MyHolidayCost / East Africa Safari

East Africa Safari Cost Planner

Accommodation, park fees, gorilla trekking permits and regional flights, broken down honestly for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

Safari costs work differently to other travel
Park fees and conservation fees are charged per person per day regardless of accommodation tier. Gorilla trekking permits are a separate, substantial cost in Uganda and Rwanda. This planner accounts for all of these honestly.
Plan your East Africa safari cost
Accommodation, park fees, gorilla permits and flights
Camping: basic tented camps with shared facilities. Mid-range: comfortable tented camps or lodges with en-suite. Luxury: premium tented camps and lodges with full service.
Estimated total safari cost
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Accommodation
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Park and conservation fees
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Per person per day
Regional flights and transfers
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Estimated, per person
Safari planning tips for this destination
Compare safari operators and lodges
Find and compare tour operators, lodges and gorilla permit availability.
Compare safari operators
Get travel insurance for your safari
Standard policies exclude safari activities. Make sure yours covers game drives and light aircraft transfers.
Compare safari insurance
Great Migration timing guide
January to March
Herds are in the southern Serengeti calving grounds in Tanzania. Excellent for predator action as calves are vulnerable. Good value pricing.
April to June
Long rains in most of the region. Green season with lush landscapes, fewer tourists and the lowest prices of the year, though some camps close.
July to October
Peak season. Herds cross into the Masai Mara in Kenya, including the famous Mara River crossings. Highest prices and most visitors of the year.
November to December
Short rains begin and herds move south again towards the Serengeti. Good value shoulder season with excellent game viewing throughout.
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Common questions

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?
Uganda gorilla permits cost around 700 US dollars per person. Rwanda permits cost 1,500 US dollars per person, reflecting Rwanda's premium positioning and superior infrastructure. Permits must be booked well in advance since daily numbers are strictly limited to protect the gorilla population, often 3 to 6 months ahead for peak season.
What is the difference between camping and lodge safaris?
Camping safaris use basic tented camps, often with shared bathroom facilities, and are considerably cheaper. Mid-range safaris use comfortable permanent or semi-permanent tented camps with en-suite bathrooms and proper beds. Luxury safaris offer premium tented camps or lodges with full service, private plunge pools in some cases, and exceptional food. The wildlife experience itself does not differ dramatically between tiers, but comfort and service do.
Do I need vaccinations for an East Africa safari?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, and is recommended regardless. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for all of these destinations. Consult a travel health clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Can I combine a safari with a beach holiday?
Yes, this is one of the most popular East Africa itineraries. Kenya pairs naturally with the Diani or Watamu coast. Tanzania pairs naturally with Zanzibar. Most travellers spend 3 to 5 days on safari followed by 3 to 5 days at the beach, connected by a short regional flight.