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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 mysterious rock art of Drakensberg Mountains.
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3-Day Back to Africa - Kruger Park and Panorama Route
$747 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetChalet & Bungalow
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Panorama Route (Highlight), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 27 Reviews
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3-Day Tremisana/Masango Kruger Park Safari
$630 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge & Chalet
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
4.7/5 – 143 Reviews
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5-Day Kruger Safari Package Bush and Lions
$1,028 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
_1_5c4ecf234825b.gif "Ku Sungula Safari Lodge")
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
5.0/5 – 4 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger Walking Safari
$1,196 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
5.0/5 – 161 Reviews
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![3-Day Dinokeng Game Reserve Tour]()
3-Day Dinokeng Game Reserve Tour
$693 to $728 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetChalet
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Dinokeng GR, Johannesburg (End)
Timeline Travel
4.5/5 – 10 Reviews
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Best Seller
![5-Day Kruger NP Big 5 Camping Safari & Panorama Route]()
5-Day Kruger NP Big 5 Camping Safari & Panorama Route
$806 to $873 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
5.0/5 – 13 Reviews
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Best Seller
![5-Day Private Southern Kruger Camping Adventure]()
5-Day Private Southern Kruger Camping Adventure
$1,050 to $1,255 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 166 Reviews
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![8-Day Bush and Mountains]()
8-Day Bush and Mountains
$1,399 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Letaba Ranch PP (Greater Kruger), Lekgalameetse NR, Mariepskop, Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
5.0/5 – 4 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger Park Camping Safari and Panorama Route]()
3-Day Kruger Park Camping Safari and Panorama Route
$486 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
5.0/5 – 161 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger Park Budget Safari (Camping)]()
4-Day Kruger Park Budget Safari (Camping)
$823 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 27 Reviews
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![8-Day Kruger to Drakensberg Hiking]()
8-Day Kruger to Drakensberg Hiking
$1,399 pp (USD)
South Africa, Swaziland & Lesotho: Private tourBudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Bulembu (Town), Rorke's Drift (Highlight), uKhahlamba Drakensberg (Mountain Range), Durban (End)
Timeline Travel
4.5/5 – 10 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger NP Big 5 Camping & Panorama Route Safari]()
4-Day Kruger NP Big 5 Camping & Panorama Route Safari
$668 to $721 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
5.0/5 – 13 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![7-Day Private Kruger Camping Safari]()
7-Day Private Kruger Camping Safari
$1,720 to $1,890 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 166 Reviews
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![6-Day Kruger Package Bush and Elephants]()
6-Day Kruger Package Bush and Elephants
$1,453 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
5.0/5 – 4 Reviews
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![2-Day Pilanesberg Wildlife Camping Safari]()
2-Day Pilanesberg Wildlife Camping Safari
$281 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
5.0/5 – 161 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger NP Big 5 Camping Safari]()
3-Day Kruger NP Big 5 Camping Safari
$529 to $572 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
5.0/5 – 13 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![5-Day Private Northern Kruger Camping Adventure]()
5-Day Private Northern Kruger Camping Adventure
$1,050 to $1,155 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Northern Kruger, Central Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 166 Reviews
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![15-Day Bush and Beach Safari]()
15-Day Bush and Beach Safari
$2,719 pp (USD)
South Africa & Swaziland: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Hlane Royal NP, Lake Jozini, Ndumo GR, Kosi Bay (iSimangaliso WP), Sodwana Bay (iSimangaliso WP), Hluhluwe (Town), Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
5.0/5 – 4 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![6-Day Private Kruger Safari]()
6-Day Private Kruger Safari
$1,750 to $2,450 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetChalet & Bungalow
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 166 Reviews
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![10-Day Private Kruger Camping Safari]()
10-Day Private Kruger Camping Safari
$2,425 to $2,940 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 166 Reviews
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Tour Operators Offering Custom Tours
Didn't find the tour you were looking for? Get a free quote for a custom tour from the tour operators below. They can arrange private tours to any destination in South Africa.
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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.
7 Questions About South Africa Budget Safari Tours
Philip Briggs
Why should I choose South Africa for a budget safari?
“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 19,000km2 / 11,800mi2 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 safari in South Africa?
“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 on a budget safari in South Africa?
“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 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 aircon 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 safari 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 where 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 on a budget safari in South Africa?
“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 priced accordingly. Camping is usually the cheapest and most flexible option. If you book a cheap South Africa safari with an operator, they will mostly 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 guest houses, B&Bs and backpacker hostels, but these are usually located outside national parks and reserves.”
6What are the typical costs of a South Africa budget safari?
“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 is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the 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
South Africa has a wonderful range of landscapes, a near-perfect climate, and the choice of destinations, activities and itineraries is virtually inexhaustible. Aside from its beautiful coastline and cosmopolitan cities – both of which I...
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....
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Tourico Vacations "Loves South Africa"
Planning a South African vacation is a great idea not only for you, but your entire family. The country has so many things to offer everyone. You can plan a romantic holiday with your partner in the beautiful Cape Town or Johannesburg, or...
South African parks are affordable compared to Botswana and Zimbabwe. The big five look the same any where in Southern Africa so decide why added expense and four extra days of travel with petrol costs make it worth while. If you are in...
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Miraculous!
Our trip to South Africa and Jamila Lodge in the Welgovenden Game Park was a trip of a life time! Sandra Nicol at Traipsing Through Africa made it all happen with the upmost care, excitement and precision. Sandra contacted me and...
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Absolutely fabulous!
Our safari to Madikwe Game Reserve was spectacular. We saw more wildlife than we could have hoped for; the accommodations and food were outstanding. Our guide went out of his way to show us all that he could. I hope to come back and spend...