Full-Board vs. All-Inclusive on Safari Tours
When planning an African safari, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between full-board and all-inclusive meal plans. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about these two options, helping you select the perfect dining package for your dream wildlife adventure.
Understanding Safari Meal Plans: Why It Matters
African safaris operate differently from typical beach resorts or city hotels. Due to their remote locations and limited access to restaurants, nearly all safari lodges and camps include meal plans in their rates. Choosing between full-board and all-inclusive can significantly impact:
- Your overall safari budget
- The convenience of your experience
- What’s covered in your package
- Potential hidden costs
Let’s explore both options in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Full-Board Safari Packages: What’s Included?
The Basics of Full-Board
A full-board meal plan includes three meals per day:
- Breakfast – Typically a buffet or plated meal with options like eggs, fresh fruit, pastries, and local specialties
- Lunch – Often served as a picnic during game drives or as a sit-down meal at the lodge
- Dinner – Usually a multi-course affair with soup, main dishes, and dessert
What’s Typically Included in Full-Board:
✔ All three daily meals
✔ Basic non-alcoholic beverages (water, tea, coffee)
✔ Sometimes: Afternoon tea with light snacks
✔ Occasionally: House wines during dinner (varies by lodge)
What’s NOT Included:
✖ Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails)
✖ Premium non-alcoholic drinks (sodas, juices, specialty coffees)
✖ Snacks between meals
✖ Any additional activities or spa treatments
Who Should Choose Full-Board?
Full-board works best for:
- Travelers who drink minimally
- Those who prefer to pay separately for premium drinks
- Budget-conscious visitors who want to control extra expenses
- Guests who may skip some meals due to safari schedules
Cost Considerations:
Full-board packages are generally 15-30% cheaper than all-inclusive options, but remember that drinks can add up quickly at safari lodges (where a glass of wine might cost $8-15).
All-Inclusive Safari Packages: The Complete Experience
The Basics of All-Inclusive
All-inclusive plans cover all meals plus a wide range of beverages and sometimes additional perks. This is the most comprehensive (and often most luxurious) option.
What’s Typically Included in All-Inclusive:
✔ All three daily meals (often with more premium ingredients)
✔ Unlimited alcoholic beverages (house wines, beers, basic cocktails)
✔ Unlimited premium non-alcoholic drinks (juices, sodas, specialty teas/coffees)
✔ Snacks throughout the day
✔ Afternoon tea service
✔ Sometimes: Selected safari activities (bush walks, cultural visits)
✔ Occasionally: Laundry service or spa credits (in luxury lodges)
What’s Usually NOT Included:
✖ Ultra-premium alcohol (top-shelf spirits, vintage wines)
✖ Exclusive experiences (helicopter tours, private guides)
✖ Gratuities for staff
✖ Curio shop purchases
Who Should Choose All-Inclusive?
All-inclusive is ideal for:
- Those who enjoy drinks with meals
- Travelers who want a completely hassle-free experience
- Guests staying at remote camps with no alternative dining options
- Visitors who appreciate having everything prepaid
Cost Considerations:
While all-inclusive packages cost more upfront (typically 20-40% more than full-board), they often provide better value for those who would otherwise spend significantly on drinks and extras.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Full-Board | All-Inclusive |
| Meals | All three daily meals | All three daily meals (often more elaborate) |
| Non-alcoholic drinks | Basic (water, tea, coffee) | Unlimited premium options |
| Alcoholic drinks | Not included | House brands included |
| Snacks | Not included | Unlimited snacks available |
| Activities | Not included | Sometimes included (depends on lodge) |
| Cost | Lower upfront price | Higher, but potentially better value |
| Best for | Budget-conscious travelers, light drinkers | Those wanting convenience, regular drinkers |
Special Considerations for Safari Meal Plans
- Remote Locations Matter More
Unlike beach resorts where you can walk to nearby restaurants, safari lodges are often extremely isolated. This makes all-inclusive packages more valuable since you can’t simply pop out for a drink or snack.
- Game Drive Schedules Affect Meal Times
Safaris operate on early morning and late afternoon game drives, which means:
- Breakfast might be at 5:30 AM before your drive
- Lunch could be a bush picnic at 11:30 AM
- Dinner may be served at 8 PM after evening activities
All-inclusive plans accommodate these irregular schedules better by offering snacks whenever you need them.
- Premium Alcohol Policies Vary
Some “all-inclusive” lodges only include house brands and charge extra for premium labels. Always check:
- Which specific brands are included
- If there’s a limit on drinks per day
- Whether mini-bar items are covered
- Children’s Policies Differ
Many family-friendly lodges offer:
- Kids under 12 stay and eat free
- Special children’s menus
- Earlier dining times for families
How to Choose the Right Option for You
Choose Full-Board If:
- You rarely drink alcohol
- You’re comfortable paying separately for extras
- You’re on a tighter budget
- Your lodge has affordable drink packages
Choose All-Inclusive If:
- You enjoy several drinks per day
- You want complete cost certainty
- You’re staying at a very remote camp
- Your package includes valuable extras like activities
Money-Saving Tips
- Compare Total Costs – Calculate what you’d spend on drinks à la carte vs. the all-inclusive premium
- Look for Special Offers – Some lodges run “free upgrade to all-inclusive” promotions
- Consider Your Itinerary – All-inclusive makes more sense for longer stays
- Check Activity Inclusions – Some all-inclusive plans include valuable extras that offset the higher price
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Mid-Range Lodge in Kenya
- Full-board: $350 per night (meals only)
- All-inclusive: $450 per night (includes drinks worth $75-100/day)
- Savings: $25-50 per day by choosing all-inclusive if you’d normally have 3+ drinks
Example 2: Luxury Camp in Tanzania
- Full-board: $800 per night
- All-inclusive: $950 per night (includes premium drinks and laundry service)
- Value: The extra $150 covers about $200 worth of amenities
Final Recommendation
For most safari travelers, we recommend:
- All-inclusive for stays of 3+ nights or for those who enjoy drinks
- Full-board for shorter stays or very light drinkers
Remember that safari costs add up quickly, and the convenience of all-inclusive often justifies the higher price—especially when you factor in the remote locations and irregular meal times typical of safari itineraries.
Pro Tip: Always confirm exactly what’s included before booking, as policies vary significantly between lodges and countries. Some properties in South Africa, for example, may use different terminology than those in Kenya or Tanzania.
