration of their trip. As most safaris are carried out in secluded and wild areas, we recommend our guests be covered for emergencies and other unexpected situations. The travel insurance costs somewhere vary between 4-12% of the total safari cost.

Average Zimbabwe Safari Costs

So far we know that various factors contribute to an overall Zimbabwe Safari Cost. Here is a list of basic cost factors which remain the same for all types of travelers. But their ranges will of course vary depending on the level of comfort you choose on your safari. They include:

• A standard meal and a drink in a restaurant for two people- US $30 to US $45
• Accommodation cost price – US $30 to US $ 250 per night per person
• National Park entrance fees- US $10 to US $30 per person
• Rates of safari activity - US $30 to US $180

To summarize it all, there are plenty of options available to you on the Zimbabwe Safari Holidays. So, depending on how much you want to spend, the choice of safari is entirely up to you.

The following is an estimate of the average safari cost in Zimbabwe based on the money you are willing to spend.

Note: These are only rough estimates. The cost of a safari can become cheaper or costlier depending upon the accommodation options, activities, and experiences you want to take up with you from your Tours To Zimbabwe.

Conclusion

Lastly, the Zimbabwe Safari Cost will always depend on your travel plans and preferences. We at Falcon Safaris have made the best possible endeavor to bring in all the cost factors together to give our guests an overall picture of the costs involved. Hope, all this information will help you reach an estimate about the safari prices in Zimbabwe which in turn will help you plan your next holiday trip to Zimbabwe in the best possible manner.