The Best Budget-Friendly Organized Tours to Southern Africa

Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries

Southern Africa

Are you craving an unforgettable travel experience without draining your savings? Look no further than these incredible budget-friendly and affordable organized tours, holiday packages, and guided tour packages to Southern Africa that we've meticulously analyzed to find the absolute best. From price-conscious itineraries and rave guest ratings to top-notch service, captivating destinations, and exciting activities, these handpicked budget tours in Southern Africa offer an incredible value for your money. Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime without breaking the bank.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 76 Days, $4485.23

  • 45 Days, $3235.32

  • 73 Days, $5168.62
Southern Africa
The Best Budget Tours through Southern 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 Absolute Africa 76 Days Kigali to Cape Town 44 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in Southern Africa.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $70

This tour visits Kigali, Kisoro, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kampala, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Jinja, Nakuru, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Marangu, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Iringa, Chitimba, Kande, South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka, Kariba, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Victoria Falls, Kasane, Chobe National Park, Maun, Okavango Delta, Divundu, Grootfontein, Etosha National Park, Kamanjab, Swakopmund, Sesriem, Bethanien, Fish River Canyon National Park, Vioolsdrif, Citrusdal, Stellenbosch, and Cape Town.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Sightseeing
  • Camping
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$4,485
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 45 Days Jinja to Victoria Falls 21 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in Southern Africa.
  • 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: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $91

This tour visits Jinja, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kigali, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Morogoro, Iringa, Chitimba, Kande, South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka, Kariba, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, and Victoria Falls.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • White water rafting
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$3,235
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 73 Days Cape Town to Nairobi 37 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in Southern Africa.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $86

This tour visits Cape Town, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Addo Elephant National Park, Mkhomazi Wilderness Area, Malealea, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Kasane, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Kande, Chitimba, Iringa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Ikoma, Mwanza, Kigali, Kisoro, Kabale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Jinja, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Nairobi.

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

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$5,169
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 77 Days Nairobi to Cape Town 40 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in Southern Africa.
  • 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 4.6 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $83

This tour visits Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Jinja, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kisoro, Musanze, Kigali, Grumeti Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Iringa, Chitimba, Kande, South Luangwa National Park, Lusaka, Kariba, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Maun, Okavango Delta, Rundu, Etosha National Park, Cape Cross, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon National Park, Vioolsdrif, Citrusdal, and Cape Town.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$5,111
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 58 Days Johannesburg to Nairobi 32 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in Southern Africa.
  • 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: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $98

This tour visits Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Kasane, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Lusaka, Chipata, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Iringa, Mikumi National Park, Zanzibar, Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Mwanza, Grumeti Game Reserve, Kigali, Musanze, Kisoro, Kabale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kampala, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Jinja, Eldoret, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Nairobi.

  • Overland Truck
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$4,739
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 39 Days Nairobi to Victoria Falls 19 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in Southern Africa.
  • 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: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $101

This tour visits Nairobi, Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Marangu, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Iringa, Chitimba, Kande, Lusaka, Kariba, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Matobo National Park, and Victoria Falls.

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

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$3,303
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 22 Days Victoria Falls to Cape Town 17 Destinations
  • Local Culture: provides in-depth local experiences.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 22
Price per Day: $134

This tour visits Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Bagani, Okavango Delta, Grootfontein, Otavi, Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Cape Cross, Sesriem, Sossusvlei, Orange River, Noordoewer, Klawer, and Cape Town.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Local Living
  • Walking Tour
  • Cultural Photography
  • Partially 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.



$2,941
on TourRadar

Organized by Oasis Overland 56 Days Nairobi to Cape Town 26 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in Southern Africa.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 18 to 69
Maximum Group Size: 24
Price per Day: $91

This tour visits Nairobi, Arusha, Ngorongoro, Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu, Zanzibar, Mikumi National Park, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe, Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Victoria Falls, Matobo National Park, Maun, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Etosha National Park, Brandberg Mountain, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Cape Cross, Namib-Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, and Cape Town.

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

By Oasis Overland
Oasis Overland is a large company with a focus on overland truck tours through Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Argentina. Overland truck tours are their primary specialty, offering travelers the chance to visit remote destinations. 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.



$3,826
on TourRadar

Organized by Absolute Africa 37 Days Kigali to Victoria Falls 19 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours in Southern Africa.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 28
Price per Day: $99

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Beach
  • Camping
  • Fully Guided

By Absolute Africa
Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience.



$2,960
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 22 Days Cape Town to Victoria Falls 17 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

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

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 22
Price per Day: $130

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Camping
  • Big Five
  • Elephant
  • 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.



$2,862
on TourRadar

Why does Southern Africa appeal to budget travelers?

Southern Africa's affordability and range of options make it ideal for budget travelers. The region's natural and cultural beauty, along with its wallet-friendly options provide exceptional value for budget-conscious adventurers. The affordable tour options here allow easy and affordable access to amazing experiences without breaking the bank.

Southern Africa


How much do budget tours cost in Southern Africa?

The average daily price of Budget Tours in Southern Africa is $124 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 Tours in Southern 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.




$124
Average Price Per Day
66
Tours Analyzed
4.5
Average Rating
9
Tour Companies
21
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Budget Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer budget tours in Southern 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

Acacia Adventure Holidays

Acacia Adventure Holidays offers local overland truck tours through South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 3 days to 8 weeks. Their expertise is in organizing fantastic overland truck adventures to exciting destinations. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. Wildlife viewing tours are their specialty, so you'll know that you're signing up for a fun experience. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, and whale watching.

See All Tours from Acacia Adventure Holidays

Absolute Africa

Absolute Africa offers local overland truck tours through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 11 weeks. They are known for providing overland truck tours to amazing and remote destinations. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. They specialize in wildlife viewing tours, ensuring you'll have an enjoyable experience. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as camping, bird watching, and white water rafting.

See All Tours from Absolute Africa

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 Destinations in Southern Africa

Wondering where budget tours visit in Southern 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 Southern Africa include Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, and Okavango Delta.


Budget Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

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

Pros
  • Pre-planned itineraries reduce stress.
  • Group discounts keep costs low.
  • Affordable accommodations and meals included.
  • Transportation is handled, saving time and money.
  • Access to experienced guides for insights and tips.
  • Opportunity to meet like-minded travelers.
  • No need to research every expense in advance.
  • Often covers popular destinations efficiently.
Cons
  • Limited flexibility in itinerary or activities.
  • Groups can be large, affecting experience quality.
  • Less focus on unique or personalized interests.
  • Unexpected extra charges for optional activities.


Pros
  • Total control over your itinerary and expenses.
  • Choice of accommodations that match your preferences.
  • Flexibility to travel slower.
  • Personalize transportation options to suit your needs.
  • Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Cons
  • Time-consuming to find and compare low-cost options.
  • Risk of overspending without careful budgeting.
  • May miss out on group discounts for activities.
  • Requires managing all transportation and logistics.
  • Limited access to insider tips or local guides.
  • Uncertainty about hidden costs or scams.
  • Harder to predict overall trip expenses.
  • Requires extra effort to ensure safety on a budget.


Which is cheaper?

Are guided budget tours more expensive than independent travel? It depends. Tours typically bundle accommodations, transportation, meals, tickets, guides, and activities into one price, while independent travel requires paying for these elements separately. To understand the cost difference, compare the total price of a tour with the estimated cost of handling all arrangements yourself. Personal preferences, like staying in budget accommodations or dining at upscale restaurants, could tip the balance either way. Always check what's covered in the tour to make an informed 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 Southern Africa, The Best Wildlife Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Historical Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 10-Day Tours in Southern Africa, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 3-Day Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 2-Week Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 3-Week Tours in Southern Africa, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Extended Trip Tours in Southern Africa, One Month or Longer, The Best River Cruises in Southern Africa, The Best Bicycle Tours in Southern Africa, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Southern Africa, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Overlanding Trips in Southern Africa, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Bird Watching Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Adventure Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Eco Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Cultural Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Southern Africa, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Southern Africa, The Best Photography Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Camping Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Southern Africa, The Best Self Drive Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Safaris in Southern Africa, The Best Budget Safaris in Southern Africa, The Best Walking Tours in Southern Africa, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Southern Africa, The Best Luxury Tours to Southern Africa, The Best Tours for Seniors to Southern Africa, The Best Contiki Tours to Southern Africa, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Southern 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.