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South Africa Budget Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026
Our 175 most popular South Africa Budget trips. Compare tour itineraries from 59 tour companies. 701 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.
175 Trips match your criteria (1 - 22 shown)
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By Intrepid Travel
premier
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule
Visits
Hwange National Park, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Limpopo, Rhodes
Highlights
- Camp at the headquarters of the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas. Join them on an exclusive bush walk by day and then listen to their inspiring stories by the campfire in the evening.
- Pay the elephants and lions of Hwange National Park a visit in an open-air safari vehicle. Then, track rhinos on foot with an expert local guide in Matobo National Park – an exhilarating way to experience the wildlife of Zimbabwe.
- Immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Venda people with a village homestay in South Africa's Limpopo province.
- Marvel at the unforgettable views of Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular gorge is among the world's largest and is said to be the greenest!
- Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, human-wildlife conflict and anti-poaching efforts.
Themes
Nature & Wildlife, Safari, National Parks, Overland Journeys
What travelers are saying
"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."
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$2,206
9 days From$1,576
Health Safety +
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By Intrepid Travel
premier
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Visits
Chobe National Park, Johannesburg, Kalahari Desert, Maun, Okavango Delta, Victoria, Victoria Falls
Highlights
- Support local conservation efforts with a visit to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary – the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside.
- Go wildlife-spotting with your small group and expert guides along the river on a sunset cruise at Chobe National Park, home to the world's highest concentration of African elephants.
- Camp on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness for an experience you’ll never forget. As the sun sets and night falls, the sounds of Africa come alive!
- Get your first glimpse of the thundering Victoria Falls and enjoy a full free day for optional adventures, so you can see the falls at your own pace and view the waterfalls from all angles.
- Walk the Okavango Delta at sunrise, looking out for the resident hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats.
Themes
Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Overland Journeys
What travelers are saying
"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."
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$2,374
10 days From$1,696
Health Safety +
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By Exodus Adventure Travels
premier
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
Balanced schedule
Visits
Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town, Kruger National Park
Highlights
- Immerse in southern Africa’s best bits: mountain kingdoms, safari adventures and amazing scenery
- Spot safari icons on multiple game drives and nature walks in Kruger National Park and Hlane Game Reserve in Eswatini
- Cruise Lake St Lucia where hippos and crocodiles populate the waters
- Experience the unique culture of Lesotho
- Visit vineyards in Stellenbosch with the chance to go wine tasting
Themes
Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks
What travelers are saying
"Excellent service"
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$7,695
20 days From$5,700
Health Safety +
Generous cancellation
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By Explore!
premier
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They travel to places beyond the typical tourist locations and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule
Visits
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Highlights
- Search for the Big Five in South Africa's spectacular Kruger National Park
- Get up close and personal with a thrilling foot safari in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit the battlefield of Rorke's Drift -home of the famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu War
Themes
Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions
What travelers are saying
"Very efficient and re assuring as a single traveller"
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$2,386
10 days From$2,210
Health Safety +
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By Discover Corps
preferred
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule
Highlights
- Going behind the scenes of the conservation efforts to protect endangered species
- Visiting an elephant sanctuary to learn about South Africa's gentle giants
- Tracking the “Big 5” throughout Kruger National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Learning firsthand about wildlife conservation from experts at the country’s largest reserve
- Reading and playing with disadvantaged children who want to learn English
Themes
Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Family Friendly, 50 Plus, Birding, Education / Learning, National Parks, Volunteering & Community Service, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Transformative
What travelers are saying
"Our trip started off with a lunch at Maya Gardens. We went to see the poultry in their pens while waiting for lunch, thinking it was a petting zoo. The poor birds did not have water or any indication that they ever had water. One of the turkeys was lying on it's side looking very sick. No one would give them water when I asked them to. The lunch was so awful I did not eat meat for the rest of the trip. I sent a video to Angela Bailey telling her this is not what we want to see when on a conservation trip and she acted like I was lying. Our guides were lazy and not caring about us. They took us to overpriced markets to get fleeced by the sellers there. At the anti-poaching farm tour, we had to walk over a bridge with wires on it, to keep wildlife in. One of our travelers, who was 65 years old, tripped over it and had to go to the hospital. No one warned her about the wires. Then, trying to get off the safari trucks, she was so very very sore and no guides helped her to get out of the truck. Completely appalling. The guides had very poor communication skills that worked for Discover Corps. I was forced to get vaccinated while in Kenya, because the laws changed while we were there. I asked if I could try to get out of the airport first and if I could not then get the vaccine. Discover Corps said "If you choose to do that, you are on your own". The conditions of medical in Kenya is not like the US and it was awful. The airport didn't even ask me for my vaccine card on the way out. DC could have worked with me on trying this first before forcing me to get this vaccine in a poor 3rd world country. Also, my vaccine card had the wrong date of birth and my name did not match what is on my passport. The doctor tried to get me to tip the nurse giving me the vaccine. The guides dropped us off curbside at the airport and left us there to navigate. I will NEVER use this company again. They did not have my back on anything that happened and Angela Bailey never contacted me to follow up about my experience after this trip was over."
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10 days From$3,495
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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By Intrepid Travel
premier
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule
Visits
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Limpopo, Victoria, Victoria Falls
Highlights
- Head out on a very special bush walk with members of the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit – the Black Mambas. During this exclusive experience, learn how they're deterring poachers and patrolling 20,000 hectares of nature reserve, then spend the evening listening to their stories by the campfire.
- Go in search of Africa’s Big Five on full day 4WD game drive in Kruger National Park, looking out for lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos.
- Experience the rumble and roar of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, which gives you the broadest view of its phenomenal torrent.
- Fall asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness in comfort as camping beds, sleeping bags, blankets and pillows are provided for those nights under the stars.
- Kick-back with a beer and say cheers to your adventure with an included brewery tour in Victoria Falls, on the last full day of your trip.
Themes
Nature & Wildlife, Safari, National Parks, Overland Journeys
What travelers are saying
"I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my expectations in so many ways: value for money, itinerary, a lot of included activities balanced with lots of rest stops on longer travel days, very caring & attentive local guides, and lots of optional activities. As a company, Intrepid was very easy to communicate with before the trip started (I had sent a few questions about optional activities). The website is also easy to navigate and simple for updating travel & health information. If you are considering doing a tour with Intrepid - make sure you read the Essential Trip Information they have on each tour page. It describes everything in detail so you'll know what to expect. While I LOVED my tour, I can see some people signing up for this without reading the description and then being surprised at some of the 2 star hotels (in this case it was the "Original" tour style). Overall, I am impressed at how this tour managed to simultaneously get us closer to Moroccan culture AND feel like an adventure AND feel like a vacation from day-to-day life back home. I would travel with Intrepid again."
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$2,587
8 days From$1,916
Health Safety +
More
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By Exodus Adventure Travels
premier
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
Balanced schedule
Visits
Cape Town, Robben Island, Table Mountain
Highlights
- Ride a selection of beautiful South African landscapes: vineyards, mountain passes and coast
- Cycle part of the stunning Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events in the world
- Take the chance to sample exquisite produce from the Stellenbosch vineyards
- Visit Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point in Africa
- Begin and end in Cape Town with the option of visiting Robben Island, Table Mountain and more
Themes
Cultural, Culinary & Wine, Cycling & Biking
What travelers are saying
"Excellent service"
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$5,468
12 days From$4,050
Health Safety +
Generous cancellation
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By Solos
none
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule
Highlights
- A safari adventure in a beautiful part of the world
- Explore the legendary Kruger National Park
- Eyes peeled for The ‘Big Five’ - lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo & leopard
- An introduction to local Shangaan traditions
- Incredible scenery – great photo opportunities
Themes
Nature & Wildlife, Safari, National Parks
What travelers are saying
"Met all my expectations, and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. The tour manager, Gary, was the best I have come across - very hard working, making sure everyone in the group was getting what they wanted from the holiday. The hotel was very well appointed, comfortable and clean, and the food was very good."
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10 days From$2,912
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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South Africa Budget Reviews & Ratings
Excellent
382
Great
118
Average
9
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
Fantastic Trip in Southern Africa
We did this trip, Explore Southern Africa, from Aug 9 - 26 this year and we thought it was probably our most memorable trip ever. The variety of wildlife (we saw th...
Tour: Vic Falls to Kruger
Tent design is a problem
The overall trip was satisfactory, at times excellent. We had no significant rain. On three nights there was however, some iight drizzle for a short time. The ten...
Tour: Vic Falls to Kruger
There was an issue with the large
There was an issue with the large truck so we were therefore on a smaller truck. This was fine but nothing fitted. Everything felt squashed, including ourselves. Eve...
Tour: Vic Falls to Kruger
In the second half of the itenerary
In the second half of the itenerary (Vic Falls to Joburg), there are 5 days with 1 only activity included. There are many days just in travel to reach Kruger Park. A...
Tour: Vic Falls to Kruger
Excellent trip! It was a very active
Excellent trip! It was a very active trip, constantly moving around and seeing new things! It's hard to adjust back to normal life! I highly recommend this to anyone...
Tour: Vic Falls to Kruger
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