Depending on what basis you are staying in the lodges on, the amount of money we would recommend you taking changes.
What does all-inclusive actually mean?
Most lodges are all inclusive which means everything is covered including game drives and mostly all game viewing activities (depending on the lodge and area, sometimes with the exception of night drives, walking and balloon safaris). All drinks are also included in all-inclusive except for premium spirits and champagne and all meals are also paid for including any packed lunches.
Some camps operate on a full board basis, which means the same as the above except drinks (soft and alcoholic) are not included. As a guide a beer may be around $3.50 and a glass of wine similar, or potentially a little more.
Unexpected expenses on safari
Extra expenses include guide and staff tipping. This one is completely down to you, but we think quite a good amount is $10 per person for your guide per day, and $10 per person into the staff tip box per day.
When booking with Africa Odyssey all your transfers are included in the cost and internal flights, so really when in the bush the only expense you have to worry about is maybe the odd Gin and Tonic in (very few) safari lodges, and tipping throughout your stay, which in most cases, everyone is happy to do as the service on safari really is like no where else in the world.
Don’t forget, if you are going to the beach most of the time the hotels are on a half board basis, which means your lunch and drinks are not prepaid. This is worth bearing in mind as an extra cost, and also worth thinking about is the beautiful curio shops found at many of the lodges. There are some beautiful African homeware, jewellery, books and accessories to be purchased to remember your trip by, or to simply get your hands on something you simply can’t get at home! It is always worth having a few more dollars than you need, just in case something grabs your eye, and also, ATMs aren’t so easy to come by when in the middle of the bush…
