How to Book a Budget-Friendly South Africa Safari in 7 Easy Steps

Are you looking for the South African safari adventure of a lifetime? What if we told you it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg? Sounds great right? In 7 simple steps, we’ll show you how to book the perfect South African safari on a budget. This article covers everything from choosing your dates to finding the best safari company to book with.  

1. Determine your budget 

The first step of any big adventure is determining your budget. This will help you narrow your options and choose a safari that fits your price range. When drafting your budget, consider the cost of flights, transport at the destination, accommodation, meals, and drinks, and any extra activities or essential bucket list items.  

The accommodation offered during your safari trip has a big impact on the cost. When it comes to accommodation types, various options are available on safari, from camping under the stars in a DIY tent setup or a lavish tented camp to staying in a luxury lodge. Decide what kind of experience you're looking for before booking anything. The cost difference between a 5-star luxury safari resort and a DIY tent setup might range from $100 to $1,000 or more per night.  

Gondwana lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Another budget consideration will be your transport. In South Africa, you can fly between major cities (and to the Kruger National Park), and then hire a car to do road trips. If you are travelling in a small group, this is a great way to save money by splitting rental and fuel costs. But the same thing applies to doing guided tours. If you just want to sit back and relax without dealing with traffic in a foreign country, then consider a guided tour. This will cost more but allow you to relax a little more and just soak up and enjoy the experience.  

This applies to your safari experience too. We always recommend that first-time visitors take a guided safari as this will enrich the safari experience with local experience and knowledge. Most mid-range to luxury safari lodges include daily guided game drives. They usually provide the safari vehicle, driver/guide, tracker, and beverages and snacks. If you are looking for a bit more adventure and have a good knowledge of your South African destination, a self-drive safari may be more appealing. 

African Budget Safari specializes in customized and bespoke safaris at excellent prices. This means that you do not need to stick to one option. You can stitch together your own itinerary. Why not enjoy a few days of luxury in Sabi Sands, some budget Kruger camping, a flight to Cape Town, and a guided Winelands tour, followed by a self-drive beach holiday to the Garden Route?  

Cape Winelands Tours

Once you know what your budget is, you can start figuring out your safari preferences. 

2. Decide on your safari preferences 

Knowing what you want from your South African safari will help you to stretch your safari budget. Safari drives in the bush versus shopping and fine dining, or are you looking to have a road trip full of adventure activities in beautiful settings versus exploring cultural hubs and fine dining in trendy neighbourhoods? 

The thing about South Africa is that you don’t have to choose one. South Africa has an extraordinary number of activities to choose from. If you are looking for a bush safari to see the Big 5, but also wouldn’t mind some shopping days or activities for the kids, then South Africa is the place to be. Now all you need to do is decide how much time you want to spend in Cape Town or Kruger, whether you want to fly from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth, and hire a car to drive the Garden Route to Cape Town, or just visit Cape Town with a couple of days at the nearby wildlife reserves Sanbona, Aquila or Inverdoorn. 

Sanbona Safari rhinos

Blessed with natural beauty, complemented by excellent infrastructure, full of amazing activities for adventure seekers and families alike, and dotted with small-town gems and modern cities, South Africa really is a diverse country, making it the perfect destination for any kind of traveller.  

To read more on which African budget safari is the best fit for you, we recommend reading our blog post: Safari Guide: 10 top tips for your first safari 

3. Choose your dates & duration 

When determining your travel dates, you should think not only about how much vacation time you have but also about the time of year. Seasonal variations as well as local holidays will all affect your trip in terms of the environment, crowds, and cost. 

The Kruger National Park, for example, has dry winter months and wetter summer months. The summer months can be hot and humid, and they also coincide with local school holidays and the Christmas break. December in Kruger can be hot, humid, and crowded, making it a less-than-perfect safari getaway. The winter months from May to November, on the other hand, are excellent for game viewing. The July/August holidays are less crowded, making this a better safari time slot. 

Kruger Safari lions, South African safari

Then you need to consider the Johannesburg and Cape Town seasonal switch. While the winter months are great for a safari in Kruger, Cape Town, and the Garden Route get wet, windy, and cold. December and January are packed around the Mother City, which is great for people-watching, but prices go up, and availability goes down. Locals, and regular visitors, prefer Cape Town during February and March when the city feels a little less frenetic. 

If you have a two-week vacation, you want to factor in distances and travel times. Driving from Johannesburg to Kruger takes about 6 hours in each direction. A flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes about 2 hours. You could drive the Garden Route in 8 hours from Cape Town, or be in Windhoek in 15 hours... but do you really want to? You want to try for a balance between covering enough distance and spending enough time doing the things on your bucket list, as well as factoring in a few days just to laze about and enjoy the scenery. 

Thus, aligning your budget, bucket list, dates, and travel times is important when planning your South African safari. While flying may be more expensive, sometimes it is worth it if means you get to squeeze a little more out of your trip. 

4. Pick your South African safari destinations 

South Africa is often the destination of choice for first-time safari goers. Great safari destinations like the Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Addo Elephant Park, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are easily accessible, have excellent accommodation options, and each has their own unique flavour. Knowing what you want to see, and where you want to go is therefore essential. 

Kruger National Park is usually at the top of the list. Because of its exceptional game viewing, and almost guaranteed Big 5 sightings, people flock to Kruger from around the world. In addition to the great wildlife viewing, Kruger is accessible by road and air, and there are accommodation options to fit every budget, making it a popular choice for travelling groups of all shapes and sizes.  

Kruger Safari Elephant calf

Beyond Kruger, the Greater Kruger has similar wildlife viewing opportunities but is more exclusive. If you are planning on combining safari and luxury lodging, then Sabi Sand Game Reserve is perfect for you. Kgalagadi is famous for black-maned lions, and epic desert salt pans, Addo Elephant Park has large herds of elephants, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is renowned for rhino conservation, Tankwa Karoo offers endless horizons, while Sanbona, Aquila, and Inverdoorn are malaria-free areas that are becoming popular because of their proximity to Cape Town. 

If you feel more comfortable in a city environment but do not want to miss out on epic natural beauty, Cape Town is a perfect destination. Enjoy Cape Town’s malls, restaurants, trendy neighbourhoods, and beaches, all under the graceful beauty of Table Mountain. With African Budget Safaris you can customize your trip to suit your needs. Any trip to Cape Town can be complimented by a safari add-on just 3 hours from the city centre, a trip to the Cape Winelands or Cape Whale Coast, or an extended drive along the famous Garden Route. 

Whale Watching, South Africa Safari

If you want to get a fuller taste of Africa, South Africa borders amazing safari destinations of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, meaning that it is a great base for exploring more than one country. African Budget Safaris offers overland safaris departing from Cape Town or Johannesburg, which can travel as far as Nairobi.  

Whether you want to experience an in-depth South African safari or use it as a departure point for a longer African adventure, African Budget Safaris has a package to suit any budget. 

5. Research your South African safari options online 

Read as much as you can. The internet is awash with information both informative and untrue. It is an excellent idea to read a number of different perspectives to get a feel for the destination you want to visit. A well-researched idea will help you figure out which questions you need to ask your safari travel consultant before you book. 

Constantia in Cape Town, South Africa

There are many quality tour providers and just as many lousy options. The internet provides a wealth of options to compare safari companies, so check around. Reading reviews from customers who have experienced the same safari can give you an idea of what to expect. While reading reviews, look for patterns. You will be able to spot grumpy travellers who moan about everything versus overall service excellence and satisfaction. Be thorough in your investigation. Checking out social media pages and websites is a great way to get reliable information and save yourself time and money in the long run. 

Doing your due diligence, and thorough research will make your conversation with a safari travel consultant a more productive and informative experience. Once you’ve found the company that ticks all your boxes, the next step is booking your safari vacation. 

Why book through African Budget Safaris?

African Budget Safaris, based in South Africa, offers a free travel service. We have partnerships with suppliers all over Africa and have been in business since 2008. You will benefit from years of safari experience and insider knowledge by booking your South African safari with us. We specialize in affordable safaris in Africa tailored to your specific needs and provide a diverse range of high-quality safari packages and tours. With African Budget Safaris, you can create your own custom African budget safari. Our experienced travel consultants will assist you in selecting appropriate destinations and choosing your trip style. Whether a big group adventure, a small group private tour, a safari with children, or a senior safari, our mission is to help you find the best safari for your budget.

6. Talk to a South African safari expert  

To ensure you get the most out of your trip, it is best to consult an African travel advisor or a safari expert. Their years of African travel experience will help guide you in your decision-making process. From which spot is the best for viewing wildlife to what accommodations are available in a specific area, it is great to get advice from someone with inside knowledge. 

Our African safari consultants have access to the best travel deals and years of experience in guiding clients through the safari booking process. With insider tips and guidance, you can save time, money, and stress, while ensuring that you make the most out of your trip.  

An experienced safari travel consultant will also be able to give travel tips and suggestions about destinations that you'd otherwise miss out on. 

7. Book your South African safari  

You have done your research, selected a reliable and trustworthy tour company that provides exceptional service, and talked to a safari expert, now it’s time to take the final step: booking your South African safari. 

Kruger Safari leopard, South Africa

To book your South African safari through African Budget Safaris contact us and talk to one of our friendly travel consultants directly. Keep your travel dates in mind when booking your safari. If your safari trip falls during your destination's peak season, booking a year in advance is a good idea. If a year in advance does not work for you and if your travel plans are flexible, booking a safari 4 - 6 months in advance is perceived as the norm. 

Make sure you go through the itinerary carefully. This will help you understand what IS and what IS NOT included, and so allow you to resolve any grey areas before you depart. Knowing what game drives and breakfasts are included and what free days you have will help you manage your budget as well as your expectations. 

Remember to get travel insurance 

Any qualified South African safari expert will inform you of the necessary documentation you need for your South African safari. Apart from a valid passport and visa, you will need to purchase travel insurance before your trip. When booking an African safari with African Budget Safaris, travel insurance is mandatory. While the chances of being in an accident or facing unforeseen risks are low, if they do occur, the cost of getting you to safety is high.  

African Budget Safaris is an affiliate of World Nomads. World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travellers for travellers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.

To find out more about Travel Insurance for your South African safari, visit our travel insurance page. 

Basics to Consider When Booking Your Safari
Factors Affecting Your Budget	Your safari budget will depend on your chosen destination, what wildlife you want to see, the activities you want to do, and how long you travel.
Safaris Destinations Differ	It is important to remember that different safari destinations offer different wildlife experiences. If you want to see the Big 5, you can't beat Kruger National Park. While Addo Elephant Park also offers Big 5 safaris, you are less likely to see all five animals. But Addo's proximity to the Garden Route in the Western Cape makes it a better fit for those wanting to explore South Africa’s small towns and beautiful scenery.
Seasonality	Seasonally speaking, the winter months are best for a Kruger bush safari, but if you want to catch the whales in Hermanus you will need to aim for the spring season from August to October. Cape Town has a wonderful summer season from October through to March, but you want to avoid the wet and windy winters.
Explore Your (Many) Options	While visiting South Africa on safari, you will be spoiled for choice. In addition to Big 5 game drives and walking safaris, outside of our national parks there is a plethora of action and excitement to be had. Whale watching from the land or a boat, bungee jumping, kayaking, mountain climbing, riding bikes or horses, hot air balloon rides, surfing or kite surfing, diving, and more. Deciding what is best for you and your budget is a big part of any South African safari vacation.
Travel Duration	Finally, once you know your what, where, when, and how, you will need to decide on the duration of your stay. South Africa safaris can be anything from a few days exploring locally to more than a month traversing the continent from Cape Town to Nairobi. Deciding on how much time to spend is often the most important part of planning a safari adventure.

Planning Your Budget South African Safari

There you have it, the 7 simple steps to booking a budget South African safari.

Planning a trip to South Africa is an exciting adventure that should be a pleasure from start to finish. Knowing the basic steps can make planning easier and more enjoyable, and we are always here to help; at any step along the way. Contact the travel experts at African Budget Safaris for free help planning your safari. We'll help you book your first safari in South Africa, so you can travel with complete confidence.  

Panorama Route & Kruger Safari

All that is left to do is for you to enjoy your budget South African safari. 

Budget South Africa Safari

Please note: We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.