Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa
4.6 stars on(8,824 reviews)- Choose from 22 South Africa tours
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10 best cheap South Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- 8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start
- 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
- 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Glamping Safari
2 day Wow Cape Escape
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was the most amazing road trip ever!”
Vivalda, traveled in August
Duration 2 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Betty's Bay, Hermanus Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $230 Operator Hotspots2c From
- NZ$459
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good lodge and staff. Could have one more drive in the morning of the last day.”
Nicolas, traveled in January
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 All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $303 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- NZ$1,212
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great staff, food, accommodations, amazing safari. Saw the Big 5.”
Lesia, traveled in September
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 All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $309 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- NZ$929
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $1,165 Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$9,320
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 All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $203 Operator Amatungulu Tour From
- NZ$203
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 Ages 18+ 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 Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $204 Operator G Adventures From $2,039
20% Off- NZ$1,631You save $408
7-day Kruger, Eswatini & Durban (Camping)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We are going to do another tour with even more friends because of how good he was.”
JoeBooysen, traveled in September
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 Ages 18+ 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“Excellent!! Do it!!”
Dmn, 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 Ages 10+ Price Per Day $192 Operator Hotspots2c From $641
10% Off- NZ$577You save $64
Air-conditioned safari tents, full-day game drives, and most meals in Blue Canyon Reserve cost approx. $90 per day. Optional activities include quad biking ($70) and bush walks ($20).
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $290 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
10% Off- NZ$869
Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa Reviews
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
This tour was great; in 2 days you get a good taste of things outside Cape Town without too much driving. The optional shark diving trip was well worth the extra cost and was unforgettable. Andrew, the tour guide was excellent, punctual, considerate & very well informed with interesting commentary en route
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
Good experience. Our safari guide was very professional and knowledgeable
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
It was an eye opening experience. The drivers were cheerful and acomodating, as an older traveller they would show me where to change moneys, they showed me where to purchase food for the trip and water or juice. They knew about geography and history of the places we drove by and were friendly beyond belief, making the trips interesting and wonderful. ( I travel on my own) it does help a lot when someone makes one feel included and welcomed, and of course South Africa is a great place to see and the experince was something that will stay with me forever.
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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