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
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
- Kruger Safari & The Panorama Route
- 6 Day Garden Route Tour
- Beauty of Cape Town, Adventure of Garden Route And Thrilling Addo
- From Bush to Bay: Kruger Park & Cape Town Escape
- 7-day Kruger, Eswatini & Durban (Camping)
- 8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start & Private Guide
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- 2 Day Garden Route Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, SedgefieldSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $153 Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
- US$1,376
Kruger Safari & The Panorama Route
“Well planned and we got to see so many animals every day. Busy days but well worth it to see the animals at Kruger National Park.”
Shawna, traveled in September
Lodge accommodations, daily breakfasts and dinners, Kruger Park game drives, and Panorama Route sightseeing cost approx. $160 per day. Additional safari drives available for purchase on-site.
Duration 6 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Soweto Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $166 Operator Travel Chasers formerly Expat Explore From $1,210
18% off- US$995
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, L'Agulhas, Wilderness, Wilderness National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, Stormsrivier, Jeffreys Bay, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $141 Operator Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris From
18% off- US$846
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 $335 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,318
9% off- US$3,019
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 $350 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,849
9% off- US$3,502
7-day Kruger, Eswatini & Durban (Camping)
“Was amazing. Will definitely take another trip.”
Mai, 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 Ages 18+ Price Per Day $127 Operator Acacia Adventure Holidays From $1,185
25% off- US$889
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, Dyer Island, Chapman's Peak, Simon's Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Port ElizabethSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $687 Operator Agate Travel From
25% off- US$5,499
Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
“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 Tours From
25% off- US$140
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
25% off- US$315
2 day Wow Cape Escape
“This tour was great; in 2 days you get a good taste of things outside Cape Town without too much driving.”
Jim, traveled in April
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 $133 Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
25% off- US$265
Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa Reviews
Was amazing. Will definitely take another trip
7-day Kruger, Eswatini & Durban (Camping)
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
- 5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
The Garden Tour took us to areas of the country not accessed on a typical safari tour. Denver was a wonderful, knowledgeable guide who was attentive to the needs of the group and proudly showed us the highlights of the region.
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."
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