The Best Budget Safaris in South Asia

South Asia

Ready to go on a safari adventure, but not sure where to start? Don't fret, becaus we've prepared a list of top-notch safaris. With our thorough evaluation of renowned companies, including price, guest ratings, service, destinations, and activities, we present you with the absolute best safaris in South Asia. Prepare yourself for up-close encounters with wildlife and unforgettable moments as you journey into the wilderness. So, take a look at the list below and choose the ideal safari that suits your adventurous spirit.


The Top 3 Safaris:

  • 7 Days, $955.00

  • 9 Days, $1250.00

  • 10 Days, $2256.00
South Asia
The Best Budget Safaris through South Asia

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 Sri Holidays 7 Days Start/End in Colombo 11 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:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 1 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 8
Price per Day: $136

This safari visits Colombo, Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Kaudulla National Park, Knuckles Forest Reserve, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park, and Galle.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Sri Holidays
Focusing on Sri Lanka and India, Sri Holidays is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience. Animal enthusiasts will love the tours that offer the chance to connect with the region's magnificent elephants.



$955
on TourRadar

Organized by Sri Holidays 9 Days Start/End in Negombo 13 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:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Culture Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 1 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 8
Price per Day: $139

This safari visits Negombo, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Pinnawala, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains National Park, Ella, Yala National Park, Mirissa, and Galle.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Elephant
  • Fully Guided

By Sri Holidays
Focusing on Sri Lanka and India, Sri Holidays is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. With a focus on wildlife viewing tours, they ensure you'll have a fantastic experience. Animal enthusiasts will love the tours that offer the chance to connect with the region's magnificent elephants.



$1,250
on TourRadar

Organized by Himalaya Heart Treks & Expedition[P] Ltd 10 Days Start/End in Kathmandu 4 Destinations
  • On Sale: 47% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 8 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $121

This safari visits Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, Bandipur, and Pokhara.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Conservation
  • Partially Guided

By Himalaya Heart Treks & Expedition[P] Ltd
Himalaya Heart Treks & Expedition[P] Ltd offers local hiking tours through Nepal and Bhutan. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. Many of their tours take you into the local nature and offer opportunities for hiking, trekking, or wildlife spotting.



$2,256 $1,207
on TourRadar

Organized by Manakamana Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. 14 Days Start/End in Kathmandu 7 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris in South Asia.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers
  • Hiking Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 15 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $71

This safari visits Kathmandu, Sundarijal, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Balthali, Chitwan National Park, and Pokhara.

  • Wildlife
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Safari
  • Partially Guided

By Manakamana Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Manakamana Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. Is a smaller international tour company with trips to 3 countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Traveling with Manakamana Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. Provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 10 people. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.



$999
on TourRadar

Organized by Swastik India Journeys 9 Days New Delhi to Udaipur 5 Destinations
  • On Sale: 50% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris in South Asia.
  • 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 4.8 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 30
Price per Day: $47

This safari visits New Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, and Udaipur.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Swastik India Journeys
Swastik India Journeys is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on India and Nepal. The small group sizes, often less than 14, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$840 $420
on TourRadar

Organized by TruTravels 10 Days Negombo to Unawatuna 8 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 39
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $125

This safari visits Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, and Unawatuna.

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

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



$1,250
on TourRadar

Organized by On The Go Tours 8 Days Start/End in Colombo 8 Destinations
  • On Sale: 30% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 70
Maximum Group Size: 24
Price per Day: $151

This safari visits Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Embilipitiya, and Udawalawe National Park.

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By On The Go Tours
On The Go Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers trips to destinations around the world. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.



$1,725 $1,208
on TourRadar

Organized by Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours 16 Days Start/End in Negombo 15 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris in South Asia.
  • 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:
  • Animal Lovers
  • Adventure Travelers

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 18 to 60
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $103

This safari visits Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Knuckles Forest Reserve, Kandy, Adam's Peak/ Sri Pada, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Horton Plains National Park, Yala National Park, Mirissa, and Galle.

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours
Sunrise Sri Lanka Travels and Tours is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Sri Lanka. The small group sizes, often less than 12, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. They are known for offering wildlife viewing tours, making sure your adventure is enjoyable.



$1,650
on TourRadar

Organized by On The Go Tours 10 Days Start/End in Colombo 10 Destinations
  • On Sale: 15% Off
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 18 to 70
Maximum Group Size: 24
Price per Day: $187

This safari visits Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park, Bundala National Park, and Mirissa.

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By On The Go Tours
On The Go Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers trips to destinations around the world. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.



$2,205 $1,874
on TourRadar

Organized by Exodus Adventure Travels 9 Days Start/End in New Delhi 6 Destinations

Great for:
  • Adventure Travelers
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 16 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 16
Price per Day: $200

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Fully Guided

By Exodus Adventure Travels
Exodus Adventure Travels is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.



$1,800
on TourRadar

Why does South Asia appeal to travelers on safari?

South Asia is synonymous with iconic safari experiences, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. South Asia's expert-guided tours and various accommodation options enhance the safari adventure, making it a top choice for wildlife lovers.

South Asia


How much do budget safaris in South Asia cost?

The average daily price of Budget Safaris in South Asia is $118 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 South Asia 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.




$118
Average Price Per Day
52
Tours Analyzed
4.6
Average Rating
39
Tour Companies
17
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Budget Safaris?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer budget safaris in South Asia. 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.

Joyful Holidays

Focusing on India, Joyful Holidays is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. There are options to personalize select tours to suit your requirement. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.

See All Tours from Joyful Holidays

On The Go Tours

On The Go Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Many of their tours visit Europe and Africa. Some of their most popular destinations include Egypt, Great Britain, Morocco, and India. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as camping, wine tasting, whale watching, island hopping, snorkelling, camel riding, dolphin watching, kayaking, diving, white water rafting, quad biking, horse riding, and cooking classes.

See All Tours from On The Go Tours

Explore!

Explore! Is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and Asia. Some of their most popular destinations include India, Italy, Vietnam, and Spain. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as island hopping, wine tasting, camping, whale watching, white water rafting, and bird watching.

See All Tours from Explore!

Yolo India Tours

Yolo India Tours offers local cultural tours through India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 1 day to 2 weeks. The small group sizes, often less than 11, make for a very personal experience. There are opportunities to customize some tours to specifically meet your needs. 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.

See All Tours from Yolo India Tours


Budget Safari Destinations in South Asia

Wondering where budget safari tours visit in South Asia? 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 South Asia include New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Kandy, and Kathmandu.


Budget Safaris vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

Choosing whether to join a guided tour or organize your own adventure? Be sure to think about the unique benefits of each option.

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 traveling independently less expensive than taking guided budget safaris? The answer isn't straightforward. Guided tours often include services like hotels, transportation, meals, entry tickets, guides, and activities, all of which you would need to arrange and pay for individually if traveling on your own. To determine the cost difference, you'd need to compare the total cost of the tour package with the cost of booking everything separately. You may prefer a less expensive hotel or splurge on dining, so the cost of a tour could either save you money or cost you more. Be sure to review what's included in the tour package 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 South Asia, The Best Wildlife Tours to South Asia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in South Asia, The Best Historical Tours in South Asia, The Best 10-Day Tours in South Asia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in South Asia, The Best 3-Day Tours in South Asia, The Best 2-Week Tours in South Asia, The Best 3-Week Tours in South Asia, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in South Asia, The Best Extended Trip Tours in South Asia, One Month or Longer, The Best River Cruises in South Asia, The Best Bicycle Tours in South Asia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in South Asia, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in South Asia, The Best Overlanding Trips in South Asia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in South Asia, The Best Bird Watching Tours in South Asia, The Best Adventure Tours to South Asia, The Best Eco Tours in South Asia, The Best Train & Rail Tours in South Asia, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in South Asia, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in South Asia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in South Asia, The Best Cultural Tours in South Asia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in South Asia, The Best Music Tours in South Asia, The Tours for Animal Lovers in South Asia, The Best Photography Tours in South Asia, The Best Camping Tours in South Asia, The Best Educational Tours in South Asia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Asia, The Best Safaris in South Asia, The Best Religious Tours in South Asia, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in South Asia, The Best Walking Tours in South Asia, The Best Mountain Biking Tours in South Asia, The Best Honeymoon Tours in South Asia, The Best Tours Under $1000 in South Asia, The Best Luxury Tours to South Asia, The Best Budget Tours to South Asia, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Asia, The Best Contiki Tours to South Asia, or The Best G Adventures Tours to South Asia 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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