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:

  • 5 Days, $978.00

  • 14 Days, $2490.00

  • 12 Days, $1785.00

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

South Africa

Here are the important factors:

  • 53 trip options analyzed
  • $149 average price per day (USD)
  • 2 to 15 days in length
  • 4.78 of 5 average rating
  • 18 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 4.78 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 18 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 8 days, with tours ranging from 2 to 15 days long. For physical activity, you'll find tours classified as easy, moderate, relaxing, and serious, with most of them being easy. With our thorough analysis of 53 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 Drifters Adventure Tours



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

This fantastic safari 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 overlanding, wildlife, and safaris, this tour is a great choice. Lasting 5 days, the maximum group size is 17 people, and it's good for guests age 12 to 70. Organized by Drifters Adventure Tours, this is a great deal because it's only $196 per day.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$978
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by World Expeditions



14 Days Start/End in Johannesburg 6 Destinations through South Africa, Swaziland 14 People at Most Ages 16 to 80 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary journey, visiting South Africa and Swaziland, is the perfect choice. Rest assured, this trip is all about wildlife and safaris, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. This itinerary covers 6 captivating destinations, with stops in Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Hluhluwe, and Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, among others. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Johannesburg. Guests on this trip get to partake in hiking and mountain hikes. Spanning across 14 days, the journey accommodates 14 individuals, and is suitable for guests age 16 to 80. Offered by World Expeditions, this remarkable journey is priced at just $178 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

  • Wildlife
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Safari
  • Walking Tour
  • Mountain Hikes
$2,490
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Acacia Adventure Holidays



12 Days Durban to Cape Town 15 Destinations through South Africa, Lesotho 16 People at Most Ages 18 to 75 Guest Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

This exceptional trip offering by Acacia Adventure Holidays has received a 4.9 out of 5 rating. On this 12-day trip, visiting South Africa and Lesotho, you can unwind while also making new memories. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 15 destinations, featuring Pietermaritzburg, Underberg, Sani Pass, and Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Your journey starts off in Durban and finishes in Cape Town. With a group size of 16 people, it's suitable for guests age 18 to 75. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around overlanding, wildlife, and safaris. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $119 per day.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Safari
$1,428
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Acacia Adventure Holidays



11 Days Windhoek to Cape Town 9 Destinations through Namibia, South Africa 16 People at Most Ages 18 to 75 Guest Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Check out this safari adventure that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating, visiting Namibia and South Africa. Uncover the beauty of 9 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Cederberg Wildnerness Area, Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, and Swakopmund. Your journey will begin in Windhoek and end in Cape Town. This terrific trip also highights overlanding, wildlife, and safaris. Spanning across 11 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 16 participants, and it's great for guests age 18 to 75. Brought to you by the renowned Acacia Adventure Holidays, this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $128 per day - an unbeatable value.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
$1,404
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Indus Travels



15 Days Johannesburg to Cape Town 19 Destinations 35 People at Most Ages 8 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

This 15-day safari is ideal for guests age 8 and older. And priced at only $140 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 19 enchanting destinations, with Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, and Swellendam among the must-see stops along the route. Begin your trip in Johannesburg and complete it with a memorable finale in Cape Town. It's offered by Indus Travels, a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$2,099
TourRadar
  • 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

Priced at just $149 per day, this terrific 4-day journey is ideal for guests age 5 to 90. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Johannesburg. Organized by the reputable Sandy Tracks, this is one of the best tours on this list.

  • Wildlife
  • Family
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$597
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Acacia Adventure Holidays



7 Days Pretoria to Durban 5 Destinations through South Africa, Swaziland 16 People at Most Ages 18 to 75 Guest Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Check out this incredible safari trip that has received a 4.8 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting South Africa and Swaziland. With an emphasis on overlanding, wildlife, beaches, and safaris, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. With a duration of 7 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 16 people, and is good for guests age 18 to 75. Experience a trip that takes you to 5 remarkable destinations, including Kruger National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and St Lucia. Your journey will begin in Pretoria and end in Durban. This fantastic option, organized by Acacia Adventure Holidays, presents an unbeatable value at just $164 per day.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Beach
  • Safari
$1,147
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Acacia Adventure Holidays



7 Days Pretoria to Victoria Falls 8 Destinations through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia 16 People at Most Ages 18 to 75 Guest Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Spanning over 7 days, this trip, visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, has a maximum size of 16 individuals. Welcoming guests age 18 to 75, it is organized by Acacia Adventure Holidays, a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Explore 8 incredible locations on this trip, including Kruger National Park, Tshipise, Bulawayo, and Matobo National Park. Begin your trip in Pretoria and complete it with a memorable finale in Victoria Falls. And since the priority is on overlanding, wildlife, and safaris, this tour is a great choice. Available at an unbeatable price of only $170 per day, this option also has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Camping
  • Safari
$1,188
TourRadar
by Cape Xtreme



11 Days Cape Town to Johannesburg 8 Destinations 13 People at Most Ages 12 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional safari trip that has garnered a 4.7 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 11 days, this jouney will have 13 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests age 12 and older. Rest assured, this trip is all about wildlife and safaris, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Expertly organized by Cape Xtreme, this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $162 per day.

  • Wildlife
  • Safari
  • Big Five
$1,780
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 25% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget safaris.
by G Adventures



8 Days Victoria Falls to Johannesburg 5 Destinations through Zimbabwe, South Africa 22 People at Most Ages 18 to 39 Guest Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

This memorable trip, visiting Zimbabwe and South Africa, is offered by G Adventures 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 $131 per day. This trip takes you on an adventure to 5 destinations, including Matobo National Park, Tshipise, and Kruger National Park. Your journey will begin in Victoria Falls and end in Johannesburg. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around overlanding, wildlife, and safaris. The maximum group size is 22 people, welcoming guests age 18 to 39. Take advantage of the current sale and secure your spot today!

  • Overland Truck
  • Wildlife
  • Safari
$1,399 $1,049
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 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
$149

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 53 options is an affordable $149 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.


Budget Your Trip
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. On this website you can also find 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.