Luxury vs. Budget Family Safaris in East Africa: What’s Best for Your Family?
OK, so here’s the million-dollar question (well, depending on your budget 😅): do you go all out or do you keep it light on the pocket with an East Africa family safari? Whichever option you choose… East Africa has it all. This means you can have a great time with both types of experiences. But how do you choose which one is right for your family? Let’s find out!
Luxury Family Safaris
To decide which family safari is best for you, going over the pros and cons can help. You can decide what you want to prioritize for YOUR trip.
Pros of Luxury Family Safari
- A luxury lodge can give you a spacious and beautifully designed room. Some even have family suites. If you love convenience (especially important for grandparents), a luxury safari is for you.
- Luxury safaris are likely to be private game drives allowing you to choose when to start and end each day!.
- They’re often located in the BEST spots. You know, where you get to watch elephants amble past as you sip your coffee.
Cons of Luxury Family Safari
- The hefty price tag.
- They can book quickly—so you want to reserve your spot well in advance.
Luxury Family Safaris
First Class VIP Super Luxury Tanzania Safari
- Duration: 9 Days
- Price: $15,500 per person
- Includes: Premier accommodation at Little Oliver’s Camp, activities such as game drives, walking safaris, and a night game drive in Tarangire
Southern Tanzania Safari Highlight
- Duration: 9 Days
- Price: $5,300 per person
- Includes: Well-appointed lodges (e.g., Rufiji River Camp), a max of 6 passengers per vehicle, and a boat safari
Mid-Range Family Safaris
If you want to keep a good balance, a mid-range family safari will do.
Pros of Mid-Range Family Safari
- You get comfortable accommodations—but they’re not going to dig a hole in your pocket.
- These generally offer a good value for money.
Cons of Mid-Range Family Safari
- You won’t get high-end amenities.
- Mid-range safaris are pretty common, so to book a spot, you want to book well in advance.
Mid-Range Family Safaris
Northern Tanzania Highlight Safari
- Duration: 8 Days
- Price: Starting from $2,900 per person
- Includes: Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and Lake Manyara
Migration Tracker Safari
- Duration: 9 Days
- Price: Starting from $3,290 per person
- Includes: Witnessing the Great Migration, game drives in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara
Budget Family Safaris
And now for the budget family safaris in East Africa…
Pros of Budget Family Safari
- Obviously, they’re affordable. That means a fantastic wildlife experience at a fraction of the cost.
- There’s beauty in the simpler things! You’ll like the back-to-basics experience. And your children might actually love living in tents.
- Most budget safaris will offer group game drives. That’s a pro if you want to socialize with people around the world.
Cons of Budget Family Safari
- You won’t find those high-end amenities.
- Unless yours is a private safari, expect a set schedule with shared game drives; this means you won’t get much flexibility.
Budget Family Safaris
Northern Tanzania Explorer Safari
- Duration: 5 Days
- Price: Starting from $1,935 per person
- Includes: Sleeping tent and bedding, game drives with guaranteed window seats
Selous Explorer Safari
- Duration: 4 Days
- Price: Starting from $1,960 per person
- Includes: a scenic boat safari, stay at comfortable lodges (e.g., Rufiji River Camp)
Whether you choose a luxury, mid-range, or budget safari, East Africa offers something unforgettable for every family. A luxury safari delivers indulgence and exclusivity, while a mid-range option strikes a balance between comfort and cost. Budget safaris bring you closer to nature without stretching your wallet. The key is to prioritize what matters most to your family—be it convenience, value, or a more adventurous vibe. No matter your choice, the breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and shared moments will create memories to last a lifetime. So, what’s your style of adventure? 🌍🦁
Good Earth Tours® was created to help people travel in Africa easily while also making a difference in the lives of the people we work with within the tourism industry.
