What kind of safari can you get for US$4,000?
A short while ago we were contacted by some professional photographers from the USA.
They wanted to go on safari in Africa, in particular they wanted to witness the great wildebeest migration, but their budget was tight; the cost must not exceed US$4,000 per person.
Now, I can hear some of you saying that $4000 is not a tight budget at all, quite generous in fact, but it’s not that simple.
These clients wanted a duration of about 10 days and were looking for small, intimate camps in great locations as well as private guides and vehicles; so that they could concentrate on their photography without distractions.
Putting together an itinerary for them was not difficult, but staying within their budget whilst meeting all their requirements did make it more challenging.
Although Tanzania and the wildebeest migration was their first preference, they were open to alternatives; as long as the game viewing was excellent and it came in under budget.
It is not often that we are given such a strict budget to adhere to; it is usually more of a ball park figure which can be fine tuned once we have a base itinerary, but this was a fun challenge.
In addition to the original destination, Tanzania, we also investigated possibilities in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana.
And here’s what we came up with. Any one of these itineraries would be a wonderful introduction to Africa for first time visitors.
All prices are based upon 4 people travelling and include all accommodation, meals, guiding & game drives in a private vehicle, park and conservation fees and transfers.
Tanzania
10 nights / 11 days
US$3,935 per person
1 night Lake Duluti Serena Lodge – Arusha
2 nights Tarangire Simba Lodge – Tarangire NP
2 nights Kati Kati tented camp – Serengeti NP
3 nights Camp Zebra – Serengeti NP
2 nights The Retreat – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Zimbabwe
9 nights / 10 days
US$3,835 per person
1 night Gorges Lodge – Batoka Gorge, Victoria Falls
2 nights Bomani Tented Lodge – Hwange NP
3 nights Nehimba Lodge – Hwange NP
3 nights Zambezi Sands – Zambezi NP
Kenya
8 nights / 9 days
US$3,825 per person
2 nights Mbweha Camp – Lake Nakuru
3 nights Elephant Bedroom Camp – Samburu Game Reserve
3 nights Porini Lion Camp – Masai Mara Reserve
South Africa and Swaziland
10 nights / 11 days
US$3,600 per person
5 nights Rhino Post Safari Lodge – Kruger NP
2 nights Mkhaya Game reserve – Swaziland
3 nights Kosi Forest Lodge – Kosi Forest Reserve
Zimbabwe & Botswana
8 nights / 9 days
US$3,995 per person
3 nights Pride Of Hwange (private tented camp) – Hwange NP
2 nights Batonka Guest Lodge – Victoria Falls
1 Full day guided safari in Zambezi NP
3 nights Ngoma Safari Lodge – Chobe NP
In addition to the ones we managed to put together within the stated budget there were also some wonderful itineraries that were just a couple of hundred dollars over budget.
It just goes to show that $4000 will buy you a fantastic private safari with few compromises.
If any of these itineraries appeal to you, or you’d like to set us a challenge of your own, just click here to get in touch.
