Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa
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10 best cheap South Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
- 2 Day Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- 8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- 4-day Kruger Safari (Camping)
- Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe: Mineral Pools & National Parks
At $467 per day, enjoy 4-star hotels across South Africa, including domestic flight from Johannesburg to George. Package covers 8 breakfasts, Seal Island boat trip, and Pilanesberg safari drives, maximizing value with complimentary airport transfers and guided excursions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Mossel Bay, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Price Per Day $532 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $5,316
10% Off- NZ$4,784You save $532
$437 daily includes 4-star hotels in Johannesburg and Cape Town, plus Pilanesberg lodge stays. Features complimentary airport transfers, included flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and free Seal Island boat trip. Covers 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and multiple wine tastings.
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Price Per Day $486 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,319
10% Off- NZ$3,887You save $432
2 day Wow Cape Escape
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Zaahid really made my tour great, available, and so funny and very nice.”
Margot, traveled in August
Duration 2 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Betty's Bay, Hermanus Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $225 Operator Hotspots2c From
10% Off- NZ$450
Big 5 safari drives, accommodation in Sedgefield, and traditional South African meals cost approx. $140 per day. Package includes guided Cango Caves tours or wildlife sanctuary visits, plus comfortable AC transport throughout.
Duration 2 days Destinations Cape Town, Sedgefield, Oudtshoorn Age Range 7 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $237 Operator Cape Xtreme From
10% Off- NZ$474
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our tent, bathroom, food, owner and guide experiences were all wonderful.”
George, traveled in May
Safari adventures near Hazyview cost approx. $190 per day with lodge accommodation, most meals, and expert-guided game drives. Package includes park fees, transfers from Johannesburg, and professional FGASA guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $303 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
10% Off- NZ$911
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Port Elizabeth Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $926 Operator Agate Travel From
10% Off- NZ$7,409
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really good experience with lovely staff, nice tours and an amazing lodge.”
Max, traveled in May
Luxury lodge stays near Hazyview run approx. $190 per day, including most meals and guided safaris. The package features complimentary airport transfers, game drives, and Panorama Route tour.
Duration 4 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $297 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
10% Off- NZ$1,188
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The vehicle was very comfortable, and we saw three out of five of the big fives. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Bruno, traveled in March
Park entrance fees, expert guide, and air-conditioned transport from Johannesburg are included at approx. $150 per day. The comprehensive 3-hour game drive and waterhole visits come standard. Optional lunch available at visitor center restaurant.
Duration 1 day Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park Age Range up to 89 year olds Price Per Day $199 Operator Amatungulu Tour From
10% Off- NZ$199
This all-inclusive safari costs approx. $180 per day with 8 meals, camping equipment, and two full days of Kruger game drives. Optional Adventure Pass unlocks additional activities while camping facilities in Hazyview maintain affordability.
Duration 4 days Destinations Pretoria, Hazyview, Kruger National Park Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Price Per Day $265 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $1,325
20% Off- NZ$1,060You save $265
Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe: Mineral Pools & National Parks
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The best CEO, George and Joseph, and all the tour members from all over the world.”
Saki, traveled in June
South Africa's highlights await with Kruger safaris, traditional dinners, and comfortable camping at approx. $180 per day. Price covers accommodations, most meals, transport, and guidance through iconic destinations like Matobo National Park and Tshipise.
Duration 8 days Destinations Victoria Falls, Matobo National Park, Tshipise, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $216 Operator G Adventures From $2,299
25% Off- NZ$1,724You save $575
Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa Reviews
Loved,loved,loved my experience! The wine tour was amazing, my favourite was Amber Forever, named by the great mistress! Andrew my guide, made me feel so comfortable. He informed us about the history of SA, showed us some beautiful landscapes (hermanus, cape Peninsula and set up all of our accommodations. Even took us whale watching from the the shoreline!! Here are a few pics. I will post on trip advisory when I'm back at home! Thanks for an experience of a lifetime Andrew!!
2 day Wow Cape Escape
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
I didn't actually go on this tour BUT I have traveled with mzansi before which was before they did tours and can say they are good. Curious to find out about their multi day tours
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
The Safari tour was well organized, from transportation from Johannesburg to Hazyview at Kruger Adventure accommodation Lodge. The lodge was beautiful, the room/hut was just lovely and so big, the bed so comfy, the bathroom lovely.. Everything was very clean, the lodge was always clean. The Staff were all extremely friendly and welcoming, from the moment I was picked up at Hazyview to transfer to the lodge. The reception ladies were lovely and always happy. The bar staff were lovely. I loved the verandah at the lodge. There is a swimming pool as well.. The dinners were fabulous, compliments to the chefs. The normal breakfast was a great to choose from and cooked breakfast if you wanted it.. The day of Safari is a rusk and coffee for early start. Lunch was $6 Australian for toasted cheese and the best chips I have ever tasted. Having a good Safari Guide made the adventure terrific. Our Guide, Mike, was absolutely lovely, very friendly and professional, he was just wonderful, and made the Safari, fun, even had me singing " The Lion Sleeps Tonight" on our journey in Kruger National Park. Mike tried hard to find different animals for us to view from the vehicle. Whenever we spotted an animal he would stop and make sure there was enough time for photos. I felt very safe knowing our guide knew what he was doing, and being older, he made sure I was comfortable getting in and out of the vehicle. Everyday he would come and ask if we were okay. It makes a big difference when staff go out of their way to make sure you have fun and enjoy the experience.. Thankyou, I enjoyed this 4 day Safari so much I will never forget it. I can highly recommend anyone to do this trip, Mike and the staff will make sure you enjoy your stay.
What our customers ask about Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa
What is the average daily budget needed for budget tours in South Africa?
Budget tours in South Africa range from USD 130-190 per day which covers basic needs like lodging transport and select meals. The 7-day Kruger & Eswatini camping tour costs USD 146 daily while the 3-day Garden Route tour runs about USD 132 per day. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Great value all round! The whole program was very diverse but perfectly balanced."
What's the ideal duration for a budget tour in South Africa?
Most budget travelers choose tours between 3-8 days with 4-5 days being the sweet spot. Popular options include the 5-day Garden Route tour at USD 309 daily and the 4-day Kruger Safari for USD 179 per day. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The 5-day tour was perfect - enough time to see everything without feeling rushed."
When is the most affordable time to visit South Africa?
Travel costs drop during April to May and September to October. These months offer lower rates for accommodations near key spots like Kruger National Park and Cape Town. The weather stays pleasant for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. A TourRadar traveler reports: "We went in September and got great value - perfect weather for safaris and fewer crowds at major attractions like Table Mountain and Kruger National Park."
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget tours in South Africa?
Budget accommodations are simple but clean ranging from shared hostel rooms to camping sites. You'll find places like Uthando Backpackers in Oudtshoorn and PiliPili Backpackers in Sedgefield with dorm-style setups. Camping tours through companies like Acacia Adventures provide two-person tents at established sites. As one traveler puts it: "The accommodation was basic but good - nice beds sparkling clean sheets and towels."
What meals are typically included in South African budget tours?
Most tours cover breakfast and some dinners with lunch costs extra. The 5-day Garden Route tour provides 4 breakfasts while the week-long Kruger camping tour includes 6 breakfasts 5 lunches and 6 dinners. A TourRadar review states: "Breakfasts were delicious but some lunch stops during the day need more options and only have time for take-away."
How much should I budget for optional activities on South African tours?
Extra activities usually cost between USD 50-100 each. Popular options include bungee jumping (USD 160) elephant encounters (USD 60) and additional game drives (USD 50-75). Victoria Falls activities start at USD 150. A TourRadar participant shared: "The activities were all worth it - especially the game drives and elephant walk those were the highlights."
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