What a safari really costs — and where the money goes

A mid-range private safari in East Africa typically lands between US$350 and US$650 per person per day, and a luxury flying safari between US$900 and US$1,800. The difference is rarely the operator's margin.

The big three costs Park and conservation fees, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, and light-aircraft transfers. A single gorilla permit in Uganda is US$800, Rwanda US$1,500 — that figure alone shapes most itineraries.

Where you can save Travelling in the green season, joining a small scheduled departure, choosing road over air, and mixing simple tented camps with one or two lodges stretches a budget considerably without losing the experience.

Where you should not Vehicle quality, guide quality and camp location are the three things that determine whether a safari is memorable or merely fine. Ask what vehicle you will be in and how long your guide has worked that particular park.