The Best Budget Safaris in South Africa

Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa Drakensberg Mountains, 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:

  • 8 Days, $1849.00

  • 4 Days, $572.00

  • 4 Days, $565.00

What are budget and low-cost safaris like in South Africa?

South Africa

Here are the important factors:

  • 32 trip options analyzed
  • $150 average price per day (USD)
  • 2 to 15 days in length
  • 4.75 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 4.75 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 easy, moderate, and relaxing, with most of them being easy. With our thorough analysis of 32 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
  • On Sale: 25% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by G Adventures



8 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations 18 People at Most Ages 12 to 90 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

This fantastic trip has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Johannesburg 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. Lasting 8 days, the maximum group size is 18 people, and it's good for guests age 12 to 90. Organized by G Adventures, this is a great deal because it's only $173 per day. It's also on sale right now!

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$1,849 $1,387
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Sandy Tracks



4 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations 10 People at Most Ages 5 to 90 Guest Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

With a stellar 4.8 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary safari trip is the perfect choice. Rest assured, this trip is all about wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Johannesburg. Spanning across 4 days, the safari trip accommodates 10 individuals, and is suitable for guests age 5 to 90. Offered by Sandy Tracks, this remarkable safari trip is priced at just $143 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$572
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
by The Mzansi Experience



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 exceptional trip offering by The Mzansi Experience has received a 4.7 out of 5 rating. On this 4-day trip you can unwind while also making new memories. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 5 destinations, featuring Hazyview, Kruger National Park, and Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. 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 $141 per day.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$565
TourRadar
by The Mzansi Experience



3 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 3 Destinations 8 People at Most Ages 1 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Check out this safari trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 4.6 out of 5 rating. Your adventure starts and ends in Johannesburg. This terrific trip also highights wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris. Spanning across 3 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 8 participants, and it's great for guests of all ages. Brought to you by the renowned The Mzansi Experience, this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $153 per day - an unbeatable value.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$460
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 10% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Cape Xtreme



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

This 3-day journey is ideal for guests age 10 and older. And priced at only $114 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 Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Oudtshoorn among the must-see stops along the route. Cape Town will be the beginning and end of your trip. It's offered by Cape Xtreme, a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides. It's also on sale right now!

  • Wildlife
  • Bungee jumping
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$380 $342
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Explore South Africa



4 Days Start/End in George 6 Destinations 7 People at Most Ages 1 to 90 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Priced at just $189 per day, this terrific 4-day trip is ideal for guests age 1 to 90. This trip visits 6 destinations, including Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Witfontein Nature Reserve, and Knysna along the way. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of George. Organized by the reputable Explore South Africa, this is one of the best tours on this list.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Dolphin watching
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
$754
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
by The Mzansi Experience



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

Check out this incredible journey that has received a 4.6 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 5 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 16 people, and is good for guests of all ages. Experience a trip that takes you to 6 remarkable destinations, including Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Hazyview, and Kruger National Park. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Johannesburg. This fantastic option, organized by The Mzansi Experience, presents an unbeatable value at just $139 per day.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$695
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
by Cape Xtreme



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

Spanning over 4 days, this safari trip has a maximum size of 13 individuals. Welcoming guests age 7 and older, it is organized by Cape Xtreme, a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Explore 8 incredible locations on this trip, including Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, and Addo Elephant National Park. Cape Town kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. And since the priority is on wildlife, family-friendly activities, safaris, and elephants, this tour is a great choice. Available at an unbeatable price of only $145 per day, this option also has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

  • 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



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

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 10 days, this jouney will have 12 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests age 5 and older. Rest assured, this trip is all about wildlife, family-friendly activities, and safaris, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Expertly organized by Encounters Travel, this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $107 per day.

  • Wildlife
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Family
  • Safari
$1,070
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by The Mzansi Experience



4 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 2 Destinations 8 People at Most Ages 16 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

This memorable safari is offered by The Mzansi Experience which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $136 per day. Johannesburg will be both the start and end of your journey. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around wildlife and safaris. The maximum group size is 8 people, welcoming guests age 16 and older.

  • Jeep & 4WD
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
$545
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, The Best Bicycle 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 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
$150

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 32 options is an affordable $150 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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