Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa
Discover a varied offer of South Africa budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.
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
- Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
- Beauty of Cape Town, Adventure of Garden Route And Thrilling Addo
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- Pilanesberg Wildlife Safari
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- 8 Days Best Malaria-Free Safari from Cape Town, Daily Start & Private Guide
- 2 Day Garden Route Wildlife Safari Tour (Return)
- 4-day Kruger Safari (Camping)
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great Adventure Tour ... much fun. Lot of driving thru the Scenery...”
Stefan, traveled in October
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 National Park, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $134 Operator Hotspots2c From
- US$403
Kruger Safari And The Panorama Route
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I feel so lucky to have seen and experienced all that I saw on this trip.”
Karen, 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, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $153 Operator Expat Explore Travel From
- US$915
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our tent, bathroom, food, owner and guide experiences were all wonderful.”
George, traveled in May
Safari adventures near Hazyview cost approx. $190 per day with lodge accommodation, most meals, and expert-guided game drives. Package includes park fees, transfers from Johannesburg, and professional FGASA guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $199 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- US$598
At around $160 per day, you'll travel through South Africa's varied landscapes with stays in 4-star Cape Town hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses along the Garden Route. Kayak through Wilderness rivers to hidden waterfalls, check out Boulders Beach's penguin colony, and hike to the Cape of Good Hope headland. Route 62 wine tastings come included, plus breakfast daily, and a 2-hour safari bus through Addo Elephant National Park where you'll spot the Big Five.
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 $342 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,619
15% Off- US$3,076You save $543
At $467 per day, enjoy 4-star hotels across South Africa, including domestic flight from Johannesburg to George. Package covers 8 breakfasts, Seal Island boat trip, and Pilanesberg safari drives, maximizing value with complimentary airport transfers and guided excursions.
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Mossel Bay, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $338 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,799
20% Off- US$3,039You save $760
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
20% Off- US$140
$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 Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $245 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $2,799
30% Off- US$1,959You save $840
At around $390 per day, this private malaria-free safari offers strong value with 7 nights in comfortable accommodations, including time at Lalibela Game Reserve. All entrance fees, park conservation fees, and game drives with experienced rangers are covered, plus economy class airfare from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Wine tastings at Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek vineyards come with the itinerary, along with a seal-watching boat trip to Duiker Island, with no hidden costs.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $687 Operator Agate Travel From
30% 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
30% Off- US$315
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
Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa Reviews
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
The vehicle was clean and comfortable. The guide was great , informative approachable just a nice person to be around . The excursions were just great . I would recommend this trip to all my friends ??
- 3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
Great staff, food, accommodations, amazing safari. Saw the Big 5.
- 5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
I highly recommend this tour for everyone who likes to get the highlights of SA. Very well organized, great accommodations, full of activities and of course great food options. Grateful to the TourRadar, which always has options for travelers like me (preferred dates and great tour operators) and make things easy and flexible, makes me safe and comfortable. Grateful to our tour guide Mr. Denver for his continued service, from safe driving, sharing SA history and culture, taking care of guests needs. Thank you!
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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