African wild dog hunting in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

10 of the Best Budget Small Group Safaris in Africa (7-14 Days)

Published on 15 August 2025, Last updated on 12 April 2026.

By Andrew Hofmeyr in Best Things to Do.

Looking for the best budget safaris in Africa that won’t break the bank? Small group safaris are one of the most affordable—and rewarding—ways to explore Africa’s top wildlife destinations. These curated trips combine comfort, expert guides, and unforgettable game viewing with the sociable spirit of shared travel. Whether you dream of witnessing the great migration in East Africa, exploring Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or experiencing South Africa’s Big 5 parks, there’s a budget-friendly small group safari for you.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked 10 of the most budget-friendly small group safaris in Africa, all lasting between 7 and 14 days and visiting some of the continent’s most iconic parks—without the luxury price tag. Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or friends looking for value-packed African adventures.

Table Mountain cable car ride with panoramic views of Cape Town

1. Cape Town to Namibia Overland Small Group Tour

Explore the stunning landscapes of southern Africa on this 7-day Cape Town to Namibia small-group tour. Travel in comfort by luxury overland vehicle and stay in stylish budget lodges. Highlights include the Fish River Canyon, towering dunes of Sossusvlei, and the adventure town of Swakopmund. Perfect for travellers seeking a short, scenic desert safari at a great price.

Highlights:

7 days from Cape Town to Swakopmund
Luxury overland vehicle and lodge stays
Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert
Ideal for first-time safari-goers and photographers

Light aircraft in the bush on nyerere selous safari

2. 8-Day Private Tanzania Safari to Nyerere & Ruaha

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This 8-day fly-in Tanzania safari offers an unforgettable adventure to two of the country’s best-kept secrets—Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha National Parks. Enjoy crowd-free game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks while staying in comfortable lodges. A fantastic value-for-money alternative to the northern circuit for wildlife lovers.

Highlights:

8-day fly-in safari from Dar es Salaam
Visit Nyerere & Ruaha National Parks
Lodge accommodation with boat & walking safaris
Remote, uncrowded Southern Tanzania experience

View this 8-Day Tanzania Safari

Leopard resting in a tree in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

3. 9-Day Botswana Safari: Delta & Chobe Small Group Tour

Journey from Windhoek to Victoria Falls on this 9-day Botswana small group safari. Stay in mid-range lodges and experience the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and wildlife-rich Khwai. Travel in a luxury overland truck and explore by 4x4, mokoro, and boat for a well-rounded wilderness adventure.

Highlights:

9-day overland tour from Namibia to Zimbabwe
Explore Okavango Delta, Chobe, Khwai & Moremi
Lodge-based safari with varied transport (4x4, boat, mokoro)
Ends at the iconic Victoria Falls

View this Delta & Chobe Small Group Tour

A flight over the Victoria Falls in full flow between Zimbabwe and Zambia

4. Botswana Safari: Maun to Victoria Falls

Travel deep into Botswana’s pristine parks on this 9-day small group safari from Maun to Victoria Falls. Explore the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savuti, and Chobe National Park with expert guides. Lodge accommodation and immersive game-viewing experiences make this an excellent Botswana itinerary for under two weeks.

Highlights:

9-day safari through Botswana & Zimbabwe
Visit Moremi, Savuti, Chobe & Victoria Falls
Mid-range lodges and professional guides
Exceptional wildlife viewing in varied habitats

View this Botswana Safari

Giraffe walking across the Masai Mara in golden afternoon light

5. 12-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari: Masai Mara & More

Tick off Kenya’s top safari destinations on this action-packed 12-day camping safari. Discover Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, and Tsavo, with plenty of game drives and scenic travel. This small-group tour is ideal for travellers who want to see diverse landscapes and wildlife without overspending.

Highlights:

12-day budget camping safari from Nairobi
Covers 6 major parks including Masai Mara & Amboseli
Small group format with immersive game viewing
Great value for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers

View this 12-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari

Couple walking on a white sand beach in Zanzibar

6. 12-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday Package

Combine thrilling game drives and idyllic island time on this 12-day Tanzania and Zanzibar safari holiday. Visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara before flying to Zanzibar for a beach break. A perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, this trip is ideal for couples and solo travellers alike.

Highlights:

12-day lodge safari and beach holiday
Visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara
End with relaxing days in Zanzibar
Wildlife and beach combo at budget-friendly rates

View this 12-Day Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari

Traveller walking among red dunes in Sossusvlei, Namib Desert, Namibia

7. 12-Day Namibia & Botswana Small Group Overland Safari

Travel from Swakopmund to Victoria Falls on this lodge-based 12-day safari covering Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, Etosha, and Botswana’s Delta and Chobe. Enjoy diverse scenery, desert wildlife, and iconic water-based game viewing, all in a sociable small group setting with expert local guides.

Highlights:

12-day small group lodge safari
Visit Etosha, Okavango Delta, and Chobe
Luxury overland travel and quality accommodations
Combines desert landscapes and lush waterways

View 12-Day Namibia & Botswana Small Group Tour

Two cheetahs resting in the grass in Kruger National Park, South Africa

8. 13-Day South Africa & Eswatini Tour

Discover the best of South Africa and Eswatini on this 13-day small-group lodge safari. Visit Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe, the Drakensberg, iSimangaliso Wetlands, and Eswatini’s cultural heartland. A balanced trip offering wildlife, hiking, and cultural encounters at an affordable price.

Highlights:

13-day cultural and wildlife tour
Includes Kruger, Drakensberg & Eswatini
Lodge stays with scenic and cultural diversity
Perfect for those seeking variety and value

View 13-Day South Africa & Eswatini Tour

Hot air balloon safari in teh Serengeti Tanzania safari

9. 14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Lodge Safari

Explore East Africa’s most iconic safari parks on this 14-day lodge-based safari through Kenya and Tanzania. Enjoy the best of Amboseli, Tsavo, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. With comfortable accommodations and guided drives, this trip is ideal for first-time safari-goers.

Highlights:

14-day lodge safari across Kenya and Tanzania
Masai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Ideal for first-time visitors to East Africa
Expert guides and a well-paced itinerary

Southern carmine bee-eater in flight over South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

10. 14-Day Wild Zambia Small Group Safari

For intrepid travellers, this 14-day Zambia safari explores off-the-beaten-path parks including Kasanka, Bangweulu Wetlands and Luangwa Valley. A mix of wild camping and lodge stays, this tour offers excellent wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most remote and rewarding safari destinations.

Highlights:

14-day small group safari through Zambia & Malawi
Explore Kasanka, Bangweulu, North & South Luangwa
Wild camping + lodge stays in remote areas

View this 14-Day Wild Zambia Safari

Woodland kingfisher perched on a branch in Moremi Game Reserve

Perfect for seasoned safari-goers and adventurers

These budget small group safaris prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy world-class wildlife experiences in Africa. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the remote wetlands of Zambia, these tours offer exceptional value, expert guidance, and unforgettable encounters with Africa’s wild beauty.

Safari boat cruise on the Chobe River, Botswana

Ready to plan your affordable African safari?

Browse the full selection of small group budget safaris or chat with one of our safari experts to help you choose the perfect tour. We’ll help you find the right itinerary, at the right price—so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime.

Andrew Hofmeyr Senior Safari Blogger

Andrew Hofmeyr is a seasoned travel writer with over 10 years of experience. He’s travelled widely in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe, with favourites including Bali, the Drakensberg, and the Amatole Mountains. His writing covers conservation, wildlife, and travel advice, with work featured in Wild Magazine and the Kingdom of Eswatini Tourism. He also conducts insightful interviews with global experts.

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