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The Best Budget Safaris in South Africa

Durban, South Africa Durban, South Africa

Interested in taking a safari in South 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 South 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 South Africa offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness nature's grandeur up close.


The Top 3:

  • 4 Days, $618.00

  • 3 Days, $390.00

  • 5 Days, $934.00

What do the budget and low-cost safaris offer in South Africa?

South Africa

Here are the important factors:

  • 19 trip options analyzed
  • $144 average price per day (USD)
  • 2 to 15 days in length
  • 4.66 of 5 average rating
  • 19 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of budget safaris in South Africa, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.66 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 19 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 7 days, with tours ranging from 2 to 15 days long. For physical activity, you'll find tours classified as moderate and easy, with most of them being moderate. With our thorough analysis of 19 budget safaris, we've found the best. So rest assured that South Africa has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are 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.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Budget Safaris in South Africa
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by The Mzansi Experience
starstarstarstarstar
4.7 rating



4 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 5 Destinations 8 People at Most Ages 1 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

This fantastic trip has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Along the way, this journey encompasses 5 destinations, including Hazyview, Kruger National Park, and Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Johannesburg kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. And since the priority is on wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris, this tour is a great choice. Lasting 4 days, the maximum group size is 8 people, and it's good for guests of all ages. Organized by The Mzansi Experience, this is a great deal because it's only $155 per day.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$618
TourRadar

  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Cape Xtreme
starstarstarstarstar
5.0 rating



3 Days Start/End in Cape Town 6 Destinations 13 People at Most Ages 10 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary journey is the perfect choice. Rest assured, this trip is all about wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. This itinerary covers 6 captivating destinations, with stops in Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, and Sedgefield, among others. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Cape Town. Spanning across 3 days, the journey accommodates 13 individuals, and is suitable for guests age 10 and older. Offered by Cape Xtreme, this remarkable journey is priced at just $130 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

  • Wildlife
  • Bungee jumping
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$390
TourRadar

by The Mzansi Experience
starstarstarstarstar
4.0 rating



5 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 6 Destinations 8 People at Most Ages 1 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

This exceptional trip offering by The Mzansi Experience has received a 4 out of 5 rating. On this 5-day safari adventure you can unwind while also making new memories. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 6 destinations, featuring Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Hazyview, and Kruger National Park. Johannesburg will be both the start and end of your journey. With a group size of 8 people, it's suitable for guests of all ages. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $187 per day.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$934
TourRadar

  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
by Expat Explore Travel
starstarstarstarstar
3.8 rating



6 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 5 Destinations 51 People at Most Ages 10 to 90 Guest Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 3.8 out of 5 rating. Uncover the beauty of 5 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Mbombela, Kruger National Park, and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Your adventure starts and ends in Johannesburg. This terrific trip also highights wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris. Spanning across 6 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 51 participants, and it's great for guests age 10 to 90. Brought to you by the renowned Expat Explore Travel, this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $107 per day - an unbeatable value.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$642
TourRadar

by The Mzansi Experience
starstarstarstarstar
4.6 rating



5 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 6 Destinations 16 People at Most Ages 1 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

This 5-day trip is ideal for guests of all ages. And priced at only $168 per day, it's a great value, too. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris. Traverse through 6 enchanting destinations, with Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, and Bourke's Luck Potholes among the must-see stops along the route. Johannesburg will be the beginning and end of your trip. It's offered by The Mzansi Experience, a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$839
TourRadar

by Cape Xtreme
starstarstarstarstar
4.3 rating



4 Days Start/End in Cape Town 8 Destinations 13 People at Most Ages 7 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Priced at just $145 per day, this terrific 4-day journey is ideal for guests age 7 and older. This trip visits 8 destinations, including Knysna, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, and Tsitsikamma National Park along the way. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Cape Town. Organized by the reputable Cape Xtreme, this is one of the best tours on this list.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Elephant
$580
TourRadar

  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Encounters Travel
starstarstarstarstar
5.0 rating



10 Days Start/End in Cape Town 10 Destinations 12 People at Most Ages 5 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Check out this incredible safari trip that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With an emphasis on wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. With a duration of 10 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 12 people, and is good for guests age 5 and older. Experience a trip that takes you to 10 remarkable destinations, including Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Hermanus, and L'Agulhas. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Cape Town. This fantastic option, organized by Encounters Travel, presents an unbeatable value at just $126 per day.

  • Wildlife
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Family
  • Safari
$1,255
TourRadar

  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Hotspots2c
starstarstarstarstar
4.9 rating



2 Days Start/End in Cape Town 2 Destinations 13 People at Most Ages 12 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Spanning over 2 days, this safari has a maximum size of 13 individuals. Welcoming guests age 12 and older, it is organized by Hotspots2c, a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Cape Town kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. And since the priority is on wildlife and safaris, this tour is a great choice. Available at an unbeatable price of only $130 per day, this option also has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
$260
TourRadar

  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Drifters Adventure Tours
starstarstarstarstar
5.0 rating



5 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 3 Destinations 17 People at Most Ages 12 to 70 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional trip that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 5 days, this jouney will have 17 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests age 12 to 70. Rest assured, this trip is all about overlanding and wildlife, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Expertly organized by Drifters Adventure Tours, this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $181 per day.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Big Five
$907
TourRadar

  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
by Expat Explore Travel
starstarstarstarstar
4.6 rating



9 Days Start/End in Cape Town 11 Destinations 51 People at Most Ages 10 to 80 Guest Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

This memorable trip is offered by Expat Explore Travel which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $112 per day. This trip takes you on an adventure to 11 destinations, including Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, and Table Mountain. Cape Town will be both the start and end of your journey. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris. The maximum group size is 51 people, welcoming guests age 10 to 80.

  • Coach / Bus
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
$1,007
TourRadar

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to South Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South Africa, The Best Historical Tours in South Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in South Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in South Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in South Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in South Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in South Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in South Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in South Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in South Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in South Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to South Africa, The Best Eco Tours in South Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in South Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in South Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in South Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in South Africa, The Tours for Animal Lovers in South Africa, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa, The Best Safaris in South Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in South Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to South Africa, The Best Budget Tours to South Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to South Africa for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 3-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Johannesburg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cape Town, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pretoria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Cape Town, The Best 10-Day Tours from Johannesburg, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cape Town, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Johannesburg for more package tour options.

How much do budget safaris in South Africa cost?

Average Daily Price Budget Safaris
$144

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for budget safaris when planning a visit to South Africa. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of budget safaris in South Africa based on data from 19 options is an affordable $144 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in South Africa.

And for more information on South Africa, see South Africa Travel Costs and South Africa Hotel Costs.


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