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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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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Pilanesberg Tlou Tented Safari
$652 to $691 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg Airport (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 3,277 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
6-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$921 to $966 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Olifants River, Kruger NP, Moholoholo Wildlife Centre (Wildlife Sanctuary), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 322 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Kruger Park and Panorama Adventure Safari
$614 to $909 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.
5.0/5 – 223 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge
$729 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 – 38 Reviews
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4-Day Tented Safari Camp Experience
$1,507 to $1,542 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 90 Reviews
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![4-Day Budget Safari in Kruger Park from Cape Town]()
4-Day Budget Safari in Kruger Park from Cape Town
$842 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 3 people per vehicle)BudgetHotel
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Kruger NP, Cape Town (End)
Tourgy Tourz
4.9/5 – 40 Reviews
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![3-Day Dumela Camping Affordable Adventure]()
3-Day Dumela Camping Affordable Adventure
$499 to $549 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Guernsey NR, Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
SafariLife
5.0/5 – 23 Reviews
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4-Day Walking Safari - Africa on Foot, Wilderness Trails
$926 to $1,015 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetTented Bush Camp
You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Greater Kruger, Hoedspruit (End)
JourneyTo
5.0/5 – 22 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![4-Day Kruger Park Classic Big Five Safari]()
4-Day Kruger Park Classic Big Five Safari
$596 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
4.9/5 – 250 Reviews
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![5-Day Ultimate Kruger NP Big 5 & Panorama Route Safari]()
5-Day Ultimate Kruger NP Big 5 & Panorama Route Safari
$844 to $921 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
4.6/5 – 101 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
5-Day Budget Kruger Glamping Safari in Kruger Park
$771 to $818 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Safarilink SA
5.0/5 – 391 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![6-Day Private Kruger Camping Safari]()
6-Day Private Kruger Camping Safari
$1,750 to $1,925 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
4.9/5 – 239 Reviews
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![3-Day Days Budget Kruger Safari Tour and Panoramic Route]()
3-Day Days Budget Kruger Safari Tour and Panoramic Route
$577 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Panorama Route (Highlight), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Mavone safaris
5.0/5 – 13 Reviews
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![5-Day Budget Kruger & Panorama Camping Adventure]()
5-Day Budget Kruger & Panorama Camping Adventure
$1,232 to $1,287 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Knap Tours
5.0/5 – 18 Reviews
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![3-Day Tsitsikama National Park from Port Elizabeth]()
3-Day Tsitsikama National Park from Port Elizabeth
$719 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Port Elizabeth (Start), Tsitsikamma (Garden Route NP), Addo Elephant NP, Port Elizabeth (End)
Rawson Touring
4.0/5 – 1 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger National Park from Johanesburg]()
3-Day Kruger National Park from Johanesburg
$649 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 – 183 Reviews
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![14-Day Cape Town to Windhoek - Camping Safari]()
14-Day Cape Town to Windhoek - Camping Safari
$2,798 to $2,962 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesNamibia & South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Guest House
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Cederberg (Mountain Range), Orange River, Fish River Canyon (|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld TP), Namib Desert, Swakopmund (City), Spitzkoppe (Damaraland), Brandberg Mountain (Rock Art), Etosha NP, Windhoek (End)
Sunway Safaris
4.8/5 – 41 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Pilanesberg Tlou Tented Safari
$482 to $511 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg Airport (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 3,277 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
5-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$852 to $898 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Olifants River, Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
5.0/5 – 322 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Kruger Park Adventure Safari
$460 to $565 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
5.0/5 – 223 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 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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Enthusiastic guides, well accommodating staff, nice private reserve and comforable rooms
I think we stayed a bit long (7 day safari); probably 5 days would have been sufficient. We repeated the night drive/cookout which really, one of those was enough. But everything else was very good and very well run. We did see the Big 5 in...
IT
Amazing South Africa and Kruger Park
As we had little time to organise this holiday, we chose a 5-day all-inclusive safari, which was organised to perfection down to the last detail: internal flight from Johannesburg, transfers to and from the airport, stay in a luxury lodge...
US
Amazing experience
South Africa is beautiful, rich in history, and culture. Its people are trusting, trustful, helpful, and loving. We visited Cape Town and Johannesburg. Both cities are beautiful and have their own character and richness. However, it is...
TH
A wonderful family holiday: A country full of wonder.
We holidayed as a family with 2 teeenage children (any experience must fight against their smartphones!) I had been to South Africa 2 years after democracy and I did have some trepidation regarding crime. First let me say I found the...