Budget Tours to Africa
Ever thought about watching lions prowl the Serengeti or trekking with mountain gorillas in misty forests? Africa brings everything from Cape Town's Table Mountain to Victoria Falls' thundering waters, the Okavango Delta's waterways to Namibia's towering dunes. Try safari drives and the Ngorongoro Crater. Africa's wild heart beats here.
10 best Budget Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineAfrica travel expert at TourRadar
- Southern Africa Overland: Canoes & Camp-Outs
- Nairobi To Cape Town (76 Days) Grand Adventurer
- Nairobi To Kigali (13 Days) Gorillas & Gameparks
- West African Explorer – Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
- Kenya to Vic Falls
- 20-day South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini Explorer (Camping)
- 14-day Mozambique and Zimbabwe Explorer (Camping)
- Ultimate Africa: Safari Drives & the Savannah
- Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland: Waterfalls & Beaches
- Nairobi To Victoria Falls (54 Days) Apes & Lakes
Southern Africa Overland: Canoes & Camp-Outs
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The nature, wildlife, landscape and history all make up for it!!! I was so emotional on the last day.”
Yvanovna, traveled in August
The $180 daily rate for this budget-friendly tour includes 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 8 dinners. Simple hotels await in Victoria Falls and Johannesburg, with most nights camping to maximize value. Optional activities like Chobe River cruises ($50) and Victoria Falls visits ($30) available.
Duration 15 days Destinations Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $163 Operator G Adventures From
- US$2,449
Nairobi To Cape Town (76 Days) Grand Adventurer
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The truck was awesome - it has such a unique and clever layout, the beach was my favourite bit.”
Rebecca, traveled in June
Priced at approx. $60 per day including transport, camping equipment, 60% of meals, and various activities. Additional options include gorilla permits ($700) and Serengeti safari ($350). Local payment of $1,500 covers park fees and select accommodations.
Duration 76 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $65 Operator Oasis Overland From
- US$4,937+$1,900 local payments
Nairobi To Kigali (13 Days) Gorillas & Gameparks
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend the tour with Oasis Overland, a great way to see this part of amazing Africa!”
William, traveled in January
A 13-day safari priced at approx. $100 per day includes camping gear, 60% of meals, and transport. Gorilla trekking permits are additional. Local payment of $430 covers park fees and camping, with accommodation upgrade options available.
Duration 13 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $118 Operator Oasis Overland From
- US$1,530+$610 local payments
Duration 11 days Destinations Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $212 Operator Penguin Travel From
- US$2,336+$342 local payments
This 27-day overland trip costs around $150 per day and includes 21 nights camping in provided two-person dome tents plus 3 nights in local hotels across five countries. A purpose-built safari vehicle handles transport while the crew prepares 25 breakfasts, 17 lunches, and 20 dinners at camp.
Duration 27 days Destinations Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 15+ Price Per Day $180 Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,396
10% Off- US$4,857You save $540
20-day South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini Explorer (Camping)
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience in Kruger was fantastic, seeing many animals in their natural surroundings.”
Teresa, traveled in February
African adventure priced at approx. $140 daily includes meals and accommodation. The package provides 16 nights camping, 2 nights twin share rooms, and 1 night dorm stay, covering all game drives, cultural experiences, and local transportation.
Duration 20 days Destinations South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $116 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $3,095
25% Off- US$2,321You save $774
14-day Mozambique and Zimbabwe Explorer (Camping)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I felt save the whole time. I would recommend Sam to everyone. He is the best guide!”
Maja, traveled in October
A $250 daily rate provides camping equipment, 36 meals, and game drives in three premier national parks. Shangaan tribal dancing, Great Zimbabwe ruins tours, and Victoria Falls visits are included, maximizing your adventure budget.
Duration 14 days Destinations South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $212 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $3,955
25% Off- US$2,966You save $989
Ultimate Africa: Safari Drives & the Savannah
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic. 10/10 the whole way through. Amazing food for a camping trip with decent tents.”
Satvinder, traveled in November
Priced at approx. $200 per day, this 55-day adventure provides 50 breakfasts, 44 lunches, and 37 dinners. Accommodations alternate between camping sites, simple hotels, and hostels. The package includes gorilla trekking permits and entrance fees to major national parks across 9 countries.
Duration 55 days Destinations South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $205 Operator G Adventures From
25% Off- US$11,249
Johannesburg to Nairobi Overland: Waterfalls & Beaches
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“G Adventures provide a great customer experience from start to finish.”
Lucy, traveled in July
The package costs around $180 per day, covering 25 breakfasts, 22 lunches, and 18 dinners. Simple accommodations include 19 nights camping and 4 nights in hotels. Free activities feature Khama Rhino Sanctuary drive, Tribal Textiles Market visit, and walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.
Duration 27 days Destinations South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $151 Operator G Adventures From $5,099
20% Off- US$4,079You save $1,020
Nairobi To Victoria Falls (54 Days) Apes & Lakes
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“For safe, fun, well-organised and good-value overseas travel, Oasis Overlanding is definitely the way to go.”
The daily rate of $60 covers camping equipment, transport, and most meals across 54 days. Optional activities include a $1,100 local payment. Gorilla permits and Serengeti safaris available as add-ons. Participatory nature keeps costs low while maximizing authentic experiences from Nairobi to Victoria Falls.
Duration 54 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $72 Operator Oasis Overland From
20% Off- US$3,868+$1,540 local payments
What people love about Budget Tours in Africa
- Southern Africa Overland: Canoes & Camp-Outs
Fast paced trip through Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Great way to see the area for your first time visiting these regions. This is a budget friendly trip. Chris and Demi were great tour guides.
- Nairobi To Cape Town (76 Days) Grand Adventurer
Overland trip to Africa has been a life time dream which I manage to fullfill through Oasis Overland. I chose 59 days trip fron Nairobi to Cape Town. Jim had been a wonderfull tourguide, easy to talk to and much more fun than one could expect at first. Walter (the driver) an amazing man with lot of humour and loads of knowledge about the route and local cultures. Best part of the trip was when we suddenly got an extra day because we decided not to stay overnight at delta. Jim and Walter came up with a plan to add not one but four surprises in the itenery. These surprises were a visit to the Meteorite, vist to San tribe (living peoples museum), EHRA (Elephand Human Relationship Aid) desert elephants. and visit to the Cape of good hope. I strongly recomend Oasis because its cost effective, its fun and it gives very unique experience.
- Nairobi To Kigali (13 Days) Gorillas & Gameparks
Walter and Jim are a power couple, tour was fantastic
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Africa
What's included in budget Africa tour prices?
Budget Africa tours typically wrap several essentials into their base price. Looking at G Adventures' Southern Africa tour priced at USD 2699 as a reference point the package covers your main transport needs game drives and about 60% of meals. You'll get camping equipment park entry fees and expert guides along the way. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Great value considering all the included game drives camping gear and transport - just budget extra for optional activities and some meals."
Which areas in Africa offer the best value for budget travelers?
East Africa's Kenya and Tanzania along with Southern Africa's Namibia and Zambia stand out as budget-friendly destinations. Your money goes further at places like South Africa's Kruger National Park the public camping areas in Botswana's Okavango Delta and Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro public campsites. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Tanzania offered amazing wildlife viewing opportunities at reasonable prices especially when camping."
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget Africa tours?
Budget accommodations mix camping with basic hotels and lodges. Take Oasis Overland tours where you'll spend about 80% of nights in two-person dome tents and 20% in simple hotels or hostels. At spots like Kande Beach in Malawi expect shared bathroom facilities. Hotel stays such as at the Airport Game Lodge in Johannesburg provide basic but clean rooms. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The tents were really quick to put up and down and were comfortable. My number one tip is to buy a pillow at the start of the trip!"
When is the most affordable time to visit Africa?
Travel costs drop during shoulder and low seasons which vary across regions. Southern Africa's dry winter (May-September) brings lower prices while maintaining good wildlife viewing conditions. In East Africa look for deals during the rainy seasons of March-May and October-December. As one TourRadar reviewer noted: "We traveled in May - accommodations were cheaper sites less crowded and though we had some rain the afternoon thunderstorms created amazing photo opportunities at Victoria Falls."
How much should I budget for optional activities on a budget Africa tour?
Set aside USD 300-500 for a two-week tour's extra activities. Popular options range from a USD 45 Chobe River cruise to a USD 120 Okavango Delta flight or USD 160 Victoria Falls bungee jump. According to a TourRadar traveler: "I spent around USD 400 on optional activities during my 2-week trip - the gorilla trek permit was expensive at USD 700 but absolutely worth it for that once-in-a-lifetime experience."
How much extra money should I budget for meals not included?
Plan for USD 15-25 daily for meals not covered in your tour price. Local eateries in Uganda and Malawi offer meals for USD 5-10 while tourist spots near Victoria Falls charge USD 15-20 per meal. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Food costs varied greatly - local places were very cheap but tourist restaurants could be expensive. Having a mix of included meals and eating at local spots helped keep costs down."
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