10 Elements Shaping the Price of a Namibia Safari

Several elements can impact the price of a safari in Namibia. When planning your journey, it is essential to think about the setting, the season, the number of companions, and the desired level of comfort and privacy. The great thing is that with its expansive landscapes and limited crowds, every corner of Namibia maintains a sense of untouched wonder.

1 Duration of visit

Park entry fees are applied for a full 24-hour period and remain the same regardless of how long you explore the park. If you are on a fully organized safari, you will find that prices tend to decrease slightly the longer your journey unfolds. When you embark on a journey independently, whether in full or part, you will find that the costs for vehicle rentals and accommodations tend to drop considerably the longer your adventure lasts.

2 Quality of lodging experience

Namibia boasts some of the most luxurious – and expensive – safari lodges in Africa. These are typically found in incredibly untamed and secluded areas. But the exciting aspect is that Namibia offers a wide array of great value and very affordable mid-range and budget accommodations. This encompasses remote campsites, city hostels, and cottages managed by park authorities, making Namibia a perfect destination for an unforgettable budget safari.

3 Where the lodgings are situated

Namibia is an expansive and lightly inhabited land, brimming with countless safeguarded areas. The renowned parks include the breathtaking Etosha National Park and the enigmatic Skeleton Coast National Park. Yet, even in this place, the crowds are modest, allowing you to discover options that align perfectly with your budget. The sole exceptions to this are the highly exclusive safari camps nestled in the far reaches of the country. Such locations are typically accessible only by air and are not intended for those with budgetary constraints.

4 Team size

Many safaris in Namibia are designed to perfectly match the desires of the clients or offer the excitement of small group adventures. There are hardly any extensive package-tour safaris. A significant number of budget and mid-range travelers embark on self-organized safaris. For this reason, the size of your group usually doesn’t significantly impact overall costs (unless you are sharing the expense of a rental vehicle).

5 When you are ready to embark

Like many safari destinations, Namibia experiences a low, high, and middle season. Visiting between June and September will lead to the peak prices for accommodations. On the flip side, visiting between October and February during the low season typically leads to more affordable prices. However, in contrast to many regions in Africa, the low season in arid Namibia does not bring with it the challenges of impassable roads and shuttered parks. Instead, it’s the intense heat that can turn travel during this time into a formidable challenge. Considering everything, we recommend the March to May timeframe as the perfect blend of pleasant temperatures and more affordable mid-season rates.

6 Your mode of transportation

The most secluded and unique camps can truly be accessed only by air, and flight costs often soar. It’s quite a challenge to find flights that cost less than US$200 per person. Most travelers journey across the land by road. The excellent road network and breathtaking landscapes create an exhilarating experience, whether embarking on a fully organized safari or exploring with family or friends in a rental vehicle. Make sure to pack your camping gear for this adventure. Experience the thrill of renting a 4WD vehicle starting at just US$120 per day.

7 The destination of your choice

By choosing locations accessible through the main road network in a regular saloon car and bringing your own camping gear, you can enjoy an affordable safari experience in Namibia. This can encompass many of the most renowned parks and reserves. It’s a whole new experience when you seek to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Then you’ll either need to embark on a completely organized, custom safari, take a flight to a unique safari camp, or rent a robust 4WD vehicle and be entirely self-reliant. Be prepared to pack plenty of extra fuel and water. Each of these choices comes with a hefty price tag.

8 Exciting Add-ons

The small coastal city of Swakopmund has transformed into a hub for thrill-seekers across Africa. Many people enjoy tacking on a few extra days to experience paragliding, sand boarding, and skydiving. Prepare to spend approximately US$330 per person for the exhilarating experience of leaping from an airplane.

9 Excursions

Exciting additions to a Namibia safari feature a few days in Cape Town (South Africa) or Victoria Falls (Vic Falls; on the Zambia–Zimbabwe border). Numerous travelers journey to Namibia through South Africa, making the Cape Town extension the most convenient and cost-effective choice. Traveling to and from Vic Falls from Namibia tends to be a bit more intricate and, as a result, pricier.

10 Unique passions

In a land as arid and sun-soaked as Namibia, a hiking holiday may not seem particularly enticing. Namibia boasts one of the continent’s geological marvels, the Fish River Canyon. The five-day, 85km trek through this breathtaking landscape is immensely popular, yet it presents a significant challenge. It’s an experience best enjoyed with others, so make sure to secure your spot ahead of time.