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What Does an African Hunting Safari Cost?

One of the most common questions hunters ask is: what does an African hunting safari cost? The answer depends on the type of hunt, species pursued, and overall experience you’re looking for. At Waymaker Safaris, we help you understand the full cost upfront so you can plan your hunt with confidence.

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Plains game hunting safaris in South Africa typically range from $6,000 to $12,000+ depending on the number of animals, length of stay, and overall experience.

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Cape buffalo hunts and other dangerous game safaris generally start around $10,000 to $20,000+, depending on trophy quality and hunt structure.

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Additional costs such as airfare, trophy fees, and taxidermy can also impact the total investment.

1. Typical Cost of a South Africa Hunting Safari

The cost for a safari to Africa are the sum of spending in the following areas:

  • Package (when purchasing a package, the daily rate and the individual animal fee are included)

  • Daily rate (different for plains game vs dangerous game hunts)

  • Individual animal fees (if not on a packaged hunt, here you only pay for animals taken)

  • Transportation (currently a round trip from the U.S. to Johannesburg S.A. ~ $2,000)

  • Gratuities (industry standard is ~ $100 a day for your professional hunter (PH) and ~$50-$100 a day for the support staff--divided among the trackers, skinners, cooks, etc.)

  • Taxidermy (you can check with your local taxidermist in the states, or have your trophies mounted in Africa and shipped to you)

2. What Affects the Price?

The cost of a safari to Africa are influenced by the following:

3. Examples of Cost

  • A package example:

    • Our Special #1 is $4,400:

    • One Impala; one blue wildebeest; one zebra on a six-day, five nights safari

    • Gratuities ~$800​​​​​

    • Travel ~ $2,000

    • Dip and pack (the process of prepping hides and horns to import into the U.S.) ~$400

    • Shipping hides/horns to the U.S. (Depends on U.S. location)

    • ​Stateside taxidermy for the above three animals for shoulder mounts ~ $4,000

    • Total: ~ $11,600

  • Seven-day Individual animal safari

    • Kudu $4,500

    • Nyala $2,900

    • Blue Wildebeest $1,450

    • Impala $750

    • Daily rate (for 2 or more hunters in party) $2,450 each

    • Gratuities ~$1,000

    • Travel ~ $2000

    • Dip and pack ~ $500

    • Shipping hides/horns to U.S. (Depending on U.S. location)

    • Stateside Taxidermy ~ $5,500

    • Total: ~ $20,500​​​​​​

Every hunt is different. Tell us your budget, species, and timing—and we’ll help you plan a safari that fits exactly what you’re looking for.

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