Why Do Safaris Seem So Expensive?

Maintaining a luxury lodge in a wild, remote environment is nothing short of a marvel. Lodges must:

• Ensure a consistent supply of fresh water and electricity.
• Maintain open-air vehicles, which often take a beating from tough terrain and curious wildlife.
• Perform road maintenance, including grading and clearing paths from natural debris like fallen branches or elephant damage.
• Implement eco-friendly practices to reduce the environmental footprint, such as solar power and sustainable waste management.

Lodges also manage their own conservation efforts, often maintaining their section of the park or game reserve by protecting water sources and wildlife habitats.

The lodges we work with aren’t just in it for the short term. They’re committed to preserving wildlife and the environment for future generations. This often means:

• Funding anti-poaching units to protect iconic species like elephants, rhinos, and big cats.
• Supporting wildlife research projects in collaboration with local universities and conservation organizations.
• Maintaining their own sustainability programs to minimize the ecological impact of tourism.

Unlike some high-traffic parks where the local government may struggle to fund adequate protection, many of the lodges we support take on the responsibility themselves—an effort that comes at a significant cost.

A sustainable lodge is one that works in harmony with local communities. The lodges we partner with understand that being viewed positively by their neighbors is essential to their long-term success. This means:

• Offering job training and career development for local staff.
• Supporting community education and healthcare programs.
• Contributing to nutrition and feeding initiatives, especially in rural areas where resources are limited.

These efforts go beyond the lodge property and touch hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. When you stay at a lodge that values community involvement, you’re directly contributing to the well-being and development of local people.

One of the most critical aspects of a great safari is the quality of your guide. The lodges we work with invest heavily in their staff to ensure they’re exceptionally trained and well-supported.

• Guides and trackers undergo continuous education to achieve higher levels of certification through the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).
• Staff members receive healthcare, pension funds, and career advancement opportunities.

Your guide isn’t just a driver—they’re a storyteller, a tracker, and an educator, spending eight or more hours a day with you to make your experience safe, educational, and unforgettable.

A safari is not just about where you sleep—it’s about living the adventure from dawn till dusk. On a typical day, you might:

• Go on a morning game drive to spot predators at their most active.
• Take a midday walking safari to track smaller wildlife and learn about the ecosystem.
• Join an evening game drive to witness the transition from day to night.
• Sit down for a communal dinner, where your guide shares stories and insights about the day’s adventures.

Imagine comparing this to a typical luxury hotel stay, where your room may be expensive but lacks the hands-on immersion and personalized attention you receive on safari.