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
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- 8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start
- 2 Day Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- 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
- 7-day Kruger, Eswatini & Durban (Camping)
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
2 day Wow Cape Escape
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was great; in 2 days you get a good taste of things outside Cape Town without too much driving.”
Jim, traveled in April
Duration 2 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Betty's Bay, Hermanus Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $224 Operator Hotspots2c From
- NZ$448
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Enjoyed stay in lodge, unique experience on sunrise walking tour in Kruger park, as well sunset game drive.”
Anwar, traveled in February
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 $302 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- NZ$905
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Port Elizabeth Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $1,135 Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$9,083
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 $235 Operator Cape Xtreme From
- NZ$471
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The lodge was lovely and the food was good.”
Rheanna, traveled in August
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 $295 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- NZ$1,181
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 $198 Operator Amatungulu Tour From
- NZ$198
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 Matopos park in Zimbabwe is just amazing with the local guides - THE highlight of the tour!”
Mathieu, traveled in January
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 $255 Operator G Adventures From
20% Off- NZ$2,039
7-day Kruger, Eswatini & Durban (Camping)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I would definitely tour with Gerhard again! He provided a great experience while on tour.”
Kyle, traveled in October
South African wildlife and culture unfolds at approx. $150 per day including 17 meals, camping equipment, and expert guides. Adventure Pass covers Kruger Park entries, game drives, and Swazi cultural tours. Optional activities available in Mlilwane and St. Lucia.
Duration 7 days Destinations Pretoria, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, St Lucia, Durban Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Price Per Day $215 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $1,885
20% Off- NZ$1,508You save $377
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great Adventure Tour ... much fun. Lot of driving thru the Scenery...”
Stefan, traveled in October
Safari drives, Cango Caves visit, and canoeing are included at approx. $130 per day. Choose between budget-friendly stays at Uthando Backpackers or upgrade to luxurious Hlangana Lodge in Oudtshoorn.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $190 Operator Hotspots2c From
20% Off- NZ$570
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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