Top South Africa Budget Safari Trips & Packages 2025/2026

Our 73 most popular South Africa Budget Safari Trips & Packages trips. Compare tour itineraries from 33 tour companies. 45 reviews.

73 Trips match your criteria (1 - 22 shown)

South Africa: Walking & Wildlife
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Johannesburg

Highlights

  • Combine stunning walks and wildlife-watching in one unforgettable adventure in southern Africa
  • Hike the most scenic trails in the dramatic Drakensberg mountains over several days
  • Spot iconic safari animals on multiple game drives in Kruger National Park
  • Walk the most picturesque trails in Malolotja Nature Reserve, Eswatini
  • Cruise Lake St Lucia where hippos and crocodiles populate the waters

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Hiking & Walking, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Southern Africa Safari: Kruger & Coast
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

  • Safari in Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
  • Swim with dolphins off the Mozambique coast
  • Observe hippos and crocodiles on a Lake St Lucia boat cruise
  • Enjoy time at the beach from the Dolphin Coast to Ponta do Ouro
  • Visit Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Cape town to Victoria Falls Tour
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By Safari365
preferred
5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Zambezi River

Highlights

  • Victoria Falls exploration
  • Cape Town sightseeing
  • Winelands wine tasting
  • Kruger safari adventure

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our South African Adventure kicked off with meticulous planning by Safari365 and ended with a camera roll full of memories . We came for the Big Five and left with big smiles, epic stories and a postcard-worthy photo from practically every corner. The star of the planning show was consultant Zannon, who booked accommodation at Tintswalo Lodge; so perfectly tailored to our family of five (grandparents, parents, 9-year-old granddaughter). It felt like we'd been VIPs in a National Geographic documentary (we got up close and touching a rhino and lion after a helicopter darting thanks to Riian our guide). Meanwhile, Trevor, our personal concierge, tackled our endless questions and gave us foodie-approved dining suggestions and fun activities in Cape Town. Who knew penguin-spotting could work up such an appetite? As our wildlife sightings and scenery numbers skyrocketed, so did our photo-clicking frenzy. By the time the trip was over, we had more snaps than a Kardashian at Fashion Week. Luckily, Safari365 anticipated this paparazzi-level behavior and gifted us an A4 20-page bonus photo book! Picking 50 photos felt like choosing a favourite child, but memories are memories. Uploading those photos from home was a breeze, and in no time—voilà, Bob’s Your Uncle!—an A4 hardcover photo book landed on our doorstep. The bonus photo book had turned our snaps into a coffee table masterpiece; it’s packed with our journey, African trivia, and even a traditional recipe. Friends actually want to flip through it, proving once and for all that a photo book beats squinting at my phone any day. Well done Safari365, the bonus photobook, another initiative first, a success and much appreciated. We had a Roaring good time."

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Cape to Cape: Discover South Africa’s Wildlife, Winelands and Garden Route | August 28, 2022
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5/5 Excellent
12 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They lovingly design their trips, relying on an in-depth understanding of the destinations.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Climb Table Mountain
  • Explore the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town
  • Stand-up paddleboard with penguins
  • Taste wine at Middelvlei Wine Estate
  • Spot whales, sharks and dolphins on a marine safari
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"A Culture Trip curated trip is a must for anyone burnt out planning their own trips or going to a remote or unfamiliar area. Having a local insider was the highlight of the trip. From the moment we landed to the moment we had to go through security to leave, we were completely taken care of. Our insider gave us great recommendations for restaurants and was very adaptable to any situation that arose."

Trip dates & details
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Kruger National Park 4D/3N
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Kruger National Park

Highlights

  • See a wide variety of wildlife and have plenty of photographic opportunities Explore Kruger National Park with local guides Take morning and afternoon game drives

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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South Africa Adventure Safari
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5/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve been recognized by major travel publications for their pioneering adventure travel expertise that spans back to their founding in 1979.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Experience the view of Table Mountain and the Robben Island in the center of excitement in Cape Town’s harbor
  • Visit the beaches at Camps Bay and Clifton and then cross to Hout Bay for a boat cruise that takes you to Seal Island
  • Visit Stellenbosch, a wine producing region
  • Visit Franschhoek Town
  • Explore Timbavati which is popular as the birthplace of the famous African white lions

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Family Friendly, 50 Plus, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

Trip dates & details
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Zanzibar to Cape Town
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5/5 Excellent
42 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Chobe National Park, Botswana: The third largest national park of Botswana by area, Chobe National Park is by no means one to overlook. Having one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa, there is bound to be something to look at around every corner, and is best known for its large population of elephants.
  • Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Located in southern Tanzania on the coast of the Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam is a bustling, chaotic place, filled with life and color. It is the largest city of Tanzania, and is the countries richest city and an important economic centre.
  • Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana: Elephant Sands is a unique campsite situated on an unfenced 16000 ha private conservancy bordering Botswana's reserves and game parks. Enjoy viewing the elephants at their natural waterhole right in front of the lodge.
  • Etosha National Park, Namibia: Etosha National Park is dominated by the Etosha Pan roughly 130km Long and 50km wide. Declared a national park in 1907 and covering an aera of 22,270 square kilometres and is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species and 16 amphibian species.
  • Fish River Canyon, Namibia: The Fish River Canyon is located in southern Namibia, and is the second largest canyon in the world (and the deepest in Africa). It is the second busiest tourist attraction in Namibia. The canyon is approximately 160 km long, up to 27 km wide, and 550m deep.
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Safari, National Parks, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"Went on 14 day Gorilla overland trek Kenya and Uganda. It was amazing, wild life was top priority for the trip. Pete and Francis, our tour guide and driver were absolutely amazing individuals. They were personable, food was excellent and campsites had everything you need"

Trip dates & details
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Southern Africa Safari Experience
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1/5 Terrible
30 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Meet with an expert on National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project to learn about ongoing conservation projects in the delta.
  • Enjoy dinner at a family homestead in Zimbabwe, and hear from local storytellers in Botswana.
  • Go on safari with a researcher from the Cheetah Metapopulation Project, part of National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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South Africa Budget Safari Trips & Packages Reviews

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Anonymous

Aug 2018

Full on and very enjoyable

Really enjoyed this trip even though we probably did not chose the best time of year to do this, April. Sayin that the weather was quite kind to us. Letaba Game Re...

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Anonymous

Mar 2018

South Africa Walking and Wildlife

Well, what a trip! Soaking up the sights and sounds of South Africa and Swaziland was truly an amazing experience. There were many unexpected inspirational moments...

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Anonymous

Jan 2018

South Africa: landscapes, wildlife and battlefields

The Exodus holiday in South Africa was a wonderful introduction to African landscapes and wildlife. I have travelled widely in my life but with little experience o...

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Anonymous

Jan 2018

First time in Africa

This was my second trip with Exodus, and I was confident that I was going to have a good time, get good value for money, and a wonderful experience. I was not disa...

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Anonymous

Jan 2018

TZS walking and wildlife

Great trip saw lots of wildlife and great walking When we saw a family of lions feasting on a wilderbeast and we got so close to see them. Walking out of my tent on...

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