addisonr

I've seen numerous references to South Africa being cheaper for safari than East Africa. I've even had a safari specialist tell me the same thing. But I just don't see it when I look at lodging rates. If anything, lodging seems to be more in South Africa. Am I missing something?

HariS

SA has the entire category of lodges to choose from....you probably have been looking at the very top? some of them charge upwards of $1000per peson per night.

pixelpower

You've been comparing apples and oranges I guess.

If in Southern Africa, you want to go to the private concessions in the Okavango Delta and around Kruger, then you're gonna pay mucho money.

If you go to East Africa, for example the Northern circuit in Tanzania, you're gonna pay less than that. Even if you're go for the top-lodges like Serena. And if you opt for Kenya, it's even cheaper.

However, if you really look into it, you can get a great safari experience in South Africa for even less than that. You can actually choose for cheap yet fairly good lodges right outside park borders, and do a lot of self-driving too, etc. All this brings the price down. It all depends on what you're looking for, of course.

addisonr

To clarify, I am talking about South Africa the country, not Southern Africa the region.

The safari planner was speaking specifically about private reserves.

pixelpower

Then he could be right.

sniktawk

East Africa in particular Kenya and Northern Tanzania have larger lodges and HOTELS, these are inevitably cheaper but do not enhance the Safari Experience. If you visit SA National parks this can be quite cheap,but it will mean self drive self catering etc. which would need to be factored in. The private lodges in SA are quite expensive but usually good try CC Africa for some ideas. If you contact them directly then you can get a good price.

Patty

I'd ask the safari planner what specific camps on which specific private reserves s/he is referring to. I'd like to know about less expensive options in SA too if they exist.

addisonr

I doubt I will be back in touch with the guy, Patty. I know he was talking about Sabi Sands as part of the package.

At first I thought he was bs'ing me, but one weekend I read similar comments on this board and Trip Advisor and started to think I was overlooking something. I've not found any places under $300ppn in the LOW season in any of the major private SA reserves.

321go

I returned last month from a trip to South Africa, staying 5 nights at a lodge in the Timbavati reserve. I just looked at the quote again to be certain, and it was 13,720 Rand (or approximately $1960 US) which works out to about $200 pppn. That lodge just changed ownership, so I don't know what the rates are now, but our TA also had Gomo Gomo and IIRC, Umlani both in the same price range. These are not luxury lodges, but were very comfortable.

sniktawk

If you are still interested in South Africa, then try this which is one of many links in SA to the price of lodges.
http://www.places.co.za/cgib/accommo...i+Game+Reserve
The first lodge is Gomom Gomo we wnt there 4 years ago and whilst it is not luxurious it is adquate. You will see the prices are quite low certainly below $300. There are many more similar.

pixelpower

Let's not forget folks: it was said above by the OP: "The safari planner was speaking specifically about private reserves", and he was looking for top-end accomodation.

Try to find some prices of private reserves in East Africa with a luxurious lodge... ka-ching...

addisonr

pixelpower - that is not what what I said. He was talking about prices being cheaper at private reserves in SA being a lot cheaper than anywhere in Kenya/Tz. I also did not say anything about top end lodging.

sandi

Even in East Africa, lux properties on private reserves, rarely match prices in South Africa. Are there properties in East Africa that cost in the range of $600-$1,000/nt/person? Even more? Yes? But they are few.

Generally, for a luxury fly-in safari on private lands, you budget between $500-$650/nt/person.

sniktawk

Sandi,

I am not sure I understand there are not many private concessions in Kenya, I know of a few in Tanzania (Grumeti etc).
I would be pleased if you could advise me where you find luxury lodges on private concessions for $500-$650.

Gomo Gomo is in the Timbavati it is on private land, allows off-roading and is cheap, these sort of lodges can be found all around the Kruger area.

sandi

Yes, Grumeti Reserve lodges/camps are above $800/nt person, their Sasaskwa in the $1500+/nt person; but then they're prices along the lines of SAs Singita. And the CCA properties are running in the $900+/nt person. Nomad seasonal camps are also expensive, but not quite as high as CCA. In the south, at Selous, Sand River and Selous Safari Camps are up there when it comes to prices, but there are less pricey camps here that are quite lovely.

In Kenya, except for Bateleur (CCA camp)in the $900+/nt/person, other camps located adjacent to the Mara on conservation properties run about $500-$600/nt/person. And, some lodges/camps up north in Laikipia are in the $700/nt/person range.

Otherwise, you can safely figure $500-$650/nt/person in Kenya for many of the lux camps.

But I have to say, with annual increases overall averaging 15-20%, the cost of many Kenyan and Tanzanian properties are moving right up there with those in Southern Africa.

sniktawk

I still do not understand, can you tell me the names of the lodges with private concessions which charge at $500-650.
Normal lodges can be found in SA at between ZAR 2000-ZAR3000 at current rates this is around $350 to $450.
I would you suggest you look at the website I recommended above or others.

Patty

Are we talking per person per night or per double for two people here?

Sandi's figure of $500-650 was stated as per person per night and is an approx budget including flights, I believe.

How do you define private concessions? There are camps located in group ranches adjacent to the Mara reserve as well as other parks that are $300pppn or less (not including flights).

addisonr

Man I wish you could edit messages on this board! My last post is killing me.

Patty

Some examples of what I'm talking about are Kicheche Mara Camp, Amboseli Porini Camp, Satao Rock Camp (adjacent to Tsavo East).

Nyamera

Bushbuck Camp at Koiyaki-Lemek Group Ranch is $600pp for a 3-night road package and $165 for each added night (including game drives, group ranch fees and road transfer from Nairobi). There’s no single supplement. A flying package is $715.

Does anyone have an exact definition of “private concession”? I believe it’s a local Southern African term.