The Best Budget Safaris in Africa
Interested in taking a safari in Africa? Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking an exhilarating escapade, a safari is a terrific way to spend a memorable holiday in Africa. But how should you choose one? Well, we have meticulously analyzed an extensive range of safari tours from highly esteemed and top-rated tour companies in order to find the absolute best options available. From thrilling game drives and close encounters with majestic creatures to immersive cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes, these top safaris in Africa offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness nature's grandeur up close.
The Best Budget Safaris through Africa
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does Africa appeal to travelers on safari?
Africa is synonymous with iconic safari experiences, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. Africa's expert-guided tours and various accommodation options enhance the safari adventure, making it a top choice for wildlife lovers.
How much do budget safaris in Africa cost?
The average daily price of Budget Safaris in Africa is $146 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Budget Safaris in Africa here.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
Which Tour Companies Offer Budget Safaris?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer budget safaris in Africa. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.
See All Tours from Intrepid Travel
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris offers local safari safaris through Kenya. Most participants are adults and the safaris range in length from 3 days to 10 days. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many safaris focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.
See All Tours from Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
The Mzansi Experience
The Mzansi Experience offers local safari tours through Botswana and South Africa. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 3 days to 10 days. Customers of The Mzansi Experience often have a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 9 people. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.
See All Tours from The Mzansi Experience
Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris
Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris is a smaller tour company that focuses on South Africa. The small group sizes, often less than 10, make for a very personal experience. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Their expertise is in wildlife viewing tours, so you can count on having a fun time. Animal lovers will appreciate the tours that let you experience the magic of the region's beautiful elephants.
See All Tours from Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris
Budget Safari Destinations in Africa
Wondering where budget safari tours visit in Africa? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
A few of the most popular places visited by tours in Africa include Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Oudtshoorn.
Budget Safaris vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
When choosing between booking an organized tour or planning your own trip, consider the key factors of each travel style.
Organized Tours
- Guided safaris provide expert wildlife trackers and guides who enhance the experience.
- Professional guides know the best times and places to spot animals.
- Safari vehicles are specially equipped for wildlife viewing and photography.
- Guided tours handle permits and park fees, simplifying logistics.
- Knowledgeable guides offer detailed insights into animal behavior and habitats.
- Accommodations are often located in prime spots for wildlife viewing.
- You can join a group, making the experience more social and shared.
- Guided tours offer increased safety, especially in remote or dangerous areas.
- Pre-planned itineraries ensure you maximize time in key wildlife hotspots.
- Guides can adapt the tour to improve your chances of seeing specific animals.
- Fixed itineraries might not align with your specific preferences.
- Larger group sizes can make it harder to enjoy quiet wildlife moments.
- Departure times and schedules are not always flexible.
- The tour may focus on popular attractions, missing hidden or less-visited gems.
Independent Travel
- You have complete flexibility in choosing destinations and timing.
- Independent trips allow you to prioritize animals or parks you want to visit most.
- Planning your own trip allows for more privacy and solitude.
- You can create a personalized itinerary based on your interests.
- Some parks and wildlife areas require guides for safety purposes
- Researching and organizing the trip can be time-consuming and complex.
- Navigating unfamiliar terrains without a guide can be challenging.
- Spotting animals without expert knowledge can be difficult.
- You need to arrange permits, park fees, and accommodations on your own.
- Safety concerns, such as wild animals or remote locations, can be stressful.
- Missing key details, like optimal viewing times, can limit the experience.
- Without local expertise, you might overlook prime wildlife areas.
Which is cheaper?
Is it cheaper to plan your own trip or join guided budget safaris? The answer isn't clear-cut. Tours typically package accommodations, transportation, meals, entry fees, and activities into one price, whereas independent travelers must arrange and pay for these themselves. To understand the cost difference, compare the tour's price with the cost of booking everything individually. Depending on whether you choose budget-friendly options or splurge on certain aspects, the tour might be a better deal—or not. Make sure to check what's included before drawing conclusions.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Africa, The Best Historical Tours in Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in Africa, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Africa, The Best Extended Trip Tours in Africa, One Month or Longer, The Best River Cruises in Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Africa, The Best Bird Watching Tours in Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to Africa, The Best Eco Tours in Africa, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Africa, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Africa, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Africa, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Africa, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Africa, The Best Volunteering Tours in Africa, The Best Photography Tours in Africa, The Best Camping Tours in Africa, The Best Educational Tours in Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Africa, The Best Self Drive Tours in Africa, The Best Safaris in Africa, The Best Religious Tours in Africa, The Best Walking Tours in Africa, The Best Mountain Biking Tours in Africa, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to Africa, The Best Budget Tours to Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to Africa, The Best Contiki Tours to Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Africa for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.