Practical advice for paying a safari on your own in South Africa

Going on a trip always has a previous organization, but a South Africa safari alone requires a more thorough planning. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for all your decisions and will not have the advice of a specialized guide.

Starting from this point, you must decide the date and buy the air tickets for the transfer. Depending on the time of year the cost of the tickets varies, you can get from 500 Euros onwards, depending on the number of stopovers and connections.

From July to September is the best season of the year to go on a South Africa safari. This is the period of drought, in which the animals are in constant movement in search of water and food. So you’ll have a chance to see a lot of activity.

Once you arrive in South Africa, start looking for accommodation and food, there are options for all budgets within the National Parks. There are camping, cabins and the most expensive are the lodges (hotels).

Now that you have arranged the accommodation and the food, it is time to go and see the wildlife. It is recommended to hire the guides in the same place because if you go to a tourist agency the prices increase because of the taxes that must be canceled.

In each South Africa safari, there are people willing to offer the service in a disinterested way and it is a unique experience. Organize the visits by hours and not by full day, you have to take advantage of the first hours of the morning or the evening. During the rest of the day, there is not much activity and it will be time and money lost for you.

Renting a vehicle can be a perfect solution; it will give you the freedom to know the best of a South Africa safari. But you must bring a native who can indicate safe areas, a GPS and a good map. It is important to fill the gas tank and have a phone to be located in case of any unforeseen event.

Other options such as hiking on foot, at night, by bicycle or motorcycle, can be a little more expensive, because you must pay an expert guide and this requires a more specialized team, to defend against animals.

In conclusion, it can be said that a South Africa safari on its own, is a more economical experience and, if you enjoy taking risks, it can be an unforgettable experience. The daily prices per person range between 40 and 70 Euros, with accommodation, food, and trips.

So make your budget and get ready to enjoy, with all freedom, wild nature in any of the hundred national parks that South Africa has.