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 Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- 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
- 4-day Kruger Safari (Camping)
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe: Mineral Pools & National Parks
- 7-day Kruger, Eswatini & Durban (Camping)
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 $355 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
- US$3,199
$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 $325 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
- US$2,599
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 $143 Operator Cape Xtreme From
- US$285
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
80 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Got to see beautiful scenery. Would recommend.”
Claire, traveled in April
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 $110 Operator Hotspots2c From $345
4% Off- US$331You save $13
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Better than I expected.”
Yung, 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 1 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $158 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
4% Off- US$475
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The lodge was beautiful, the room/hut was just lovely and so big, the bed so comfy, the bathroom lovely.”
Kassy, 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 $146 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
4% Off- US$583
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 $151 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $755
20% Off- US$604You save $151
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 $150 Operator Amatungulu Tour From
20% Off- US$150
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 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $181 Operator G Adventures From
20% Off- US$1,449
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 $123 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $1,075
20% Off- US$860You save $215
Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa Reviews
Amazing guy. Welcomed us from the first day and trough out the whole journey and created a lively and comfortable atmospher. Ulrich is very professional as a guide and driver, making him an asset to the tourism industry. We believe that our experience was complete mostly because of him as we felt he stands out because he exceeded so much our expectations. We thank you
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
Amazing experience from start to finish. Staff amazingly friendly. So lucky to have had a private jeep to ourselves. Mikel was very informative and showed up loads of animals on our safari adventure. All staff members were so friendly and couldn’t do enough for you.
- Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe: Mineral Pools & National Parks
Very good tour - lots of driving but you can see the country and its people (Zimbabwe-side) and nice landscape (South Africa-side). The Matopos park in Zimbabwe is just amazing with the local guides - THE highlight of the tour!
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."