Most safari content sells you the trip. This one prices it.

What this is

Every destination is broken down into what it costs to go: tour packages against self-drive, park fees, flights from several European hubs, insurance, and the kit you actually need rather than the kit that photographs well. Where two options exist, they are compared side by side with the trade-off stated. Where something is poor value, that is said plainly.

• Real figures, dated. Costs come from operator listings, park authorities and booking platforms, cross-checked against more than one source, and every figure carries the month it was checked. A cost page without a date is worth very little.
• Ranges, not flattering single numbers. Safari pricing moves with season. Where it does, the range is given.
• Several departure hubs. Flight comparisons use Madrid, London and Berlin rather than one city, since the same trip can differ by hundreds of euros depending on where you fly from.
• Euros by default. Where a supplier prices only in dollars or rand, the original currency is shown alongside.

Where to start

Pick a destination for the free breakdowns, or take the paid guide if you would rather have all six in one place, with route maps and a booking directory.