Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa
What if you paddled through Wilderness' staggering scenery spotting abundant birdlife, then followed orphaned African elephants at Buffelsdrift as they trek to the waterhole? The Garden Route from Cape Town is magical. Head deep underground to Cango Caves' illuminated chambers, and basically, three days shows you why South Africa's coast is world-famous. Budget-friendly but the experiences feel anything but cheap.
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
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- Beauty of Cape Town, Adventure of Garden Route And Thrilling Addo
- From Bush to Bay: Kruger Park & Cape Town Escape
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- 8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start & Private Guide
- 2 Day Garden Route Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- Kruger Safari Experience - 4 days
- 4-day Kruger Safari (Camping)
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 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, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $134 Operator Hotspots2c From
- US$403
$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, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Seal Island, Chapman's Peak, Simon's Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $315 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $2,799
10% Off- US$2,519You save $280
This 9-day trip costs around $1,500 total (approx. $170/day) with stays at 4-star hotels in Cape Town, guesthouses along the Garden Route, and 8 breakfasts included. Check out the massive Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, then take a 2-hour safari bus through Addo Elephant National Park to spot elephants and Big Five animals.
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 $357 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,493
8% Off- US$3,214You save $279
Duration 10 days Destinations Johannesburg, Soweto, Hoedspruit, Kruger National Park, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Cape Town, Table Mountain, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $346 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,762
8% Off- US$3,461You save $301
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 $140 Operator Amatungulu Tour From
8% Off- US$140
At around $270 per day, this private safari covers 7 nights in hotels and lodges, all meals during your 3-day Lalibela Game Reserve visit, and economy flights from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Wine tastings at estates in Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek come free with the package.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak, Simon's Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $687 Operator Agate Travel From
8% Off- US$5,499
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 $158 Operator Cape Xtreme From
8% Off- US$315
Duration 4 days Destinations Pretoria, Hazyview, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $166 Operator On The Go Tours From $885
25% Off- US$664+$80 local paymentsYou save $221
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 $157 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $835
25% Off- US$626You save $209
2 day Wow Cape Escape
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Zaahid really made my tour great, available, and so funny and very nice.”
Margot, traveled in August
This 2-day Western Cape trip costs around $300 per person in shared accommodation and includes visits to Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary and the penguin colony at Stony Point Reserve in Betty's Bay. Overnight stays happen at Hermanus Backpackers or upgrade to Windsor Hotel in the whale-watching capital of Hermanus, where you can spot southern right whales from clifftop paths between June and November. Authentic Xhosa hospitality awaits in Kayamandi township with traditional Magwinya treats and rooibos tea, plus you'll choose between checking out Elgin Railway Market or optional ziplining through mountain landscapes.
Duration 2 days Destinations Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Betty's Bay Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $151 Operator Hotspots2c From
25% Off- US$302
Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa Reviews
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
Excellent !! Do it !!
Loved,loved,loved my experience! The wine tour was amazing, my favourite was Amber Forever, named by the great mistress! Andrew my guide, made me feel so comfortable. He informed us about the history of SA, showed us some beautiful landscapes (hermanus, cape Peninsula and set up all of our accommodations. Even took us whale watching from the the shoreline!! Here are a few pics. I will post on trip advisory when I'm back at home! Thanks for an experience of a lifetime Andrew!!
2 day Wow Cape Escape
I cannot recommend this tour highly enough. Our tour guide Isaac was an absolute legend and made sure that our visit was as perfect as could be. Our accomodation was very vairied as we booked the 'back packer' option with private rooms. Some of the rooms were quite basic in quaint beachside locations, but always spacious and clean; but we were also accomodated in an absolutely beautiul family farm in incredible chalets and provided with a home cooked meal which was amazing. I would definitely recommed listening to Isaac and to the itinerary that he suggests as another group definitley missed out by turning down some of the options given. The 7am starts are 100% worth it to fit in all the activities and visits.
5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
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."
More about South Africa
Garden Route toursSouth Africa Travel Guide | All You Need to KnowBest Time to Visit South Africa 2026/202710 Best Family Safari Holiday Packages 2026/2027Best 10 Day South Africa Itineraries (with Reviews)Weather in South Africa in 2026/2027What is the best time to visit South Africa in 2026/2027?Solo TravelersYoung AdultsSeniors