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African Budget Safaris

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Transform your wanderlust into real-life adventures with our most popular cheap African Safari Tours. Prepare for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, epic activities, and breathtaking landscapes. Our handpicked safari partners and their experienced guides provide safe and unforgettable safaris at excellent prices, granting you exclusive access to hidden gems and coveted experiences at affordable prices. Our in-house African travel experts handle all the details, allowing you to focus on creating lifelong memories in Africa. Don't just dream it – live it! Start ticking off those bucket list items today, and join us for the African safari adventure of a lifetime.  Contact an African travel expert today .

Budget African Safaris

Budget African Safaris offer the best value for money without compromising on quality. These affordable African safaris are ideal for budget-conscious travellers of all ages and tastes with options such as camping, lodge, small-group, and senior tours.

14 Day Botswana Wildlife & Victoria Falls Safari

A great 14 day Safari that takes in the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti and Chobe National Parks in Botswana, and Zambia's mighty Victoria Falls.

5 Day Tanzania Safari - Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

A budget 5 Day Tanzania Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire, on the famous Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit. An affordable yet comfortable…

Africa Overland Tours

Overland Tours are ideal for free-spirited travellers seeking a true adventure in Africa. On an Overland Tour, the journey itself is the destination. These budget-friendly overland trips come in all shapes and sizes, from large to small group, camping to lodge, and hands-on to fully serviced.

57 Day Best of Africa - South (Camping Overland Tour)

The best Budget Africa Overland: an epic camping tour of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia & South Africa

20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Tour (Lodge Safari)

Budget Cape Town to Victoria Falls Africa Overland Tour to Namibia (Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Etosha) & Botswana (Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta,…

City Trips & Short Stay Tours

Experience the best of Cape Town or Victoria Falls on an expertly curated and well-priced short tour. These action-packed city trips are the perfect add-on to any African safari starting or ending in Cape Town, South Africa, or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Zambia.

Victoria Falls Tour - Zimbabwe Safari Package

An excellent 4-day Victoria Falls Tour in Zimbabwe including hotel accommodation, a Zambezi River Sunset Cruise, canoeing trip, Chobe Park Safari, helicopter…

4 Day Cape Town Holiday: Big 5 Safari, Wine & Peninsula Tour

This budget-friendly Cape Town Holiday combines a Big 5 Cape Town Safari in Aquila Game Reserve, a Cape Peninsula & Winelands Tour and a Waterfront hotel…

African Adventure Tours

Our affordable Adventure Tours are for adventurous travellers who want to explore their wild side in Africa. Pick from Big 5 Walking Safaris in Kruger National Park, Great White Shark Diving in Cape Town, Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours and more.

8 Day Kilimanjaro Safari - Machame Route Hiking Tour

Climb Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain, and one of the world's 7 Summits. This Machame Route hiking tour takes the most beautiful Kilimanjaro hike…

5 Day Kruger Safari - Hiking Tour

This Kruger Safari is a fully-inclusive hiking tour in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park. An ideal budget Kruger Safari for active travellers…

Private Safari Tours

A more exclusive, yet affordable, option. On a Private African Safari, you travel in the group of your choice—just you and your family, friends, or significant other. Plus, you can customize private safari tours to suit your needs without breaking the bank.

13 Day Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari

A private Namibia to Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari to Namibia's Deserts, Swakopmund, Etosha & Caprivi Strip then Chobe, Botswana, and Victoria Falls,…

Tanzania & Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Ngorongoro & Serengeti Lodges

An epic 8-day Tanzania & Kenya Safari to Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park. Explore the best of Africa on this budget lodge safari.

Meet Our African Travel Experts

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African Budget Safaris is an experienced team of African travel experts based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Together our team of talented travel experts has well over a century’s worth of experience in the African safari industry. Our many years of budget travel experience enable us to skillfully curate and design the best affordable safaris in Africa.

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Popular African Safari Blog Posts

Our safari blog posts cover everything from the best places to stay, to the best wildlife viewing spots and the best activities to do while on safari in Africa. We also provide travel tips and advice on how to make the most of your African safari experience.

Cape Town Safari: The best Big 5 game reserves near the city (on a budget)

Cape Town is South Africa's most popular travel destination, renowned for its beauty. But, can you do a Big 5 safari in Cape Town and where…

Serengeti vs Masai Mara: which top wildlife park is best for your safari in Africa?

Serengeti vs Masai Mara: which park to visit for the best safari in Africa?  In this guide, we compare the similarities and differences between…

The Best of Zanzibar: 12 of the Most Popular FAQs about Zanzibar Travel

 Zanzibar is exotic, exciting, and mysterious. Adding Zanzibar Island to an East African safari is popular and easy to do. To help you plan your Zanzibar…

Victoria Falls Zimbabwe or Zambia? The Great Vic Falls Debate

Which is better Victoria Falls Zimbabwe or Zambia? Find out how they differ and compare the Victoria Falls experience in Zambia and Zimbabwe to see which…

9 Famous African Tribes, their Cultures & Traditions

African culture, with its intriguing tribes and traditions, is a wildly diverse subject. (Largely because Africa is such a massive place). Find…

Cheetah vs Leopard: What’s the difference between these African big cats?

Would you be able to tell the difference between cheetah and leopard on a safari in Africa? Telling these African big cats apart in…

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Discover Africa on a Budget Travel Overland in Africa - Overlanding Africa

Absolute Africa organise budget overland safaris and African adventure tours, beach breaks on Zanzibar Spice Island and Kilimanjaro treks including charity climbs.

Our African budget tours visit the Migration & game drive to see the Big 5 including 4x4 safari tours. As the actual African budget tour provider we ensure you get the best price Africa travel. We bring a vast 40+ years experience to our African overland tours to make your Africa overland holiday a trip of a lifetime.

What makes an African Adventure?

Our Africa budget safaris are a guaranteed Adventure Tour. Camp in the wilds of Africa, visit remote destinations off the beaten track as well as the big highlights of Africa.

On our overland trips in Africa we head to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai Mara to see the great migration of herbivores closely followed by "the big cats". We journey to the Afromontane forest home of the mountain gorillas for treks to see this endangered primate. We trek rhino on foot with professional local guides, safari across savanna plains, visit the mighty Victoria Falls, hike on the dunes of Namibia and enjoy days on the Swahili island paradise, Zanzibar. There is time to experience a little of day to day village life and volunteer in a local school. Enjoy adventure sports like white water rafting, sky diving, gorge swings and scuba diving, Take a gap year or overseas year out, or just hit the road overlanding on one of our overland trips for adventure plus.

Overlanding Africa on a shoestring

We pride ourselves on ensuring the best price so you can do Africa on a budget.

Want a budget trip to Africa? Head off on an African overland tour in our big yellow overland trucks with a large fridge, sleeping mats, coach seats with seat belts, and power points to charge your equipment. Two experienced overland crew, a driver & tour leader, to lead your Africa adventure, with cooks on some trips. Follow our live african blogs and on the road news, view our African movies. Need help with your budget, visit our "budget check" for a quote for your Africa travel plans.

Talk to us soon to arrange your African overland tour!

The Absolute Team

The Absolute Safari

Kili trek and safari, maasai and migration, serengeti and ngorongoro crater, the gorilla stop, short safari in kenya, with game drives in the masai mara, wild wildebeest, a week in kenya, kenya and tanzania, the component, kenya & tanzania.

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Karibu! - "Welcome" to the world of Africa travel

In 1979 we headed out overlanding Africa crossing the Sahara Desert in a London taxi travelling from Britain to Kenya. Absolute Africa, the budget overland company, grew from there with the aim to allow you to discover Africa.

Our choice of vehicle has changed from the original taxi and on our overlanding Africa trips we now travel the continent in big yellow overland trucks. At the same time we have retained the core idea of enabling overlanding passengers to experience the best price African trips.

Travel Feature

Reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, is attainable by most people of normal fitness levels, however in order to ensure that the climb is an enjoyable event rather than a tortuous slog some physical preparation is required. It is never too early to begin training for the climb, however to give yourself the best opportunity to build up stamina, strength and fitness your training should commence no later than 2 months before your climb.

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Climb Mount Kenya Naro Moru Route

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250+ Africa tour packages with 28,573 reviews

Explorer Family Historical Christmas & New Year +1

Magic of Egypt (with free All inclusive upgrade hurghada hotel) 12 Days

"always prompt, relaxed and comfortable!" mary, traveled in March 2024

• Book With Flexibility View tour Download Brochure

Explorer Family Temples Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +3

Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure - Return Flights Included

"The trip is totally worth it. We have learned so much." Dora, traveled in May 2024

Explorer Boat Temples Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +3

Best Of Egypt - 5* Cruise

"This trip has given me the travel bug!! The people I met on this tour are now forever friends." Robert, traveled in May 2024

• 10% deposit on some dates

In-depth Cultural Family Christmas & New Year +1

Agatha Christie Egypt Ultra-Luxury Journey /Abu simbel & domestic flights included/Small Group

"The itinerary was well planned. The hotels were generally pretty luxury with good buffet breakfasts." ณรงค์, traveled in January 2024

Explorer Historical Christmas & New Year +1

Egypt Explorer - Felucca cruise & Red Sea

"The itinerary was excellent. Hotels were good." Nicholas, traveled in May 2024

Active Family Christmas & New Year +1

Queen Cleopatra - 7 days

"The accomodations were good as well. The schedule left enough time for rest for travellers above 60y.o." Chynna, traveled in May 2024

Explorer Boat Family Temples Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +3

10-Day Ancient Egypt Tour (Superior Hotels)

"We thoroughly enjoyed exploring Egypt the Vacations to Go Travel way. We highly recommend your services." Ryan, traveled in May 2024

In-depth Cultural Coach / Bus Christmas & New Year +1

Essential Egypt (5 Star Hotels)

"I had an awesome week. Mo was so friendly and insightful, always happy to help and answer the questions." K., traveled in August 2022

• €150 deposit on some dates

Explorer Temples Train & Rail Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +3

Felucca Odyssey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

"Highly experienced and professional. Mo went above and beyond to ensure us beat the crowds when visiting places and so much more." Sophie, traveled in April 2023

Goddess Hathor - 8 Days (5 stars)

"Such an amazing group of people with us and because of this trip in Egypt we have made some great memories and new friends." Vincenza, traveled in May 2024

What people love about Africa Tours

This tour exceeded our expectations. We were met and greeted at every point of the journey, everything run to clock work and there was no delays in pick ups. We covered an amazing amount of ground and the tour guides were extremely knowledgeable. Nothing was impossible, all requests were met and in fact on many occasions the tour guides / operations people on the ground went the extra mile without being asked. In regard to safety there was never an occasion we were in doubt, and in fact went out shopping on our own. We found the local people in hotels and in the public extremely friendly and respectful. Local vendors when told "No Thank you" they left you alone. the tour guides were a lot of fun and explained subject matter, culture and history brilliantly. They all are considered personal friends and would be all welcome in our home back in Melbourne Australia. We developed a wonderful relationship with truly caring and kind people.

I don’t have words to describe this adventure ? Temples, Pyramids, Sphinx, Nile, Palm trees, an unbelievable amount of hieroglyphics, PLUS history history history ? Egypt is Amazing- beautiful, stark, harsh, HOT, dusty, historic, cultural & did I mention HOT ? This tour covered all the mandatory must see sites - with a couple of extra tours included - Abu Simbel & Saqqara/Dashour - but still gave u time to relax whilst enjoying a quiet drink floating down the Nile ?

An enjoyable, efficient, and well organized tour. The jam-packed itinerary ensures you get the most out of your time during your stay. Our tour guide Nabil was simply amazing. So friendly, knowledgeable, and informative. He made ancient Egypt come alive for us through his wonderful storytelling. I'd definitely recommend this tour.

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"All the different tour guides were friendly and engaging.

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"I liked all of tour guides and drivers and thought they did a great job however I was not impressed with the Nile Cruise or the Hilgarda Resort. The excursions were good with plenty of time given to explore and take pictures.

A.B Worldwide Voyages ltd. is an expert in:

"The South Africa Adventure with Intro Travel was the most amazing holiday I’ve done! I was lucky to have the best Intro Leader Dan W and Guide Chris VB. They were the perfect balance of fun and professional. I was able to fully relax, take in the culture and enjoy every moment I had in South Africa. The itinerary was so fun, every day there was somthing that wowed me! I would highly recommend this Intro Trip to anyone. 10/10!!

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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

10+ of the Cheapest African Countries You Need to Visit

March 6, 2020 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by Lauren Melnick

Travelling around Africa is NOT cheap.

From gorilla trekking in Rwanda to luxury safari lodges in Kruger National Park , a trip to Africa can quickly add up.

But good news everyone!

While Africa is no South East Asia, there are plenty of cheap destinations in Africa.

From Morocco to Egypt and Mozambique, here are 10 of the cheapest African countries to visit!

Table of Contents

1. Kigali, Rwanda

4. zanzibar, 5. ethiopia, 7. livingstone, zambia, 9. mozambique, 10. morocco, 11. south africa.

I came across a gorilla by accident during my trip to Rwanda!

Rwanda’ s tragic past, rich culture, and incredible wildlife make it one of the most intriguing places to travel to in Africa.

Kigali is the pulse of the country’s cultural attractions. With its genocide memorials and thriving art scene, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and those who love immersing themselves in different cultures.

Kigali is also one of the cheapest African cities to visit. While the backpacking scene is still growing, there are a few hostels to choose from that won’t break your budget.

Avoid fancy restaurants, eat local or cook your own food, and you can easily survive on under R 300.00 per day.

And for those that want to experience the country’s natural beauty, you can use public transport to visit further away destinations like Volcanoes National Park.

It’s the place to go if you want to trek with gorillas or see Dian Fossey’s grave !

Read More: Travel to Rwanda: 15 Useful Things To Know Before You Go You

How Much Does a Trip to Rwanda cost?

• Dorm bed: From R200.00 ($13) per person per night
• Budget double room: From R300.00 ($19) per night
• Three cheap meals: R 150.00 ($10)+/- per day
• Local transport: R 20.00 ($1) on a moto-taxi for short trips
• Average Daily Budget: R 400.00 – R600.00 ($26-39)
• Visa Requirements for South Africans: Visa on arrival at $30 for 30 days.

Check flights from South Africa  | Browse hostels and hotels in Rwanda

Budget travel and Egypt might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this northern African country. But it’s one of the  cheapest African countries for travellers .

Flights will be your biggest expense, but if you follow these airfare-saving tips , you might be able to score affordable return tickets from South Africa.

You can book a bed in a dorm room for as little as R114.00 ($7) per night, a first-class ticket on a train costs R200.00 ($13), and you can feast on local food for less than R50.00 ($3).

The best part?

The activities in Egypt aren’t crazy expensive.

You can visit the ancient pyramids for R100.00 ($6), and tours start at R235.00 ($15). Cruising down the Nile won’t bankrupt you either, and scuba diving in the Red Sea starts at R360.00 ($23) per dive.

Read More: 16 Unique Experiences You Need To Have in Africa

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost?

• Dorm bed: From R114.00 ($7) per person per night
• Budget double room: R400.00 ($26) per night
• Three cheap meals: R210.00 ($14)
• Local transport: R34.00 – R50 ($2 – $4) for short taxi rides within the city centre
• Average Daily Budget: R400.00 – R800.00 ($26 – $52)
• Visa Requirements for South Africans:  You need to apply for a visa in advance, but there is no cost involved unless you go through a service provider.

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and hotel deals from Egypt

With incredible national parks, excellent museums and quirky sites – a trip to Nairobi , Kenya won’t disappoint those looking for a cheap Africa holiday destination .

The capital city has a delicious foodie scene and some incredible culinary experiences!

(Just be sure to budget a bit more if your stomach leads your travels).

Nairobi is a stone’s throw from many of Kenya’s top attractions. You can base yourself here and visit the famous Giraffe Manor, go on a safari or fly down to Diani Beach for the weekend for as little as R1600.00 ($104) return!

The most expensive thing you’ll need to pay for is a safari to the Masai Mara. To find the best deal, contact the backpackers near the park and plan a trip with friends.

If you’re travelling to Kenya solo, it’s not easy to find a good deal on safaris as the single supplement fee is quite high.

A 3-day/2-night safari usually costs around R6200.00 ($400) and includes accommodation, safari drives, guides, entrance fees and food.

Read More:  How to Travel Kenya on a Budget

How Much Does a Trip to Kenya Cost?

• Dorm bed: From R250.00 ($16) per person per night
• Budget double room or apartment: From R350.00 ($22)
• Three cheap meals: R260.00 ($17) per day
• Local transport: R104.00 – R130.00 for short rides with Uber or R6.00 ($0.40) with a minibus taxi
• Average Daily Budget: R600.00 – R800.00 ($39 – $52)
• Visa Requirements for South Africans: Visa not required

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and hotel deals from Kenya

If you’re looking for a cheap holiday destination that has gorgeous beaches, look no further than Zanzibar, Tanzania!

Spend your days exploring this island’s past, rich culture, and some of the best beaches in the world.

Zanzibar’s Stone Town and Prison Island are not to be missed if you want to learn more about the island’s dark history in the slave trade and how that created its unique culture.

Or you can hop on over to Pemba Island and go snorkelling and diving!

Want an all-inclusive holiday on a budget in Zanzibar? You can often find package deals that include return flights from South Africa, a week-long all-include stay at a 4-star or 5-star resort.

How Much Does a Trip to Zanzibar Cost?

• Budget double room: From R500.00 ($32)
• Three cheap meals: R180.00 ($12) per day
• Local transport: R30.00 – R60.00 ($2 -$4) on shared taxis

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and hotel deals from Zanzibar

Ethiopia is a portal to another world.

It’s the gateway to an ancient place mixed in with its growing metropolis Addis Ababa. The capital city is now Africa’s fourth-largest, and it’s home to some of the country’s best museums and traditional food.

For vegan travellers, Ethiopia is heaven. More often than not, you don’t get to experience much of a country’s authentic dishes when you travel on a plant-based diet, but that’s not the case here.

Traditional dishes are meat and dairy-free, packed with flavour and substance that won’t leave you hungry!

When it comes to what to see in Ethiopia – the country is overflowing with unique adventures you won’t find anywhere else in Africa.

Stay in the Simien Mountains , visit the Danakil Depression , explore Ethiopia’s ancient capital Gondor, see Lalibela and spend an afternoon hanging around the country’s famous Gelada monkeys .

Money-Saving Tips:

• If you fly into Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines, you can save as much as 50% off domestic flights!
• Book your tours on the ground, and you can knock as much as $200 off the final price.

Read More:  50+ Genius Ways To Save Money for Travel

How Much Does a Trip to Ethiopia Cost?

• Budget double room:   From R400.00 ($26)
• Three cheap meals: R220.00 ($14) per day at an inexpensive restaurant
• Local transport: R14.00 ($0.92) for a short taxi ride
• Average Daily Budget: R450.00 – R650.00 ($29 – $42)
• Visa Requirements for South Africans: Visa on arrival at $52 (R800.00).

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and hotel deals from Ethiopia

Namibia is the ultimate road trip destination in Africa!

Not only are return flights from South Africa super affordable, but it’s possible to camp your way through the country and see its highlights on a budget.

Due to the country’s vastness, you can’t base yourself in one area and go on day trips to attractions. For example, the capital city Windhoek is three to five hours from attractions like Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei.

But what you’ll spend on car rental and petrol, you’ll make up with cheap accommodation.

Read More:  An Incredible 10-Day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary

How Much Does a Trip to Namibia Cost?

• Dorm room: R170.00 ($10) per person per night
• Budget double room: R400.00 – R600.00 ($25-$38) per night
• Three cheap meals: R150.00 – R200.00 ($9 – $12) if you cook your own food
• Local transport: R200.00 ($12) if you need to use local transport for short trips
• Average Daily Budget: R400.00 – R800.00 ($25 – $50) excluding car rental costs and petrol

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and  hotel deals for Namibia

Livingstone in Zambia is the perfect base for exploring Victoria Falls and adventure lovers.

You’ll be only 11 km away from the mighty Zambezi and in prime position to see the falls from above or wrestle its currents.

It’s also one of the cheapest countries to visit in Africa , especially compared to prices on the Zimbabwean side. It’s Zambia’s backpacking mecca making it possible to splurge on big-ticket items like the Devil’s Pool.

Looking for the ultimate safari destination on a budget? Head to South Luangwa National Park .

You’ll need to hire a car or fly in to get there – but it’s worth it. There are budget accommodation options right outside the park ranging from camping, dorm rooms or budget double rooms.

Entrance to the park is around R630.00 ($40) per person per day – which is steep, I know.

But, South Luangwa is famous for having the largest leopard population in Africa, and it’s the home of the walking safari.

Read More: A Quick Guide to Victoria Falls: Everything You Need To Know

How Much Does a Trip to Zambia Cost?

• Dorm rooms: R240.00 ($15) per person per night
• Budget double room: R500.00 ($32) per night
• Three cheap meals: R200.00 ($12) per day
• Local transport: Livingstone is small enough that you can walk, but a taxi to Victoria Falls costs R230.00 ($15) each way
• Average Daily Budget: R440.00 – R700.00 ($28-$44), excluding transport to Vic Falls

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and hotel deals for Zambia

I visited Malawi for my 29th birthday, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

For 7 days, I called Mumbo Island my home. It’s an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Malawi, and it’s considered one of the top eco-lodges in the world.

You would think that means you’d have to drop some serious $$$ to stay there, right?

Mumbo Island has incredible all-inclusive packages, which include flights from South Africa and discounts for fellow Africans.

If you’re not looking for something more backpacker-friendly, Malawi delivers.

Go scuba diving for R700.00 ($45) per dive, hike to the summit of Lake Mulanje or attend the iconic Lake of Stars music festival.

While Malawi isn’t a safari destination, you can easily hire a car or join a group tour and hop the border over to Zambia’s world-renowned South Luangwa National Park .

Read More:  What It’s Like Staying on Mumbo Island in Malawi

How Much Does a Trip to Malawi Cost?

• Dorm bed: R200.00 ($12) per person per night
• Budget double room: From R500.00 ($31.90)
• Three cheap meals: R300.00 ($19) per day
• Local transport: R370.00 ($23) for a taxi ride
• Average Daily Budget: R870.00 – R1170.00 ($55 – $75)

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and hotel deals for Malawi

Mozambique was the first African country I travelled to way back in 2015. 40+ countries later, and it’s still one of my favourite budget destinations.

For adventure travellers, it has so much to offer!

Go diving with dugongs and dolphins for R630.00 ($40) with equipment rental, or spend a few hours snorkelling in the ocean with whale sharks for the same price.

Plus, you don’t need to hire a car to explore Mozambique. There are local buses running from Maputo to Tofo for as little as R80.00 ($5), and short tuk-tuk rides cost even less.

You’ll have more than enough room in your budget for all the adventure activities with cheap eats and dorm rooms in abundance.

Read More:  How to Travel to Mozambique on a Budget From South Africa

How Much Does a Trip to Mozambique Cost?

• Dorm bed: R160.00 ($10) per person per night
• Budget double room: From R500 ($31) per night
• T hree cheap meals: R100.00 – R300.00 ($6 – $19)
• Local transport : Three tuk-tuk rides are R80.00 ($5)
• Average Daily Budget : R400.00 – R800.00 ($25 – $50)

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and hotel deals for Mozambique

For those looking to escape to the desert and explore the beautiful architecture that Morocco is known for, head to Marrakech. With Morocco trending as a destination on Instagram, its affordability adds to its picture-perfect charm.

Hostels boast rooms starting at R200.00 ($12) a night , and you’ll get to experience Morocco without breaking the bank.

Plus, there’s plenty to see without spending a dime. Head to Medina, and stroll around the old buildings and monuments while making pit stops at the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs and soaking up the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Dine on cheap local food for R30.00 -R50.00 ($2-$3) and book a train ride to far-flung destinations like Fes, Casablanca or the blue city of Chefchaoen.

The things that will drain your budget are activities like camping in the Sahara Desert or climbing the Atlas Mountains.

But if you eat local, use public transportation, keep your accommodation costs low, and haggle, it’s possible to afford trips to these iconic attractions.

How Much Does a Trip to Morocco Cost?

• Budget double room: From R600.00 ($38)
• Three cheap meals: R300.00 per day ($20)
• Local transport: R31.00 ($2) for a short taxi trip around town
• Average Daily Budget: R560.00 – R1,000.00 ($35 – $63)
• Visa Requirements for South Africans: A visa is required and obtained at the embassy in Pretoria. It costs R327.00 for a single entry.

Check flights from South Africa | Browse hostel and hotel deals for Morocco

For locals and international travellers alike, South Africa is an affordable destination to explore with so much to offer!

You can hire a car and make your way from Cape Town to the Garden Route (one of the most scenic road trips in the country), go on safari in Kruger National Park , and camp on top of the highest waterfall in Africa .

Or you can explore the Cape Winelands and sip on award-winning vintages for as little as R80.00 ($5) per tasting.

Want to escape the other tourists? Head up to the Wild Coast and explore gems like Coffee Bay, Port St. Johns and Hogsback.

While Cape Town is the most expensive city to visit, there are plenty of backpackers, budget hotels and things to do for FREE .

How Much Does a Trip to South Africa Cost?

• Dorm bed: From R200.00 ($12) per person per night
• Three cheap meals: R240.00 per day ($15)
• Local transport: R80 ($5) for a short Uber trip in Cape Town
• Average Daily Budget: R600.00 – R1,000.00 ($38 – $63)

Check flights to South Africa

Read More:  The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit

Hopefully, Africa no longer seems like an expensive destination, and you’ve opened up a few more slots on your bucket list.

Did I leave any cheap African countries off this list? 

Want more African travel inspiration? Check out these other posts:

• 12 Best Visa-Free Countries for South Africans to Visit
• 100 of the Best Places to Visit in Africa
• 16 Unique Experiences You Need To Have in Africa
• 50+ Genius Ways To Save Money for Travel
• Top Romantic Getaways in South Africa
• How to Travel Kenya on a Budget

Did you find this post useful? Save it for later on Pinterest!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

October 18, 2017 at 10:12 am

This is an insightful article! I’m looking to travel more in Africa, so this will definitely help me. Thanks Lauren!

October 22, 2017 at 12:43 pm

Thanks Selam! Hope you make some great memories here 🙂

March 13, 2018 at 8:57 am

Very interesting and helpful! I was just wondering what monetary unit you are using in the budgets? Thank you!

March 13, 2018 at 10:08 am

South African Rands and US dollars.

March 18, 2018 at 1:11 am

One thing I will say about Rwanda is that the gorilla permits are in fact expensive. The most expensive between the three countries to see the Mountain gorillas. Uganda is less and has almost a guarantee of seeing them at Bwindi and Virunga has a pretty good success rate and is even less.

March 18, 2018 at 3:39 am

True. I did the Dian Fossey hike in Rwanda and managed to see three gorillas on the way back down 🙂 But I’d love to go and do gorilla trekking on the Congo side and hike their volcano one day. They are even cheaper than Uganda and there’s a tour company that runs pickups from Kigali International Airport. It’s on my bucket list!

March 15, 2019 at 1:10 pm

Excuse me, I really don’t understand the currency used here, can someone help me? is it $ or what? “Dorm bed: R 157.00 per person per night”

March 16, 2019 at 10:58 am

Hey! It’s in South African Rands 🙂

May 11, 2020 at 5:11 pm

I just discovered your page. Thank you so much! This is extremely informative. I’d love to travel around Africa first since I’m South African. This is so helpful and makes one excited.

May 12, 2020 at 2:37 pm

Hey Faith! I’m so glad you like the post and it’s inspired you to explore our amazing continent 🙂

April 17, 2021 at 7:09 am

YOu will be staying really really low end places in Kenya if you budget that much. No anywhere I’d particularly want to sleep

April 17, 2021 at 1:44 pm

Yeah, that’s the point lol 😅 that was kinda my vibe when I wrote this and was backpacking on a super tight budget. If it meant spending the least amount of money, I’d sleep there or couchsurfing. That was even better because it was free!

November 24, 2021 at 10:16 am

I think Botswana is also one of cheap African country to visit.

August 18, 2023 at 2:57 pm

I would love to visit Egypt however, I need a travel buddy that can foot their own bill you know. A lady especially. My dream destination for years.

August 19, 2023 at 10:12 am

Go on a group tour babe 🙂 solves that problem easy-peasy.

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Home » 5 Best Affordable African Safari Options in 2024

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

Select a lodge or scroll down to view all.

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 .

We use this budget-savvy travel health insurance to protect our trips – get a quick quote .

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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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.

5-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$888 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Bongan Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  26 Reviews

3-Day Best Budget Kruger Park Safari

$572 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Nelspruit (End)

Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  99 Reviews

4-Day Ultra Budget Glamping Kruger Safari

$508 to $538 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Budget Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg Airport (End)

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1348 Reviews

3-Day Budget Tented Kruger Park Safari

$519 to $544 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Budget Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (Town) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Viva Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  267 Reviews

5-Day Closed Vehicle Safari - Greater Kruger NP

$1,656 to $1,822 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Budget Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Panorama Route (Highlight) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Khalanga Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  67 Reviews

3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park

$393 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  220 Reviews

5-Day Kruger National Park Camping & Lodging

$1,192 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Budget Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Panorama Route (Highlight) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  41 Reviews

5-Day Ultimate Kruger NP Big 5 & Panorama Route Safari

$909 to $1,000 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

The Mzansi Experience   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  69 Reviews

4-Day Orpen Gate to Letaba Camp- Tented Bushcamp Stay

$1,058 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Budget Tented Camp

You Visit: Hoedspruit (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Hoedspruit (End)

Wildlife Encounters   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  21 Reviews

3-Day Budget Kruger Safari

$660 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Socioolite Travel and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  18 Reviews

5-Day From (Zambia) Livingstone to Kruger National Park

$2,783 pp (USD)

South Africa & Zambia: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Hotel

You Visit: Livingstone (Start) , Johannesburg Airport (Johannesburg) , Kruger NP, Greater Kruger, Johannesburg (End)

Lochinvar Safaris

4.4 /5  –  5 Reviews

7-Day Kruger on Budget and Panorama Self-Drive Tour

$828 to $911 pp (USD)

South Africa: Self-drive Budget Guest 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   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  11 Reviews

5-Day Authentic Kruger Tour

$1,698 to $1,907 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Southern Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Safari Reinhardt   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  9 Reviews

5-Day Private Southern Kruger Camping Adventure

$1,280 to $1,400 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Budget Camping

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger NP, Kruger NP, Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Wild Planet Safari   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  212 Reviews

4-Day Kruger National Park - Camping Inside the Park

$2,475 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

Shikwaru Adventures   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  89 Reviews

14-Day Eswatini, Kruger Guided Self-Drive Budget Camping

$1,579 to $2,254 pp (USD)

Eswatini & South Africa: Self-drive Budget Camping & Cottage

You Visit: Pretoria (Start) , Malolotja NR, Mlilwane WS, Hlane Royal NP, Bulembu (Town) , Southern Kruger NP, Central Kruger NP, Lekgalameetse NR, Pretoria (End)

Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  15 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$704 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

10-Day Kruger, Vic Falls & Cape Town Comfort Tour

$1,639 pp (USD)

South Africa & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (City) , Victoria Falls, Cape Town (City) , Cape Peninsula, Winelands, Cape Town (End)

3-Day Tremisana/Masango Kruger Park Safari

$670 to $714 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge & Chalet

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

5-Day Family Camping Safari

$1,426 to $1,498 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Panorama Route (Highlight) , Phalaborwa (Town) , Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) , Johannesburg (End)

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7 Questions About South Africa Budget Safari Tours

Answered by

Philip briggs.

Why should I choose South Africa for a budget trip?

“South Africa is exceptionally well-priced by any standards. Its network of 19 national parks and numerous lesser wildlife and nature reserves offers endless opportunities for affordable yet rewarding wildlife viewing, hiking and exploring. The 19,485km²/7,523mi² Kruger National Park is unique among Africa’s top safari destinations for being the continent’s best destination for budget safaris, including self-drive. This includes 21 affordable rest camps and campsites and a network of sealed roads suited to a 2WD. Other wildlife reserves well-suited to do-it-yourself or other budget safaris include Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Pilanesberg and Addo Elephant. Outside the national parks and reserves, the country supports many backpacker hostels, campsites and other affordable good-quality accommodation.”

What 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.”

How 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.”

What 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.”

Can 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.”

What 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.”

How 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.”

South Africa Reviews

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

South Africa is rightly celebrated for its magnificent natural beauty and excellent choice of parks

South Africa has a wonderful range of landscapes, a near-perfect climate, and the choice of destinations, activities and itineraries is virtually inexhaustible. Aside from its beautiful coastline and cosmopolitan cities – both of which I...

Full Review

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....

Amazing Big 5 safaris and awesome bush lodge experience with VivaSafari.

I had an incredible time in South Africa with VivaSafari during my stay at both Tremisana and Marc's treehouse lodge. I want to thank all the staff at both lodges and all the guides who took us on safaris in Balule and Kruger. I got to say...

Beauty personified.

We truly enjoyed our two week vacation to South Africa. Our trip started in Capetown then to Cape aguhlas Mossel Bay and Knysna on the Garden route we visited Plattenburg bay. We also visited Johannesburg. The crown jewel of our trip was...

South Africa is an absolutely beautiful country with very diverse areas and experiences!

We spent 16 days in country and we started with a Kruger National Park Safari with Endless Summer Tours. This was outstanding. Wade, our guide offered knowledgeable insight for the Safari as well as South African life in general. We...

Every day was better than the day before!

My friend & I were on a cruise that stopped in Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, & ended in Cape Town. We went to Addo Elephant Park & it was so beautiful! The scenery & the animals were so stunning! The next day, we did a Game Drive at...

Africa Tours & Vacations

Surrender to the lure of Africa and its diverse wildlife, thousands of cultures and breathtaking landscapes. 

Meaning ‘to travel’ in Arabic and Swahili, the word ‘safari’ can describe many types of epic adventure in Africa. There is the ancient Egypt kind – discovering the lost city of Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings. The nomadic one – veering away from Morocco’s souqs and medinas and being hosted by a Berber family in the Sahara. The local village version – cherishing moments with Maasai , San, and Malagasy cultures. The wildlife way – search for the Big Five in any number of game reserves and parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kruger, and Lake Nakuru, to name a few. What does your African adventure look like? 

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Africa Trip Cost: How Much Should You Budget?

A frica is a continent that’s famous for its wildlife and safari experiences, remote villages, tribes and miles and miles of untamed, unspoiled natural beauty.

Those who travel to Africa will leave in a sense of awe. It’s not only a place where you can experience wildlife encounters up close, but a place where you can learn interact with a culture so diverse, and so different, from anywhere else.

Most people expect Africa to be a cheap continent to travel to, because it’s famously underdeveloped, but this is not the case. Safaris, gorilla treks, Masai Warrior experiences etc, all come at a high price tag – and you’d be surprised by how much the bucket list experiences can eat into your budget.

Which is why we prepared this guide on the cost of travel in Africa on a budget, so you can save your hard earned cash to spend on those bucket list experiences by knowing how to save on other items.

Can I Go To Africa On A Budget?

Cheapest countries to travel to in africa, accommodation, african safari costs, gorilla trekking, vaccinations, when is the cheapest time to visit africa, group tours of africa, final thoughts, more africa travel tips.

Craig and I backpacked from Kenya to South Africa for 5 months, and we are here to tell you it’s absolutely possible to travel Africa on a budget – and when we say budget, we mean a shoestring budget.

Some African countries are more expensive than others, such as South Africa , and so it’s not a case of saying “Africa is cheap”, but there are ways you can travel on a modest budget.

The truth is, Africa can be expensive, but it can also be incredibly cheap if you’re prepared to give up some luxuries.

The cost of day-to-day living, transport, and accommodation on the whole is usually far less than Europe or America , but not quite as cheap as Asia (from our experience). But we would still class most of Africa as a budget destination.

What gets expensive are the cost of safaris, game viewing, and other adventure activities.

You must travel to Africa with a plan of exactly what parks you want to visit, what activities you want to do, and what your daily budget should be, in order to save money for those big ticket items.

You can blow your budget really quickly, so careful decisions must be made. You will have to give up luxury in some areas in order to be able to do more of the things Africa is famous for.

We spent approximately $7,000 over 5 months. This included the very expensive gorilla trekking in Uganda , white water rafting the Nile, and safaris in the Masai Mara, Kruger National Park , Addo Elephant Park, and Etosha National Park.

So if you work this out, we spent around $50 a day for 2 people , including everything. Today, a budget of $80-$100 per day may be more realistic.

North African countries such as Egypt and Morocco tend to have higher prices than countries in East Africa. Prices in North Africa are comparable to places in Southeastern Europe/East Asia, such as Greece or Turkey.

We haven’t been to West or Central Africa, so cannot comment on those countries.

Uganda and Rwanda are cheap countries to visit, but tourists end up spending a lot of money because most people visit to see the gorillas, and Gorilla Trek experiences are not cheap.

The same goes for Tanzania, where the Serengeti lies. Safari trips to the Serengeti are expensive, as are trekking experiences up Mount Kilimanjaro, but exploring the rest of the country can be quite affordable.

Kenya is another country that you think will be cheap but isn’t. Most people who visit Kenya are looking for luxury safari experiences, and it historically attracts wealthy travelers, so much of the accommodation and experiences are catered towards travelers with a high price point.

Zambia is comparable to Tanzania in terms of cost, but a really cheap country in Africa to visit is Malawi. If you like beautiful beaches, Mozambique is also somewhere you can travel on a modest $50 per day budget.

South Africa is not as expensive as you would imagine. You can travel South Africa for a budget of around $50 per day, per person, and live quite comfortably.

Cape Town and Johannesburg are quite backpacker friendly, but again, your biggest expense in South African will be game drives.

Cost of Travel in Africa

The following is just a general overview of costs of travel in Africa, so you can work out what budget you should allow yourself.

Want to know how we reduced our backpacking Africa costs? We camped almost the whole way .

All you need is a lightweight tent, a sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag/sheet. Our nightly costs ranged from $1 to $5 a night. You can sleep in national parks and safari destinations for around $10 – $15 per night, or you can upgrade to one of their lodges (though remember you still need to pay national park fees and permits).

You can find basic lodges for around $30 per night, or you can find 5* safari lodges for $300 per night. It really depends on the level of luxury you require from your vacation.

You’ll find most backpackers and hostels have areas set aside for campers, so you still get full use of the backpacker facilities, but at budget prices .

We camped at our favourite backpackers, Mayoka Village in Malawi,on a terraced garden at the edge of Lake Malawi for two weeks for only $1 a night. It is now $8 a night.

The average price of a camp site in a hostel is around $10 a night to camp in most African destinations .

If camping is too low budget for you, then next cheapest option is a hostel.

Hostels in Africa is great for backpackers to stay in. They are clean, the staff are friendly, and there are usually a lot of activities going on – many of which are free – that you can participate in with other backpackers such as quiz nights and communal dinners such as braai (South African BBQ).

The costs of a backpackers hostels tends to increase in the larger cities, and more expensive countries of South Africa and Namibia, but you can still find a dormitory bed for as little as $15 USD and private rooms for around $30 per night.

Prices range from $10 – $20 for a dorm bed in cheaper East African destinations, such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. You can expect to pay around $20- $80 for a private room.

Food choices for budget travel in Africa rarely differ from budget food choices backpacking in any country. It will be cheaper if you eat with the locals or cook food yourself.

Most African hostels and backpackers will have kitchen facilities, and markets and supermarkets provide cheap food options.

We carried around two plastic bowls and spoons, a packet of cereal and powdered milk. This was our cheap breakfast every morning.

Camping facilities usually have fire circles, so braais or barbecues are easy to do and cheap.

Venture out of your hostels and into the local towns, for some cheap food in the local restaurants . Africa is a poor continent so you will find their diet is very staple and bland.

Everyday in Malawi we would walk into town for some rice with a basic curry tomato sauce. It was less than a $1 and quite tasty.

Hostels usually have restaurants where you can purchase food. It will be a little more expensive, but can be a nice break. Look out for drink specials as well.

Be warned that if you order fries you could be waiting hours for it, particularly in Uganda where they don’t have the proper cooking facilities for it.

If you can, camp under a mango tree , so they can drop on your tent all day for free food–and delicious too.

We also carried a water filter around with us to reduce the cost of bottled water. Africa is hot, you drink a lot, and this can really add up to dent your budget .

If you do eat out, you can expect to pay around $8 – $10 per meal, per person.

Travel in Africa is really cheap. But it comes at a different sort of price – it’s uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous.

Put it this way, you’ll get to know your heart and breath a lot better, and maybe have more conversations with those guiding forces from ethereal lands.

In each town, local min-vans will zip you to wherever you want to go from anywhere from 20cents to a couple of bucks .

Mini-vans, otherwise known as matutus, or pick up trucks can also take you on longer distances between towns for a couple of bucks more.

Buses will cost anywhere from $3-$32 depending on distances and the countries you visit.

Train journeys although infrequent are more comfortable and safer . A second or first class sleeper is the best way to travel and fares are usually around $20-$30.

In South Africa , taking the on-off Baz bus, made especially for travellers is a comfortable and luxurious form of travel (after 4 months of pick ups it’s heaven).

Tickets start from around $220 USD and are quite flexible in their itineraries for taking you to the main backpacker areas.

Listen to one of our craziest pick up rides in Africa, in this podcast on Uganda Travel.

You are going to need careful planning for your safaris . They can get really expensive and you have to be selective about which parks you go to.

We wanted to go to everyone, but it is just not possible.

Do your research and read the reviews from people who visited recently. You really only need 2-3 days max in each of the parks. It can get very tiring looking for the animals, and after your 50th zebra, the novelty wears off.

You have to weigh up the costs of doing a safari with your own hire car, or on a guided tour.

It is usually best to book the tour when you arrive in the nearest town to the park. We only went on a guided tour for the Masai Mara, all the rest we hired cars for and drove ourselves.

3 day camping budget safari tours of the Masai go for about $450 pp all inclusive. This would be a better option for a Kenya safari, as car hire is not as easy as it is in South Africa and Namibia.

Costs for guided safaris in South Africa for the game reserves are a lot more. However, car hire is cheaper. You can hire cars for as little as $30 per day in South Africa , in other countries from about $75 – $100 a day. Check rates and availability on Discover Cars .

When you work out the costs of car hire (watch for extra mileage charges), fuel, accommodation and food, it usually works out to be cheaper, more practical and flexible to do it yourself.

However, you may want to save money and book a tour, for the reasons we mention in our guide on the best African Game Reserves .

To reduce the cost of the expensive car hire, we camped at the designated campsites and cooked our own meals around the campfire.

We do recommend allowing for extra costs such as guided night drive or walking safari. Limit this to just once, in one park.

Allow for around $300 – $500 for a 3-day do-it-yourself safari, or for a 3 day tour.

The more people you can travel with the less that will work out individually. If you are on your own, then a tour might just be easier.

Consider hiring a car for a longer period of time and fitting in other activities as well. We hired a car for a week to drive along the beautiful Garden Route in South Africa , taking in Addo Elephant park at the same time.

Didn’t Craig and I get off lightly for this one? Right time, right place. It cost us $250 each for the licence to trek for gorillas in Uganda and then it cost about another $20 each to get there (which is a lot for African travel).

Now, you can expect just the permit to cost $700, and then you need to factor in car rental, fuel, accommodation and other expenses. Just going the Gorilla trekking experience for a day can set you back close to $1000.

But, worth it to see gorillas in the wild?

You can take comfort in the fact that a lot of this money goes to gorilla conservation. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity .

Plan for it and make room for it in your budget . Camping is looking more attractive now, right?

One thing people forget to budget for is vaccinations. You may also need to pack malaria medications, depending on where in Africa you are going to.

You may want to speak to your local doctor about what vaccines you need before you visit, as this varies depending on which countries you go to and for how long you stay there.

Some countries will need Typhoid vaccines, and others may require Yellow Fever vaccines, and some may not need either.

The prices are also different for vaccines in various different countries, so we can’t tell you how much to put aside for this – just know it’s an extra cost to consider. Also, remember to consider any layovers if you are spending a couple of days somewhere before/after your trip.

The cheapest time to visit Africa would be in the off season, which would be from September to April.

June and July are considered peak season and is when the prices will be higher.

The shoulder season on either side of the high season, in May and August.

January and February are supposedly the cheapest months to fly to African destinations from the USA, but again, it varies depending on where you are flying from.

If you’re considering joining a group tour for Africa, consider our long-term partner Globus family of brands. We have a discount in the blue box below.

• Globus tours of Africa
• Cosmos tours of Africa

GLOBUS DISCOUNT JUST FOR YOU!

We’ve secured an exclusive yTravel discoun t: Save $100 per person on select 2024 Globus and Avalon Waterway Vacations. Use the code: YTRAVEL when booking online at the Globus , Cosmos , and Avalon Waterways websites, by calling Globus and Avalon Waterways directly, or booking with a preferred Travel Advisor. Terms & Conditions .

To stretch your money out and make up for the expensive safari days, remember there will be plenty of down days where you are only spending money on accommodation and food.

You can get away with doing this for as little as $10, depending on your choices.

These are some of your best days .

Spend them exploring local villages, visiting markets, hiking mountains, lazing at beaches, and relaxing on the edge of lakes.

We hope this guide gives you an idea on how to budget for Africa and answers the question; how much does is cost to travel to Africa!

Need more inspiration for your trip to Africa? Check out these other guides!

• Top 5 Things in Botswana to experience the natural beauty
• 7 Reasons to visit Mozambique
• 13 awe-inspiring things to do in Eastern and Southern Africa
• Africa Travel Safety Tips
• 8 Safari game parks in Africa not to miss
• Africa safari tips to see the best wildlife
• Why this couple is traveling Africa and you should too
• 7 Reasons to honeymoon in South Africa
• 5 Extraordinary places to visit in Nambia

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