All-inclusive safari packages: what's really included
"All-inclusive" means different things to different operators — checking the fine print before booking avoids unpleasant surprises later.
All Inclusive African Safari · African safari holidays
Before you compare two all-inclusive quotes, check whether they include the same things. The term all-inclusive is used loosely across the safari industry, and what it covers can vary significantly between camps and operators. Knowing what's typically bundled in, and what tends to cost extra, makes it far easier to compare two quotes fairly.
What to check before comparing quotes
| Item | Commonly included | Worth confirming |
|---|---|---|
| Meals and house drinks | Yes, at most camps | Premium drinks brand/selection |
| Park and conservancy fees | Usually, at reputable operators | Confirm in writing per park |
| Balloon safaris and spa | Rarely | Ask for exact add-on cost |
Highlights
- What's usually included
- What's often extra
- How to compare quotes properly
01
What's usually included
Accommodation, meals, scheduled game drives, park or conservancy fees, and transfers between camps on the same itinerary are standard inclusions at most properties marketed as all-inclusive.
02
What's often extra
International flights, visa fees, premium or imported drinks, balloon safaris, spa treatments, gratuities and travel insurance are commonly excluded, even from otherwise comprehensive packages.
- Usually included: meals, drives, park fees, camp transfers
- Often excluded: international flights, premium drinks, balloon flights, tips
03
How to compare quotes properly
Ask for inclusions listed line by line against each quote, rather than comparing nightly rates alone — two itineraries with similar headline prices can differ substantially once extras are added back in.
Dos
- Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, sand
- Pack layers for cold early game drives
- Stay seated and keep voices low near animals
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
Don'ts
- Don't wear bright colours, white or camouflage
- Don't feed or call to animals
- Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide says so
- Don't use drones — they need special permits
- Don't bring plastic bags (banned in Kenya and Tanzania)
What's usually included
- Accommodation in your chosen level
- Meals as listed in your itinerary
- Game drives with a professional guide
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara reserve · July–December | US$200 | Non-resident adult entry; published seasonal tariff, not a camp rate. Entry and exit rules affect the number of chargeable visits.Narok County published fee schedule |
| Maasai Mara reserve · January–June | US$100 | Non-resident adult entry; the low-season rate in the same published schedule. Reconfirm for your travel year.Narok County published fee schedule |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
Related on Perch Africa
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- Private guide and vehicle
- Named stays and itemised costs
- Availability checked before confirmation
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Frequently asked questions
Are park fees included in safari packages?
They usually are in reputable all-inclusive packages, but this should always be confirmed explicitly in the written costing before booking.
