Budget Tours to Africa
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10 best Budget Africa tour packages
Compiled by

NadineAfrica travel expert at TourRadar
- Ultimate Africa: Safari Drives & the Savannah
- 31-day Masai Mara to Victoria Falls & Kruger (Camping)
- 34-day Zanzibar to Cape Town (Camping)
- Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland: Waterfalls & Beaches
- The Big Overlander - 43 days
- Nairobi To Cape Town (76 Days) Grand Adventurer
- The Grand Southern Safari
- African Drums
- Tusker Trails
- Nairobi To Johannesburg (94 Days)
Ultimate Africa: Safari Drives & the Savannah
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had an amazing time and it was definitely worth all the long driving days. Living my lion king dream!”
Sahale, traveled in August
Priced at approx. $200 per day, this 55-day adventure provides 50 breakfasts, 44 lunches, and 37 dinners. Accommodations alternate between camping sites, simple hotels, and hostels. The package includes gorilla trekking permits and entrance fees to major national parks across 9 countries.
Duration 55 days Destinations South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $295 Operator G Adventures From
- NZ$16,199
For around $190 per day, travelers receive 76 meals, camping equipment, and game drives. Accommodations feature 2-person dome tents with optional activities like Zanzibar spice tours and Victoria Falls visits available.
Duration 31 days Destinations Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $284 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $11,015
20% Off- NZ$8,812You save $2,203
34-day Zanzibar to Cape Town (Camping)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The nature and wildlife in Africa are unmatched.”
DanThomas, traveled in May
The tour costs approx. $160 per day, covering 81 meals, camping equipment, and park entries. Campsites offer optional upgrades, while inclusive activities feature game drives, cultural visits, and guided walks. Free activities include Malawi village walks and Bushman painting visits.
Duration 34 days Destinations Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $229 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $9,725
20% Off- NZ$7,780You save $1,945
Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland: Waterfalls & Beaches
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall it was a fantastic trip, a great way to travel when you are a solo traveller.”
Stine, traveled in July
The package costs around $180 per day, covering 25 breakfasts, 22 lunches, and 18 dinners. Simple accommodations include 19 nights camping and 4 nights in hotels. Free activities feature Khama Rhino Sanctuary drive, Tribal Textiles Market visit, and walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Duration 27 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $267 Operator G Adventures From
20% Off- NZ$7,219
This African adventure costs around $180 per day with accommodations and meals included. The package provides 42 breakfasts, 33 lunches, and 32 dinners, plus camping equipment, park entries, and guided safaris. Additional activities like wine tasting and scenic flights are available.
Duration 43 days Destinations Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $267 Operator On The Go Tours From $14,365
20% Off- NZ$11,492+$2,093 local paymentsYou save $2,873
Nairobi To Cape Town (76 Days) Grand Adventurer
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Oasis Overland is cost effective, fun, and provides a very unique experience.”
Shahd, traveled in October
Priced at approx. $60 per day including transport, camping equipment, 60% of meals, and various activities. Additional options include gorilla permits ($700) and Serengeti safari ($350). Local payment of $1,500 covers park fees and select accommodations.
Duration 76 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $105 Operator Oasis Overland From
20% Off- NZ$8,000+$3,123 local payments
The Grand Southern Safari
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was absolutely FANTASTIC! It was very well organized & I can't say anything but great things about it.”
KIM, traveled in June
Priced at around $170 per day, including 19 nights accommodation, most meals, and transport. Accommodation choices range from camping to upgraded lodging. The package features game drives, cultural experiences, and guided activities across four countries.
Duration 20 days Destinations South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $280 Operator Encounters Travel From $6,215
10% Off- NZ$5,595You save $620
African Drums
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Trip if a lifetime! Great leader.”
Vicki, traveled in November
Costing approx. $60 per day, this 60-day adventure covers 48 meals, camping equipment, and guide services. Activities range from $15 snorkeling in Zanzibar to $670 gorilla trekking. Accommodations include 43 nights camping and 9 nights in lodges across 9 countries.
Duration 60 days Destinations Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $118 Operator Absolute Africa From
10% Off- NZ$7,084+$1,604 local payments
Tusker Trails
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Unforgettable experiences from nights in tents to up close encounters with the amazing animals of Africa!”
Lisa, traveled in July
The $60 daily rate includes 28 nights camping, 30 meals, and major park entries. Optional activities range from $15 snorkeling to $670 gorilla treks. Package covers all road tolls, taxes, and guided experiences across 6 countries, with budget-friendly camping accommodation throughout.
Duration 37 days Destinations Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $127 Operator Absolute Africa From $5,036
7% Off- NZ$4,683+$1,182 local paymentsYou save $352
Nairobi To Johannesburg (94 Days)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The best part was that all of the staff are incredibly helpful, from answering questions online prior to my trip.”
Kristen, traveled in February
For around $60 daily, guests enjoy 80% camping accommodation, most meals, and transport. Optional activities include gorilla trekking ($700+) and Serengeti safaris. Local payment of $2,300 required initially. The package spans 94 days across 11 countries.
Duration 94 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South AfricaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $102 Operator Oasis Overland From
7% Off- NZ$9,602+$4,321 local payments
What people love about Budget Tours in Africa
- Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland: Waterfalls & Beaches
I just finished the tour an absolutely loved it. My highlights were: 1. Serengeti & Ngogoro creator: You spend 2.5 days on safari and two nights wilderness camping in the national parks, surrounded by animals and the most stunning scenery. We saw so many big cats, elephants, zebras, and giraffes, the animals were by far the best here 2. Okavenga delta: You travel into the Okavanega via local mokoros, It was one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever done, followed by a night camping under the stars and a walking safari 3. Zanzibar: Zanzibar was so much fun and the water was crystal clear. We went snorkelling and ate the freshest seafood Things to know before booking * Camping: The majority of the tour is camping. If you're not a camper, don't worry! The tents are spacious, easy to put up and the mattresses are comfortable * Long drives: There are quite a few long driving days, so be prepared with snacks and entertainment. * Early wake ups: There are some early wake ups, so be prepared to hit the road well before sunrise, but you can sleep on the lando * Tipping: In Africa, it's customary to tip all service providers. Make sure you bring some extra cash for this.
- Nairobi To Cape Town (76 Days) Grand Adventurer
Three months on and thinking about my time with everyone, with our truck, going around Africa still makes me smile. I didn't know what to expect, and read every blog I could lay my hands on to try and work it out but nothing I read online could prepare me for a trip like this. Because it isn't about itineraries, all the companies are so similar. It's about the ethos of the organisation, the staff they employ and the travellers they attract. Oasis is budget, and so you get the most chilled out people who love every aspect of 'getting your hands dirty' travelling. Which are my kind of people. The truck was awesome - it has such a unique and clever layout, the beach was my favourite bit - riding through Africa with my head out the roof drinking it all in. The crew were phenomenal, they got it all done but had fun and became real, actual friends with the group just like anyone else. I couldn't complain about a single thing in the itinerary, in the running, planning, pre-depature information, support from HQ - it was all top-notch for an amazing price. Lots of people see 'drive days' as a total drag on a trip like this but actually I loved them, the truck is laid out so you can chat to each other, have a dance party or just stick your head out of the sides/top for hours, and it's looking out the window that you see the real Africa. So I guess that's the most special thing about Oasis (though it is really hard to pick), that with them you really can get the most out of every day, not just the ones in somewhere already amazing like the Serengeti, Victoria Falls or the Gorilla Treks. I miss it so much, my only complaint is that it's over!
- 34-day Zanzibar to Cape Town (Camping)
The guides were fantastic and of course the nature and wildlife in Africa are unmatched
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Africa
What's included in budget Africa tour prices?
Budget Africa tours typically wrap several essentials into their base price. Looking at G Adventures' Southern Africa tour priced at USD 2699 as a reference point the package covers your main transport needs game drives and about 60% of meals. You'll get camping equipment park entry fees and expert guides along the way. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Great value considering all the included game drives camping gear and transport - just budget extra for optional activities and some meals."
Which areas in Africa offer the best value for budget travelers?
East Africa's Kenya and Tanzania along with Southern Africa's Namibia and Zambia stand out as budget-friendly destinations. Your money goes further at places like South Africa's Kruger National Park the public camping areas in Botswana's Okavango Delta and Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro public campsites. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Tanzania offered amazing wildlife viewing opportunities at reasonable prices especially when camping."
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget Africa tours?
Budget accommodations mix camping with basic hotels and lodges. Take Oasis Overland tours where you'll spend about 80% of nights in two-person dome tents and 20% in simple hotels or hostels. At spots like Kande Beach in Malawi expect shared bathroom facilities. Hotel stays such as at the Airport Game Lodge in Johannesburg provide basic but clean rooms. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The tents were really quick to put up and down and were comfortable. My number one tip is to buy a pillow at the start of the trip!"
When is the most affordable time to visit Africa?
Travel costs drop during shoulder and low seasons which vary across regions. Southern Africa's dry winter (May-September) brings lower prices while maintaining good wildlife viewing conditions. In East Africa look for deals during the rainy seasons of March-May and October-December. As one TourRadar reviewer noted: "We traveled in May - accommodations were cheaper sites less crowded and though we had some rain the afternoon thunderstorms created amazing photo opportunities at Victoria Falls."
How much should I budget for optional activities on a budget Africa tour?
Set aside USD 300-500 for a two-week tour's extra activities. Popular options range from a USD 45 Chobe River cruise to a USD 120 Okavango Delta flight or USD 160 Victoria Falls bungee jump. According to a TourRadar traveler: "I spent around USD 400 on optional activities during my 2-week trip - the gorilla trek permit was expensive at USD 700 but absolutely worth it for that once-in-a-lifetime experience."
How much extra money should I budget for meals not included?
Plan for USD 15-25 daily for meals not covered in your tour price. Local eateries in Uganda and Malawi offer meals for USD 5-10 while tourist spots near Victoria Falls charge USD 15-20 per meal. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Food costs varied greatly - local places were very cheap but tourist restaurants could be expensive. Having a mix of included meals and eating at local spots helped keep costs down."
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