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5 Best Affordable African Safari Options in 2024

Just about everyone thinking about going on an affordable African safari is left in sticker shock—especially after getting quoted a ridiculous price from an online travel agency. For most of us, going on safari in Africa is not possible, and grossly exceeds the notion of a budget vacation.

No worries. Below are some tips and tricks to keep expenses down to make your dream a reality.

Generally, with just about every destination on the planet, there are always ways to do it cheaply. Unfortunately, going “cheap” in Southern and Eastern Africa may lead to your entire trip being left in ruin.

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Beyond simply being disappointed and uncomfortable, being frugal can lead to becoming ill and exposing yourself to personal security risks. Simply put, in Africa, you get exactly what you pay for—no more and no less.

FIVE BEST AFFORDABLE AFRICAN SAFARIS IN 2024

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1. Arathusa Safari Lodge – Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve 2. Ewanjan Tented Camp – Serengeti National Park 3. Mara Intrepids Tented Camp – Masai Mara National Reserve 4. Camp Moremi – Moremi Game Reserve 5. Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bucket list destination.

Going on an affordable African safari is on so many travelers’ bucket lists, and it’s easy to see why. There is no other experience like it on the planet. Moreover, while expensive, we’ve never heard of anyone regretting their trip.

Typically, travelers come back from Africa with a different perspective of the world and their place in it. Whether it’s witnessing extreme poverty, the kindness of the people, or a leopard killing the most darling steenbok, there is no way to avoid feeling more appreciative of everything you have in life—and that is what travel is all about, cultivating priceless experiences.

When you’re ready to book your flight, follow these three easy steps to get the best price.

Of course, this spiritual journey doesn’t come cheap—but dream destinations tend to be this way. When it comes to cost, going on an affordable African safari is up there with exploring the Poles or cruising the Galapagos Islands . For example, many are surprised to find out that the French-speaking country of the Republic of the Congo has recently been ranked as the most expensive travel destination on the planet.

Why is visiting the Republic of the Congo so expensive? It’s because it’s one of the few places in the world to go gorilla trekking .

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For example, the daily permit to seek out the gorillas is about USD 500 per person. Of course, the Congo rainforest offers extremely limited accommodation options, along with costly transportation and food expenses. Taxes and fees paid to the government and regional entities also add significant overhead.

Reducing the Cost of a Safari in 2024

We’ve written extensively on the best safari we’ve ever taken in South Africa and how it’s not worth cutting corners financially when planning the expedition. Nevertheless, there are several ways to decrease the overall cost of the trip to make it a more affordable African safari.

Booking Yourself vs. Using Go2Africa

For our vacations to Africa, we’ve used Go2Africa to assist in the planning and arrangements. After tons of research, we concluded that even if we booked everything on our own it would cost more than having someone else do it. Also, beyond the cost, it was extremely beneficial to have someone on the ground to assist while visiting Africa.

Here are three good reasons why we book with outfitters like Go2Africa:

• Customization : Instead of getting stuck with a one-click fixed itinerary, Go2Africa can customize the trip to fit your budget and interests.
• Expertise : Go2Africa will make the vacation as private and exclusive as you desire.
• Affordability : Most of the time, it’s cheaper to go through outfitters like Go2Africa than to book everything individually yourself. For example, it’s pretty much impossible to book transfers, small aircraft, lodging, and game drives yourself without paying through the roof, let alone making a logistical error. For instance, if you make reservations yourself, and one aspect of the trip gets delayed it may put your entire vacation in jeopardy, whereas Go2Africa can make immediate corrections to keep your vacation on schedule.

Two Terrible Options for an Affordable African Safari

Not spending enough money on a proper safari lodge is the greatest mistake visitors to Africa will make. Previously, we’ve written about the obstacles other bloggers faced when trying to go cheap in Africa.

Don’t Do This ⇓

Typically, to save money, safari-goers will choose one of these two inexpensive options, none of which we would recommend:

• African overland tour : Travel through Africa on a modified truck/bus with a group over many weeks. Passengers assist with cooking, cleaning, and setting up tents each evening. Unfortunately, this is one of the cheapest and most uncomfortable ways to go on an affordable African safari.
• Self-driving game drive : Essentially, visitors rent a vehicle and drive through the national parks and do game drives themselves.

Why are these two options so bad?

While cheap, the African overland tour takes place on a big slow loud bumpy truck/bus. Its size, speed, and comfort level greatly limit the experience for the safari-goer. For example, many people complain that they’re motion sick for days or even weeks on end because of the bumpy roads.

The self-driving game drive option, on the other hand, has many more negatives than positives. While visitors may have more freedom to explore as they deem fit, there are also many considerable disadvantages, including:

• Missing out on an expert guide to spot animals
• Staying on the designated roads with no ability to explore the bush
• Keeping the vehicle and passengers safe (e.g., flat tire)
• Never experiencing the safari experience

Also, in certain situations, it may cost more to self-drive than to hire a guide or stay at a safari lodge. For instance, self-driving visitors will still have to pay transit fees, park fees, accommodation fees, car rental fees, and fuel fees.

Probably, the best way to envision a self-driving game drive in Africa is to compare it to driving through Yellowstone National Park . However, a significant difference is that in Africa, passengers are not allowed to exit their vehicles, except at specifically identified camps.

Don’t confuse terminology. The term safari is not synonymous with the notion of a game drive. A safari is considered one’s overall journey with the entire experience summed up in one word. On the other hand, a game drive describes the time one spends tracking, spotting, and viewing wildlife, typically in an open safari vehicle such as a modified Land Rover or Land Cruiser. – Harry

When you compare both an overland tour and a self-driving tour to the five affordable African safari options below, you’ll see how lame the more affordable options are.

National Park vs. Private Game Reserve vs. Conservancy

Generally, a safari in Africa will be held in one of three parks, each with its own set of safari rules. They include:

• National parks
• Private game reserves

Conservancies

It’s important to know the difference between the three types of parks because it determines how the best affordable African safari options are chosen. The most significant differences are described below.

National Parks

National parks and national game reserves like Serengeti, Kruger , and Masai Mara are famous for their abundant wildlife. They’re also renowned for their strict rules, generally forbidding:

• Guided walks
• Getting out of vehicles (except in designated areas)
• Night game drives
• Off-roading
• Limits on the number of vehicles at animal sightings

If any of the above restrictions impair your vision of a great safari then you’ll want to stay on a private game reserve or conservancy. For example, for us, off-roading and night game drives are the highlights of a great safari—nocturnal animals like lions and hyenas are most active at night.

Private Game Reserves

Unlike national parks, private game reserves have the fewest rules because the property is owned privately. In other words, it’s not open to the public including self-driving tourists or tour buses. Also, private game reserves are typically adjoined to a nearby national park and wildlife is free to roam between the two properties.

With landowners being the official adjudicators, guides are given more freedom to track wildlife. For example, most lodges will feature guided walks, night game drives, and off-roading.

Finally, private game reserves will have significantly less traffic than national parks. As a result, guests can enjoy animals in a less crowded and more natural environment.

Concessions

Similar to private game reserves, concessions are areas of land either in a national park or nearby that have been leased for private use. As a result, they benefit from operating under less strict rules than the national park.

Like private game reserves, conservancies are private. However, the main difference is that conservancies typically have local tribes that live on the property. Moreover, conservancy fees help to improve locals’ lives by reinvesting funds in the community.

Five Affordable African Safari Options

The five affordable African safari options below offer great value, and are by no means “cheap.” However, they offer everything one would want out of an African safari but at a much lower price (when compared to the typical luxurious African lodge).

The resorts listed below all provide guests with a five-star experience at a three-star rate. At first glance, prices may seem high but they include accommodation, full board with great food and drinks, up to three safaris per day, and excursions like guided walks with armed field guides.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that a vacation to Africa will usually include other sights and attractions such as Cape Town and Victoria Falls . Therefore, when considering the price of a safari lodge, many times two or three nights is sufficient.

In fact, many people we’ve met at various lodges quite frequently stayed only one night. However, we encourage travelers to stay at least two nights to increase the odds of catching a rare sighting. Below are five affordable African safaris in 2024:

1. Arathusa Safari Lodge – Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

Properties of the same caliber as Arathusa Safari Lodge will typically cost two or even three times as much. Located in Sabi Sand , one of Africa’s premier private game reserves, Arathusa is one of the best affordable safari lodges for anyone looking for a Big 5 experience—90% of guests see all five animals in one day.

During our visit, we enjoyed afternoon tea from our suite overlooking the nearby watering hole, guided walks, and morning and afternoon game drives that led into the evening. In total, we spent about eight hours per day out on the massive reserve searching for wildlife.

We were 100% absolutely wowed by our experience here and wrote extensively about how it was the best safari in South Africa and the best value for the money.

Arathusa Safari Lodge – From $465 per person sharing

2. Ewanjan Tented Camp – Serengeti National Park

With views over an endless plain in Tanzania’s Seronera Valley, guests of the Ewanjan Tented Camp rave about the abundance of wildlife spotted right from camp. During our stay, a large herd of elephants walked down a path about 100 feet from our ensuite tent.

In Serengeti National Park, visitors are not allowed to leave their vehicles or the roads. Nevertheless, one way to get around this limitation is with a hot air balloon ride.

During our hot air balloon ride we spotted an epic sight, a lion eating a crocodile! There’s no feeling like watching the sunset come up over the Serengeti while silently gliding over the wildlife, trees, and rivers. If there’s any place in the world to go on a hot air balloon ride, it’s here. Make sure you book online early to secure your spot or with your agent at Go2Africa.

Additionally, between April and June and November and January, the area around Ewanjan is visited by the wildebeest migration. For this reason, if seeing the Great Migration is on your bucket list then Ewanjan is the ideal affordable African safari accommodation to book.

Ewanjan Tented Camp – From $330 per person sharing

3. Mara Intrepids Tented Camp – Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya’s must-see Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the Mara Intrepids Tented Camp , one of the most affordable African safari options on our list. Whereas Ewanjan in the Serengeti has endless views of the plains, Mara Intrepids is set amidst a heavily wooded area along the Talek River, only minutes from the Ol Kiombo airstrip.

With an abundance of big cats in the area just about every game drive includes sightings of the King of the Jungle, the lion. Also, Mara Intrepids is in a prime location for the annual wildebeest migration, which takes place between August and October.

Finally, not only is the wildlife viewing amazing but families seek out this lodge for its kid’s clubs which focus on animal education and local Masai culture.

Mara Intrepids Tented Camp – From $175 per person sharing

4. Camp Moremi – Moremi Game Reserve

The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is one of the most biodiverse places in Africa and is the main source of water for about a million people. Furthermore, the delta supports the world’s largest surviving elephant population, numbering around 130,000. Of course, there are plenty of hippos, lions, wild dogs, leopards, crocodiles, cheetahs, and countless waterfowl too.

Situated on the stunning Xakanaxa lagoon, and offering water-based safaris, Camp Moremi is an unforgettable and affordable African safari. While it may be a bit expensive and luxurious to be considered low-cost, Camp Moremi does provide tons of value. In fact, what makes it unique is that it provides both 4×4 game drives and water safaris.

Botswana is the second most expensive destination on the planet, only behind the Republic of the Congo. Guests should find comfort in knowing that they’re paying the “going rate,” when just about every safari lodge in the area costs at least USD 1000 per night—and, similar lodges cost well over USD 2000 per night.

It’s worth noting that the Moremi Game Reserve does not allow night game drives or off-roading.

Camp Moremi – From $597 per person sharing

5. Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Situated in the southwest corner of Uganda on Lake Mutanda, bordering DR Congo and Rwanda, Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge is the mecca for gorilla lovers. Tourists come from all over the world to spend one hour in the company of wild gorillas.

Along with vibrant colors, guests of Chameleon Hill are treated to the most jaw-dropping view of the Virunga volcanoes. Nevertheless, the highlight here is, of course, the gorilla tracking.

Perfectly positioned between Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks, Chameleon Hill is the ideal base for tracking wild gorillas. Also, gorilla permits cost about half the cost in neighboring Rwanda. Furthermore, Chameleon Hill has the option of research-based treks which allocate four hours with the gorillas, instead of just one.

Gorilla permits are far and few. Therefore, if you’re serious about doing this then plan on booking at least three months in advance. Also, along with gorilla trekking, Chameleon Hill offers walking and canoe-based safaris for bird watching and spotting the golden monkey.

Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge – From $250 per person sharing

These Lodges Provide Great Value

Whether you’re looking to spot the Big Five in South Africa or go gorilla trekking in Uganda, the above lodges are the best affordable African safari options out there. While the nightly prices are by no means “cheap,” they do provide great value especially, when comparing similar lodges that cost two or three times as much.

Preparing an African itinerary is an overwhelming process, and it only gets more complicated each time you visit. The easiest way to start planning is to use Go2Africa’s inquiry tool which helps design the perfect safari that aligns with your budget.

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Cape Town Safari Tours & Budget Packages

130 Tours from Cape Town, ordered shortest to longest trip. Prices are from R3190 $177 £136 €161 A$266 C$241 NZ$289 to R224800 $12502 £9588 €11351 A$18725 C$16983 NZ$20387 per person. Use our Tour Search → to filter by price, duration, start point, travel style and more. View all scheduled Cape Town departures to find tours departing in 2024 & 2025.

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1. Africa is BIG! Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed . 2. Our wildlife search is inclusive - it only shows trips matching all the boxes you tick. 3. If you get 'no results' - select fewer animals :)

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Why Travel to Cape Town ? by Terry Murphy

Cape Town is a scenic gem. It is a versatile and cosmopolitan destination with plenty to offer travellers and local visitors alike. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are especially spoilt for choice given Cape Town's magnificent location - scattered along the rugged coastline between impressive mountains, fynbos, and forests.

Short Cape Town Tour Packages

Our short city getaways offer tours to Cape Town's top attractions - the Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands , the Cape Whale Route , and Big Five Safaris near Cape Town . These are budget-friendly Cape Town Tours that include guesthouse and lodge accommodation that offers excellent value for money. 

Most of our short Cape Town packages spend time in the city itself to give you a taste of the culture and history of South Africa's oldest European-founded settlement.  

Long Cape Town Tours & Overland Safaris

The Cape to Cairo journey is legendary and Cape Town remains the starting or ending point of many an epic trip through Africa. Cape to Vic Falls, Cape to Nairobi, Cape to Kruger, the list goes on... the mother city is a favorite destination on longer Africa Overland routes. 

We feature about 115 Budget African Safaris that include Cape Town - a wide range of tour types and styles. Options include Overlanding Africa safaris to or from Cape Town, camping trips, lodge tours, exclusive small group packages, family holidays, shark cage diving adventures, and many more. For help sifting through the millions of Cape Town travel options - contact one of our travel fanatics  (all living in Cape Town)!

Find out more with our Cape Town safari travel guide page.

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It was absolutely magical shiduli private game reserve was wonderful.

Thank you for asking about our trip, it was absolutely magical! Shiduli private game reserve was wonderful. All the staff were extremely attentive and professional. Everyone made a special effort to make us feel welcome.

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What an awesome experience. If it had cost twice as much, it still would have been a bargain. I travel a lot for leisure (4 to 6 international trips a year) and this trip was without a doubt, the best trip Ihave ever had.

The Africa experience overall left us speechless!

Just got back from our Africa trip and wanted to thank you and your team for a wonderful experience! All transfers were seamless and accommodations great. What a wonderful people and country!! Great job! thanks again!!

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Budget Kruger Park Safari

Budget kruger national park safaris.

Budget Kruger Park Safari  offer all the fun without too many of the frills to keep the price as low as possible. We choose quality 3-star accommodation in a combo of safari tents and treehouses and make certain activities, meals and drinks optional.

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3 Day Greater Kruger Budget Glamping Safari

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5-Day Camping Kruger Safari

From ZAR 16500 per Person

3 Day Camping Kruger Safari

A camping safari trip into the Heart of the Kruger National Park for three days is a great way to get away from it all and relax. Almost everyone who comes to this part of the African continent will want to check off an authentic African safari in Kruger National Park. South Africa’s most famous wildlife reserve has earned its spectacular reputation in part due to the incredible variety of animals and plants that can be found there. It is no wonder the Kruger Safari Co.’s three-day camping safari is such a popular option for seeing the region’s breath-taking scenery.

You might also like our 4-Day Camping Kruger Park Safari Tour or 5-Day Camping Kruger Park Safari Tour .

• Collection from OR Tambo Airport Bus Terminals by 07:00am

If you’re looking for an affordable glamping accommodation in the Greater Kruger National Park, the Sekekama Tented Camp offers budget-friendly options. Accommodation include solar-powered tents, complete with beds, linens, towels, and other necessities. The camp features shared ablution facilities and a communal area for dining, socializing, and relaxation. Additionally, guests can enjoy game drives and may have access to extra amenities like a swimming pool, bar, or restaurant, enhancing the overall experience.

Our Kruger Adventure Safari is tailored for guests seeking an adventure to the famed Kruger National Park without breaking the bank. We’ve crafted a cost-effective Kruger Park Safari, offering exceptional value for the chance to spot the Big 5 at an affordable price. Over three days, immerse yourself in some of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations!

3 Day Tented Safari

The lodge is located in Motlala Game Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The tour includes sunset game drive in Motlala Game Reserve, a full-day in the iconic Kruger National Park and a magical sunrise bushwalk along the Klaserie River. Evenings are spent under the stars enjoying an authentic African bushveld braai (barbeque). The tour ends with a scenic drive back to Johannesburg via the Panorama Route to view the Three Rondavels which stand sentry over the Blyde River Canyon.

3 Day Treehouse Lodge Safari

This renowned three-day economical tree house safari presents guests with a genuine safari adventure, where they stay in a unique treehouse located within a private camp situated in Motlala Game Reserve. Covering 3,000 hectares, this reserve is dedicated to wildlife conservation and is part of the Greater Kruger region, conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from the renowned Kruger National Park.

Enjoy your Kruger National Park safari trip using our four day camping safari tour option for an adventure to find Africa’s Big Five: Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard, and Buffalo.

The Kruger National Park is well-known for its incredible biodiversity as well as its rich cultural history. This tour provides an extensive experience of an outstanding wilderness region that is part of the internationally designated Kruger2Canyons UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.

The four day Kruger camping safari tour is the ideal option for travellers on a tight time schedule. It’s a chance to explore the southern section of the iconic Kruger National Park and get a taste for why South Africa’s oldest and largest national park is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa.

Guests stay in tented accommodation fully equipped for comfort and convenience at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp in the Kruger Park that is fully equipped for comfort and convenience.

You might also like our 3-Day Kruger Camping Safari Tour or 5-Day Kruger Camping Safari Tour

Embark on a 4-day budget-friendly glamping adventure in Kruger National Park with The Kruger Safari Co, immersing yourself in the best of Africa at an incredible rate. The Kruger Safari Co’s Kruger Park package has swiftly gained popularity, thanks to its exceptional accommodations at surprisingly affordable prices.

Sekekama Tented Camp offers exceptional value for money with fully solar-powered tents, that provide all the comforts of home, including beds, linens, towels, and more. The camp features a communal area designed for dining, socializing, and relaxation, along with game drives. Optional additions like a pool, bar, or restaurant enhance the overall experience, ensuring a well-rounded and affordable glamping adventure.

4 Day Kruger Park and Panorama Adventure Safari

Our Ultimate Budget Kruger Safari is designed for those guests who would like to experience a safari to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, whist traveling on a budget.

4 Day Tented Safari

Kruger Safari Company is one of South Africa’s preferred safari providers. For the last  15 years , we have been taking guests on safari trips throughout South Africa with one of our more popular safaris being those that take guests into the African wild. When taking guests to game parks, wildlife reserves and the  Kruger National Park , Kruger Safari Company is committed to giving guests the most memorable experience possible. We are also committed to making every one of our safaris eco-friendly and sustainable for the environment.View our  3 Night / 4 Day Kruger Park Safari  Details below.

4 Day Treehouse Lodge Safari

Our 3 Night / 4 Day Kruger Park Treehouse Safari is ideal for couples and single travelers looking for a busy and exciting experience to the Kruger National Park.

In the Motlala Reserve, The Kruger Safari Co presents the Sekekama Tented Camp, offering well-equipped glamping at an affordable rate. Knowledgeable guides lead wildlife drives in comfortable open-air game viewing vehicles, providing an immersive experience.

Sekekama Tented Camp offers exceptional value for money with fully solar-powered tents or cottages that provide all the comforts of home, including beds, linens, towels, and more. The camp features a communal area designed for dining, socializing, and relaxation, along with game drives. Optional additions like a pool, bar, or restaurant enhance the overall experience, ensuring a well-rounded and affordable glamping adventure.

5 Day Kruger Park and Panorama Adventure Safari

5 day kruger tented & greater kruger lodge combo safari.

Experience the thrill of a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Day 1 begins with a pickup from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport and transfer to a non en-suite tented camp in Pretoriuskop rest camp. Enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari, followed by a dinner under the stars. Day 2 offers a full day of exploration with open vehicle safaris and the freedom to choose your own lunch. Day 3 takes you to the Greenfire game lodge in the Balule private game reserve for off-road safaris. Day 4 continues the adventure with morning and afternoon safaris. Day 5 concludes with a final morning safari and breakfast before heading back to the airport.

5 Day Tented Safari

4 Night / 5 Day Kruger National Park Budget Camping Safari. Spend 1 night in a wonderful lodge and then 3 nights in a tented lodge, both situated in the Greater Kruger National Park.

5 Day Treehouse Lodge Safari

The 4 Night / 5 Day Kruger Park Tree House Safari package includes all accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily,safari drives in open 4×4 vehicles, visit to a wildlife rehabilitation center, guides safari walks and the Blyde River Canyon.

Almost everyone who comes to this part of the African continent will want to check off an authentic African safari in Kruger National Park. A camping safari trip to the park for five days is a great way to get away from it all and relax.

You might also like our 4-Day Camping Kruger Park Safari Tour or 3-Day Camping Kruger Park Safari Tour .

6 Day Kruger Tented & Greater Kruger Lodge Combo Safari

Experience the thrill of a 6-day safari adventure in Kruger National Park. Begin by being picked up from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport and transferred to a comfortable tented camp in Pretoriuskop rest camp. Enjoy an afternoon open vehicle safari, followed by a delightful dinner under the stars. On Day 2, embark on a full day of exploration, with breakfast provided en route and the freedom to choose your own lunch arrangements. Return to the camp for a relaxing dinner. Day 3 takes you to the Greenfire game lodge in Balule private game reserve for off-road safaris. Day 4 and 5 offer immersive open vehicle safaris from Greenfire lodge, observing abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Conclude with a memorable morning safari on Day 6 before departing for Johannesburg. An unforgettable journey through nature’s majesty.

6 Day Tented Safari

The 5-night/6-day Kruger safari offers guests a genuine African safari experience, staying in rustic but comfortable accommodation in the Greater Kruger which shares an unfenced border with the iconic Kruger National Park.

6 Day Treehouse Lodge Safari

The 5-night/6-day Kruger safari tour offers a different and exciting trip to guests who don’t mind roughing it slightly to enjoy the privilege of a unique African bushveld experience. Guests stay in rustic but comfortable treehouses at a bushveld lodge.

Budget Kruger Park Safari Holidays 

The best thing about Kruger Park is you can do it on a budget and still have a fantastic safari holiday. Kruger is South Africa’s favorite national park for a reason; it’s affordable for your average family on a budget both from a travel and accommodation perspective.

Kruger Park is a state-supported national park that’s managed by South African National Parks (SANParks). The bulk of Kruger accommodation is budget-friendly, self-catering units in large rest camps. You also have the option of satellite and bushveld camps that are located off the beaten track and offer a quieter, more authentic safari experience. 

3 reasons why Kruger Park is perfect for a budget safari holiday

Whether you’re spending hard-earned South African Rands or foreign currency, Kruger National Park offers visitors a wide choice of affordable accommodation, it allows self-drive safari tours and the Park is easy to get to Johannesburg. The three things that make an African safari holiday more affordable.

Kruger Park offers a wide range of affordable self-catering accommodation

Kruger’s self-catering accommodation allows visitors on a safari budget to bring their own food and drinks, and they can cater for their holiday based on their financial means. There are restaurants or takeaway eateries at the main rest camps for those that want a break from self-catering.

Kruger Park is easy to get to from Johannesburg and country towns

Southern Kruger is the closest section to Johannesburg and the most popular for day visits and longer safari holidays. Five out of the 9 Kruger entrance gates are located in southern Kruger and they’re all easy to reach off the main highways.

For overseas visitors, there is a big cost savings when you book a safari tour to Kruger Park because it doesn’t involve multiple flights. For example; a direct long-haul flight from London to Johannesburg is about 11 hours, compared to London to Maun in Botswana which is 16 hours. Once in Botswana, you then need to budget for a connecting flight to Kasane and either a private charter or safari shuttle to Chobe.

The costs of multiple flights and shuttles to safari destinations in countries like Botswana, Zambia and Tanzania add up which is why these destinations are significantly more expensive for safari tours than the national park and private game reserves in South Africa.  

Kruger Park allows self-drive safaris tours

Having your own car means you’re free to explore Kruger Park at leisure and you can stop at popular bushveld sites for a picnic or braai (BBQ). Pack a cooler box with snacks and drinks and park at one of the many popular waterholes in Kruger Park. You’ll enjoy wonderful animal and bird sightings without it costing you an arm and a leg.

Types of accommodation in Kruger Park for a budget safari  

Kruger rest camps.

The rest camps in Kruger Park offer a choice of self-catering rondavels (round huts) or bungalows, chalets and family cottages. The main rest camps have caravan and camping sites.

Hut facilities:

• one room with single beds
• linen, blankets and bath towels
• fan or air-conditioning
• communal ablutions
• communal kitchen
• no utensils
• braai (BBQ) area

Bungalow facilities:

• small fridge
• ensuite bathroom

Family cottage facilities:

• 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds
• air-conditioning
• fully equipped kitchen
• shared bathroom
• television with limited DSTV channels

Kruger Bushveld Camps

Kruger bushveld camps offer self-catering accommodation in more remote areas. Loyal Kruger visitors love to stay in the bushveld camps because they offer a more intimate, rustic and off-the-grid safari experience in pristine wilderness. The bushveld camps are so popular, they’re often booked up to a year in advance.

There are 5 bushveld camps in Kruger Park:

• Bateleur – northern Kruger, south-west of Shingwedzi Rest Camp
• Biyamiti – southern Kruger, between Berg-en-Dal and Crocodile Bridge rest camps
• Shimuwini – northern Kruger, north-west of Letaba Rest Camp
• Sirheni – far-north Kruger, south-east of Punda Maria Rest Camp
• Talamati – central Kruger, south-east of Orpen Rest Camp

Access to the Kruger bushveld camps is limited to paying guests. There are no day visitor facilities or camping sites and no restaurants, shops or fuel pumps. The access roads to the bushveld camps are private as well as the roads around the camp. It’s the ideal place to stay in Kruger Park to truly immerse yourself in the bushveld without the tourist crowds.

Bushveld camp facilities:

• self-catering units
• 1 or 2 rooms with single beds
• electricity for lights and fridge, no plug points for electric equipment
• open veranda with small kitchenette
• cutlery, crockery and basic kitchen utensils
• four-plate stove (oven in bigger units)
• communal freezing facilities

Kruger Bush Lodges    

There are 4 Kruger Bush Lodges, located in the northern section of the Park. The self-catering bush lodges are booked on an exclusive-use basis and offer families and groups of friends an intimate and private safari experience.

Each bush lodge has a camp manager and a dedicated game ranger who takes guests on guided bushveld walks. Located in remote areas in stunning bushveld surrounds, the Kruger Bush Lodges are perfect for avid wildlife and birders who want an authentic safari experience without low tourist numbers.

The lodges sleep a maximum of 8 people and have modern amenities for comfort and convenience. This includes a daily housekeeping service and a personal cook. Daily guided wilderness walks are the main attraction but guests are also taken on game drives in an open safari vehicle. Guess must be 13 years and older to participated in guided bushveld walks.

Bush lodge facilities:

• 3 to 4 rooms, sleeping up to 8 guests
• ensuite and shared bathrooms
• fully-equipped kitchen
• open-plan lounge and dining area
• outdoor entertainment area
• braai (BBQ) facilities
• daily housekeeping service and personal cook

Kruger Park Satellite Camps

There are 4 satellite camps in Kruger Park. They’re very popular with the backpacking, camping and caravanning community and are booked well in advance.

Each satellite camp is located close to a main rest camp but far enough away to escape the busy crowds. They’re limited to a small number of self-catering units and camping facilities. There are no restaurants, shops or fuel pumps at the satellite camps.

The four satellite camps are:

• Malelane Camp, next to Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
• Maroela Camp and Tamboti Camp, next to Orpen Rest Camp
• Balule Rest Camp, next to Satara Rest Camp
• single beds
• bathroom with a shower
• cutlery, crockery and utensils

Top 10 Kruger Park activities that won’t break the budget 

Game drives in your own car.

Daily game drives are the main Kruger Park activity and having your own car means you can leave the camp when you want to and stay out as long as you like, getting back in time before the gates close.

Kruger Park is vast; it covers an area of 2 million hectares (20 000 square) kilometres and it’s a maze of main roads and gravel roads. Buy one of the glossy Kruger Park Map & Guide books on sale at the entrance gates; they’re very detailed and are an excellent resource, particularly if you’re visiting Kruger Park for the first time.

Guided bushveld walks from the main rest camps

Early morning and afternoon guided walks are offered by most of the main rest camps. Up to 8 people at a time are taken on a walk in the company of an armed field guide to explore the bushveld around the camp.

Guided bushveld walks are an opportunity to learn more about the delicate ecosystem and the small but vital elements that are often missed when driving around in a car.

The walks are relaxing and not too strenuous. Your guide is extremely knowledgeable and makes your safety a priority. Guests must be 13 years and older to participate in guided bushveld walks in Kruger Park. Only guests who have booked accommodation in Kruger Park can book a guided walk.

Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes or boots and clothing suitable for the bushveld. Wear muted colours like the famous safari khaki, not bright colours that will make you stand out in the dry bush.

For more information, speak to the person in charge at the camp reception.

Picnics and bush braais (BBQ)

One of the best things about a self-drive Kruger Park holiday is you have the freedom to drive where you want to go and stop when you want at the many popular picnic spots dotted around the Park. You have a choice of loads of lovely picnic spots in Kruger Park as well as hides, lookout platforms and scenic vantage points.

They’re safe spots to get out of your car as long as you follow the Park’s rules and keep to the designated areas. Buy one of the glossy Kruger Park Map & Guide books on sale at the entrance gates to find the picnic sites in Kruger Park.

Birdwatching in Kruger Park

There are 900 recorded bird species in southern Africa and approximately 500 are found in Kruger Park. The national park attracts an incredible diversity of birds because it covers a vast area and comprises a number of unique ecozones. In summer, between November and February, about 200 migrant species arrive in the region from Eurasia and elsewhere in Africa.

Far-north Kruger Park is regarded as one of the finest birding destinations in southern Africa but you don’t have to travel that far to tick many birds off your list. In fact, you’ll see a wide variety of birds in the rest camps and surrounding bushveld.

Look out for the Big 6 of the birding world in Kruger Park:

• Kori bustard
• Martial eagle
• Lappetfaced vulture
• Pel’s fishing owl
• Saddle-billed stork
• Southern ground hornbill

Mountain bike trails from Olifants Rest Camp

Take a break from sitting in the car and enjoy something totally unique in a national park; a guided mountain bike trail. The mountain bike excursions are run out of Olifants Camp and need to be booked in advance.

The bike trails are similar to guided bush walks where up to 6 people are taken out by two qualified and armed field guides. Olifants Rest Camp supplies the mountain bikes as well as water bottles and helmets if you don’t bring your own. Snacks are also supplied for a picnic break.

Olifant’s mountain bike trails are conducted in the early morning and mid-afternoon, departure times vary depending on the season. The length of time on the bike varies between 3 to 4 hours and the guides take you on one of three different routes which are graded according to difficulty. The cost of a mountain bike trail in Kruger Park is reasonable, ranging from R450 to R800 depending on the time and length.

Play golf at Skukuza Golf Club

Playing golf while on a safari holiday in Kruger Park is a dream come true for avid golfers. Kruger Park is the only national park in southern Africa that has its own golf course. Skukuza Golf Course is located in southern Kruger, just across the river from Skukuza Rest Camp.

The 9-hole golf course is legendary. It was established in 1972 as a recreational facility for Skukuza staff members and later opened to the public. It’s not the most pristine golf course in South Africa but everyone loves playing it. The 19th holes is the best hole.

The golf course isn’t fenced and is open to the Sabie River, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the fairway with antelope, giraffe and zebra. Watch out for hippo and crocodiles in the water holes.

Overnight hides in Kruger Park

There are 2 overnight hides in Kruger Park which are hugely popular for bushveld sleepouts. They’re booked well in advance so don’t leave it too late to make a booking. The overnight hides are open to the public during the day and become sleepover hides by night.

The facilities are very basic but it’s wonderful to spend a night out in absolute isolation and soak up the peace and tranquility of the beautiful bushveld.

Sable Sleepover Hide is located in northern Kruger, about 10 kilometres from Phalaborwa Gate. It overlooks Sable Dam which attracts an abundance of animals, particularly in the dry winter months.

Shipandani Sleepover Hide is located in northern Kruger, a short 5-minute drive from Mopani Rest Camp. It overlooks the Tsendze River.

Camping in Kruger Park

Camping in Kruger Park is a great way to save money if you’re on a budget. It’s also a huge amount of fun, particularly for families with children. There’s loads of space to play and the main rest camps have a large swimming pool.

The campsites in Kruger Park are well-maintained and the communal ablution and kitchen facilities are serviced daily. You have the choice of a site with or without an electric point. The campsites offer a combination of sites for caravans and tents.

Guided wilderness walking trails

For something far more exciting and challenging than a regular bush walk, put one of the popular Kruger wilderness walking trails on your safari bucket list. This involves serious walking in remote bushveld with the real risk of wild animals all around you. They’re safe because they’re conducted by highly-qualified armed field rangers.

The 6 guided wilderness trails are:

• Bushman Trail

In southern Kruger near Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp

• Metsimetsi Trail

East of the N’wamuriwa Mountain near Tshokwane

Between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop in a game-rich area

• Olifants Trail

Around Olifants and Letaba rest camps in the Big Tuskers area

• Sweni Trail

Near N’wanetsi, overlooking Sweni River

• Wolhuter Trail

Following in the footsteps of the legendary Harry Wolhuter, between Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop

Learn about the history of Kruger Park

Kruger Park is rich in history and you can learn more about its cultural and conservation history by visiting various archaeological sites and the Stevenson-Hamilton Museum. To learn more about the Park’s legendary elephants known as the Magnificent 7, you can visit the Letaba Elephant Hall.

Kruger Park as over 300 archaeological sites and is rich in cultural history. There’s evidence that the region was inhabited over two-and-a-half million years ago and artefacts found in the Park date back to the Stone Age and Iron Age.

The three most significant archaeological sites in Kruger Park that are open to the public are:

• Albasini Ruins

Albasini Ruins are the remains of the 19th century trading post that was established by a legendary Portuguese trader, Joao Albasini. Located close to Phabeni Gate, Albasini’s settlement at Magashula’s Kraal is believed to be the first European settlement in the disease-ridden Lowveld.

This late Iron Age site is located on a prominent hillside about 12 kilometres from the Phalaborwa Gate on the tar road to Letaba Rest Camp. The site was inhabited by a Sotho-speaking Ba-Phalaborwa tribe during the 1800’s who developed an advanced and sophisticated industry of mining, smelting iron ore and trading in these iron products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of accommodation can i expect while on a budget kruger park safari.

There are many accommodation options to choose from while on a Budget Kruger Park Safari including cottages, affordable guest houses, bungalows, comfortable tented camps, caravan parks and even a treehouse for the more adventurous.

Which rest camps in the Kruger Park is best suited for a Budget safari?

There are 6 rest camps in the Kruger Park regarded as the best for a Budget Safari namely: Berg-en-Dal in Southern Kruger, Lower Sabi in Southern Kruger, Satara in Central Kruger, Skukuza in Southern Kruger, Olifants rest camp in Northern Kruger and Shingwedzi in Northern Kruger.

Is self-drive safaris allowed in the Kruger Park?

Yes, many visitors to the Kruger Park prefer to do their own driving in their own vehicles because it is much friendlier on their budget than organized, guided game drives in the company of a tour operator.

Why is Lower Sabi so popular among visitors to the Kruger Park?

Lower-Sabie is located in the Southern part of the Kruger, well-known for its high concentration of wildlife. The rest camp is very family-friendly, and self-catering orientated which make it well-suited for visitors on a Budget Kruger National Park Safari.

Which camp in the Kruger National Park is the largest?

The largest camp in the Kruger National Park is Skukuza. It can accommodate up to 1000 visitors in self-catering bungalows (huts), family cottages and guest houses. There are two very good restaurants, a shop, library, outdoor cinema, photographic studio, a playground for the kids, a swimming pool and a river walkway to enjoy. The Skukuza staff village boasts a beautiful 9-hole golf course and an Olympic size pool. Skukuza Airport is a very convenient 10-minute drive from the camp.

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Wildlife of South Africa

7  days, 1  country, local flights and transfers included, meals + drinks (local beverages) included, lodge game activities.

Visiting: South Africa > MalaMala Game Reserve > Karoo

International flights, visas, travel insurance, and gratuities

Ready to plan a tailor-made safari in South Africa

Enquire now and a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours.

Is This Trip for Me?

Embark on a remarkable 6-night journey through two of South Africa’s most prestigious private game reserves, Mala Mala and Samara. This exclusive safari experience combines the exceptional game viewing of both renowned reserves, set within vast, privately owned conservation areas dedicated to preserving Africa’s wildlife.

Spend three nights at Mala Mala, a world-class reserve renowned for its abundant wildlife and extraordinary Big Five sightings. Then, continue to Samara, where you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of the Great Karoo, exploring an expansive landscape known for its unique biodiversity and efforts in conservation.

With privileged access to these private reserves, you’ll enjoy intimate and uncrowded encounters with the wildlife, guided by expert rangers who will bring the bush to life. This is more than a safari—it’s an opportunity to experience Africa’s wilderness in its purest form, with a focus on conservation and exclusivity that ensures an unforgettable adventure.

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Best Time to Go on this Trip

Peak, low and mixed are an indication of season and price, learn how pricing works.

What you'll Experience on this Tour

Your itinerary.

MalaMala Game Reserve

Fly from Johannesburg Airport into Kruger Park, arriving at Sukuza. You will be met by the team at Mala Mala...

Staying at Mala Mala Camp

Fly from Johannesburg Airport into Kruger Park, arriving at Sukuza. You will be met by the team at Mala Mala for the road transfer to the lodge.

The iconic MalaMala Game Reserve is the safari industry’s blueprint for the luxury safari. In existence since 1927, this massive, thriving tract of land offers the most exciting and consistently exceptional wildlife experience on this side of the equator.

MalaMala was the first private game reserve in South Africa to recognize the importance of prioritizing land conservation and protecting the fragile ecosystem by prohibiting hunting and transitioning to photographic safaris.

MalaMala Game Reserve is one of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa. It shares an unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park and lies strategically between it and the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.

You will meet your ranger, who acts as your host and will look after you during your stay. Depart on your first game drive, and you will return to the lodge on time for a delicious dinner.

Includes & Excludes

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Drinks: All Drinks (Local Brands) Included

Activities: Included

Transport: Included

You can meet your ranger and safari companions on the safari deck as the sun rises over the bushveld. Hot...

You can meet your ranger and safari companions on the safari deck as the sun rises over the bushveld. Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available. The early-morning game drive follows. You will be spending a few hours in the bush, on the lookout for the Big Five and other general wildlife.

MalaMala has 20 kms (13 miles) of Sand River frontage. This perennial river is a magnet for animals in this pristine wildlife area and is the foundation of MalaMala’s unrivaled game viewing and wildlife experience. Preserving and protecting the environmental integrity of this unique piece of Africa has always been at the core of MalaMala’s existence. This philosophy has paid off, and international photojournalists and film-makers have made MalaMala their wildlife destination.

Return to camp, where a hearty brunch awaits you in the air-conditioned dining room or on the expansive safari deck. For the more energetic, join the bush walk after brunch. Alternatively, relax around the pool, browse the safari boutique, work out in the small gym, or take a siesta to make up for that early-morning wake-up call.

Meet on the expansive safari deck for hot and cold beverages and a light snack before departing on another unforgettable safari. As darkness approaches, your ranger will scan the bush with a powerful spotlight and point out elusive nocturnal wildlife – a highlight of the day’s safari. As dusk settles over the bush, look out for the Milky Way and try to find the Southern Cross.

Samara Karoo Reserve

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Skukuza airport on time for the flight to Johannesburg and the connecting flight...

Staying at Karoo Lodge at Samara

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Skukuza airport on time for the flight to Johannesburg and the connecting flight to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). When you arrive in Gqeberha, our driver will meet you for the road transfer to Samara. Depending on the road conditions, it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the lodge.

Award-winning Samara Karoo Reserve is a conservation journey on 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness in South Africa’s heart-stoppingly beautiful Great Karoo region. Founded in 1997, Samara has pioneered the rewilding of this semi-arid yet uniquely biodiverse landscape, catalyzing an ambitious vision to expand the conservation estate to a 3-million-acre footprint in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

Today, the reserve is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations. It comprises five vegetation biomes across strikingly varied topography, home to over 60 mammal species, including the Big Five and cheetah, and 225 bird species.

Check-in at Karoo Lodge, relax before an excellent dinner, and chat with your guide and hosts to plan your next days of game viewing.

With 67,000 acres of wilderness, there are many ways to enjoy Samara. Samara is a passionate conservation undertaking started in...

With 67,000 acres of wilderness, there are many ways to enjoy Samara. Samara is a passionate conservation undertaking started in 1997 by Mark and Sarah Tompkins. Over the past 27 years, 67,000 acres of land have been restored. Samara is working with local stakeholders to create South Africa’s third-largest protected area, 3 million acres, in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

Samara is uniquely situated at the meeting point of five of South Africa’s nine vegetation biomes: Grasslands, Nama Karoo, Savanna, Thicket and Forest. This diversity of vegetation creates many habitats for species specially adapted to the Karoo’s arid environment.

One of the highlights of a stay at Samara is the opportunity to track wild cheetahs on foot.

End of Itinerary

After a last game drive and hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to Port Elizabeth airport. You can then fly...

After a last game drive and hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to Port Elizabeth airport.

You can then fly back home, extend your trip with a stay in Cape Town, extend your safari with another lodge within the Great Addo area, or even fly to Victoria Falls!

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you tailor your itinerary to your perfect adventure., 24/7 support, personalised, looking for something different, here are some more itineraries to start your planning.

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14 Day Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Chobe Safari Adventure Review

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Why we love, south africa.

South Africa has been called “A world in one country”. It offers cosmopolitan cities, a rainbow nation of richly diverse cultures, spectacular scenery and of course the Big Five safari experience. Safaris in South Africa have it all! Read more...

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When contemplating which South African safari package to book, there are countless options and combinations available. The best South African safaris will take you to Cape Town, Johannesburg and/or Durban before you head to one (or more!) of the top game reserves in South Africa. Lion World Travel can help you choose the perfect safari package to suit your personal travel preferences.

Kruger National Park

Steeped in legend and history, the iconic Kruger National Park invites you to explore its vast landscapes and spectacular wildlife for the ultimate safari experience. Read more...

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Dubbed an African Eden, Kapama Game Reserve offers a rich habitat home to more than 40 different mammal species and 350 bird species. Read more...

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The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is in a malaria-free environment tucked away in the Eastern Cape where sightings of the Big Five are common, as well as cheetah and a wide variety of other animals and birds. Read more...

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The 250 square mile private Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of the best places to experience a safari in South Africa. Read more...

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Thornybush Private Game Reserve is located adjacent to the Kruger National Park covering 24, 710 acres of some of the most magnificent bushveld that Africa has to offer. Read more...

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

Found in Kwazulu-Natal on the banks of the Mkuze River, Amakhosi Private Game Reserve offers plenty of character and countless species of wildlife to get up close to with buffalo, lion, elephant, leopard and rhino resident to the reserve. Read more...

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The Pilanesberg National Park, which covers 212 square miles, is the fourth largest Game Reserve in Southern Africa. Read more...

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Africa , SOUTH AFRICA

How to grab a cheap south africa safari: 8 budget hacks.

So you’re looking to find a bargain when it comes to your South African safari experience?

Well good news, you’ve come to the right place if you want to get the best budget tips about how to pay less!

Unfortunately, as you may not have realised, safaris do not generally make very budget-friendly trips, but South Africa is actually one of the cheapest countries to spot wildlife in across the whole continent.

Add to this my top money-saving tips, which I’ve gleaned over several visits to this part of the world, and I’m happy to say that after reading this article you really should be armed with all the knowledge you need to enjoy a great South Africa safari for less.

So what are we waiting for?

Let’s get started…

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#1 pay in rand.

It’s generally acknowledged that, overall, it’s cheaper to safari in southern Africa as opposed to east Africa – a lot of which has to do with infrastructure and access.

And within southern Africa, it’s South Africa itself that generally ranks as the most affordable safari destination going.

One of the key reasons for this is that many safari tours operating in this country are run by local companies who, unlike in countries such as Kenya or Tanzania, quote their prices in South African Rand as opposed to USD.

Due to exchange rates between the Rand and many Western currencies (including USD, GBP, AUD and EUR), the price of a trip in Rand can be extremely favourable, and paying in this local currency can certainly save you a lot on your South African safari.

In some instances, I’d actually advise monitoring the exchange rate, because the worse the Rand is doing on the global markets (sorry my lovely South African friends!), the more attractive the cost of a safari quoted in that currency will be for you.

As such, my first hack is to always check if you can pay in Rand for any South African safari, and then use secure online services like Wise (rather than regular banks) to again save on transaction and processing fees when you pay for your chosen trip.

#2 Review your Flight Options

Another reason South African safaris offer some of the best value on the continent, is because tourist infrastructure and services across this country are generally very high.

This means that, even if you are paying the same amount you might to safari in another country, it’s likely the standards you’ll receive in South Africa will be better.

This is reflective of the fact that living standards are higher here than in many other destinations on the continent.

As a result of greater economic development, South Africa also has more competition when it comes to safari operators, which actually works to keep prices down, as does the fact that tourist demand here is high.

And finally, as a major tourism destination, South Africa offers some of the best international flight connections on the continent.

With a wealth of planes arriving from around the globe into its 3 major international airports, including very regular routes from the US, Australia and the UK, flights to South Africa can be cheaper than flights to elsewhere in Africa too.

As a result and, given the demand, many flight deals can be found direct to this country, which will certainly help keep the cost of your safari down.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best options.

It’s worth noting too, that flights into Johannesburg are often cheaper than those into Cape Town, so consider flying internationally there if you want to source the cheapest tickets.

Then check out my list of the best Johannesburg hostels if you need to stay in this city on a budget.

Otherwise, if you do need to visit Cape Town, you can then catch a domestic flight and the total cost may still be cheaper than flying direct to this city.

Check out my top Cape Town itinerary for some ideas about what to do in this amazing destination either before you start, or after you finish, your safari.

Or alternatively, you can drive, bus or train between Johannesburg and Cape Town and explore many of the other amazing things to do in South Africa along the way.

#3 Consider the Access

And linking in with this point about cheaper flight connections, it’s great to know that not only is South Africa easy to get to, but many of the parks here are very easy to access as well.

Yes South African safaris offer some of the most accessible conditions on the continent, which certainly helps to keep the cost of them down!

While, of course, there are many reserves in very remote parts of the country, especially in the north, there are also many excellent parks like Kruger and Addo that lie just a few hours’ drive from major cities along well-maintained and signposted roads.

Comparing this to the remote and sometimes hard-to-access parks in Namibia and Botswana , for example, having so many options for safaris that you can drive to in a short amount of time, is another reason the safari costs stay lower in South Africa too.

As such, it goes without saying, that heading to an easily accessible park will definitely help you find a cheaper South Africa safari.

Malaria risks are also lower in many parts of South Africa compared to other Southern African countries, so you can generally rake the price of antimalarial medication out of your safari here too.

That said, please do consult a travel doctor before your visit to this part of the world and seek professional medical advice.

#4 Don’t Discount a Self-Drive

And coming in at number 4 on this list of top South Africa safari budget hacks, it’s one that can make a huge difference to the amount you pay.

And that’s because South Africa is one of the few countries where you can actually drive yourself in a safari park.

Yup, without the need to join a group or hire a guide, self-drive is a huge way to keep the costs of your South Africa safari low.

Of course, you need to check which parks allow self-driving, and at what times of the day (i.e. dawn, afternoon or night game drives), but once you’ve established this, you’re pretty much good to go!

Self-driving also makes it very cheap to get to safari parks, essentially doing away with any need for travel agencies, tours and guides too.

Often people pick their rental car up at the airport on their arrival in South Africa and, having planned and booked their own itinerary, they then enjoy this amazing country and its wildlife at their own pace.

Of course, you need to be confident driving in foreign countries, as well as have the relevant licenses to achieve this, but once those things are sorted, South African driving can be pretty straightforward!

Just remember that in South Africa they drive on the left-hand side of the road – great if you’re from the UK, Australia or New Zealand, but less easy if you’re from mainland Europe or North America!

For more information, check out this article which contains lots of road safety advice for foreigners driving in South Africa.

#5 Don’t Rule Out Camping

And, of course, driving around in your own vehicle, also allows you to take a bit more safari stuff with you too, including camping gear!

And what this means is that you can save even more money by camping in safari destinations, rather than paying for lodges, hotels or chalets.

All part of the South Africa safari experience if you ask me, you can’t beat spending a night out under those big, star-laden skies, as the noises of this vast landscape and its animals echo around you.

If you are interested in camping, then check which parks in this country offer these facilities; otherwise, if you do want to stick to lodges or chalets, often options you can find just outside the park gates (just a short drive away) are a lot cheaper than those you’ll find with them.

Key camping components to bring with you for a South African safari on a budget include a tent, mattress, decent sleeping bag, silk liner and possibly a travel pillow.

Plus don’t forget a headlamp , decent bug spray and good portable charger , so you can charge your phone and camera too!

Learn more in my complete safari gear list here .

#6 Check Government-Run Parks First

So now that we’ve covered how to get to, and how to get around the various national parks of South Africa on the cheap, my next travel hack for spending less on your safari in this country is to talk about which parks to visit.

Because, FYI, there’s a heck of a lot of them here!

Generally, the more expensive options (complete with luxury lodges etc) tend to be the private reserves, which are just what they say on the tin i.e. privately-owned stretches of land with safari businesses operating within them.

But wonderfully in South Africa, you’ve got a choice beyond these private reserves, in the form of state-owned parks, which are administered by a central government body and which have much more reasonable entrance and accommodation fees, including camping options and simple chalets.

Check out the great South Africa National Parks website for loads of information about the reserves they administer, what you can do there and where you can stay.

You can easily book direct through the website too – perfect if you’re organising your own trip.

Popular SANparks include:

• Kruger National Park
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Agulhas National Park
• Karoo National Park
• Garden Route National Park

So there’s really no excuse not to enjoy them!

#7 Organise Your South Africa Safari Independently

Which leads me nicely onto point #7 for enjoying a South Africa on a budget, because while it might sound obvious, many people forget that the more of their South Africa safari (or any safari for that matter) they organise themselves, the less it’s likely to cost them!

Quite simply, not paying an agency to do the legwork for you will significantly decrease the amount of commission (and therefore the price of what) you pay.

Researching parks, booking accommodation, arranging car hire and sorting safari entrances online is totally possible, and reading blogs to help you plan your itinerary is a great free resource too!

This does take time of course, but if you’ve got it, it’s worth it.

Alternatively, if you’d rather someone do the legwork for you, and / or if you don’t want to travel independently, then use an online tour booking site, to find your perfect tour.

This will be significantly cheaper than using a high street travel agency – why not check out these great South Africa safari trips to get some ideas.

#8 Safari in the Off-Season

And last but not least, the final tip on my list of how to pay less for your South Africa safari is to travel in the off-season.

This can be a bit of a confusing issue in South Africa, because this vast country spans a few different climates and terrains, but generally speaking, the low season here is acknowledged as being during the southern hemisphere winter months of May through October.

At this time, it’s colder and wetter in the Cape Town region, but actually drier and pleasantly cooler in the Johannesburg area where Kruger National Park lies.

Kruger is South Africa’s most popular national park and visiting here in the “off-season” can be great, as the drier conditions mean less humidity and less vegetation, which equals more visible wildlife.

You can learn more about this in my article about the best time to visit Kruger and Cape Town , otherwise, it’s worth knowing that any time outside of the South African school holidays are going to yield much cheaper prices for your safari.

Avoid school holidays like the plague… you have been warned!  

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Mini Travel Guide to South Africa

When to Visit?

I always think the best time to visit South Africa is during the country’s summer season from December through February.

Prices may be higher, but the weather sure makes up for it!

How Long to Spend There?

Ideally, you’ll want a trip of at least 7-10 days in South Africa.

2 weeks would be ideal and 3 weeks+ is dreamy!

Best Budget Accommodation in South Africa

Cape Town: Atlantic Point Backpackers

Johannesburg: Once in Joburg

Wild Coast: Buccaneers, Cintsa

Durban: Backpackers on the Beach

Best Budget Tours of South Africa

If you’re interested in an unforgettable, well-priced tour in South Africa with guides you can trust, or a self-drive trip organised by a great company, then email me at [email protected] and I’ll send you my top recommendations – simple!

Alternatively, I’m currently offering my readers an exclusive discount on all Absolute Africa tours , meaning you can now travel even more in the amazing country of South Africa and across the whole region of Southern Africa for even less! Simply send this top African overland tour company an email to [email protected] , quoting the discount code BWSP, and start planning your incredible trip with them today!

Otherwise, if it’s strictly safari tours you’re looking for, check out these top picks .

6 Things Not to Forget to Pack…

#1 Swimwear and Sarong – One World Sarongs are always my go to and a must when you hit this beautiful beaches of South Africa.

#2 Lonely Planet Guidebook – The South Africa Lonely Planet is excellent and very helpful when it comes to more travel tips, maps and recommended places to eat and drink.

#3 Insect Repellent and Anti-Malarials – I recommend a 30% DEET repellent for South Africa and anti-malarials if you’re travelling to Kruger and around – although please always consult the advice of a medical professional before any travels to this part of the world.

#4 South African Power Adapter – They have their own unique adapter in this country (only otherwise used in Esawtini, Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana) so come prepared with a South Africa adapter at the ready.

#5 Camera and Lens – I love my Sony A6000 mirrorless , and have used it to capture the beauty of this country and beyond.

#6 Good Sandals – You’ll live in sandals in most of South Africa and I would never travel anywhere now without my trusty pair of Birkenstocks !

Learn more in my full South Africa packing list here .

Travel Insurance for South Africa

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Mobile Data in South Africa

Ever wanted to capture or even share those magical safari moments with friends or family back home? Or maybe you want a way to share them once you’re back at the hotel. For both, consider using prepaid eSIM data if your Wi-Fi connection isn’t the strongest. I recommend aloSIM .

Travel Money in South Africa

In South Africa, the currency is the South African Rand.

ATMs are plentiful and accept both Visa and Mastercard.

When it comes to paying for things here, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel to South Africa.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

And there you have it, my 8 budget hacks when it comes to paying less for your South Africa safari.

Do you have any more tips to add to this list that could help other travellers?

If so, please drop them into the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ How To Grab a Cheap South Africa Safari: 8 Budget Hacks ”

Add to the list of parks – KwaZulu-Natal Province Hluhluwe-Umfolozi – noted for saving the white Rhino in the 1960s/70s. St Lucia Estuary and wetlands – both these parks are about 150 miles north of Durban along the coast. Drakensberg Mountains and 4×4 drive up the Sani Pass to Lesotho for a drink in the highest pub in Africa. For military history buffs – The Battlefields Tours – visit the sites of the Voortrekker v Zulu and British v Zulu battles between 1838 and 1876, and the Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902 – all these engagements were bigger than Custer’s Last Stand at The battle of The Little Big Horn.

Such wonderful additions Allan, thank you. Wishing you all the best, Steph 🙂

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African Budget Safaris

Affordable safaris on tourradar.

Embarking on a safari in Africa is one of the most incredible things a traveller can do in their life. Watching the sunrise over the plains, witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania, or just enjoying every second in one safari park after another; there's truly nothing like it. But if you want to do it all on a tight budget, is it possible? Of course! We've carefully assessed all African safaris  and customer reviews on TourRadar and handpicked these affordable safaris from high quality tour operators:

4 Days, 3 Nights Tanzania Budget Camping Safari To Serengeti And Ngorongoro

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Kenya Wildlife Safari

Southern Africa Encompassed: Bush Camps & Wildlife Spotting

How to compare safari tours, compare price per day.

Some safari price tags can leave you with sticker shock, but you should always look at one number more closely. Make sure to check the price per day for your potential safari, rather than the total price - the price per day will allow you to see where, exactly, your money will be going, and you can get the most bang for your buck with some careful consideration. TourRadar Tip : Sort by lowest price per day , then adjust trip length and departure date.

Review inclusions

Never assume that something will be included in the final price of your safari; it's always better to assume nothing is included and be pleasantly surprised than it is to experience the nasty shock of realizing you didn't budget enough money! Many tours do include these extra fees, but always make sure to check with your tour operator, as these fees may considerably increase your tour's total price. Ask about fees for park entrances and transfers, meals, and tips for guides and trackers. Read more on the cost of an African safari .

Check time spent on game drives

When comparing different safari options, always measure the itineraries based on how long you'll actually spend watching wildlife. While it may seem obvious, many travellers don't consider the sheer size of their destination - whole days of your safari can be spent driving! Determine how many game drives and other opportunities you'll have to spot wildlife in each safari you're considering and go from there.

How to find a cheap safari

Go during low or shoulder season, consider camping and budget lodging, join a group, explore one destination at a time, travel by road, hunt for best deals, best destinations for a budget safari.

Because there are so many incredible safari destinations all over Africa, it can be difficult to decide where, exactly, travellers will have their dream experience. If you can't quite decide, we've put together a few tips and tricks for budget safaris in a few of our favourite destinations. 

For travellers visiting Masai Mara National Reserve , consider camping in one of several safe and secure sites; budget campsites are located just outside the park. The off-season for safaris in Kenya coincides with the country's rainy season - from March until June and then from October to December. Keep in mind that, while you may experience some rain, visiting Kenya for a safari during the rainy season often means incredible birdlife sightings. While Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's most popular destination, there's much more to the country! Budget safari-goers should consider alternate parks, such as Amboseli and Tsavo East National Park . 

When planning a safari trip to Botswana, consider your safari type - while fly-in safaris can be a great way to see animals from the heart of the action, they're much more expensive. Opt instead for a "mobile" safari, and camp or stay in budget lodges while travelling. Note that Botswana is one of the more expensive countries to visit on a safari, so travellers dreaming of visiting should consider a tour to maximize their savings, and avoid travel from June to September; this is the peak season and most expensive time to visit.

South Africa

Budget travellers, rejoice: South Africa is home to some incredible national parks - SANParks (South African National Parks) manage 20 of them (including the famous Kruger National Park ), and you'll find cheap lodging throughout them all! Some parks allow walking safaris , which provide travellers with a more intimate and up-close experience with South Africa's wildlife. The best part? Walking safaris are often cheaper, as companies don't need to pay for transportation. The months of May through September are considered South Africa's low season, but this is actually the best time to spot animals in the country's north!

Uganda is best known for its incredible gorilla safaris , but, unfortunately, there are a number of ways these experiences can drain your bank account unexpectedly. Make sure your safari guide and operator is legitimate: illegitimate guides may charge extra fees that will leave travellers paying much more than they should for a safari. Watch out for companies that take advantage of gorilla trekking's high price tag and advertise "cheap" gorilla safaris, as they are often scams. The wet seasons in Uganda take place from March until May and September through November; these off-peak months are a great way to save money during your safari. 

Consider visiting in November : not only will you enjoy off-season rates on flights, accommodation, and attractions, you'll still be able to see everything that makes Tanzania so special. Be prepared for rain, though! If you're looking to travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, it's easier than ever to travel during the off-season; the crater enjoys beautiful weather year-round, and travellers are practically guaranteed to see the Big Five. For travellers looking to save on transfers,  Tarangire National Park is located near the Arusha Airport, so travellers looking to save on transfers should consider making this park their main safari stop.

Zambia is an affordable safari destination: the average daily cost of travel in this country is about $31 USD and travellers will enjoy lower prices for travel between the months of May and October - this rainy season will still provide ample opportunities for animal sightings! Most travellers fly into Lusaka Airport with the intention of flying further domestically - to save money on this travel, take advantage of Zambia's coach, rail, and even river transfers to your destination!

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The timetable for closing captive-bred lion hunting has not been finalized. A likely scenario is that a date will be set when lion hunting permits will no longer be issued. This will likely be followed by an order calling for all lions in captivity to be euthanized. At that point, only wild lions will...

Posted on May 1, 2023

While hippos are not currently threatened with extinction, their populations have declined due to various threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Hippopotamuses are often hunted for their meat and ivory tusks, and uncontrolled hunting can...

Posted on Jan 19, 2023

When choosing a travel agent, it's important to find one that specializes in your destination. If you're headed to Africa, for example, look for an agency with experience booking package tours in that region. You also want to be sure that the agency has a good reputation and lots of satisfied customers

African Hunting Safaris

Going on an African hunting safari is one of life's last greatest adventures. As Col. Craig Boddington so eloquently stated, "That first African safari is a truly life-changing event that can never be recaptured... although many of us spend much of our lives trying to regain that level of magic and excitement." Whether it is a plains game safari or you start out hunting the big 5 or other dangerous game, the memories created by your safari will be unequalled by almost any other type of hunt.

South Africa and Namibia host the vast majority of the African continent's plains game safaris. With the adoption of the private ownership concept of game management, game ranches have sprung up throughout these two countries. The number of plains game animals in these two countries has grown into the millions as a result of this game ranching growth. Most hunters start out hunting plains game and then gradually transition to dangerous game hunting as their African hunting skills grow. Dangerous game hunting in Africa is the pinnacle of many hunters' accomplishments. Whether it is the taking of Africa's "Big Five" or stalking a trophy hippo or croc, the thrill and satisfaction of successfully challenging Africa's most dangerous animals cannot be equaled! Dangerous game hunting will take a hunter to many exotic remote locations that are seldom seen by civilized man. Once a hunter has experienced the thrill of staring down a roaring lion or faced the charge of a wounded Cape buffalo, their life will be changed forever. 

Discount African Hunts can help take much of the uncertainty out of the process of selecting and planning African hunting safaris. With their wide network of contacts and experienced African hunting safari outfitters, Discount African Hunts can make sure that you are booking with quality outfitters that will help make your African dream hunts a reality!