Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Why a South African Safari Costs Less Than a UK Zoo Trip

The dream of a South African safari is more attainable than you might think. You can access the unprecedented beauty of Kruger National Park without breaking the bank with the Kruger Gate Hotel offering exceptional packages tailored to various budgets. 

A woman with binoculars on a game drive after paying the South African safari cost

Have you ever been curious about the cost of a South African safari? Contrary to common beliefs, the cost of a Kruger park safari may be less than a day-trip to a UK zoo. The variety of options, from self-drive routes to guided game drives, makes this iconic park more accessible than many travelers realise.

South African safari cost: Affordable adventures await

Kruger Park safari options for every budget

The affordability of a South African safari is largely due to the flexibility in exploring. Here’s how:

  • Self-drive safaris in Kruger National Park: Pay a conservation fee and chart your own path along well-maintained routes in Big Five territory. Avoid tour costs and strict schedules.
  • Guided drives: Guided drives are available for those who enjoy a more structured tour. Each safari is designed keeping your convenience and budget in mind, whether it’s early morning drives or mystical night drives.

Breaking down the typical South African safari cost

Staying at the Kruger Gate Hotel means the South African safari cost includes more than just accommodation. Packages ranging between R6,000 (£252)* and R9,000 (£378)* normally include:

  • Spacious rooms overlooking the park
  • Meals

These additional amenities not only increase your comfort but also boost the overall value of your adventure. The hotel’s safari concierge can also assist in planning the right safari for your preferences, schedule, and budget.

South African safari Cost: Excellent value for money

When the high UK zoo entry fee is compared to the cost of a Kruger park safari, it’s clear that the latter offers more time, freedom, and genuine wildlife experiences. Standard tickets for a peak-time weekly visit to the London zoo can set a family of 4 back £125*. This does not include extras like transportation and meals. Considering South Africa’s favorable exchange rate and lower cost of living, the cost of a South African safari is not only reasonable but also represents excellent value for money. It’s a memorable adventure in luxury that is definitely worth every penny.

South African safari cost vs. UK zoo prices: An unexpected comparison

You might be in for a surprise if you’ve ever wondered how the South African safari cost matches up against a family day out at a UK zoo. A stay near Kruger National Park can cost less while offering much more bang for your buck. A single night at the Kruger Gate Hotel not only includes meals and comfortable accommodations but also provides direct access to the wildest part of nature — a bonus a mere zoo ticket can never offer.

Factors influencing the South African safari cost

The cost of a South African Safari is shaped by a variety of factors that can work to a traveler’s advantage.

  1. Infrastructure and accessibility
  • Kruger National Park spans an extensive area. Thanks to its well-established infrastructure, game drive adventures are feasible. This gives you the flexibility to plan a Kruger park safari that meets your circumstances.
  1. Authentic wildlife signings
  • Compared to a UK zoo, where you might spend nearly the same amount on entry fees alone, a Kruger park safari offers authentic wildlife encounters in their natural environment.

Affordable luxury in the wild

Choosing to stay at the Kruger Gate Hotel strikes a smart balance between value for money and comfort.

  1. Economical high-end accommodation
  • The hotel offers the feel of a high-end lodge without the typical hefty safari trip prices. The rates are reasonable thanks to the local economy and lower operating costs in South Africa.
  1. Luxury amenities
  • The overall South African safari cost becomes even more compelling when luxury amenities like a secluded African spa, private dining, and views into the park are part and parcel of the total price.
  1. Inclusion of meals
  • Daily rates can cover breakfast and dinner, which drastically lessens your additional costs. Plus, experiencing the wonders of nature while lounging by the pool or enjoying your early morning coffee? Now that’s a perk you absolutely won’t find at a zoo.

Why opt for a Kruger Park safari over a zoo day?

A Kruger park safari promises an authentic encounter with elephants, lions, and a plethora of other wildlife in their natural habitat, creating a connection that a cage in a zoo can never replicate.

Besides all these attractions, the safari concierge at Kruger Gate Hotel can guide you in booking guided excursions within the park, tailored to your interests and budget.

Ultimately, the South African safari cost is about more than money. It’s about enjoying the wild in comfort and style, at a price point that’s remarkably worth every cent.

Understanding the South African safari cost: Why it’s more affordable than you think

A South African safari cost may seem expensive at first, but it’s often far more budget-friendly than expected, especially when compared to traditional outings like UK zoo visits. One major reason is the wilderness itself. Kruger’s wide-open spaces are already home to the wildlife, unlike zoos that need costly enclosures to mimic habitats, lowering the need for manmade structures or high maintenance costs. That natural setup means animals roam freely, offering authentic encounters at no extra charge.

What influences the South African safari cost in Kruger Park

The lower South African safari cost is also thanks to the country’s overall affordability. Basic services like food, fuel, and hospitality come at a fraction of UK prices. That makes indulgent experiences, including a Kruger park safari, far more accessible. For example, staying at a high-quality lodge like Kruger Gate Hotel means you can enjoy crisp linens, warm local meals, and modern conveniences in nature, all without inflated rates. Because operational costs are lower, safari packages can be priced to fit various budgets while still delivering remarkable value.

How Kruger Park safari options keep costs down

Flexibility also plays a big role in cutting the South African safari cost. Instead of locking visitors into rigid tours, options in and around Kruger are adaptable. A Kruger park safari can be tailored to fit your time and pocket, whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning an extended stay. Many accommodations offer game drives, breakfast packs for early risers, and even starlit dinners around fire pits that don’t stack up extra charges. These thoughtful inclusions help travellers get more from every rand spent.

Exceptional value at the edge of the park

One of the best places to get maximum value is just steps from the Kruger gate. Kruger Gate Hotel strikes a balance between comfort and cost-efficiency. It’s ideally located to make the most of your time at the Kruger park and offers unmatched accommodation packages. You’re right on the doorstep of Kruger National Park, meaning fewer transfers and more time in the wild. And yes, even extras like family-friendly onsite activities overlooking the bush are included—proving once again how the South African safari cost delivers impressive value compared to far less immersive experiences elsewhere.

Based in London and interested in learning more about staying with us? Visit our exhibition at Experience London 2025

Discover Your Unforgettable Safari Adventure

The dream of a South African safari is more attainable than you might think. You can access the unprecedented beauty of Kruger National Park without breaking the bank with the Kruger Gate Hotel offering exceptional packages tailored to various budgets. 

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy nature in style. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s wildlife. Embrace affordable luxury and authentic encounters today.

*Rates mentioned were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change. For the latest rates and offers, check directly via the relevant platforms.

Guest Reviews

I was at this location for a wedding. Spectacular views, wonderful food and atmosphere!

Posted on 20/11/2025 by Google

Spent there 4 days with my partner. Extremely good experience, the hotel is very nice, well decorated, well located and their games are extremely good!
Really recommend them!

Posted on 19/11/2025 by Google

We phoned Reception at 16h00 on 20 Nov and requested a top sheet and light weight blanket for the night; on return after a sunset gamedrive and supper at the Boma we were disappointed that it was not delivered.

I had a headache, the shop was closed and I asked the Hostess at the Boma, Debra if she knew if there is some assistance. She went out of her way to find me 2 panado\'s! Thank you Debra!

There are so many vista\'s and various offerings at this hotel; I feel like so spoilt when visiting and the Boma is just beyond words! Thank you 😊

Posted on 23/11/2025 by TripAdvisor

This hotel is perfectly located just outside the Paul Kruger Gate by the Sabie River. We flew into Skukuza airport which is extremely small and booked the hotel transfer to collect us. The driver was very helpful, guiding us through paperwork needed for the park and giving us a mini safari on the way to the hotel.
Stayed for 3 nights and had 2 rooms. A lovely hotel with lots of different seating areas connected by wooden walkways, surrounded by trees with a stream running through it. It was well staffed and clean. There were viewing huts over the waterhole and Sabie River where we saw hippos and buffalo and a family of 3 bushbuck in the grounds.
The infinity pool was great, also overlooking the river and the pool bar/restaurant had a good range of food and drink and friendly staff. Just be careful not to leave food/drink unattended on the table as the monkeys come in.
Dinner at the outside Lapa Restaurant was fabulous - so much choice from their buffet and always some singing, often by the staff. The bushbabies patrol around the fence and occasionally come down looking for scraps, which the guests all found entertaining.
Breakfast was another huge buffet with a choice of inside or outside seating. There was also a bar, coffee shop and gift shop, plus a spa which we had treatments at, including extremely firm massages.
We booked 2 morning safari\'s with the hotel (I pre-booked these before we went) and they pointed out that it was fractionally cheaper for us to have a private tour as there were 4 of us. The vehicles can take 9-10 people but I\'m so glad we had the private tour and not the shared vehicle as it meant we could slide across the seats and see so much more and it was much more personalised. (We also did a sunset safari which we had to use SanParks for as private vehicles aren\'t allowed into the park in the evening, but it wasn\'t as good as a much bigger vehicle and less information).
The hotel used Kurt Safari for our morning tours and would thoroughly recommend. We had the same driver/guide, Karabo, each morning so he took us in 2 different directions and we saw an incredible variety of animals and he was very knowledgeable. It was a totally amazing experience!
The morning safari\'s start very early, and you have to fill in some indemnity forms before leaving (you need your passport numbers for this), so we had to be ready about 45 mins before entry to the park at 5.30am. We pre-ordered packed breakfast from the hotel and we stopped at a camp between 8.30-9am to eat - drink, sandwich, apple, yoghurt, biltong, snack. The camps we stopped at also had cafes and shops. The morning safari was about 6 hours, which is long enough really and gave some time in the afternoon to relax and catch up on sleep after a very early start.
We would love to visit Kruger again and if we did, I would stay at this hotel and I would definitely book the private vehicle safari.

Posted on 24/11/2025 by TripAdvisor

I had an amazing time with my sister and our friends. Beautiful accommodations, amazing food, excellent service!! A must visit!!

Posted on 23/11/2025 by TripAdvisor

Nous avons beaucoup aimé le cadre de l hôtel avec la gentillesse du personnel .
L hôtel est juste à côté du parc national donc très pratique pour les safari ( on recommande fortement les safari proposés par l hôtel )

Il y a de nombreuses activités dans l hôtel ( exemple : mini golf, spa/massage , piscine avec vue sur la rivière , belle salle de musculation …)
Et les petits déjeuners et dîners étaient tout simplement excellents !

Posted on 27/11/2025 by Booking.com

Sehr schön gestaltetes grosses Hotel in einem dschungelähnlichen Garten.
Wir hatten ein Deluxzimmer sehr gross und schön gestaltet. Bequeme Betten, 2 Waschtische im Bad, separate Toilette. Essen gab’s abends in der Booma obwohl gross sehr schön und romantisch!

Posted on 26/11/2025 by Booking.com

Pool

Posted on 26/11/2025 by Booking.com

O café da manhã e o jantar foram excelentes! Um buffet completo, muita variedade, funcionários muito simpáticos e prestativos. Valeu muito a pena!

Posted on 25/11/2025 by Booking.com

O hotel é muito confortável e tem funcionários fantásticos. A comida é muito boa. E ainda podemos desfrutar da experiência de estar na piscina e ver os animais bem na frente. Nós vimos Hipopótamos e Elefantes.

Posted on 22/11/2025 by Booking.com

Tudo perfeito!

Posted on 26/11/2025 by Booking.com

Best Hotel ever!

Posted on 25/11/2025 by Booking.com