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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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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$579 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hoedspruit (Town), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 151 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park
$381 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
4.9/5 – 185 Reviews
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Best Seller
5-Day Ultimate Kruger Budget Safari
$590 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hazyview (Town), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 163 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger NP & Maseke Reserve Tented Safari
$796 to $877 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Kruger NP, Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
4.6/5 – 31 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger National Park Camping Safari]()
3-Day Kruger National Park Camping Safari
$659 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 38 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger Hop Big 5 Budget Bushcamp
$475 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Bush Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Wildlife Encounters
5.0/5 – 14 Reviews
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![3-Day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Safari]()
3-Day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Safari
$579 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Mbombela Experience Tours & Transfers
5.0/5 – 14 Reviews
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13-Day Cape to Garden Route via Addo Budget Self-Drive
$1,706 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-driveBudgetCamping
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Karoo NP, Oudtshoorn (Garden Route), Addo Elephant NP, Tsitsikamma NP (Garden Route), Garden Route, Hermanus (Whales), Cape Town Airport (End)
Go Self-Drive Tours
4.8/5 – 11 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger Park Camping Safari
$694 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
4.9/5 – 31 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger National Park from Johanesburg]()
3-Day Kruger National Park from Johanesburg
$590 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 20 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Africa Zim Travel & Tours
4.9/5 – 83 Reviews
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![8-Day Bush and Mountains]()
8-Day Bush and Mountains
$1,924 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, Johannesburg (End)
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
5.0/5 – 4 Reviews
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Best Seller
![5-Day Private Southern Kruger Camping Adventure]()
5-Day Private Southern Kruger Camping Adventure
$1,255 to $1,690 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 184 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Tremisana/Masango Kruger Park Safari]()
3-Day Tremisana/Masango Kruger Park Safari
$640 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
5.0/5 – 151 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Ultimate Kruger Budget Safari]()
4-Day Ultimate Kruger Budget Safari
$487 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 163 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Big 5 Tented Safari, Kruger National Park]()
3-Day Big 5 Tented Safari, Kruger National Park
$395 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
4.9/5 – 185 Reviews
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![3-Day Greater Kruger National Park Eco Tented Safari]()
3-Day Greater Kruger National Park Eco Tented Safari
$525 to $583 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
4.6/5 – 31 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger Park Camping-in-the-Bush Safari]()
4-Day Kruger Park Camping-in-the-Bush Safari
$882 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping & Self Catering Accommodation
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 38 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger Park and Panorama Adventure Safari
$487 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Hazyview (Town), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
4.9/5 – 31 Reviews
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![3-Day Camping Kruger National Park Safari]()
3-Day Camping Kruger National Park Safari
$512 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Mbombela Experience Tours & Transfers
5.0/5 – 14 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![5-Day Private Northern Kruger Camping Adventure]()
5-Day Private Northern Kruger Camping Adventure
$1,155 to $1,690 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Northern Kruger, Central Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 184 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.
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....
US
A great start to our trip!! Everything was on time and well done. Highly recommend for a day trip!
From beginning to end this was a very nice experience!! This turned out to be a very nice day trip from Jo'burg during a layover day. Had some great viewing in a lovely park...hard to believe its only a couple hours from the airport...
EG
Wonderful trip to Kruger National Park
Going for a Safari in Kruger National Park was an amazing experience that I enjoyed to the maximum. The compay was very organized and committed and the drivers were amazing. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to enjoy Africa's...
US
Safari in South Africa won,t disappoint
In January 2023 my wife and I went on safari in South Africa prior to going to Cape Town to embark on a cruise.. I corresponded with ‘Safariwithus’ in October of 2022 to book a trip that coordinated with our time schedule and location...
NL
what a great country you are.
Making new memories South Africa. what a great country you are. nature beautiful, beautiful mountains, long quiet roads,beautiful people we spent 3 days at Graaff Reinet, made a nice walk, delicious food and great nature. from there...