How Much Does It Cost to Hunt in Africa? 2027 Safari Prices & Complete Cost Guide
By Travis Wier | Global Hunting Solutions & 4 Aces Outfitters
South Africa hunting safari cost is one of the first things hunters want to understand when planning an African safari.
How much does it actually cost to hunt in Africa?
The answer depends on where you hunt, how long you stay, the species you’re pursuing, trophy expectations, and the type of safari you want.
A South African plains-game safari can be a relatively affordable way to experience Africa for the first time. A specialized safari for Cape buffalo, leopard, lion, or elephant can represent a considerably larger investment.
One of the biggest mistakes hunters make is comparing African safaris based only on an advertised package price or trophy fee.
The number that really matters is the total cost of the safari and the quality of the experience you’re receiving for that investment.
At Global Hunting Solutions and 4 Aces Outfitters, we are owners and outfitters—not booking agents simply passing clients to another company.
Our goal is to put you in the right hunting area with the right Professional Hunter for the animals you want to pursue, while helping you understand the costs before you arrive in Africa.
How Much Does an African Hunting Safari Cost in 2027?
“South Africa hunting safari cost can vary tremendously depending on the length of the safari, number of hunters, species selected, and type of hunting package.”
For example, our 2027 South Africa program offers traditional daily-rate safaris as well as all-inclusive hunting packages.
Current South Africa daily rates are:
| Safari | 2027 Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 Hunter × 1 Professional Hunter | $550/day |
| 2 Hunters × 1 Professional Hunter | $400/day per hunter |
| Non-Hunting Observer | $250/day |
| Rifle Hire | $100/day |
| Filming & Editing | $550/day |
The South Africa daily rate includes concession fees, skinning and field preparation, collection and return to Kimberley Airport, first-class safari accommodations, meals, normal local beverages, and daily laundry.
The daily rate does not include 15% VAT, trophy fees, staff gratuities, or applicable special and CITES permits.
2027 South Africa Hunting Packages
For hunters who prefer knowing more of their costs before arriving, we also offer packaged hunts.
| Package | Species | 2027 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Package 1 | Impala, Blesbuck, Gemsbuck, Zebra | $6,290 |
| Package 2 | Red Hartebeest, Gemsbuck, Impala, Zebra, Blesbuck, Warthog | $8,500 |
| Package 3 | Cape Buffalo + Sable | $16,590 |
| Package 4 | Kudu, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Springbok, Warthog | $8,950 |
| Package 5 | Bushbuck, Eland, Kudu, Nyala | $14,900 |
| Package 6 | 9-species plains-game package | $15,800 |
| Package 7 | Bushbuck, Impala, Warthog | $4,900 |
| Package 8 | Kudu, Warthog, Eland, Impala, Baboon, Bushpig, Zebra | $14,200 |
| Package 9 | Crocodile, Cape Buffalo, Hyena | $21,399 |
These South Africa packages include five nights of accommodation. Animals on package hunts cannot be substituted or shared, and there are no refunds for package animals that are not taken.
2027 pricing is subject to availability and change. Always confirm current pricing when booking.
What Determines the Cost of an African Hunting Safari?
Most African safaris have several components.
Understanding those components makes comparing two different hunts much easier.
1. Daily Hunting Rates
Your daily rate covers the basic cost of operating your safari.
Depending on the country and specific hunt, this can include:
- Professional Hunter
- Trackers and skinners
- Hunting vehicle
- Hunting-area fees
- Safari lodge or camp
- Meals
- Local beverages
- Daily laundry
- Field preparation of trophies
- Airport transfers
The daily rate can vary significantly between countries.
A plains-game safari from our main lodge in South Africa is a very different operation from a remote elephant or leopard safari in Botswana.
That’s why comparing daily rates alone doesn’t tell you which safari offers the best value.
2. Trophy Fees
The trophy fee is the amount associated with harvesting a particular animal.
Every species has its own fee, and trophy quality can sometimes affect the price.
For example, our 2027 South Africa trophy fees include:
| Species | 2027 Trophy Fee |
|---|---|
| Southern Impala | $800 |
| Warthog | $600 |
| Blue Wildebeest | $1,600–$1,800 depending on area |
| Burchell’s Zebra | $1,600 |
| Gemsbuck under 40″ | $1,800–$2,100 depending on area |
| Greater Kudu under 53″ | $3,850 |
| Sable under 40″ | $4,900 |
| Cape Buffalo under 40″ | $10,500–$11,500 depending on area |
Larger premium trophies are priced differently.
A Greater Kudu measuring 60 inches and over, for example, is priced differently from a mature kudu under 53 inches. The same concept applies to premium sable and Cape buffalo.
That is another reason hunters should understand trophy expectations before comparing prices.
How Much Does a South Africa Hunting Safari Cost?
For many American hunters, South Africa is an excellent place to experience Africa for the first time.
Our main South African operation is based in the Northern Cape near Kimberley.
We have our own property and main lodge along with access to approximately 220,000 acres of hunting areas near Kimberley. We also hunt concessions in other parts of South Africa, including the Kalahari, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
South Africa provides tremendous species diversity.
Depending on the area, hunters can pursue animals including:
- Greater kudu
- Cape buffalo
- Sable
- Nyala
- Eland
- Gemsbuck
- Waterbuck
- Blue wildebeest
- Black wildebeest
- Impala
- Springbok
- Zebra
- Warthog
- Bushbuck
- Bushpig
- Roan
- Crocodile
- Hyena
- Caracal
- Serval
- Genet
For a first African safari, I particularly like the flexibility of a plains-game hunt.
You might arrive with kudu, sable, and gemsbuck at the top of your list but encounter an exceptional waterbuck or nyala during the safari.
Sometimes the most memorable trophy of the entire trip wasn’t originally on your list.
What Is Included in a South Africa Hunting Safari?
Our 2027 South Africa daily rates include:
- Concession fees
- Skinning
- Field preparation and salting
- Collection and return to Kimberley Airport
- First-class safari accommodations
- Meals
- Normal local beverages
- Daily laundry
Additional expenses can include:
- 15% VAT
- Trophy fees
- Gratuities
- Special permits
- CITES permits
- International airfare
- Taxidermy
- Dip and pack
- Trophy shipping
This is why I encourage hunters to ask what’s excluded from a safari just as carefully as they ask what’s included.
How Much Does a Plains-Game Safari Cost?
South Africa hunting safari cost can vary depending on the number of species and length of the hunt, but plains game is one of the best ways to experience your first African safari
Our 2027 South Africa packages start at $4,900 for a five-night package including bushbuck, impala, and warthog.
A four-species package including impala, blesbuck, gemsbuck, and zebra is $6,290.
For hunters wanting a broader safari, our nine-species package is $15,800 and includes:
- Black wildebeest
- Springbok
- Blesbuck
- Blue wildebeest
- Gemsbuck
- Kudu
- Red hartebeest
- Warthog
- Zebra
There are many ways to build a plains-game safari.
I don’t recommend choosing your hunt simply by finding the package with the most animals.
Quality of the hunting area and the quality of the animals should come first.
How Much Does a Cape Buffalo Hunt Cost?
Cape buffalo remains one of Africa’s most iconic dangerous-game hunts.
Our South Africa 2027 trophy fees start at $10,500 for a buffalo under 40 inches in the Northern Cape.
Our five-night Cape Buffalo + Sable package is $16,590.
But buffalo hunting is also one of the best examples of why comparing prices alone can be misleading.
Before recommending a buffalo hunt, we look at:
- Hunting area
- Buffalo population
- Age structure
- Trophy quality
- Professional Hunter
- Number of hunting days
- Other available species
- Accommodations
- Logistics
We’re not simply trying to find a buffalo.
We’re trying to find the right mature bull in the right hunting area.
For hunters looking for a different style of buffalo safari, we also offer opportunities outside South Africa.
[INSERT ORIGINAL GHS CAPE BUFFALO PHOTO HERE]
How Much Does a Botswana Buffalo Hunt Cost?
Our 2027 Botswana program offers a 7-day Cape buffalo hunt for $22,076.
That total consists of the safari’s daily rates, Botswana government VAT, resource-utilization fee, license fee, and trophy fee.
Botswana is a very different safari from hunting from our South African lodge.
We operate in hunting areas in northern, eastern, and western Botswana, with opportunities for elephant, leopard, Cape buffalo, and plains game.
For the hunter looking for a traditional dangerous-game safari, Botswana should absolutely be considered.
How Much Does an African Leopard Hunt Cost?
Leopard hunting is unlike almost anything else we do in Africa.
There is an enormous amount of work that can take place before the hunter ever sees the cat.
Depending on the country and hunting method, this can involve locating fresh sign, establishing bait sites, checking trail cameras, evaluating individual cats, building blinds, or working with a specialized hound team.
We’re not simply looking for a leopard.
We’re looking for the right mature tom.
2027 Botswana Leopard Hunt
Our 2027 Botswana program lists a 10-day leopard hunt at $55,000.
That hunt includes:
- Daily rates
- Botswana government VAT
- Hounds and handler
- Resource-utilization fee
- License fee
- Trophy fee
Botswana also offers combination safaris.
A 12-day Leopard + Buffalo hunt is $55,976, while an 18-day Elephant + Leopard + Buffalo safari is $124,000.
These hunts are substantially more complex than a traditional South African plains-game safari, and the pricing reflects the permits, quotas, resources, logistics, and specialized personnel involved.
How Much Does an African Elephant Hunt Cost?
Elephant safari prices can vary dramatically depending on country, hunting area, quota, and type of hunt.
Our 2027 Botswana program lists a 10-day elephant safari at $87,520.
That total includes:
- $18,000 daily rates
- $2,520 Botswana government VAT
- $35,000 resource-utilization fee
- $7,000 license fee
- $25,000 trophy fee
Combination safaris are also available.
The brochure lists a 12-day Elephant + Buffalo hunt at $100,000 and a 15-day Elephant + Leopard safari at $109,000.
When evaluating an elephant hunt, I want a client to look beyond the advertised trophy fee.
We need to consider:
- Country
- Hunting area
- Elephant population
- Quota
- Trophy expectations
- Government fees
- Exportability
- Number of hunting days
- Logistics
- Professional Hunter
This is one hunt where I strongly discourage choosing an area solely because it has the lowest advertised price.
How Much Does It Cost to Hunt in Namibia?
Namibia offers another completely different African hunting experience.
Our 2027 Namibia daily rates are:
- 1×1 hunting: $600/day
- 2×1 hunting: $400/day
- Observer: $250/day
The brochure also lists a 14-day Namibia leopard hunt at $42,200.
That total includes:
- $24,000 daily rates
- $8,200 resource-utilization fee
- $10,000 trophy fee
Namibia also offers excellent plains-game opportunities, with species including kudu, gemsbuck, sable, roan, waterbuck, zebra, hartebeest, wildebeest, and others.
How Much Does It Cost to Hunt in Mozambique?
Mozambique appeals to hunters looking for a more traditional wilderness safari.
Our 2027 brochure lists several all-inclusive package prices, including:
| Mozambique Safari | Days | 2027 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Leopard + Plains Game | 14 | $41,450 |
| Leopard + Buffalo + Plains Game | 14 | $50,450 |
| Buffalo + Plains Game | 10 | $24,450 |
| Hippo + Crocodile | 10 | $25,950 |
| Crocodile + Tiger Fishing | 7 | $13,450 |
Mozambique packages include the applicable tag and trophy fees for animals listed in the package, one rifle license, return road transfer from the nearest airport, pre-baiting on cat hunts, and transportation of trophies to the exporter’s nearest warehouse.
Additional expenses can include accommodations before and after the safari, air charters, gratuities, additional trophies, and extra bait on cat hunts.
Why Can Two African Hunting Safaris Have Such Different Prices?
This is one of the most important things for a first-time African hunter to understand.
Two hunts can have the same species written on a price sheet and still be completely different safaris.
Consider:
- Size and quality of the hunting area
- Game populations
- Trophy quality
- Age structure
- Number of hunting days
- Professional Hunter experience
- Camp and lodge quality
- Food and service
- Vehicles
- Staff
- Government permits
- Quota
- Transportation
- Trophy handling
- Support before and after the hunt
A $10,000 buffalo hunt and a $20,000 buffalo hunt aren’t automatically comparable simply because both advertisements say Cape Buffalo.
You have to know what you’re buying.
Don’t Forget the Cost of Getting Your Trophies Home
Your safari expenses don’t necessarily end when the hunt is over.
Once an animal is harvested, the trophy must be prepared and ultimately transported to its final destination.
Depending on your choices, additional expenses may include:
- Dip and pack
- Taxidermy
- Capes and skull preparation
- Crating
- International freight
- Customs clearance
- Brokerage
- U.S. transportation
- CITES documentation where applicable
These costs can vary substantially based on the number and size of trophies and whether you have the taxidermy completed in Africa or back home.
We want our hunters thinking about those decisions before the safari, not discovering them after the trophies are already being prepared.
What About International Airfare?
International airfare should be considered part of your overall safari budget.
For South Africa, most American hunters will enter through Johannesburg before continuing to their final hunting destination.
Depending on the safari, transportation from there might involve:
- Commercial domestic flight
- Private charter
- Vehicle transfer
- Or a combination of them
Some of our remote African hunts require substantially more logistics than hunting from our main South African lodge.
Those logistics are part of the reason dangerous-game safaris in remote areas can cost considerably more.
Can I Bring My Own Rifle to Africa?
Yes, depending on your destination and applicable regulations.
Many of our clients prefer hunting with their own rifle, while others choose to rent one of our rifles and avoid traveling internationally with a firearm.
Our 2027 South Africa rifle-hire rate is $100 per day.
If you’re bringing your own rifle, you’ll need to understand the applicable airline and destination-country requirements.
Our team helps clients understand the process before departure.
For dangerous game, the 4 Aces brochure states that a minimum .375 caliber is required for the Big Five, while calibers such as .300 Win. Mag., .338, 7mm, and .30-06 are recommended options for African plains game.
Whatever rifle you bring, shot placement is more important than simply bringing the largest caliber available.
Can My Wife, Husband, or Non-Hunting Companion Come to Africa?
Absolutely.
Some of our favorite safaris involve couples and families.
Our main Northern Cape lodge was designed to provide far more than somewhere to sleep between hunting days.
Guests can enjoy luxury accommodations, dining, the swimming pool, fireside evenings, and other amenities.
Non-hunting family members can also enjoy activities such as:
- Spa treatments
- Photographic safaris
- Wildlife viewing
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
- Additional travel before or after the safari
Our 2027 South Africa observer rate is $250 per day.
For many clients, the hunting safari becomes part of a much larger African vacation.
The Cheapest African Hunt Isn’t Always the Least Expensive
This may be the most important advice I can give someone comparing African hunting safaris.
Don’t compare two hunts simply by looking at the bottom line of two price sheets.
Ask what you’re actually buying.
Saving several thousand dollars initially doesn’t mean much if you spend your entire safari looking for an animal the hunting area isn’t capable of producing.
The same applies to accommodations, transportation, Professional Hunters, trophy quality, and support.
For many hunters, Africa is a trip they’ve dreamed about for decades.
The hunting opportunity should come first.
12 Questions to Ask Before Booking an African Hunting Safari
Before sending anyone a deposit, ask:
- Who will actually operate my safari?
- Who will be my Professional Hunter?
- Where exactly will I be hunting?
- How long has the outfitter hunted that area?
- What trophy quality can I realistically expect?
- What exactly is included in the price?
- What isn’t included?
- Are there additional taxes or government fees?
- Who handles airport transfers?
- Who assists with firearm requirements?
- Who handles my trophies after the hunt?
- Can I speak with hunters who recently hunted the same area?
The answers will tell you considerably more than a trophy-fee list.
Why Hunt With Global Hunting Solutions & 4 Aces Outfitters?
Our approach is simple:
One team. One outfitter. Africa and Spain.
Global Hunting Solutions and 4 Aces Outfitters aren’t built around simply selling a client a hunt and then handing him off to someone else.
We are directly involved in the hunting operations and the client experience.
Our team hunts and operates across Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Uganda, and other select destinations.
In South Africa, we have our own property and main lodge and access to extensive hunting areas. Our safari experience combines serious hunting with first-class accommodations, dining, vehicles, staff, and personalized service.
Our involvement begins before you arrive.
We want to understand:
- What animals you want to hunt
- Your trophy expectations
- Your preferred country
- Your budget
- How many days you have
- Whether you’re traveling with a non-hunter
- The type of accommodations you prefer
Then we can recommend the safari that actually fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions About African Hunting Costs
How much does it cost to hunt in Africa in 2027?
The cost varies considerably by country and species. Our 2027 South Africa daily rates begin at $550 per day for a 1×1 safari, while packaged South African hunts start at $4,900. Specialized dangerous-game safaris in countries such as Botswana can cost considerably more.
How much is a South African plains-game hunt?
Our 2027 five-night South Africa packages range from $4,900 to $15,800 for the plains-game-focused packages listed in our current brochure, depending on the number and species of animals included.
How much does it cost to hunt Cape buffalo in South Africa?
Our 2027 Northern Cape trophy fee for a Cape buffalo under 40 inches starts at $10,500, plus applicable safari expenses. We also offer a five-night Cape Buffalo + Sable package for $16,590.
How much does a Botswana buffalo hunt cost?
Our 2027 7-day Botswana Cape buffalo safari is $22,076, including the listed daily rates, government VAT, resource-utilization fee, license fee, and trophy fee.
How much does a Botswana leopard hunt cost?
Our 2027 10-day Botswana leopard hunt is $55,000, including the listed daily rates, government VAT, hounds and handler, resource-utilization fee, license fee, and trophy fee.
How much does an elephant hunt cost in Botswana?
Our 2027 10-day Botswana elephant hunt is $87,520 based on the current brochure pricing.
How much does a leopard hunt cost in Namibia?
Our current 2027 brochure lists a 14-day Namibia leopard hunt at $42,200.
Are meals and lodging included?
On our South African daily-rate safaris, first-class safari accommodations, meals, normal local beverages, and daily laundry are included. Inclusions vary by country and safari, so always review the individual proposal before booking.
Can a non-hunter come with me?
Yes. Our current South Africa observer rate is $250 per day, and our lodge is well suited to couples and non-hunting companions.
Can I rent a rifle in South Africa?
Yes. Our 2027 South Africa brochure lists rifle hire at $100 per day.
How far in advance should I book an African safari?
Earlier is better when you’re looking for specific dates, limited dangerous-game quota, or particular trophy areas. The more specialized the hunt, the more important advance planning becomes.
Start Planning Your 2027 African Hunting Safari
The best way to determine what your African safari will cost isn’t to start by asking:
What’s your cheapest package?
Start by telling us what you want to accomplish.
Tell us:
- The animals you want to hunt
- Your trophy expectations
- Countries you’re considering
- Number of days available
- Whether you’re bringing a spouse or companion
- Your approximate budget
- The type of experience you want
From there, Global Hunting Solutions and 4 Aces Outfitters can help determine the country, hunting area, Professional Hunter, and safari structure that make the most sense.
When you’re traveling halfway around the world for a hunt you’ve dreamed about for years, you should know exactly who you’re hunting with.
Global Hunting Solutions & 4 Aces Outfitters
One Team. One Outfitter. Africa & Spain.
Where Luxury Meets Adventure.
Contact us to begin planning your 2027 African hunting safari.
About Travis Wier
Travis Wier | Global Hunting Solutions
With more than 30 years in the hunting industry, Travis Wier works directly with clients planning international hunting experiences and helps hunters understand the hunting areas, trophy expectations, travel logistics, and details that go into a successful safari.
Through Global Hunting Solutions and 4 Aces Outfitters, clients have direct access to the people responsible for delivering their hunting experience rather than simply booking through a third-party agent.
