7-Day African Safari Tours in South Africa: Under 1200 USD

Why are 7-day African Safari Tours in South Africa so popular, especially with travelers from the USA? 

Is it because you can fit a week-long African safari into your hard-earned 10-day vacation break, including the time it takes to travel down here?

Whether you are planning a well-deserved winter vacation or a sweet summer escape, these South African Safari Tours are perfect for leaving the pressures of modern life behind. Treat yourself to the soul-restoring tonic of a South African safari that offers the ideal blend of adventure and tranquillity without breaking the bank.

Here are a few of our most budget-friendly 7-Day African Safari Tours in South Africa (and Namibia, Mozambique, or Lesotho), from the cheapest to the most expensive. 

7-Day South African Safari Tours: Under 1,200 USD (about R20,000)

These are the most budget-friendly African safari tours in South Africa, and they also visit Mozambique, Namibia or Lesotho! These safari tours all deliver excellent value for money without compromising on quality and can be booked through African Budget Safaris.

Casa Babi beach resort, Mozambique
Casa Babi beach resort, Mozambique

7-Day Budget Kruger and Mozambique Beach Safari

Combine a Big 5 South African Safari in Kruger National Park with an idyllic Mozambique beach holiday at Vilanculos Beach near the Bazaruto Archipelago.

African Safari Tour Includes: 

  • Full-day Kruger National Park Safari & Kruger Conservation Fees
  • 3 Nights at Sanbonani Resort (B&B) only 6 mi (10km) from Kruger
  • Return transfers from airports to the lodge and resort 
  • 3 Nights at Casa Babi (B&B) in Vilanculos
  • Vilanculos Extras: SUPs, kayaking, WiFi, tea & coffee in rooms, and afternoon snacks

Optional Activities in Hazyview: river rafting, tubing, quad biking, zip-lining, cable car rides, golfing, horse riding, and spa treatments.

Optional Activities in Vilanculos: scuba diving, snorkelling, kite-surfing, traditional dhow cruises and more.

*Fly from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) near Kruger National Park, and fly from KMIA to Vilanculos Airport (tour price excludes flights).

Safari Price: About $1,066 (R18,700) per person

TRAVEL TIP: This African Safari Tour is popular with couples and solo travellers. 

Namib Desert, Namibia
Namib Desert, Namibia

7-Day South Africa to Namibia Safari - Cape Town to Swakopmund

Travel from the picturesque city of Cape Town through the Western Cape regions of South Africa into Namibia. Visit the epic Fish River Canyon and explore the iconic Namib Desert (Sossusvlei) before driving to coastal Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia.

African Safari Tour Includes: 

  • Qualified Tour Guides
  • Transport in an Overland Truck
  • Entrance Fees to National Parks
  • Camping Accommodation
  • All Meals
  • Selected Safari Activities

Safari Price: About $1,138 (R19,950) per person

TRAVEL TIP: This camping overland tour travels with 20 guests at most. It is ideal for young travellers and adventurous spirits.

Muluwa lodge near Kruger, South Africa
Muluwa lodge near Kruger, South Africa

7-Day Mid-Range Kruger Park & Vilanculos Beach Mozambique Safari

Combine a Big 5 Kruger National Park safari with a tropical beach holiday at Vilanculos in Mozambique. This African safari tour is similar to the Budget South Africa & Mozambique Safari (listed above) except it stays at a more upmarket lodge under an hour from Kruger National Park and a more luxurious beach resort in Vilanculous.

African Safari Tour Includes:

  • Full-day Kruger National Park Safari & Kruger Conservation Fees
  • 3 Nights at Muluwa Lodge (B&B) near Kruger
  • 3 Nights at Vilanculos Beach Lodge (B&B)
  • Return transfers from airports to the lodge and resort 
  • Vilanculos extras: 15-minute massage, canoes, SUPs, volleyball, and board games

Optional Activities: Horse Riding, Game Fishing, Kitesurfing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Sailing, and more.

*Fly from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) near Kruger National Park, and fly from KMIA to Vilanculos Airport (tour price excludes flights).

Safari Price: $1,160 (R20,367) per person

TRAVEL TIP: The USA summer vacation break (from June to September) is perfect for winter safaris in southern Africa when game viewing is at its finest and the weather is milder. See The best time to visit South Africa for safari for more about timing.

Mozambique beach resort
Mozambique beach resort

7-Day South Africa & Mozambique Safari - Inhambane Beach

The final budget-friendly African Safari Tour on our list combines a thrilling Kruger Safari with a beach vacation on the tip of the scenic Linga Peninsula in Inhambane.

  • Full-day Kruger National Park Safari & Kruger Conservation Fees
  • 3 Nights at Gecko Lodge (B&B) near Kruger
  • 3 Nights at Castelo Beach Resort in Linga-Linga, Inhambane Bay
  • Return transfers from airports to the lodge and resort (by road and boat)
  • Castelo Beach Resort activities: snorkelling, canoes, paddle skis, hobby cats, kayaks, table tennis, pool table, board games

*Fly from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, near Kruger National Park, and fly from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Inhambane (tour price excludes flights).

Safari Price: $1,166 (R20,480)

Addo elephants, African Safari Tours
Addo elephants, African Safari Tours

Book a 7-Day African Safari Tour in South Africa

These African Safari Tours are 7 days long, excluding overnight stays before and after the scheduled trips. In most cases, booking a night of pre-tour and post-tour accommodation is advisable because the tours depart early on day one and finish at variable times on the final day. So, you need to allow extra time for your safari trip and the time it takes to fly in and out of South Africa and budget accordingly.

For assistance with planning your African Safari Tour, talk to an African travel expert. Our experienced agents can help you balance your available time and budget with your bucket list activities, must-see places and preferences.

Landia Davies Content Manager

Landia Davies
Landia is a nature and animal lover. This South African woman avoids crowds and has worked in the African safari industry for over 16 years!

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