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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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5-Day Greater Kruger Budget Glamping Safari
$937 to $997 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
4.9/5 – 340 Reviews
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4-Day Budget Glamping Kruger Wild Adventure Safari
$751 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 – 4,871 Reviews
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4-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$899 to $961 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 – 356 Reviews
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4-Day En-Suite Tlou Tented Safari Camp in Pilanesberg
$1,120 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
Safarilink SA
4.9/5 – 1,408 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Bongan African Lodge]()
4-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Bongan African Lodge
$1,009 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 – 42 Reviews
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![4-Day Central Kruger Safari]()
4-Day Central Kruger Safari
$1,607 to $1,639 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetHotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
4.9/5 – 117 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
$1,432 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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![4-Day Dumela Affordable Glamping Adventure]()
4-Day Dumela Affordable Glamping Adventure
$892 to $981 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 – 33 Reviews
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![4-Day Kruger Park Classic Big Five Safari]()
4-Day Kruger Park Classic Big Five Safari
$945 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
4.6/5 – 258 Reviews
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![3-Day Best Budget Kruger Park Safari]()
3-Day Best Budget Kruger Park Safari
$847 to $970 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 – 220 Reviews
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![5-Day Kruger Budget Tented Safari]()
5-Day Kruger Budget Tented Safari
$902 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
Big Bull Safaris
5.0/5 – 6 Reviews
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![5-Day Private Southern Kruger Camping Adventure]()
5-Day Private Southern Kruger Camping Adventure
$1,529 to $1,682 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger NP, Kruger NP, Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 260 Reviews
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![13-Day South Africa Conservation and Safari]()
13-Day South Africa Conservation and Safari
$2,748 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 – 217 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
$1,035 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 3 people per vehicle)BudgetHotel
You Visit: Cape Town (Start), Kruger NP, Cape Town (End)
Tourgy Tourz
5.0/5 – 48 Reviews
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14-Day Cape Town to Windhoek - Camping Safari
$2,893 to $3,054 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), 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 – 51 Reviews
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![4-Day Greater Kruger Budget Glamping Safari]()
4-Day Greater Kruger Budget Glamping Safari
$738 to $784 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
4.9/5 – 340 Reviews
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3-Day Glamping Kruger Safari
$567 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 4,871 Reviews
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6-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$1,047 to $1,108 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 – 356 Reviews
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3-Day Budget Pilanesberg Camping Safari
$616 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Pilanesberg GR, Johannesburg (End)
Safarilink SA
4.9/5 – 1,408 Reviews
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![3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge]()
3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge
$854 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 – 42 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...
UNBELIEVABLE!!!
We honestly had the most amazing time on our safari. From the moment we were picked up for transfers it was a 10/10 experience - all staff were so friendly, the tents were well equipped and a great experience, the camps were wholesome, the...
CA
Safari met all our expectations and more
Safari was everything we expected it to be and more. Ivory Moon Lodge was excellent and Chef Forward was top notch. Animal viewing was brilliant but guests should know to be prepared for long days for optimal animal experiences. We had 2...
South Africa is absolutely epic! There’s just nothing else like it on the planet!
I absolutely can not say enough good things about South Africa and the amazing beauty and magic that fills the land. I don’t think I’ve seen so many epic sunsets in a row as I did here. The elephants and giraffes are my favorite,...
Amazing experience, highly recommend
The agency picked me up from a hotel in Joburg, arranged every day everything was smooth and confortable. Great rides through Kruger part as well as the private reserve. The private reserve guide let us pick what we want to see or hunt...