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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 Budget Glamping Kruger Wild Adventure Safari
$518 to $549 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 – 1,594 Reviews
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4-Day Greater Kruger Budget Glamping Safari
$549 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.
5.0/5 – 160 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger National Park Camping Safari
$955 to $993 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 72 Reviews
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3-Day Best Budget Kruger Park Safari
$592 to $641 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
4.9/5 – 114 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
4-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$742 to $773 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
4.9/5 – 287 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park
$400 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
5.0/5 – 226 Reviews
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3-Day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Safari
$634 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 – 33 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger NP Big 5 & Panorama Route Tented Safari
$622 to $642 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
4.7/5 – 73 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
10-Day Private Kruger Camping Safari
$2,875 to $3,465 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
4.9/5 – 216 Reviews
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4-Day Eco-Friendly Kruger and Panorama Route Tour
$1,100 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle)BudgetTented Camp
You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Hoedspruit (End)
Kamaroutes Travel Designers
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4-Day Budget Kruger Safari
$892 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Socioolite Travel and Tours
5.0/5 – 24 Reviews
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3-Day Budget Kruger National Park Safari
$683 to $870 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 13 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Tsalanang Travel Tours
5.0/5 – 8 Reviews
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5-Day From (Zambia) Livingstone to Kruger National Park
$2,783 pp (USD)
South Africa & Zambia: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping & Hotel
You Visit: Livingstone (Start), Johannesburg Airport (Johannesburg), Kruger NP, Greater Kruger, Johannesburg (End)
Lochinvar Safaris
4.4/5 – 5 Reviews
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3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge
$724 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 – 28 Reviews
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7-Day Kruger on Budget and Panorama Self-Drive Tour
$828 to $911 pp (USD)
South Africa: Self-driveBudgetGuest House & Hotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Nelspruit (Town), Graskop (Panorama Route), Bourke's Luck Potholes (Panorama Route), Central Kruger NP, Southern Kruger NP, Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Go Self-Drive Tours
4.8/5 – 11 Reviews
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4-Day Kruger National Park - Camping Inside the Park
$2,475 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Shikwaru Adventures
5.0/5 – 90 Reviews
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5-Day Greater Kruger Budget Glamping Safari
$694 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.
5.0/5 – 160 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Comfort Glamping Kruger Safari
$384 to $406 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 – 1,594 Reviews
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5-Day Kruger Park Camping Safari
$1,510 to $1,563 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 72 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
3-Day Tremisana/Masango Kruger Park Safari
$683 to $728 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
4.9/5 – 287 Reviews
7 Questions About South Africa Budget Safari Tours
![Philip Briggs](https://cloudfront.safaribookings.com/assets/experts/84x84/Philip_Briggs.jpg)
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
![](https://cloudfront.safaribookings.com/assets/experts/42x42/Philip_Briggs.jpg)
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
![](https://cloudfront.safaribookings.com/assets/experts/42x42/Lizzie_Williams.jpg)
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...
![](https://cloudfront.safaribookings.com/assets/experts/42x42/Anthony_Ham.jpg)
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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Wild
When we went on our very first game drive, we saw the Big 5! Greenfire Game Lodge was absolutely immaculate and a great deal for the price! The food was amazing, the staff was all extremely nice, friendly, and helpful, and the game...
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Surpassed expectations
We went to South Africa for our honeymoon, and we weren't disappointed! The safari portion of the trip was a clear highlight - so much so that we are already discussing coming back. The food and wine in both Cape Town and Franshoek were...
Pilanesberg is a safe area with beautiful landscape and a chance to see many animals during 3/4 days
Our combo Sun City / Pilanesberg was great. First two days at Sun City with the kids in this huge fun park and the Cascade Hostel delivered fantastic breakfasts. The family room was also perfect to check the activities of the kids in the...
Wonderful wildlife, sunrises, sunsets, lodges, diverse landscapes, highly recommend visiting.
Stayed in Kambaku Safari Lodge, Timbavati Private Game Reserve then Arathusa in the Sabi Sands, spending 3 nights in each resulting in 6 game drives at both reserves. Lots of wildlife viewing, excellent guides, staff, food and...