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South Africa Budget Safari Tours
South Africa offers excellent value for money budget tours and safaris. It is a country that offers relatively low-cost accommodation, dining out and other travel facilities at very high quality. South Africa is also a wonderfully diverse country to explore on a budget. The 2,700km/1,680mi coastline is varied and consistently scenic. Wildlife-viewing opportunities range from the classic Big Five territory of Kruger and Pilanesberg to the whale-calving grounds of the Western Cape. For those who like culture, Cape Town combines historic museums with art galleries and music venues. Prehistoric highlights include the hominid fossils of the Cradle of Humankind and the mysterious rock art of the Drakensberg mountains.
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4-Day Glamping Kruger Wild Adventure Safari
$728 to $777 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 5,538 Reviews
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3-Day Budget Tented Kruger Park Safari
$628 to $670 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hoedspruit (Town), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 367 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Bongan African Lodge
$1,009 to $1,090 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger), Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Bongan Safaris
5.0/5 – 44 Reviews
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3-Day Best Budget Kruger Park Safari
$847 to $969 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)BudgetGuest House
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 235 Reviews
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Best Seller
3-Day Kruger Glamping Safari in Kruger Park
$549 to $597 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Central Kruger NP, Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Safarilink SA
4.9/5 – 1,792 Reviews
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![4-Day Central Kruger Safari]()
4-Day Central Kruger Safari
$1,468 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetHotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
4.8/5 – 127 Reviews
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Best Seller
![4-Day Dumela Affordable Glamping Adventure]()
4-Day Dumela Affordable Glamping Adventure
$885 to $974 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Moditlo GR (Blue Canyon GR), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
SafariLife
5.0/5 – 35 Reviews
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![5-Day Budget Kruger Big Five Safari from Johannesburg]()
5-Day Budget Kruger Big Five Safari from Johannesburg
$1,305 to $1,350 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 3 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Knap Tours
4.8/5 – 55 Reviews
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![3-Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant Big Five Safari]()
3-Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant Big Five Safari
$805 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (Start), Tsitsikamma (Garden Route NP), Addo Elephant NP, Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth (End)
Rawson Touring
4.5/5 – 4 Reviews
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![13-Day South Africa Conservation and Safari]()
13-Day South Africa Conservation and Safari
$2,663 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesSouth Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Durban (Start), Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal Province), Nambiti GR (KZN Parks), Durban Airport (End)
Indigo Safaris
4.9/5 – 237 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger National Park Budget Tour]()
3-Day Kruger National Park Budget Tour
$605 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 4 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Tourgy Tourz
4.9/5 – 54 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger Park Safari with Night Drive & Bush Walk]()
3-Day Kruger Park Safari with Night Drive & Bush Walk
$1,422 to $1,521 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetLodge & Guest House
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Mmilo Tours
5.0/5 – 143 Reviews
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3-Day Premium Glamping Kruger Safari
$658 to $717 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Tshukudu GR, Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 5,538 Reviews
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4-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$873 to $933 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 367 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge]()
3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge
$853 to $921 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger), Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Bongan Safaris
5.0/5 – 44 Reviews
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![4-Day Family Safari Escape]()
4-Day Family Safari Escape
$1,564 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetSelf Catering Accommodation
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
4.8/5 – 127 Reviews
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3-Day Dumela Camping Budget Adventure
$594 to $670 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Greater Kruger, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Safarilink SA
4.9/5 – 1,792 Reviews
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![5-Day Budget Wildlife Safari – Kruger Glamping]()
5-Day Budget Wildlife Safari – Kruger Glamping
$1,646 to $1,758 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 3 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, God's Window (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Knap Tours
4.8/5 – 55 Reviews
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![3-Day Dumela Glamping Affordable Adventure]()
3-Day Dumela Glamping Affordable Adventure
$608 to $700 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Moditlo GR (Blue Canyon GR), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
SafariLife
5.0/5 – 35 Reviews
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4-Day Premium Glamping Kruger Safari
$837 to $897 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Tshukudu GR, Central Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 5,538 Reviews
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7 Questions About South Africa Budget Safari Tours
Answered by
Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to South Africa.› More about Philip
7 Questions About South Africa Budget Safari Tours
Philip Briggs
Why should I choose South Africa for a budget trip?
“South Africa is exceptionally well-priced by any standards. Its network of 19 national parks and numerous lesser wildlife and nature reserves offers endless opportunities for affordable yet rewarding wildlife viewing, hiking and exploring. The 19,485km²/7,523mi² Kruger National Park is unique among Africa’s top safari destinations for being the continent’s best destination for budget safaris, including self-drive. This includes 21 affordable rest camps and campsites and a network of sealed roads suited to a 2WD. Other wildlife reserves well-suited to do-it-yourself or other budget safaris include Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Pilanesberg and Addo Elephant. Outside the national parks and reserves, the country supports many backpacker hostels, campsites and other affordable good-quality accommodation.”
1What is included in a budget South Africa safari?
“If you book an organized budget safari package, most costs will usually be included in the price quoted. That means all road transport between reserves, as well as game drives and guides and park fees. Meals should also be included in the price, along with tea, coffee and, possibly, drinking water. Other types of drinks, including alcohol, are excluded. Tips are also excluded, so check what is expected with your operator before you leave and carry enough cash to cover it.”
2How do I avoid the crowds in the parks?
“It is easy to get away from the crowds in South Africa, especially if you self-drive. Even in Kruger, the popular southern half of the park has many little-used dirt roads suited to adventurous travelers. The unfashionable half of the park north of the Letaba River has a wilderness feel that will appeal greatly to travelers who want to get away from it all. Elsewhere, the country has a wealth of minor reserves. You will feel like you have these to yourself. It helps to travel during the southern hemisphere winter (May to September), especially if a safari is your first priority. This is the low season but also the best time of year for wildlife viewing in most Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) reserves.”
3What are the pros and cons of a self-drive budget safari in South Africa?
“Aside from traveling around by bus, a self-drive trip is the most affordable way to see South Africa. It allows total flexibility in terms of day-to-day itinerary planning, especially if you carry a tent (you won’t need to book accommodation far in advance). My partner and I opt to self-drive in wildlife reserves where possible because it allows us to explore at our own pace, to have control over how far we drive each day, and to take our time at animal sightings. We feel closer to nature and to the wildlife without the presence of a guide. For some, the presence of air-con and heating in a closed car might also be an advantage over the more exposed nature of the open vehicles used on most guided safaris. There are some downsides to a self-drive safari. You will need to deal with any car repairs yourself. You are probably less likely to spot lions, leopards and other well-camouflaged animals than experienced guides with sharp bush eyes.”
4Can you describe a typical day on a budget trip in South Africa?
“The typical routine is to rise with the sun and grab a quick cup of coffee or tea. Then you head out on an early morning game drive and return to camp for a late breakfast or lunch. Afternoon game drives start at around 3 PM and continue until sunset. This routine may change on days when you travel from one campsite to another. Either way, the day usually ends with a few beers around the campfire, a simple bush dinner, and an early night for the dawn start. Game drives usually focus on the first two and last two hours of daylight. These cooler times of the day provide the best chance of seeing lions, leopards and other predators on the move. These times also offer the best light for photography.”
5What type of accommodation can I expect?
“Budget accommodation within national parks and reserves typically comprises one or more rest camps that offer a selection of clean, simple and affordable huts and chalets, as well as camping facilities for those with their own tent. These amenities are partially aimed at the budget-conscious local market and are priced accordingly. Camping is usually the cheapest and most flexible option. If you book a cheap South Africa safari with an operator, they will most likely supply tents and bedding. Self-drivers would need to bring their own. Almost without exception, campsites in South Africa’s parks and reserves are equipped with self-catering kitchens (bring your own cooking implements). There are also barbecues, and clean ablution blocks with hot water and flush toilets. Huts and chalets usually have en suite bathrooms and toilets. They will also have private barbecue facilities and in most cases a kitchenette and fridge. Many rest camps also have restaurants and/or small grocery shops, but this should be checked in advance. Other budget options include private guesthouses, B&Bs and backpacker hostels, but these are usually located outside national parks and reserves.”
6How much will this safari cost?
“With a bit of care, a couple could probably get by on less than US$100 per person per day on a self-drive safari. A South Africa budget safari booked through an operator will be somewhat more expensive and prices typically start at around US$150 per person sharing per day. A relatively affordable option for travelers wanting to see a few parks and reserves is to join an overland truck tour that covers South Africa and neighboring countries such as Namibia and Botswana.”
7South Africa Reviews
Lizzie authored many guidebooks, including Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
South Africa Is Rightly Celebrated for Its Magnificent Natural Beauty and Excellent Choice of Parks and Reserves
South Africa has a wonderful range of landscapes, a near-perfect climate, and a choice of destinations, activities and itineraries that’s virtually inexhaustible. Aside from its beautiful coastline and cosmopolitan cities – both of...
Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.
South Africa: World-class Safaris
South Africa is one of my favourite places to go on safari, with all the necessary ingredients for a wildlife experience that will begin your enduring love affair with the continent. Primary among these ingredients is the wildlife. Nowhere...
CA
An impressive country
We loved our trip, 6 days in Jo’burg and 8 in safari. We developed a connection with the city that will stay with us forever, the feeling from the inside of a giant country that is building its way towards the hopes of Mandela and a whole...
NZ
Short safari left us keen for more
We were off to birdwatch Madagascar, and we had to go through Johannesburg. So we thought, why not have a short safari to Kruger on the way? We used Safari Bookings to help us get quotes and chose a two-night three-day package. It was...
South Africa offers one of the most extraordinary safari experiences imaginable. During my stay at Kruger Shalati, the Train on the Bridge, I experienced the very best of Kruger National Park. From exceptional game drives with my guide,...
NZ
Outstanding Experience in South Africa
Our whole trip to South Africa was nothing short of sensational. It was the trip of a lifetime! The advice and recommendations from our travel expert Liezel Knott at Safari-online.com were outstanding. Liezel Knotts recommendations for...