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
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
- Kruger Safari & The Panorama Route
- 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)
- 4-day Kruger Safari (Camping)
- South Africa Adventure
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Kruger was absolutely amazing!! Loved where we stayed.”
Sarah, traveled in May
Luxury lodge stays near Hazyview run approx. $190 per day, including most meals and guided safaris. The package features complimentary airport transfers, game drives, and Panorama Route tour.
Duration 4 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Graskop, Pilgrimsrest Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $239 Operator The Mzansi Experience From
- US$957
Kruger Safari & 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, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Soweto Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $117 Operator Expat Explore Travel From $1,010
31% Off- US$701You save $309
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 $386 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
31% Off- US$3,475
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 $374 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
31% Off- US$3,743
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
31% 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
31% 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
31% 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
South Africa Adventure
70 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The safaris being everything I hoped for and more! I'm new to intro and will definitely be booking through them again.”
AshleaBucke, traveled in September
Comprehensive South African tour runs approx. $220 per day, covering 11 nights accommodation from safari lodges to city hotels, plus internal flights and most meals. Highlights include Table Mountain and Kruger National Park safaris.
Duration 12 days Destinations Johannesburg, Soweto, Graskop, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Hlane Royal National Park, Mkuze, Cape Town, Table Mountain, Chapman's PeakSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $242 Operator INTRO Travel From
25% Off- US$2,899
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
25% Off- US$1,376
Budget Tours & Trips to South Africa Reviews
- 4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
Loved every moment of this tour ! Kruger was absolutely amazing !! Loved where we stayed ! Food was really good
- South Africa Adventure
Just finished the intro South Africa tour. This has been such a blast from the moment it started till the end. By far the best part was our group leader Previledge! He gave us so much information on the culture and history of South Africa, it really made it feel like an authentic trip. If you want to see some wild African animals, this tour is for you!
- 5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
We absolutely loved this Garden Route + Addo tour. We were picked up at exact time, vehicle was comfortable, the accommodations met our expectation, and the included and optional activities that were just right not too hurried. Isaac was a super driver and guide. He managed time well and recommended good restaurants. All in all good value and highly recommended introduction tour of South Africa.
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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