The Best Budget Safaris in Africa

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 Top 3 Safaris:

  • 5 Days, $475.00

  • 12 Days, $2400.00

  • 8 Days, $1999.00
Africa
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.

Organized by Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris 5 Days Start/End in Nairobi 4 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris in Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 3 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 70
Price per Day: $95

This safari visits Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli National Park.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris offers local safari tours through Kenya. 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.



$475
on TourRadar

Organized by Africa Venture Safaris 12 Days Start/End in Nairobi 8 Destinations
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 2 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 6
Price per Day: $200

This safari visits Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Great Migration
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Africa Venture Safaris
Africa Venture Safaris offers local safari tours through Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Although the prices might be slightly above average, the small group sizes provide travelers with a more personal experience. Most of the tours provided by Africa Venture Safaris are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service. Because of their specilization in safaris, you can be sure to have a spectacular adventure.



$2,400
on TourRadar

Organized by G Adventures 8 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations
  • On Sale: 20% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.9 rating

Age Range: 12 to 90
Maximum Group Size: 18
Price per Day: $200

This safari visits Johannesburg and Kruger National Park.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By G Adventures
G Adventures is a popular travel company that specializes in small-group adventure tours worldwide. They focus on sustainable tourism, immersive cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.



$1,999 $1,599
on TourRadar

Organized by Safari Serengeti Booking 5 Days Start/End in Arusha 5 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 3 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 6
Price per Day: $180

This safari visits Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Partially Guided

By Safari Serengeti Booking
Safari Serengeti Booking offers local safari tours through Tanzania. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. By specifically offering wildlife safaris, this company offers a number of great adventures that can't be missed.



$900
on TourRadar

Organized by Safari Serengeti Booking 5 Days Start/End in Arusha 5 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 2 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 6
Price per Day: $181

This safari visits Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Safari Serengeti Booking
Safari Serengeti Booking offers local safari tours through Tanzania. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. By specifically offering wildlife safaris, this company offers a number of great adventures that can't be missed.



$903
on TourRadar

Organized by Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris 10 Days Start/End in Nairobi 7 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris in Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 3 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 21
Price per Day: $95

This safari visits Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo West National Park.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris
Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris offers local safari tours through Kenya. 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.



$945
on TourRadar

Organized by The Mzansi Experience 5 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 6 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 1 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $176

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By The Mzansi Experience
The Mzansi Experience offers local safari tours through Botswana and South Africa. Customers of The Mzansi Experience often have a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 9 people. 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.



$882
on TourRadar

Organized by Expat Explore Travel 9 Days Start/End in Cape Town 8 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 10 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 50
Price per Day: $134

  • Coach / Bus
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Expat Explore Travel
Expat Explore Travel is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$1,203
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 9 Days Johannesburg to Durban 5 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 22
Price per Day: $147

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$1,325
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 9 Days Victoria Falls to Johannesburg 7 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris in Africa.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 18 to 35
Maximum Group Size: 22
Price per Day: $132

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$1,185
on TourRadar

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.

Africa


How much do budget safaris in Africa cost?

The average daily price of Budget Safaris in Africa is $147 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.




$147
Average Price Per Day
30
Tours Analyzed
4.5
Average Rating
17
Tour Companies
24
Average Group Size

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 logo 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

G Adventures

G Adventures logo G Adventures is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Thailand, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, island hopping, snorkelling, surfing, wine tasting, kayaking, cooking classes, water sports, jungle surfing, and canyoning.

See All Tours from G Adventures

Earthstompers Adventures

Focusing on South Africa, Earthstompers Adventures is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Traveling with Earthstompers Adventures provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 12 people. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience. Elephant admirers will treasure the tours that allow you to witness the beauty of these majestic creatures.

See All Tours from Earthstompers Adventures


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, Nairobi, and Victoria Falls.


Budget Safaris vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

Deciding between an organized tour and independent travel? Keep these important aspects of each option in mind.

Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • 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.


Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • 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 independent travel cheaper than guided budget safaris? The answer is not simple. Tours provide many of the services that you would otherwise pay for yourself on an independent trip. Hotels, transportation, food, entry tickets, guides, and activities are provided on organized tours, whereas you would pay for everything separately on your own. To deterine the difference in price, you would need to compare the combined price of everything in a tour with everything you would book separately. Sometimes you might want to stay in a cheaper hotel, or eat at a more expensive restaurant, so the price of a tour could be more or less than what you would otherwise pay on your own. Make sure you know what is included before making your comparison.

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.

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