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
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- Beauty of Cape Town, Adventure of Garden Route And Thrilling Addo
- 8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start & Private Guide
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- 2 Day Garden Route Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- 4-day Kruger Safari (Camping)
- Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe: Mineral Pools & National Parks
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour, lot to see and do.”
Jenni, 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 $223 Operator Hotspots2c From
- NZ$669
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing experience from start to finish. Staff amazingly friendly.”
Sarah, 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 All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $352 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- NZ$1,058
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 $345 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- NZ$1,380
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Sedgefield, Wilderness National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $581 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $5,810
10% Off- NZ$5,229You save $581
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $1,216 Operator Agate Travel From
10% Off- NZ$9,726
$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 All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $532 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,951
14% Off- NZ$4,258You save $693
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 $212 Operator Amatungulu Tour From
14% Off- NZ$212
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 Ages 12+ Price Per Day $279 Operator Cape Xtreme From
14% Off- NZ$557
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“A lot of driving but the tour guides made it.”
Abigail, traveled in August
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 $217 Operator G Adventures From $2,039
15% Off- NZ$1,733You save $306
Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa Reviews
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
The trip was fantastic. The elephant walk was amazing and our guide was awesome. Only complaint is that if I knew that there was an option to stay at the safari location over night I would have opted for that.
- 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
- Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe: Mineral Pools & National Parks
The most wonderful thing in this tour is people! The best CEO, George and Joseph, and all the tour members from all over the world. I really enjoyed my first Southern African trip because of them. Of course I am satisfied with visiting safari and seeing wild animals.
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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