Who knows exactly what will be in the Chancellor’s briefcase this year. Something we do know here at Real Africa though is that everyone loves good value for money.
We’ll tell you how to sniff out those killer deals, what destinations offer best value and when to go.
1. Go off-season
By travelling off season you can save yourself serious money and avoid the crowds.
Botswana
In Botswana, the Green Season stretches from November to March with lodges offering superb savings at this time of year compared to the peak dry season months of July-October when costs can double. If you don’t mind a bit of rain or the odd thunder storm, you will be rewarded with some incredibly exciting wildlife. The latest sightings report from Kwando in Botswana talks about lions with cubs, wild dogs up close and plentiful bird life.
You can find out more about Botswana’s Green Season and read the latest Sightings Report here.
Green Season specials for Botswana are usually released at the end of February or in early March time. They always book up very quickly. Keep an eye on our news posts.
South Africa
In South Africa, December and January are the peak hot and dry months – many local South Africans take their holiday at this time and it can get very busy. In contrast September to November are far quieter – this is a particularly good time for whale watching along the Cape coast with the Whale Festival in Hermanus in September/October. Game viewing in Kruger is excellent during these dry months as wildlife congregates around water holes (and the slightly cooler dry weather means fewer mosquitoes). March and April are also good months to travel in South Africa since the weather is pleasantly warm and not too windy. After Easter, lodges tend to be far quieter and flight prices come down too. There are usually some good special offers about at this time, like the exceptional City & Safari offer which stays at Amakhala Game Reserve.
East Africa
In East Africa the long rains arrive from March to May and the region is quieter overall with good value to be enjoyed at the lodges – in the Masai Mara in Kenya you can expect heavy afternoon downpours but game viewing can be scheduled around this. March is actually a fantastic time to be in the Mara. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular and children love the excitement of a downpour and the slippery mud roads which result.
With the first rain, flowers start to bloom, like the fireball lillies out on the plains. Trees start to fruit, like the Warburgia, which brings wildlife like elephants and monkeys in around camp. March is also the start of the Mini Migration, often overshadowed by the Great Migration but still a notable event. Around 300,000 zebra and wildebeest, many of which have calves born in February, arrive from the Loita Hills to graze on the Mara plains. There are many baby animals to be seen from hyena cubs to baby giraffe.
In Tanzania the Southern Parks offer best value. Ruaha and Selous are not as visited as the Northern Circuit parks and therefore demand is less and rates tend to be more competitive. You’ll find prime bush, excellent wildlife and rustic but characterful lodges in great locations.
Click here to see a sample safari and beach itinerary in Southern Tanzania.
2. Consider which park
National Park lodges and camps are usually more affordable than those in private concessions, followed as a general rule, by the lesser known reserves. In Kenya, rather than stay in the Masai Mara itself, opt for the Mara North Conservancy and in South Africa consider Manyeleti Game Reserve which borders Kruger as an alternative to well-known Sabi Sands. There are no fences to constrict the movement of the game and so you will still enjoy prime bush and wildlife but without the inflated price tag.
Click here to find out more about Honeyguide Mantobeni camp in Manyeleti Game Reserve.
If you are desperate to visit iconic reserves then consider new lodges or camps which may have introductory offers until they are established. We often post announcements like this on our news pages on our website.
3.Consider the exchange rate
The exchange rate undeniably makes South Africa a fabulously good value destination at the moment. Currently you can get around 17 Rand to the Pound which means that you can eat, drink and stay like a king if you want to. Namibia also works off the rand exchange rate.
4. Look at the detail
Many of our lodges are full board or all-inclusive offering great value for money. You pay for everything up front and this takes away
any hassle about paying in local currency. This can make a real difference to your enjoyment and overall spend. One of our favourite lodges is Karen Blixen Tented Camp in Kenya’s Mara North Conservancy – not only are all local drinks included in the full-board stay but we also have an incredible offer allowing you to enjoy four nights for the price of three.
Click here to see a sample itinerary.
Our safaris in East Africa use a private vehicle and guide, and comfortably seat 6 guests, giving you maximum flexibility. By going with friends or family members and sharing the vehicle you can keep prices down.
With holidays to South Africa if you are travelling on a standard UK passport then you should not need a visa which represents a significant saving for a family of four, for instance. In addition, game reserves in the Eastern Cape are malaria free saving you a further outlay on anti-malarials.
5. Stay connected
The best way to keep track of safari news, like new lodges and wildlife sightings, or to hear about special offers is to subscribe to our monthly newsletter and to ‘like’ us on Facebook.
Summary
Can I go on safari for less than £3000?
Yes you can. South Africa and Kenya would currently be the best value safari destinations and you can safari here for less than £2500 – our sample 19 day itinerary Ultimate Garden Route gives you an idea of the exceptional value. Week long lodge safaris in Kenya, like the Kenya Express or the Family Half Term Safari Fix, in the off-season start at just over £2000 per person including international flights, taxes and transfers – and with a private vehicle and guide.
Our current Botswana Green Season special including all flights and transfers is £3,095.
By Sara White
