Cape Town, South Africa, is a scenic gem. It is a versatile and cosmopolitan destination with plenty to offer travellers and local visitors alike. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are especially spoilt for choice given Cape Town city's magnificent location - scattered along the rugged Cape of Good Hope coastline between impressive mountains, fynbos, and forests.
Our short city tours explore Cape Town's top attractions - the Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands, the Cape Whale Route, and Big 5 Safaris near Cape Town. These are budget-friendly Cape Town tours that include guesthouse and lodge accommodation offering excellent value for money.
Most of our short Cape Town tours spend time in the city itself to give you a taste of the culture and history of South Africa's oldest European-founded settlement.
The Cape to Cairo journey is legendary and Cape Town remains the starting or ending point of many an epic trip through Africa. Cape to Victoria Falls, Cape to Nairobi, Cape to Kruger, the list goes on... the mother city of South Africa is a favourite destination on longer Africa Overland Tour routes.
We feature over 120 Budget African Safaris that include Cape Town in a wide range of tour types and styles. Options include Africa Overland Tours to or from Cape Town, camping trips, lodge safaris, exclusive small group trips, family vacations, shark cage diving adventures, and many more. For help sifting through the millions of Cape Town safari and tour options, contact one of our travel fanatics (all living in Cape Town)!
An African safari to Chobe National Park is synonymous with elephant herds. What makes Chobe unforgettable is its high concentrations of wildlife and diversity of scenic habitats. Laid-back river safaris are a real highlight in Chobe. Most Chobe Safaris include a sunset boat cruise on Chobe River so you'll get to enjoy this superb game viewing experience with sundowners.
The two closest destinations that combine best with Chobe Safaris are the Okavango Delta, also located in northern Botswana, and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia).
As Botswana's top national park and most popular safari destination, there are a wide variety of budget Chobe Safaris to choose from when planning your African safari. Types of budget African safaris to Chobe, include:
Accommodated, camping and family overland safaris to Chobe Park offer the budget traveller an adventurous journey into the African bush by overland truck. There are both Camping Overland and Accommodated Overland Safaris to Chobe giving budget travellers the choice between staying in spacious dome tents or more comfortable lodge-style accommodation. The Camping Overland Tours are popular with groups of young travellers, in search of an exciting and social journey into Africa’s wilderness areas. All three types of Chobe overland tours entail more teamwork and participation than regular Chobe Safaris. The Family Overland Tours are designed specifically for families with children in mind, typically covering shorter travelling distances at a time and requiring active participation in setting up camp and preparing meals. The accommodation is generally in dome tents and the focus on these tours is on adventure activities for the whole family.
Chobe Camping Safaris offer budget travellers a truly immersive African experience of a lifetime, camping out under the star-filled skies in the bush. A level of participation is required on the camping safaris, on which spacious dome tents are used. Chobe Lodge Safaris provide a more comfortable way of getting the most out of your African experience, providing lodge style accommodation.
Exclusive Budget Safaris to Chobe cater for more discerning African budget travellers looking for a truly African experience. The Chobe Exclusive Budget Safaris offer accommodation in luxury campsites or a combination of luxury tented and lodge-style accommodation. The group size on the Chobe exclusive safaris is typically smaller, the vehicles are 4x4 land cruisers and little if any participation is required.
Chobe Forty Plus Safaris are designed for active clients over the age of 40, focusing on providing a comfortable and safe travel environment at great prices. The Chobe Forty Plus Safaris offer a level of comfort and a chance to travel with likeminded people. Destinations visited on the Chobe Forty Plus Safaris include the Okavango Delta, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, as well as the mighty Victoria Falls.
Tours to Victoria Falls (in Zimbabwe or Zambia), very often include a day trip or even an overnight camping trip in Chobe Park, due to proximity. If you visit Victoria Falls a day tour to Chobe Park is a fantastic add-on for a wildlife safari that's affordable and hassle-free.
The truly unique Chobe Motorbike Safari is a 15-day journey through Southern Africa, visiting South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zambia. The Chobe Motorbike trip is ideal for motorbike enthusiasts and travels along some of the best biking roads. The motorbikes are followed by a support vehicle with an off-road trailer, carrying the luggage and camping equipment.
Take a look at our Chobe Safaris or read about Botswana, one of Africa's top safari destinations.
Our Kruger safari packages and tours focus on South Africa’s leading wildlife destination, including Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves of Greater Kruger. Choose from budget camping safaris, lodge-based tours, small-group trips, and private options—each offering excellent Big 5 game viewing and strong value for money.
Kruger safari tours typically range from affordable short breaks to multi-day lodge safaris, with options available for most budgets and travel styles. Many departures operate from Johannesburg, making Kruger one of the most accessible safari destinations in Southern Africa.
For a detailed overview of the park’s regions, wildlife, and seasons, visit our Kruger National Park destination guide.
We offer a range of Kruger safari tours designed to suit different budgets, group sizes, and travel styles. All tours focus on delivering excellent wildlife experiences and strong value for money.
View small-group Kruger safaris
View family-friendly Kruger safaris
Enquire about private or tailor-made Kruger safaris
View overland tours including Kruger
View fly-in Kruger safari tours
You can also refine your search using the filters above to explore other options, including walking safaris, adventure tours, senior-friendly trips, and specialised itineraries.
Most Kruger safari packages focus on specific wildlife regions, each offering different landscapes and game-viewing highlights. Longer itineraries often combine southern, central, and northern areas for a more complete Kruger experience.
Choosing the right Kruger safari depends on a few practical factors:
Popular options include our 3-Day Kruger Bungalow Safari, Kruger Backpacker Lodge Safari, and longer lodge-based packages in Greater Kruger.
Not sure which option suits you best? Contact our safari specialists for personalised advice.
For detailed pricing guidance, see our guide to Kruger safari costs.
Most Kruger safari tours include:
Optional extras may include private transfers, internal flights, bush walks, or exclusive lodge upgrades.
We have various types of Uganda safaris and Uganda gorilla trekking tours. Many of these trips take in other countries and highlights too, ranging in length from 4 to 56 days. Most safaris in Uganda, start and end in Kampala. Some of the Uganda Safaris provide camping accommodation while others offer budget lodge accommodation or a combination of lodge and comfortable camping accommodation. Uganda is best known for its endangered mountain gorillas, therefore all of our safaris in Uganda include mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
When mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest Park the day typically starts with a hearty breakfast to provide an energy boost for trekking through the jungle. Before setting off into the undergrowth in search of the few remaining mountain gorillas clients register at the game ranger station and one of the rangers gives a talk on mountain gorilla trekking.
Gorilla treks in Bwindi Forest are led by trained safari guides who take you into the bush to track the rare mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is challenging but rewarding and can take anything from 30 minutes to 5 hours, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy walking shoes. Once the gorillas have been spotted on a gorilla trek you get to sit in the forest with these giant primates and listen to them communicating with each other. Marvel at the size of the dominant Silverback males and find yourself spellbound by one of Africa's most poignant wildlife encounters. Lunch is taken with you on the gorilla treks and enjoyed in the forest followed by a rest and some bird watching.
On Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours overnight accommodation is at a safari camp run by the local community. This camp is located next to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and was set up in 1993 to ensure that the local community benefits from tourism in the area. Accommodation is in clean, well-maintained bandas (huts) with solar-powered lighting.
The Budget Lodge Safaris that visit Uganda offers a combination of accommodation in banda huts at a safari camp next to Bwindi National Park, in a guesthouse, and in a safari lodge. These affordable lodge safaris provide comfortable accommodation on safari in Uganda at great prices.
Uganda Camping Overland Tours entail travelling by overland truck and stopping en route to camp under the African stars. The Uganda Camping Overland Tours tend to be longer tours throughout East Africa, generally visiting several other countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. These camping tours require a level of active participation and teamwork and are well suited to the more adventurous traveller looking for the ultimate wilderness experience in Africa.
The Exclusive Overland Safari option takes in the highlights of Uganda, including the mountain gorillas. It offers comfortable, tented, and lodge-style accommodation. Exclusive Overland Safaris usually consist of smaller groups and require less participation from clients, offering more comfort. The canvas two-man walk-in dome tents used on Exclusive Safaris are spacious, comfortable, and well ventilated and a mattress is usually provided.
For more information please contact Africa Budget Safaris.
As part of the unfenced Greater Kruger National Park, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve offers the safari-goer access to everything the Kruger Park offers, with fewer crowds. This area is renowned for its beautiful bush and spectacular game-viewing. It’s also known for its rare white lions.
Get up close to unspoilt nature in the private reserve, embarking on thrilling game walks and drives, including night drives. Sit around the flickering campfire under star-studded skies and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush; becoming immersed in nature.
There are a variety of Timbavati Safari options to choose from when planning a trip. Here is a list of the safari types available for the Timbavati budget traveller:
Experience the magic of the Greater Kruger National Park, seeing the Big Five (and looking for the white lions!), immersing yourself in the soul-quenching quiet and beauty of the bush. On our budget lodge safaris, accommodation is in comfortable, traditional huts that blend into the bush.
With crisp white linen, mosquito nets and outdoor showers, you get to enjoy the wild in comfort.
Get back to nature on our wild camping safaris to Timbavati. This is storybook camping - in tents, in the wild. You can't get closer to the bush than this. Our camping safaris offer an authentic camping trip with campsites set up in the bush in this area that boasts the Big Five, a large diversity of antelope species, smaller predators, over 500 bird species and a huge diversity of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Accommodation is in Adventure Bow Tents which sleep two on comfortable mattresses. Bedding and towels are provided and bucket showers and bush toilets provide the 'bathroom' facilities. Food is cooked over the fire and light is provided by the stars (and torches/lamps). This is camping at its best.
Take a look at our Timbavati Safaris or read about South Africa, one of Africa's top safari destinations.
As Namibia's top tourist attraction there are a number of ways to experience Sossusvlei and the Namib. We offer 40 to 50 different safaris that visit Sossusvlei - from Exclusive and Overland Safaris to Lodge and Camping Tours. Although Sossusvlei is not a wildlife destination per se, there are plenty of safaris that combine the Namib with outstanding game viewing destinations, such as Etosha Park in Namibia.
The array of tour styles and accommodation choices for Sossusvlei range from ultra luxurious to bare-bones budget options. The good news is that Namibia boasts high standards in tourism services and facilities, so even a shoestring budget gets travellers excellent value-for-money at good quality accommodation on well-run tours.
Given the well-maintained infrastructure (passable roads, professional medical care, and relatively reliable availability of fuel and supplies) and the political stability (safe and predictable conditions) - Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert and most places in Namibia can quite easily be visited on self-drive safaris as well. Some remote spots, however, call for 4WD transport and more travel experience.
A quick desert tour is one of your most affordable options - exploring the Namib Desert (including Sossusvlei) exclusively, over as few as three days! These trips come in the Lodge and Camping Tour varieties on the low budget end of the spectrum, and usually start and end in Swakopmund or Windhoek.
The next step up is a slightly longer tour (a week or so) that also visits other highlights in Namibia - Etosha National Park mostly. These also start and end in Windhoek and/or Swakopmund, but add a game viewing dimension to your trip, which can be of the Exclusive or Accommodated Overland Safari, Budget Camping or Lodge Safari styles.
The best budget options for visiting Sossusvlei, as well as other top safari destinations, commonly combine the Namib with highlights in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana. Top South African destinations that are most often paired with Namibia's deserts on a reasonable budget, include Cape Town and attractions in the Western and Northern Cape regions. Crossing into Botswana the most popular attractions coupled with Sossusvlei are the Okavango Delta and/or Chobe National Park, often topped off with Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe or Zambia).
With the broader Southern African Safaris the selection of tour types also expands - here you're looking at Overland Camping Tours too, as well as Exclusive Budget (small groups) Tours and Forty Plus (mature travellers) Trips. Duration varies (roughly two to three weeks) as does the mode of transport (from minivan to overland truck) and group size (16 plus or minus), so you can choose according to your needs, budget and tastes.
Of course, there are also a host of epic safaris that sweep through Southern and East Africa over as long as 47 days! Here you would be taking more time and money (well spent) to experience wider parts of Africa, incorporating destinations from Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa through to Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and more in Southern Africa.
As the primary game viewing destination in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth Park is often combined with Gorilla Trekking Expeditions - the top travel attraction in Uganda. Both Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Bwindi Forest National Park are located in southwestern Uganda, which makes it easy to combine the two destinations.
Visiting Queen Elizabeth adds a rewarding game viewing component to Uganda safaris that go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. Gorilla Trekking in the rainforests of central Africa is considered one of the ultimate wildlife experiences in Africa. Taking a safari in Queen Elizabeth at the same time, opens up the diverse and scenic habitats of the national park and gives travellers the opportunity to see a wide range of African wildlife and birds - complimenting the gorilla trekking adventure.
Most of our safaris that include Queen Elizabeth National Park are Budget Lodge Safaris, as well as some Overland Camping Tours. All of these safaris, ranging from about one to three weeks, also go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest. Another great stop to add to gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth safaris is the Kibale National Park, where you can go chimpanzee trekking.
This page lists our Addo Elephant National Park safari tours, designed to help you compare options and choose the right safari package for your trip to South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Addo is popular for safaris thanks to its easy access, malaria-free setting, and reliable Big Five game viewing in a compact park.
You can choose from budget camping safaris, small-group lodge tours, private safaris, and longer combination tours linking Addo with the Garden Route or Cape Town. Most Addo safaris depart from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), with some multi-day tours starting or ending in Cape Town as part of a broader South Africa itinerary.
Wildlife highlights include strong elephant sightings and classic Big Five game drives.
Browse our Addo Elephant National Park safari tours below.
A structured, guided safari experience with fixed departures.
View small-group Addo safaris.
An affordable way to experience Addo with guided game drives included.
View camping safaris that include Addo.
Comfort-focused safari packages with upgraded accommodation.
View lodge-based safaris that include Addo Elephant National Park.
Tailor-made safari tours with exclusive vehicle use.
Enquire about private Addo safaris.
Multi-stop safari packages blending wildlife with coastal travel.
View combo safaris that visit Addo.
Short safari options for travelers based in Gqeberha.
View Addo safaris from 1 to 4 days.
Most Addo safari tours operate in the central section of the national park. This area works well for 1–3 day tours and offers a structured network of routes suited to guided drives and self-contained safari packages.
Some lodge-based tours use private reserves bordering Addo. These tours typically include smaller vehicle groups and a more exclusive atmosphere, often at a higher price point than standard national park safaris.
On longer South Africa safari tours, Addo is positioned as the main wildlife stop within a Garden Route or Eastern Cape itinerary. In this format, safari time is balanced with other destinations, making it ideal for travelers seeking variety rather than a single-park focus.
When comparing Addo safari tours, consider the following:
Contact our safari experts for advice.
Addo safari tours operate year-round.
For month-by-month details, see our Addo Elephant National Park safari guide.
Most Addo safari packages include:
Optional extras may include:
Always review individual tour inclusions when comparing options.
African Budget Safaris offers one of the widest selections of Addo Elephant National Park safari tours, from budget camping safaris to private lodge-based packages. Our safari specialists help you compare Addo safari packages clearly, understand value differences, and choose the right tour for your schedule and budget.
With over 15 years of experience and strong traveler reviews, we provide honest advice and personalized support from enquiry to departure. Whether you’re planning a short Addo getaway or a longer South Africa safari package, we’ll help you find the best fit.
Contact our safari experts to help you choose the right Addo tour.
Zambia's South Luangwa Game Park is included in over 20 African Budget Safaris in combination with a variety of other African Travel Highlights in several African countries. There is at least one short budget safari that explores South Luangwa exclusively, for those budget travellers wishing to visit the game park on its own.
South Luangwa Park is renowned for its excellent night game viewing drives, which are included in many of the budget safaris. On night drives a powerful spotlight is used to sight nocturnal creatures roaming in the bush. On South Luangwa safaris you get the chance to embark on a thrilling game walk (weather premitting), as well as 4x4 game drives.
Accommodation is generally in lodges and chalets, or camping in tents, along the Luangwa River.
Safaris including travel to South Luangwa range from 4 days to 42 days in length.
African Budget Safaris travelling to South Luangwa Park also visit top safari highlights in several other African countries including Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia.
Check out our selection of Budget Tours & Safaris to South Luangwa Park in Zambia.
African Budget Safaris offers over 20 Tours that visit Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park as part of a longer itinerary. These budget safaris range from 5 to 49 days in length, combining a variety of African Safari Highlights with game viewing in Hwange.
All of the budget safaris including Hwange Park also travel to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Most of our African Safaris to Hwange spend either an afternoon or a full day game viewing in this untamed Zimbabwean national park. Several of these affordable tours also visit the Hwange Wild Dog Project.
There is a huge variety of Overland Camping Tours to choose from, as the bulk of our Hwange Tours are Overland Camping Tours. Overland Camping Tours are our cheapest safaris options, along with Budget Camping Safaris, which makes Hwange part of our most affordable safari trips.
All of the budget tour options include accommodation either inside Hwange or near the national park.
There are a variety of safari combinations to choose from, ranging from tours that combine Zimbabwe with Botswana only, to numerous trips travelling to Zimbabwe and two other countries (most commonly South Africa, Botswana and/or Mozambique) and various trips to several African countries including Zimbabwe.
Take a look at our selection of Budget Safaris to Hwange Park in Zimbabwe.
As the safari hub of Botswana Maun offers a wide variety of safari options, mostly centred on Okavango Delta Safaris into the world's largest inland delta.
Fly-in Okavango Delta Safaris from Maun are very popular, as are scenic flights over the Okavango from Maun. Maun is ideally located for flights into and over the untamed delta and flying over this watery wilderness area is an excellent way to appreciate the scale and beauty of this remarkable wetland system.
Camping is a superb way to truly experience the wild delta with several affordable tours from Maun taking you deep into the delta bush. If you are looking for more comfort and prefer an accommodated safari, there are also budget lodge safaris into the delta, via Maun.
Overland Safaris from Maun travel into the delta by 4x4 safari vehicle and when water levels are high enough by motorboat, or in traditional dug-out canoes, called mokoros. For the mokoro trips, you will be taken to a mokoro station from Maun and poled into the Okavango Delta by an experienced local.
African Budget Safaris offers plenty of longer safari trips that travel via Maun through Botswana and other southern African countries. Many of the most popular Botswana budget safari options combine Maun, the Okavango Delta, Chobe Park, Victoria Falls, and even Moremi Reserve.
Longer safari routes including Maun as a stop, frequently explore the neighbouring countries of Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
Many of our East African Safaris visit, start and/or end in Arusha, the major access point for wildlife safaris to the popular Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
Choose from 4 day long tours to safaris over 40 days long, to Arusha and top safari highlights in the region, including top Tanzania safari parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara), and Zanzibar Islands.
Several Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours can also depart from Arusha.
Visit upcoming tours departing from Arusha to search for safaris departing from Arusha on your travel dates.
Many of these budget tours start or end in Dar es Salaam, or stop over en route to Zanzibar Island, with some including an overnight stay near one of the Dar es Salaam beaches.
The Overlanding Tours are medium to large group tours travelling by safari truck through Africa to various game parks and highlights, usually in more than one country. These tours are ideal for adventurous spirits and explore several destinations and/or regions on one trip. A wide selection of Overlanding Safaris is available, from tour itineraries to Tanzania and Zanzibar, or Tanzania and Victoria Falls, or combinations of several or all of the places listed below.
The East and Southern African Safari countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique.
Safari highlights visited in combination with Dar es Salaam include Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Northern Safari Circuit, Zanzibar, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund, Namib Desert , Cape Town, Kruger National Park and Tarangire National Park.
These are smaller group safaris travelling to selected African destinations over shorter periods of time, including off-the-beaten-track locations and some more unusual places. The budget safaris explore the lesser known Southern Tanzanian Game Parks of Mikumi Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains and Selous Game Reserve, starting and ending in Dar es Salaam.
This bustling urban destination serves as the gateway to safaris in Kenya and throughout East Africa. The streets of Nairobi throng with Kenyans and people of all nationalities, visiting and working in this ever-expanding capital city. Nairobi sees around 1 million tourists a year with the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, formerly Nairobi International Airport, being the largest and busiest airport in Kenya and the entire East African region.
With about 50 of our Budget African Safaris travelling to Nairobi, mostly starting or ending in the city, there are plenty of ways to see Nairobi.
A huge selection of Budget African Safaris travel via Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve and other top African game parks. Nairobi is about a 4-hour drive from the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve in the south-west of Kenya, making it the most popular access point for safaris to the game park.
For those with limited time, choose from short three or four-day Camping or Lodge Safaris from Nairobi to Masai Mara Game Reserve and back. If you have more time on your hands, there are loads of epic African Safaris lasting as long as one to nearly two months that visit both Nairobi and Masai Mara.
Visit Kenya's best game parks on African Budget Safaris from and/or to Nairobi. Hidden gems and highlights on Kenya safaris travelling to Nairobi include:
Nairobi is most popularly combined with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Game Viewing in Kenya and Tanzania's best parks.
Many of our East African Safaris start or end in Nairobi, visiting top game parks and destinations in several countries, including:
Livingstone serves as the major travel hub for safaris to Victoria Falls, as well as several top Game Parks in Zambia and surrounding African countries.
An extensive variety of Victoria Falls Safaris start and/or end in Livingstone or simply use the town as a base when visiting this natural wonder.
Moremi Safaris offer budget travellers the unique chance to explore the heart of the Okavango Delta in open safari vehicles and traditional dugout canoes, called mokoros.
Enjoy superb game viewing in the diverse, untamed and less visited Moremi area of the Okavango Delta. Most Moremi Reserve Safaris also visit other parts of the Okavango Delta, and offer the optional highlight of scenic Delta flights over this immense water system surrounded by the Kalahari Desert.
We offer various kinds of Safaris to Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, from Budget Camping and Budget Lodge to Exclusive Budget and Forty Plus Safaris.
These tour options ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime to the Moremi area of the Okavango Delta, experiencing Africa in the way that best suites you and your budget. Below are the various kinds of African Safaris to the beautiful Moremi Reserve in Botswana.
The exclusive 4x4 camping safaris to Moremi travel to the top Botswana game reserves of Savuti and/or Chobe National Park, as well as many of them visiting Victoria Falls in Zambia. Most of these budget Botswana Safaris also visit other parts of the famous Okavango Delta and some also travel to the Caprivi Strip in Namibia.
Exclusive Budget Safaris are comfortable camping safaris that combine luxury camping and lodge accommodation. This mix ensures that clients get the most out of their African Safari, with minimum effort and without compromising on quality. The exclusive camping safaris are a step up from standard camping safaris, but you still get right into the secluded bush and camp under the stars to truly experience the wilderness of Africa.
Camping Safaris to Botswana’s Moremi National Park are the best way to truly experience this watery wilderness from up close, being immersed in the African bush.
Most of the Budget Camping Safaris combine Botswana’s top game viewing destinations - the Okavango Delta, Chobe Park and Savuti with Moremi. Some of the camping tours include Victoria Falls and the Caprivi strip in Namibia and others visit the Makgadikgadi Pans and Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. One of these camping safaris also travels to the Liuwa Plains National Park, Sioma Falls and rural villages in Zambia.
A Budget Camping Safari requires a level of active participation from clients and entails camping in spacious, well-ventilated tents in the pristine game parks and the wild Moremi Reserve under starry Africa skies.
Budget Lodge Safaris are ideal for travellers who want explore the Moremi part of Botswana’s gem, the Okavango Delta, without camping out in the bush.
Accommodation selected for the Moremi Lodge Safaris offers great value for money in comfort. The Budget Lodge Safaris to Moremi Reserve also visit Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Savuti, Chobe National Park, and even Makgadikgadi Pans. Many of the Moremi Lodge Safaris travel to Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe and some include the Caprivi Strip of Namibia too.
Forty Plus Safaris are designed for active clients over the age of 40 who want to experience Africa with a greater level of comfort. These safaris provide groups of likeminded travelers with a safe and secure environment to experience Moremi and the Okavango Delta, along with other African highlights at a great price. Highlights include Victoria Falls in Zambia, the Delta, Chobe, and the Khama Wildlife Sanctuary, in combination with the beautiful Moremi Park.
For more information about safaris to the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, contact African Budget Safaris or check out the Moremi Budget Safaris on our website.
Most of our Namibian Safaris start in Windhoek, given its central location and good infrastructure (Namibia's only international airport is in Windhoek).
Several of the Namibia Safaris on offer end in Windhoek and many longer African Budget Safaris pass through the city as they travel through various African countries in the region.
Namibian Safaris depart from Windhoek, combining the capital city with top travel destinations in this vast southern African country.
Many of our African Budget Safaris go to Windhoek as part of a longer tour itinerary combining Namibia with other African countries.
Visit the dynamic city of Johannesburg on one of our short city tours or as part of a longer African Safari, combining a host of top travel destinations.
Johannesburg serves as the major travel hub for safaris to South Africa's premier game park, Kruger National Park; as well as several top Private Game Reserves in the area.
The extensive variety of Kruger Safaris, starting and ending in Johannesburg, range from camping and treehouse accommodation to luxury lodge safaris.
Some of our budget safaris combine game viewing in Kruger Park with Soweto Township Tours in Johannesburg - an excellent mix of unique cultural and wildlife experiences in South Africa.
Sabi Sand, one of South Africa’s top game reserves, is a 65,000 hectare private reserve within Greater Kruger National Park, sharing a 50 km unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park.
The Sabi Sand Reserve generally offers upmarket safari accommodation for an exclusive safari experience, but we offer some affordable tour packages with lodge accommodation in the Sabi Sand Reserve or camping at an Exclusive Tented Camp bordering the reserve.
The Sabi Sand Safaris start and end in Johannesburg and include the scenic Panorama Route. There are also tours from Johannesburg that combine Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Reserve, as well as other top private game reserves in and around Greater Kruger.
Our Sabi Sand Safaris are unique safari packages because they offer the budget traveler an exclusive safari experience with comfortable lodge accommodation inside the Sabi Sands Game Reserve but at an excellent price. Sabi Sand lodges are usually more exclusive than Kruger National Park lodges, which is what makes these more accessible budget Sabi Sand Safaris special.
African Budget Safaris is able to offer budget Sabi Sands Safari package deals because we have partnered with the best value-for-money lodges inside Sabi Sands Game Reserve. This means, in addition to offering you great safari deals, we can almost guarantee availability in this sought-after private reserve.
On our Sabi Sand Safaris, you can choose to visit the Sabi Sands Game Reserve exclusively or combine Sabi Sands with Kruger National Park visiting two of South Africa's top safari destinations on one trip. The Sabi Sands Safaris take you on thrilling game drives in the morning and afternoon/evening in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Both game drives and bush walks in Sabi Sands Game Reserve are conducted by trained and experienced safari guides with extensive knowledge about the game park and its wildlife. An armed guide accompanies visitors on the bush walks to ensure their safety from predators.
The Sabi Sand game viewing experience is a rewarding and intimate wildlife adventure with safari vehicles often getting as close as three to four meters from the wildlife. Game rangers in private game reserves like Sabi Sands keep in contact via radio, instantly alerting safari groups in the vicinity of a wildlife sighting. This radio contact coupled with the relatively small size of Sabi Sands Game Reserve almost guarantees superb wildlife sightings in the game park.
Our Sabi Sand Safaris cater to budget-conscious travelers, typically including expenses such as park entry fees, transfers to the park, meals on the tour itinerary as well as game viewing drives and bush walks.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the coveted 'Seven Summits'. It is a dormant volcano and comparatively easy to climb when compared with peaks of a similar scale, however, altitude is a factor and a good level of fitness, as well as acclimatisation, is essential to improve your chances of summiting.
We offer several Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours and one of our Overland Camping Tours travels via the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania offering excellent views of Africa's highest mountain. The Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours are about a week long and range in levels of difficulty and distance. More about the Hiking Tours up Kilimanjaro:
The most popular route up Kilimanjaro, the Marangu Route is the easiest and shortest route to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain. This popular hiking trail is called the "Coca-Cola" or "tourist" route. The Marangu route is the only Kilimanjaro trail that offers the luxury of sleeping huts at all of the overnight camp stops en route. The Marangu route takes 5 days, or it can be done over a more leisurely 6 days for those who prefer to spend more time acclimatizing.
The Machame trail is the most scenic route up Kilimanjaro and the second most popular, after the Marangu Route. The Machame Route is the steepest route up the towering Kilimanjaro and is generally tackled by fit climbers with some hiking experience. The Machame Route up Kilimanjaro is also known as the “Whiskey” route and takes 6 days. Accommodation is in tents and meals are served in the tents or on picnic blankets if the weather permits.
One of the most scenic routes up Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route, is also the longest major route climbing Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho Route is one of the less crowded Kilimanjaro trails and on the first day of the hike, climbers get to see plenty of game. The Lemosho hiking route takes 8 days and costs more than the other routes because it is longer and the trailhead is more remote. One of the benefits of choosing the longer Lemosho Route up Kilimanjaro is that you get to acclimatize better increasing your chances of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
This is one of the easiest and least travelled hiking routes up the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the relative ease of the Rongai Route, your chances of summiting are very high. The Rongai Route begins just south of the Kenyan Border, starting on the North side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Umbwe Route is one of the shortest, but also one of the most challenging routes up Kilimanjaro. The Umbwe hiking route is one of the least used routes up Kilimanjaro, due to its level of difficulty and therefore avoids much of the crowding experienced at some of the campsites in season. Even though it is shorter than the other hikes up Kilimanjaro the Umbwe Route still leaves enough time for proper acclimatization. This hiking trail is considered one of the most scenic routes up Kilimanjaro.
The Shira Route is a short, challenging and uncrowded route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro’s Shira Route generally appeals to climbers with previous hiking experience and the trail is fairly quiet due to its level of difficulty. The long 4X4 ride to the trailhead provides beautiful views of the Great Rift Valley and Tanzania's second-highest summit, Mt. Meru, and wildlife can sometimes be spotted en route.
Check out our Kilimanjaro Tours or read more about Tanzania in our Tanzania Travel Guide.
Etosha is Namibia’s top wildlife destination offering mind-blowing game viewing. This secures Etosha National Park safaris a place among the best in Africa.
In the summer months, rain turns the arid landscape lush, and a plethora of migratory birds arrive to breed. The most memorable - the colourful flocks of greater and lesser flamingos and pelicans that breed on the Etosha Pan.
In winter, the pan shrinks to a shimmering white wasteland. The lack of water robs the landscape of life. Animals great and small congregate en mass around the watering holes throughout the park. Etosha Park is well-known for its lit watering holes where visitors can see endangered black rhinos at night.
The dry season wildlife phenomenon of an Etosha safari is an awe-inspiring procession of Africa’s most impressive wildlife.
Most Etosha National Park safaris start and end in Namibia's capital city of Windhoek. Guided safari tours include transfers to and from the park, as well as game drives and park entry fees. Some Etosha safaris visit Etosha National Park exclusively. These shorter trips are ideal for those on a tight schedule. Other safari tours combine Etosha with top Namibia travel highlights, such as Sossusvlei Dunes, Sesriem Canyon and Swakopmund.
For those with extra time, there are longer African safaris that combine Etosha and other popular places. These include Victoria Falls, Botswana's Okavango Delta, Kruger or Cape Town in South Africa, Mozambique, and Malawi, among others.
Accommodation in Etosha National Park is in lodges or camping at the rest camps - Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni camp. The rest camps feature floodlit waterholes where you can watch animals at night. They offer various tourist facilities, such as restaurants, shops and swimming pools.
Etosha National Park is in the southern African country of Namibia which lies on the southwest coast of Africa. In the far north of Namibia, in the remote Kunene region, sits Etosha National Park. Isolated and remote, the park is accessible on an Etosha safari tour, in a 4x4, or on a self-drive safari. Etosha is a 6-hour, 435 km / 270-mile drive north of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city.
Namibia is one of the most popular southern African safari destinations. African Budget Safaris has 126 tours that visit Etosha National Park - including lodge safaris, camping safaris, overland tours, and private safaris.
Highlights of Namibian Safaris include the Skeleton Coast, the Waterberg Plateau, Seisriem Canyon, Spitzekop, Soussusvlei, Himba cultural experiences, Windhoek, and more.
Overland Etosha Safaris cater to adventurous travellers seeking an unforgettable journey through southern Africa.
African Budget Safaris has 57 Overland Safaris that visit Etosha National Park in Namibia. These tours include Lodge Overland Tours, Camping Overland Tours, Family Overland Safaris, Senior Overland Tours, and Exclusive Overland Safaris.
These overland tours range from family-friendly 11-day overland tours to epic 43-day Cape to Kenya overland adventures. Many Namibia Overland Safaris begin in Windhoek and visit Spitzkoppe, Sossusvlei, the Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, and Etosha. Longer overland trips will make their way through Botswana's Chobe and Okavango Delta to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The longest trips start in Cape Town or Nairobi and take in all the safari highlights of southern and eastern Africa.
Camping Overland Safaris are well-suited for young, active travellers. They provide a more rugged hands-on experience. The Exclusive Overland Safaris are popular among older individuals seeking a higher level of comfort during their African adventures.
The overland tours offer a range of experiences, from basic camping to more exclusive and comfortable safaris. This enables travellers to choose the option that best fits their preferences, budget, and travel style.
Custom Etosha Safaris put you in control of your trip. As do private safaris, to a lesser or greater extent - depending on your preferences.
Generally, these safaris cater for smaller groups and offer a higher level of comfort. Our African travel experts can help you design your own private safari that suits your unique preferences and budget. Whether you're passionate about photography, adventure sports, cycling, birding, or other activities, we can tailor a trip for you.
African Budget Safaris has over 16 years of experience and a vast network of safari partners across Africa. We have the expertise to tailor-make your dream safari.
We can fully adapt a Private African Safari to your needs or you can book a sample private safari as is. We work with you at every stage to create a customized safari that suits your budget. This gives you flexibility in your travels and allows you to experience a safari tailored to your needs.
Camping Etosha Safaris provide an affordable and immersive way to experience the treasures of Namibia. Camping allows travellers to connect with the wide open spaces of this incredible country.
Camping safaris offer a unique opportunity to explore Namibia’s epic landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and incredible wildlife. All while camping under some of the brightest stars in the world. Camping Etosha Safaris are as short as 3 days, or longer trips that take in more of Namibia.
Budget Camping Safaris are ideal for people seeking an authentic and budget-friendly African adventure. They enable budget-conscious visitors to witness first-hand the Namibia deserts, Spitzkop, Damaraland, and Etosha National Park.
Lodge Etosha Safaris offer a comfortable alternative for travellers who prefer not to camp. Lodge Etosha Safaris provide comfortable stays in lodges selected for their value for money and reliable service. While lodge safaris require less active participation than camping safaris, they still provide access to the best Namibian safari destinations, including Etosha National Park. The lodges, typically range from small 1- to 3-star establishments, offering a more comfortable and convenient base.
Lodge safaris are well-suited for those seeking a balance between comfort and adventure. These trips allow travellers to experience the remarkable wildlife of Southern Africa without compromising on quality or cost.
Start by browsing our Namibia Safari Tours or talk to one of our African safari experts and start planning your Etosha Safari today.
One of Africa’s most iconic wildlife areas, the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania offers breathtaking scenery as the largest unbroken and un-flooded caldera in the world. It is also one the top Big 5 safari destinations in Africa, hosting large populations of the Big 5 African animals (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) as well as plenty of other wildlife species, like hippo, zebra, gazelle, warthog, wildebeest and eland.
On a Ngorongoro Crater safari, you'll be driven down to the floor of the Crater, a descent of some 600 meters (2000 feet), for a half-day or full-day game-viewing adventure in this unique wildlife sanctuary. Known as “the Garden of Eden”, the Ngorongoro Crater has steep, forested walls inhabited by monkeys, small game, and vibrant birdlife. The steep walls act as a natural barricade, making the crater a remarkable haven for wildlife.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania offers several attractions for visitors to explore. One of the most significant prehistoric sites in the area is the Olduvai Gorge, where fossilized evidence of our hominid lineage has been found, while the Laetoli Footprints are also worth exploring. In addition, visitors can check out the Empakaai and Olmoti Crater, Olduvai Gorge Museum, and Ndutu Lake area, which hosts some of the Great Wildebeest Migration mega herds.
The Ngorongoro Crater is located in northern Tanzania on the Eastern Great Rift Valley arm. Spanning 260 km², it is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, an 8000 km² conservation concession that borders the Serengeti National Park, Loliondo and Lake Natron Game Controlled Areas, and the Masawa Game Reserve. The Ngorongoro Crater lies 120 km / 75 miles west of the town of Arusha and lies on Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit that includes the Serengeti, Tarangire, Kilimanjaro, and Lake Manyara.
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Size: The Ngorongoro Crater is approximately 16 km (10 miles) in diameter, has walls that rise to 610 meters (2,000 feet) in height, and covers a surface area of around 260 km² (100 miles²). Wildlife: The crater is home to the Big 5 African animals (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), as well as wildebeest, zebra, eland, and a plethora of smaller game, predators, and birds. Scenery: A Ngorongoro Crater safari offers breathtaking views of the crater and some of the most scenic trips anywhere in Africa, making it a hugely popular photographic destination. Status: The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. |
Various types of African safaris visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, catering to different preferences and budgets. These Tanzania safaris range from short, budget options to longer overland tours, with accommodations varying from basic campsites to small 1 to 3-star lodges.
When it comes to group safari tours, the group size ranges from small groups of about 7 guests to large groups of about 20 guests. The various group safaris offer different types of accommodation. These guided tours include budget safaris that stay at basic campsites and/or affordable safari lodges. A step up, you get mid-range lodge and tented camping safaris, then there are small group tours and more luxurious lodge safaris.
Then there are private safaris that can be customized to individual interests such as photography, adventure sports, or birding.
A Custom Ngorongoro Crater Safari puts you in control of your itinerary. Our experienced African travel experts help you design a private tour that aligns with your unique preferences and budget. Whether you're passionate about photography, cycling, birding, or other activities, we can tailor a trip to suit you. With over 16 years of experience and a vast network of partners across Africa, we possess the expertise to customize your journey. Our private African safari tours are fully adaptable to your needs and can be booked as is or personalized. We work with you at every stage to create a customized trip that suits your budget, offering flexibility in your itinerary, and allowing you to experience a safari tailored to your needs.
Africa Overland Tours that visit Ngorongoro Crater are ideal for adventurous travellers. These tours include Lodge Overland Tours, Camping Overland Tours, and Exclusive Overland Safaris that visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania as part of longer itineraries. The Camping Overland Tours are well-suited for young, active travellers, providing a more rugged hands-on African experience. Exclusive Overland Safaris are popular among older individuals seeking a higher level of comfort during their bush adventures. These tours offer a range of experiences, from basic camping to more exclusive and comfortable safaris, allowing travellers to choose the option that best fits their preferences, budget, and travel style.
Camping Safaris provide affordable and immersive ways to experience the African wilderness, allowing travellers to connect with nature and witness the region's abundant wildlife. These budget safaris offer a unique opportunity to explore the Ngorongoro Crater and its diverse ecosystems while camping under the African sky. Budget Camping Safaris are well-suited for those seeking an authentic and budget-friendly adventure, with the chance to observe a wide variety of wildlife. Additionally, these safaris offer half-day or full-day game-viewing adventures on the crater floor, providing a truly unforgettable yet affordable African safari experience.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Safaris offer a comfortable alternative for travellers who prefer not to camp. These lodge safaris provide comfortable accommodation in lodges selected for their value for money and reliable service. While they require less active participation than camping safaris, they still provide access to Africa's top wilderness areas, including the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. The lodges, typically ranging from small 1 to 3-star establishments, offer a more comfortable base for exploring the region. This option is well-suited for those seeking a balance between comfort and adventure, allowing travellers to experience the remarkable wildlife and stunning landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area without compromising on quality or affordability.
For more details about Ngorongoro Crater safari options, talk to one of our friendly African Budget Safaris
The Garden Route is one of the most scenic coastal areas of South Africa, stretching from Mossel Bay in the west to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River in the east.
Garden Route Tours are popular attracting diverse visitors to the beautiful beaches, lagoons, mountains and indigenous forests in this part of South Africa. Several charming coastal towns and quaint inland villages dot the Garden Route, including George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Sedgefield, Glentana, Hartenbos, De Rust, Great and Little Brak River and more.
The Garden Route is an ideal travel destination, lying within easy reach of the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town in the picturesque Western Cape and not far from the rustic Eastern Cape and Wild Coast leading on to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal on the East Coast of South Africa. With its mild climate, breathtaking scenery, and excellent tourist infrastructure, it's no wonder Garden Route Tours appeal to diverse holidaymakers. The Garden Route in South Africa boasts excellent roads, plenty of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets and a wide variety of adventure activities. It is a diverse area of striking natural beauty with something unique to offer adventure seekers, families and couples in search of a romantic getaway.
The Garden Route Tours we offer range from 5 days to 42 days in length and vary from Budget Lodge to Camping Overland and Self-Drive Safaris and more, so there is something for everyone visiting this picturesque part of South Africa. Our guided Garden Route Tours include transport, accommodation, selected activities and meals, and professional guides.
The Garden Route covers the southern coastal belt of South Africa, encompassing ten nature reserves that embrace a variety of ecosystems and several unique marine reserves. The main towns on the Garden Route are Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley. On Garden Route Tours highlights include the world’s highest Bungee Jump at Bloukrans Bridge, top golf courses in George, ostriches and the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, the beaches of Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness, Knysna’s oyster festival and the Indigenous Tsitsikamma forest.
George is the largest town on the Garden Route and one of South Africa’s oldest. Known as "The Gateway to the Garden Route", the town is set on a fertile coastal plateau at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and is best known for its superb golfing. George is home to three of the top golf courses in South Africa, amongst them the famous 18-hole course at Fancourt Golf Estate, designed by Gary Player.
George is one of the most convenient entry points to the Garden Route boasting a domestic airport. Although George does not lie on the coast it is close enough to Victoria Bay to offer swimming, surfing, scuba diving and whale watching as activities, in addition to mountain biking and hiking in the Outeniqua Mountains.
Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of South Africa with one of the largest ostrich populations in the world, which means that this is the place to see the big birds, buy ostrich feathers and eggs, ride them and taste ostrich biltong and so on. The small town of Oudtshoorn lies in the Little Karoo or “Klein Karoo” as it is known in Afrikaans, not far from the Cango Caves. The Cango Caves are considered one of the top natural wonders of South Africa, consisting of giant underground caverns and narrow passageways. Those who are not too claustrophobic can take a walking tour through the well-lit stalagmites and stalactites in the extensive limestone chambers of the Cango Caves.
Mossel Bay is the place for museums and sports, boasting several interesting museums and sandy beaches. Activities to keep the traveler enthralled include shark cage diving; shipwreck diving; snorkeling; power boating and golfing, bungee jumping, quad biking and more.
Wilderness has become a sought-after holiday destination on Garden Route Tours with its long white beach and watery lagoons. Wilderness is a particularly good choice for surfers, birders and fishing enthusiasts.
Activities in the Wilderness include hiking, hang-gliding, paragliding, horse riding, and mountain biking. There are lots of water-related activities too, such as ferry cruises, angling, boating and dolphin and whale watching amongst others. The wetlands and fynbos of the Wilderness National Park attract 250 species of birds including kingfishers and the striking Knysna Loerie.
The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is renowned for its indigenous forests, superb hiking trails and rugged coastline. Tsitsikamma is a popular hiking destination, boasting excellent trails such as the Otter Trail, as well as playing an important role in conservation as one of the oldest marine reserves in Africa. Tsitsikamma is an excellent Garden Route stop for nature lovers as it offers spectacular scenery where the forests and dramatic cliffs meet the ocean in an area rich in fauna and fauna. Tsitsikamma is also a good choice for birders being home to various coastal and forest species, including the Knysna Loerie.
Plettenberg Bay is a holiday resort town with sweeping beaches, rivers and forests. Known as Plett this is a good stop for the active and adventurous, offering plenty of sporting activities and a lively nightlife. You can choose between fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, surfing and scuba diving to name a few. The Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary where primates roam freely through the forest lies near Plettenberg Bay. You can take a guided forest walk in this natural environment to encounter various primates ranging from gibbons to lemurs to capuchins to squirrel monkeys.
The last scheduled passenger steam train operating in Africa, the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, is one of the most popular day-long Garden Route Tours. The Outeniqua Choo tjoe runs from George and Knysna, passing through spectacular coastal scenery and providing excellent photographic opportunities for travelling at its leisurely pace.
The climate of the Garden Route is mild all year round making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities including:
Hiking, swimming, diving, fishing, golfing, ostrich riding, whale-watching, bird watching, bungee jumping, paragliding, canoeing, surfing, cycling, horse riding and much more.
Widely rated as the best wildlife park in the world, Serengeti is a legendary African safari destination. The iconic Serengeti National Park is famous for its spectacular Great Migration. This epic migration of around 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, unfolds across its vast plains every year. Serengeti is Tanzania's premier safari destination for good reason. It is also home to the largest concentration of wildlife in Africa covering an impressive 14 763 km² (5,700 mi²) in the northwest of Tanzania to the south-western border with Kenya. Serengeti Safaris offer some of Africa’s most breathtaking scenery, iconic savannahs dotted with acacia trees, granite kopjes, and crocodile-infested rivers.
The Serengeti's Great Migration is the largest and longest overland migration in the world. 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles stampede across the African bushveld in search of water and fresh grazing. With such a high concentration of large mammals, the Serengeti also has the largest population of wild lions in Africa. In addition to the prides of hungry lions, the Serengeti National Park is a great place to witness cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, as well as smaller predators like caracal and serval cats.
David Atteborough's "Greatest Show on Earth", covers almost 1000 km annually (some 600 miles), north and then south in a circular migration. Although the timing of this breathtaking year-round migration differs according to the timing of the seasonal rains, the wildebeest generally gather in the south from late December through March before moving north through the western corridor from April to May. The massive herds cross the Mara River around September before starting the movement south again in October or November.
The Serengeti National Park is one of several national parks that make up the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem. The name Serengeti is derived from the Maa word 'siringet' which means 'land that runs on forever' in the Maasai language. The Serengeti was declared a world heritage site in 1979, and is Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. The Serengeti National Park has also been proclaimed one of the 7 wonders of the world. The Serengeti consists of a variety of different habitats, including grassland plains, kopjes, riverine forests, swamps, and woodlands, supporting a high variety of wildlife species.
The Serengeti National Park can be divided into four distinct sections, the Western Corridor, the Northern Lobo area that extends northwards to Kenya's Masai Mara, the Seronera Valley and Seronera River area, and the Southern Serengeti where the mega herds gather to calve in January and February. The world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge, home to some of the oldest fossils of early humans, are found in this Southern Serengeti area, and were in fact, part of the Serengeti National Park until 1959.
Tanzania's Serengeti National Park offers superb game-viewing all year round when vast herds of buffalo, eland, topi, waterbuck, impala, kongoni, and Grant’s gazelle can be seen grazing in the thousands. The Serengeti is famous not only for its migrating wildebeest and herbivores but also for its high concentration of big cats who are attracted by the abundance of prey. This epic safari park is also home to smaller cats, such as the caracal and serval, as well as jackal, fox, mongoose, and genet. Other species found in the Serengeti area include crocodiles, hedgehogs, shrews, agama lizards, snakes, and dung beetles. Africa’s Big 5 are also abundant in the Serengeti, with giraffes, warthogs, baboons, and African Wild Dogs also inhabiting this flagship wildlife park. The Serengeti National Park hosts around 500 bird species, including the black eagle, secretary bird, Kori bustard, shrikes, ostrich, crowned crane, and marabou storks, as well as endemic species like the gorgeous Fischer's Love bird.
African Budget safaris offer a variety of Serengeti Safari Packages ranging from a 4-day Serengeti Lodge Safari to a 56-day Camping Overland Tour. The various tour types cater to different travellers' needs, including itineraries that combine different safari destinations suited to a wide range of budgets, interests, and timeframe requirements. We offer the following types of Serengeti Safaris:
Our Tanzania Safaris to the Serengeti National Park focus on game-viewing in this stunning wilderness area teeming with wildlife.
For more information about Serengeti Safaris contact: African Budget Safaris
One of Africa's premier national parks, the Masai Mara in Kenya is arguably the most famous African safari destination.
The world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's flagship national park. With sweeping plains that seem to stretch to the end of the world, abundant wildlife - including the Big 5 - and the breathtaking annual Great Migration, the Masai Mara is a dream safari destination.
The Masai Mara is teeming with wildlife such as wildebeest, giraffes, baboons, warthogs, bat-eared foxes, grey jackals, spotted hyenas, topis, impalas, and hartebeest. This Kenya national park is also home to numerous elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and hippos.
Masai Mara hosts thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, which embark on the phenomenal annual migration, known as the Great Migration. These herbivores migrate north from the Serengeti in about July and return again in about November, crossing the Mara River in search of water and fresh grazing.
This dramatic spectacle is one of the most impressive natural phenomena on earth, especially watching the herbivores plunge into the Mara River where crocodiles and hippos lie waiting. The high concentration of grazers, in turn, attracts impressive numbers of predators. Lions are commonly sighted in Masai Mara with cheetahs and leopards being harder to spot but still reasonably common.
The Masai Mara Park is also renowned for superb sightings of Africa’s Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. The Masai Mara National Reserve is also rich in birdlife, including migrants, with over 450 species recorded, of which 57 species are birds of prey.
The seasonally well-watered plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti offer a generous ecosystem in which some of the largest populations of many animals live: hundreds of thousands of zebra, over a million wildebeest, a quarter of a million Thomson's gazelle, to name just three.
Add to this elephant, giraffe, hippos, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and many more, with an enormous array of birds, and you're in safari heaven.
While many of the herds are seasonally seen according to their migratory routes, most of them have permanent populations in the park, too.
Known in the 'olden days' as the five most sought-after animals to hunt, these five are now - thank goodness - sought for shooting of a different kind: the kind that involves just a camera.
Masai Mara has healthy populations of all five - lion, elephant, Cape Buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. It is not unheard of to manage to spot all five on a good day out in the park.
All of the favorites call the Masai Mara home. Zebra, giraffe, and over fourteen species of antelope graze on Mara's plains amongst warthog, hyenas, mongoose, monkeys and elephants.
Around the rivers, crocodiles lie in wait for prey while hippos grunt in the water and birds twitter in the trees.
Besides the regal lion, Masai Mara has leopard, cheetah, and the smaller African Wild Cat, caracal, and serval cats.
A sighting of one of these predators in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With over 450 species of bird in the Masai Mara, this is a birdwatcher's paradise.
From tiny, brightly-colored sunbirds to lanky ostriches and 57 species of raptor, you'll definitely not want to leave your binoculars at home!
Over and above all the big game, the Park is crawling (literally) with fascinating insects like the dung beetle, reptiles like lizards and slithering snakes and the ever-so-slow, but very beautiful, tortoise.
A guided walking safari is highly recommended to allow you to see these wonderful creatures up close and get a real African experience.
Masai Mara is the traditional home of the semi-nomadic Maasai people, whose culture and way of life have remained relatively intact for hundreds of years.
Visiting the Masai Mara reserve is more than a wildlife experience as it offers insight into the culture of the native Maasai communities of Kenya.
Masai Mara Safaris with African Budget Safaris range from 3-day Budget Camping Safaris to epic Overland Africa Tours traveling through east and southern Africa for over a month. There are many different types of safaris to Masai Mara in Kenya, including Camping Overland Tours, Accommodated Overland Tours, Exclusive Overland Safaris, Budget Camping Safaris, and Budget Lodge Safaris.
Comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles are used on game drives in the Masai Mara and accommodation is selected for its remoteness and value for money.
Hot-air balloon trips can be arranged on most of our affordable Masai Mara Safaris as optional extras. Hot-air balloon safaris in Masai Mara offer an unforgettable way of viewing the grassland plains and abundant wildlife. The balloon rides over the vast Masai Mara are followed by a champagne breakfast in a beautiful setting, completing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Masai Mara offers exceptional photographic opportunities attracting photographers from across the world. From the brightly-robed Maasai people and the wide open savannahs to the abundance of wildlife and birds, and the Great Migration, Masai Mara is ideal for photography.
Contact us to book your Masai Mara Safari or plan a customized Private Kenya Safari.
The most unique aspect of Okavango Delta Safaris is the opportunity to explore this intricate network of pristine waterways in traditional dugout canoes, called mokoros, enjoying superb game viewing in the untamed African bush. Another highlight of safaris to the Okavango Delta is the option of taking scenic flights over this immense water system set in the Kalahari Desert.
We offer various kinds of Safaris to Botswana's Okavango Delta, from Budget and Overland Camping to Exclusive Budget, Fly-in, Accommodated and Family Safaris. These tour options ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime to the Okavango Delta, experiencing Africa in the way that best suites you and your budget. Below are the various kinds of African Safaris to the mysterious Delta in Botswana.
The exclusive 4x4 camping safaris to Okavango Delta generally travel through Botswana's top game reserves such as Moremi, Savuti and Chobe National Parks. Many of the comfortable camping safaris visit Victoria Falls and the Caprivi Strip or Namib Desert in Namibia and some include South African highlights too. Exclusive Budget Safaris combine luxury camping and lodge accommodation so that clients get the most out of their African Safari, with minimum effort and without compromising on quality. These budget camping safaris are a step up from standard camping safaris, but still get you into the secluded bush where you camp under the stars and truly experience the wilderness of Africa.
Camping Safaris to Botswana’s Okavango Delta are the best way to truly experience this watery wilderness from up close, being immersed in the African bush. Some of the Budget Camping Safaris combine Botswana’s top game parks, Chobe, Savuti and Moremi National parks with the Okavango Delta and others include Victoria Falls and Kruger National Park in South Africa. A Budget Camping Safari requires a level of active participation from clients and entails camping in spacious, well-ventilated tents in the pristine and wild Okavango Delta under the Africa stars.
Budget Lodge Safaris are ideal for travellers who want explore Botswana’s gem, the Okavango Delta, without camping out in the bush. Accommodation selected for the Okavango Lodge Safaris offers great value for money in comfort. The Budget Lodge Safaris to the Okavango Delta also visit Botswana’s Moremi, Savuti and Chobe National Parks, as well as Victoria Falls and some include the highlights of Namibia too.
Overland safaris are best suited to free-spirited and adventurous budget travelers who are looking for the African journey of a lifetime. These overland tours call for teamwork, do not always run according to schedule and require active participation of varying levels depending on the type of tour - Camping, Family, Exclusive or Accommodated Overland Safari.
The Camping Overland Tours make use of two-man dome tents while Accommodated Overland Tours offer the comfort of 2-3 star lodge or similar accommodation. The Exclusive Overlanding Tours consist of smaller group sizes, enable access to more exclusive areas and generally appeal to an older crowd. Family Overlanding Tours cater for travel with children, covering shorter distances at a time. All of the Overland Tours make use of large trucks especially designed for travel in Africa. Overland Safaris that include the Okavango Delta also visit highlights in Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya - depending on the tour you pick!
Forty Plus Safaris are designed for active clients over the age of 40 who want to experience Africa with a certain level of comfort. These safaris provide groups of likeminded travelers with a safe and secure environment to experience the Okavango Delta and other African highlights at a great price. Highlights include Victoria Falls, Moremi, Chobe, and the Khama Wildlife Sanctuary incombination with the famous Delta.
A motorbike safari offers a thrilling way of travelling through Africa in a small group with other biking enthusiasts, taking in spectacular views and African scenery and camping out under the stars off the beaten track. The Okavango Delta Motorbike Safari takes a route through some of South Africa, Botswana and to Victoria Falls in Zambia.
Okavango Delta 4x4 safaris allow clients to get out into the heart of the bush and plains of Botswana and the Kalahari of Namibia. Game viewing in Etosha and Chobe National Parks and exploring the dunes of the Namib as well as adventuring deep into the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta.
For more information about safaris to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, contact African Budget Safaris.
The Zanzibar Archipelago is a group of small islands lying off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, known for its white sandy beaches, exotic spices and rich history. Zanzibar with its idyllic beaches and fascinating culture is a popular holiday destination consisting of two main islands: Unguja and Pemba.
The rich history of Zanzibar owes its role as one of the major bases for explorations of the new territories in East Africa. This rich cultural heritage along with its pristine beaches and exotic spices is what makes Zanzibar a top travel destination.
Most of our Zanzibar safaris visit the island of Unguja, where Zanzibar City and its old quarter, Stone Town, are located. The ancient Stone Town is a World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical value making it the cultural highlight of Zanzibar.
In Stone Town, you can see the blend of African and Arabic cultural influences that have shaped Zanzibar today. This ancient quarter consists of a network of winding alleyways featuring unique old buildings, lively bazaars, Arabic-style shops and mosques. The markets of Zanzibar's capital, are also worth visiting to experience the bustle of trading and the enticing aroma of spices.
Zanzibar features palm-fringed, sandy white beaches that stretch on for miles, ideal for spending lazy days relaxing at the water’s edge or swimming in the tropical waters. Snorkelling and diving are popular activities in Zanzibar, reputed to offer some of the best diving in the world. The colourful coral reefs, variety of fish and rich marine life draw divers to explore the gentle waters.
In addition to scuba diving and snorkelling, Zanzibar offers activities such as deep-sea fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing on traditional dhows. Zanzibar has a variety of restaurants to choose from, offering fresh seafood, with crayfish being a popular speciality. At the seafront market, visitors can enjoy inexpensive yet delicious seafood whilst mingling with the locals of Zanzibar. Zanzibar Island is also known for the endangered red colobus monkeys found here. This endangered primate has been adopted as the flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar.
There are various day tours in Zanzibar, including:
Our budget Zanzibar vacations range from accommodated or camping 5-day trips to Zanzibar exclusively to epic 56-day Overland Tours travelling through east and southern Africa.
You can choose from Budget Lodge Safaris, Camping Overland and Accommodated Overland Safaris, which combine Tanzania Safaris with a cultural and beach holiday in Zanzibar. Several of our Zanzibar vacations also visit the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Dar es Salaam and Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Other top destinations combined with Zanzibar vacations include Kenya, Malawi, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
Our budget Zanzibar vacations mostly take you to the northeast of the main island to enjoy the white beaches stopping in Stone Town to experience the diverse cultures and rich heritage of Zanzibar Island.
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is a bucket list destination for many when planning a trip to Africa. When going to Victoria Falls you can choose from camping, family and overland tours to lodge and exclusive budget safaris. This mighty waterfall is usually the starting or ending point on these African safaris that range in length from 3 to 56 days.
Victoria Falls Lodge Safaris in the overland variety include accommodation in basic 2-3 star chalets, bungalows, traditional huts or permanent tents with 2 people sharing a room. Upgrades are usually available upon arrival at your own expense. On Lodge Overland Tours, some participation is required, usually with meal preparation. Overland Lodge Victoria Falls Tours are a great way to see this part of Africa in a group, with a degree of added comfort. There is a wide selection of accommodated Overland Victoria Falls Tours to choose from which visit top destinations in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mozambique, Malawi and Kenya. These Victoria Falls Tours go to the best game reserves and top tourist attractions in the various countries visited, and the mighty Victoria Falls.
Our Overland style Victoria Falls Camping Safaris travel by overland truck and stop at either Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe. These overland Victoria Falls Safaris usually involve camping under the African stars at rest camps or in the bush.
Our short Victoria Falls Tours are a fantastic add-on to any safari starting or ending at Victoria Falls. These accommodated 3-Day Victoria Falls safari packages are ideal for those with limited time, allowing you to maximise your stay and enjoy the best sights and activities at Vic Falls. Our short Victoria Falls Safaris in Zimbabwe and Zambia include a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a Chobe Safari in Botswana, a half-day Zambezi Canoe Trip, a Cultural Village Tour, and a Helicopter Flight over Victoria Falls. These short Victoria Falls Tours in Zimbabwe and Zambia offer comfortable hotel accommodations.
Budget Lodge Victoria Falls Safaris include an assortment of accommodation types that offer great comfort at affordable prices. Accommodation is mostly in 2 to 3-star establishments, although some safaris use 4 and 5-star establishments. Each establishment is chosen for its reputation and service delivery. Lodge Victoria Falls Safaris stay at hotels, backpackers and guesthouses in bungalows, twin rooms and even treehouses! Generally, Budget Lodge Safaris enable you to see Africa in comfort and style at a great price! Lodge Victoria Falls Safaris range from 7 to 22 days in length, combining Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe with Victoria Falls in different itineraries. Highlights include Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans, Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Moremi and Savuti.
Most of the Camping Victoria Falls Safaris include accommodation in spacious walk-in tents designed for the African Bush. Camping Victoria Falls Safaris usually require a certain level of active participation from you. Camping Safaris generally appeal to active clients who want to experience Africa in its purest form. Camping at Victoria Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a truly immersive African trip on which you sleep under the stars. The budget camping Victoria Falls Safaris range from week-long to 16-day safari trips, many of which depart from Johannesburg in South Africa or Windhoek in Namibia. Highlights on the various camping Victoria Falls Safaris include the Okavango Delta Panhandle, San bushmen villages and Chobe National Park in Botswana, Namibia's Etosha National Park, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and of course the mighty Victoria Falls.
Small Group Victoria Falls Safari Tours cater to more discerning travellers who still want a genuine African experience. Most of these exclusive safaris are conducted in 4x4 Land Cruisers, air-conditioned minibuses or small overland trucks. Exclusive Small Group Safaris generally make use of luxury camping facilities or a combination of camping and 2 to 3-star lodge accommodation. The campsites used on Small Group Safaris are chosen for their remoteness and exclusivity ensuring you privacy and a real sense of being in the African Bush. Minimal to no participation is required and group sizes are limited. Small Group Victoria Falls Safaris travel to the top game reserves of Chobe, Savuti, Moremi and the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Sossusvlei and the Caprivi Strip in Namibia, Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique are also visited in combination with Victoria Falls on some of the Small Group Victoria Falls Safaris.
Our collection of Victoria Falls Safaris and Tours includes safaris designed with children in mind - combining premier African game reserves with plenty of adventure activities to ensure your children have the trip of a lifetime. Victoria Falls Safaris for families are typically conducted in overland trucks, staying in two-man dome tents or at family-friendly lodges.
Victoria Falls Safaris for seniors are ideal for older travellers seeking added comfort and shorter driving times. Our Victoria Falls Safaris for seniors travel in smaller groups and include comfortable lodge accommodations or fully-serviced camping (with camp beds and linen). Little to no participation is required on senior safaris and vehicles are kitted out to provide extra comfort.
For more exclusivity, book a Private Victoria Falls Safari just for you and your group or partner. Our African safari experts can tailor-make the ideal Custom Victoria Falls Tour for you, on a budget.
Contact African Budget Safaris for help booking or planning your ultimate Victoria Falls Safari.
Discover our Madagascar travel packages, where the world's fourth-largest island reveals its extraordinary treasures. Known for its endemic lemurs, chameleons, and unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, Madagascar blends pristine beaches, vibrant cultures, and untouched wilderness into unforgettable adventures. Our expertly crafted tours combine comfortable lodge and hotel accommodations with unique wildlife encounters, from exploring rainforests to relaxing on tropical islands. Whether you're seeking rare wildlife photography, beach escapes, or cultural experiences, our travel packages showcase the best of this biodiversity hotspot.
Our Madagascar travel packages showcase an extraordinary island that's home to 5% of the world's flora and fauna, with over 90% of species found nowhere else on Earth. Through our expert-guided tours, discover unique mammals exclusive to Madagascar - from the mysterious cat-like fossa and spiny tenrecs to over 100 species of lemurs. Experience close encounters with acrobatic sifakas and the enigmatic aye-ayes, often considered sacred by locals. Additionally, about 65% of Madagascar's bird species are endemic. Madagascar is home to nearly half of the world's chameleon species, and on our tours, you'll have opportunities to spot many of these incredible creatures, from the largest to the smallest varieties. You'll also visit the iconic Avenue of Baobabs, where ancient trees create an unforgettable landscape.
Our Madagascar travel packages begin and end in Antananarivo, the picturesque capital, uniquely set on the hills of Antananarivo province. Through our guided city tours, explore narrow streets lined with historic architecture, ancient churches, and royal palaces. The city's bustling markets showcase local culture and crafts, while evening visits to the old palace reward you with breathtaking sunset views over the town and the surrounding countryside.
Start your Madagascar adventure from Antananarivo, or finish there - explore our Antananarivo Tours for a range of travel packages.
Our Madagascar travel packages include visits to Montagne d'Ambre National Park, a lush montane rainforest covering 18,200 hectares of volcanic massif in northern Madagascar. This biodiverse paradise is a highlight on some of our tour packages, where you'll discover lemurs, the world's smallest chameleons, and numerous rare species. Our expert guides will help you explore the park's crater lakes, sacred caves, and waterfalls. With 75 bird species, 25 mammals, 34 amphibians, and 59 reptiles, Montagne d'Ambre offers some of Madagascar's most rewarding wildlife encounters.
Experience this remarkable park on our Madagascar Safari to Montagne d'Ambre National Park and Diego Suarez.
Experience the iconic Avenue of Baobabs on our Madagascar tour packages. Located near Morondava, this stunning natural monument features towering baobab trees, some over 800 years old. Our expert guides time your visit for sunrise or sunset when these majestic trees create the most dramatic photo opportunities along the dirt road. See this unforgettable landmark on our 6 Day Western Madagascar Safari or our Madagascar Beaches & Lemurs Safari, complete with comfortable accommodations and professional guides.
Diego Suarez, cultural experience
Colorful traditions come alive in Diego Suarez, a highlight of our Madagascar vacation packages. This charming coastal town, set against a sweeping bay at Madagascar's northern tip, offers authentic cultural encounters with friendly locals, where women in vibrant traditional dress create a feast for photographers. Our guided experiences showcase both the town's rich heritage and stunning coastal views.
Experience Diego Suarez on our Madagascar Safari to Diego Suarez & Amber Mountain with expert guides and comfortable accommodation.
Idyllic islands feature prominently in our Madagascar vacation packages, with Nosy Be and Sainte-Marie offering the ultimate tropical escapes. Known as "The Scented Island," Nosy Be lies 15 km off the mainland, where pristine beaches meet rich marine life. Our guided experiences include snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, kayaking crystal-clear waters alive with whales and dolphins, and hiking Mont Passot for panoramic views. Cultural encounters await at local markets and spice distilleries, while the Lokobie Reserve showcases the famous Nosy Be Panther Chameleon.
Explore Nosy Be on our affordable 8-Day Madagascar Vacation Package to Nosy Be Island or our 8-Day Madagascar Lemurs & Nosy Be Tour.
St. Marie Island, located off Madagascar’s east coast, is a lush island paradise perfect for whale watching, with pristine beaches and untouched coral reefs. Its rich history and serene environment make it a top destination for relaxation and adventure. Visitors can snorkel from an offshore islet, explore a pirate cemetery, or simply unwind on the white sandy shores, surrounded by cashew and cinnamon trees.
Discover the untamed beauty of Sainte-Marie Island on our Madagascar Vacation Package to Sainte Marie Island, where pristine beaches meet pirate history. Let our expert guides show you the best spots for whale watching, snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, and exploring historic sites.
Journey through one of Madagascar's most dramatic landscapes on a bespoke trip to Ankarana Reserve. This geological wonderland showcases towering limestone karst formations known as 'tsingy,' alongside mysterious underground rivers and ancient caves. Nature enthusiasts on our guided private tours discover a remarkable variety of wildlife thriving among these unique rock formations, from endemic birds soaring above the pinnacles to specialized plants and animals adapted to this distinctive habitat.
Our Madagascar tours showcase the incredible biodiversity of Andasibe National Park, where rare species thrive in pristine rainforest. Through expert-guided walks, discover the park's most enchanting residents - from the haunting calls of Indri lemurs to the stealthy movements of nocturnal species. Our morning and evening excursions maximize opportunities to spot brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, and an array of vibrant chameleons against the lush forest backdrop.
Experience Andasibe's wonders on our 12-Day Best of Madagascar Tour, which includes a night walk, a morning walk, and a village trip in Andasibe Park. Or explore the greater Andasibe-Mantadia National Park on our 14-Day Madagascar Vacation.
Venture into a hidden paradise on our Madagascar travel packages with a visit to Akanin'ny Nofy, meaning "Nest of Dreams." This secluded sanctuary along the Pangalanes Channel and Ampitabe Lake reveals Madagascar's most enchanting natural treasures. Rare palms, exotic orchids, and ancient mahogany trees create a stunning backdrop for diverse reptiles and inquisitive lemurs in their natural habitat.
Explore this tropical haven on our 11-Day Madagascar Lemurs & Sainte-Marie Island Tour, featuring a scenic boat cruise through the Pangalanes Canal to the pristine Palmarium Reserve at Akanin'ny Nofy.
Located in the Indian Ocean off southeastern Africa, Madagascar is a unique island destination that feels like its own continent. The main gateway, Ivato International Airport (TNR), lies 12 km north of Antananarivo (Tana). For beach enthusiasts, our tour packages include Nosy Be, which has its own international airport primarily serving coastal getaways. Given Madagascar's vast size, most of our Madagascar vacation packages include strategic domestic connections to maximize your experience.
Ready to explore this extraordinary island? Our Madagascar travel packages range from 4-day escapes to comprehensive two-week adventures, each thoughtfully designed to showcase the island's most remarkable attractions. Every journey includes comfortable lodge and hotel accommodations while our expert guides help you discover Madagascar's unique wildlife and landscapes.
Contact our travel experts today to plan your Madagascar adventure. Whether you're seeking lemur encounters, pristine beaches, or cultural experiences, we'll help you choose the perfect tour package for your budget and interests.
Namibia is a land of vast desert landscapes and wide-open spaces, as well as being home to an abundance of wildlife and rich cultural heritage. This large desert country covers about 825 419 km² (318 696 sq mi), but only has a population of around 2,5 million people! This makes Namibia the second least densely populated country in the world!
Namibia is a popular African travel destination because it is safe and politically stable. It also has excellent infrastructure and is economically prosperous. Like Botswana, Namibia’s successful neighbor, tourism and the diamond industry are the mainstays of the country’s economy. Namibia is a great choice for first-time safari-goers, being dubbed as "Africa for beginners".
Namibia safaris have something to offer everyone. It is a particularly rewarding African travel destination for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Some of Namibia’s major attractions are its stunning desert landscapes and tall, red-orange sand dunes, as well as superb game viewing in Etosha National Park. Namibia consists of contrasting landscapes, from its striking deserts and rugged mountains to the wild Atlantic coastline and unspoiled central plateau.
Etosha National Park, Namibia's most famous game reserve, is home to an abundance of wildlife. Four of Africa's Big Five safari animals are found in Etosha - lion, rhino, elephant and leopard. It is one of the world’s largest game parks covering about 20 000 sq km of salt pans, grasslands, savannah, and woodlands in Northern Namibia. The park is named after the vast Etosha Pan that it surrounds. An apt name as Etosha means ‘Great White Place of Dry Water’ in the local Ovambo language. The vast open plains of this dried lake are a shimmering white-to-green spectacle that makes for excellent photographic opportunities. See our Budget Etosha Safaris.
The Namib-Naukluft Park protects 50 000 sq km of Namib Desert and the Naukluft Mountains and is also home to some of the most peculiar and rare animals and plant species. This part of the world is renowned for its wide-open spaces and ever-shifting red-orange sand dunes. The Namib Desert is a place where solitude and stillness can be fully appreciated in its vast and unusual landscapes. The Namib-Naukluft Park is one of Africa’s largest game parks, consisting of four areas - Sossusvlei, Sesriem, Naukluft and the Namib section. A visit to the world's tallest sand dune in Sossusvlei is a must-do activity. Compare Budget Namib Desert Tours.
The cultural diversity of Namibia is a definite drawcard for tourists visiting this stunning desert nation. The main ethnic group in Namibia is made up of the Ovambo People, with significant numbers of Herero and Himba people as well as a population of European descendants. Afrikaans and German are among the languages spoken in Namibia, where the colonial German influence of the past can still be seen, particularly in Windhoek. See our tours departing from Windhoek.
African Budget Safaris has an exciting array of popular tours to Namibia, ranging from 3-day Budget Lodge Safaris in Namibia to 56-day epic Overland Tours throughout Southern and East Africa.
Other types of Namibia Safaris available include Budget Camping Safaris, Exclusive Budget Safaris and adventurous 4x4 Safaris to Namibia’s travel highlights. The types of overland tours to Namibia are Accommodated and Camping Overland Safaris, as well as Exclusive Overland Safaris for the more discerning traveler. We also offer Senior Tous, designed for older travelers, and Motorbike Safaris for biking enthusiasts. Lastly, we have Private Tours of Namibia which are tailor-made safaris on a budget.
Our Budget Namibia Tours visit a variety of Namibia’s top destinations and aim to give travelers the African Safari experience of a lifetime at affordable prices. For more info contact our team of experts.
Kenya exemplifies all that is Africa with its rich wildlife in a land of incredible geographical and cultural diversity. The beautiful East African country of Kenya derives its name from Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa.
The country straddles the equator stretching from fertile coastal plains along the Indian Ocean to the central highlands area, which is divided by the Great Rift Valley. Kenya’s coastal region is tropical whereas the interior is drier with the highlands being considered one of Africa’s most successful agricultural regions. The coast of Kenya is ideal for beach holidays, boasting islands, sandy beaches, and coral reefs while the interior holds desert areas in the north, incredible lakes, top wildlife reserves, and towering mountains, including snow-capped Mount Kenya.
Kenya is recognized as the “Cradle of Humanity”, being famous for the significant Hominid fossils discovered by Dr. Richard Leakey in the Great Rift Valley near Lake Turkana. It is said that these fossils are from our earliest ancestors and therefore earliest humans originated from this part of Kenya. The jewel of East Africa, Kenya covers some 580 367 sq km incorporating some of the world’s best game reserves teeming with wildlife and the Great Lakes, Lake Victoria, and Lake Turkana. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, and Lake Naivasha, the highest Great Rift Valley Lake, are two of Kenya’s most popular tourist attractions.
Kenya’s reserves are famous for the large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo, as well as the lion, elephant, and giraffe inhabiting them. Kenya’s major wildlife attraction is the vast annual wildebeest migration in the southwest of the country. Here thousands of thundering hooves stampede across the open plains, migrating between the Masai Mara in Kenya and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the south.
Kenya is a fascinating African destination in terms of its ethnic diversity, consisting of around 40 different tribes, the Maasai people being the most famous tribe. Despite the cultural diversity Kenyans have a strong sense of national identity taking pride in their struggle for independence from British rule, gained back in 1963.
One of Africa’s premier game reserves, the Masai Mara is best known for the massive annual migration of hundreds of thousands of zebra, eland, and gazelle, and millions of wildebeest. The Masai Mara is also famous for its exceptional Big Cat population and stunning open savannah scenery. This vast game reserve in the southwest of Kenya forms a continuation of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park with the wildlife spectacle of the Great Migration moving between the two wilderness areas. Witnessing this awesome migration, which takes place around July to September and October, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and must-see in Kenya. An excellent way to view the open grasslands and wildlife, especially during the migration, is by hot air balloon. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, as Masai Mara safaris and balloon trips are very popular.
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is teeming with wildlife, covering some 1510 sq km of plains and riverine woodland along the meandering Mara and Talek rivers. The vast Mara reserve is home to numerous giraffes, warthogs, bat-eared foxes, and grey jackals, as well as spotted hyenas and baboons. Various antelopes are also found in abundance in the park, such as topis, impala, hartebeests, Thomson's gazelles, and Grant's gazelles. Wildebeest are the most abundant animals in Mara with their number estimated to be in the millions during migration season. The Masai Mara is also home to large herds of elephants, zebras, and buffaloes as well as plenty of hippos.
The park is named after the Maasai people who traditionally inhabited the area and also derives from the Maasai description of the wilderness area when viewed from above - "Mara" meaning spotted which aptly describes the patchy appearance of the vegetation and the shadows cast by clouds over the plains. One of the highlights of visiting the Masai Mara is the cultural experience of interacting with Kenya's native Maasai people.
Located in the Central Highlands, Mount Kenya is one of the most popular destinations in Kenya, drawing hikers from across the world. Different types of forest vegetation grow on its lower slopes and many of the plant species found on Mount Kenya are endemic to the mountain. The views from the summit of this peak, Africa’s second highest, are breathtaking and Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from the top on clear days. Snow-capped Mount Kenya, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies only 16 km south of the Equator. The Mount Kenya Hike with African Budget Safaris is a 5-day hiking tour to the summit of Point Lenana, one of the highest peaks of Mount Kenya.
Amboseli covers only 392 sq km in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya, yet this small park is a surprisingly rewarding game-viewing destination being home to an abundance of wildlife. Amboseli Park is Kenya’s second most popular national park after the Masai Mara. Amboseli’s main attractions are the stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro lying on its southern boundary, encounters with the Masaai people, and the chance to get up close to free-roaming elephants. The park offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially for capturing elephants up close with the spectacular backdrop of Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
The park is home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, buffaloes, and zebras. Jackals, hyenas, warthogs, and Maasai giraffes are also found in Amboseli. Amboseli consists mainly of grassland savannah and lush swamps created by water from melted snow on Kilimanjaro that drains down beneath lava flows to the surface amidst the dusty plains below.
Kenya’s largest national park, Tsavo covers 22 000 sq km of dramatic landscapes offering a more secluded and wild safari experience. This vast wilderness area, recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, is divided into Tsavo East and the more scenic Tsavo West National Parks. Tsavo’s main attraction is the large number of diverse wildlife species that can be sighted on scenic game viewing drives.
Tsavo West is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as hippo, zebra, crocodile, and various antelope species. The changing landscapes range from extinct volcanic cones and rocky peaks to swamps and open plains providing habitats for a variety of wildlife. Chyulu Hills, a group of ancient volcanic cinder cones, has populations of elands, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest and offers excellent views of Kilimanjaro. Hippos and crocodiles gather at Chyulu Hills and the Mzima Springs, where the wildlife can be viewed from an underwater observation chamber. Tsavo West is known for its large elephant herds and is also a birding haven. White-bellied go-away birds, red-beaked hornbills, and bateleur Eagles are commonly sighted.
Tsavo East is flatter and drier than the western part of the park, consisting mainly of semi-arid grassland and savannah. One of Kenya’s largest rivers, the Galana River, flows across its dry plains attracting much of the park’s wildlife, including numerous hippos and crocodiles. Kudus, waterbucks, and dik-diks are also commonly found along the banks of the river and Tsavo East is also home to endangered hirola antelopes and black rhinos.
Lake Nakuru National Park covers 180 sq km of central Kenya, northwest of Nairobi. The transitional savannah vegetation around the lake supports a white rhino population in the southern area and black rhinos can also be sighted. Lake Nakuru is a birding paradise, inhabited by nearly 450 bird species including lesser and greater flamingoes and several interesting water birds. Warthogs, buffaloes, reedbucks, waterbuck, and sometimes leopards can also be found in Nakuru Park.
The highest of the Great Rift Valley lakes, Lake Naivasha is home to a wide variety of birds and numerous hippos. This freshwater lake lies close to Elsamere, the former home of Joy and George Adamson of Born Free fame. Activities include boat rides to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary and bike rides in Hell’s Gate National Park, as well as relaxing on the cool lake shores and visiting Elsamere.
Kenya has some spectacular scenery with the Great Rift Valley and the Kenyan coastline being two such highlights. No visit to Kenya is complete without a visit to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean that lap the shores of Kenya's East Coast. Kenya's hotel infrastructure along the coast makes it an ideal beach destination.
African Budget Safaris has over 90 excellent-value Kenya Safaris, from 3-day Masai Mara Safaris to epic 56-day Overland Tours traveling throughout South and Eastern Africa. Our affordable Kenya Safaris visit the wildlife and cultural highlights of this game-rich East African country.
Kenya has an ideal climate. The coastline is hot and humid with a temperate inland and very dry north and northeast. The rainy season falls between March and May and moderate rain falls in October and November. The temperature however remains high throughout the year.
The country features top beach and wildlife destinations, making Kenya a fantastic "African Bush and Beach" destination.
Mozambique is first and foremost an ideal beach destination. A trip to Mozambique is not complete without visiting the tropical islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago or the pristine sandy beaches along the east coast. Popular activities include scuba diving at some of the world’s best dive sites, as well as snorkelling, fishing, surfing and horse riding.
Most safaris to Mozambique also incorporate a bush experience, visiting the untamed Transfrontier Peace Park and/or the Maputo Elephant Reserve. The wilderness areas of Mozambique are wild and rugged, making for a real African adventure. You also get to experience Mozambique’s rich culture and colonial past in the towns and cities visited on the Mozambique safaris, as well as the exotic cuisine and abundant fresh seafood of this beautiful country.
Get an overview of the affordable Mozambique Safaris and holiday packages that we offer at African Budget Safaris.
Our Tanzania safari tours and packages cover the country’s top wildlife destinations, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Tanzania safari tours typically range from budget camping safaris to private lodge-based experiences, with options to suit most budgets and travel styles.
Choose from camping safaris, lodge tours, small-group trips, and private options—each offering strong wildlife viewing, proven safari routes, and good value for money. Not sure which Tanzania safari is right for you? Our specialists can help you compare itineraries, prices, and travel styles to find the best option for your dates and budget.
For an overview of the country’s major parks and regions, visit our Tanzania safari destination guide for detailed travel insights.
We offer a range of Tanzania safari tours to suit different budgets and travel preferences. Each tour style explores key wildlife regions while providing a distinct experience.
These Tanzania safari tours are designed to match different travel styles, from classic wildlife experiences to beach getaways and hiking tours.
Social and great-value tours - ideal for travellers wanting classic Northern Safari Circuit highlights.
A comfortable way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife while staying in well-located safari lodges and tented camps.
An immersive and affordable safari experience, perfect for travellers prioritising value.
Extended, multi-destination routes that are ideal for social travellers and adventurers.
Flexible, personalised itineraries designed around your interests, schedule, and budget.
Most Tanzania safari tours follow one of these classic routes, each offering unique wildlife highlights and travel styles.
These are the most commonly chosen routes for Tanzania safari tours, offering excellent wildlife sightings and a variety of itinerary options.
The most visited safari route in Tanzania, covering iconic wildlife destinations. Ideal for first-time travellers and classic Big 5 safaris.
Learn more about the Northern Tanzania safari region.
More remote and less crowded, offering a wilderness-focused safari experience.
View Southern Tanzania safari tours.
Many travellers combine a wildlife safari with coastal relaxation on the Zanzibar Islands.
Selecting the right Tanzania safari tour depends on several practical factors:
Need help deciding? Our experienced specialists can help you compare Tanzania safari tour options that suit your needs and budget. Talk to a safari specialist who can recommend the best itinerary for your dates and budget.
The ideal time for Tanzania safari tours depends on what you want to see.
Most safari tours in Tanzania include:
Optional extras may include hot-air balloon safaris, internal flights, or Zanzibar beach extensions.
The pristine African country of Botswana stands out as one of the continent's most exclusive safari destinations, offering an unparalleled blend of natural wonders and wildlife encounters. From the meandering waterways of the Okavango Delta – the world's largest inland delta system – to the elephant-rich plains of Chobe National Park and the vast salt pans of Makgadikgadi, Botswana promises an authentic African safari experience without the crowds.
What sets this remarkable country apart is its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation, coupled with political stability, making it one of Africa's greatest success stories. Whether you're tracking rare African Wild Dogs in Moremi Game Reserve, gliding through crystal-clear lagoons in a traditional mokoro canoe, or watching vast herds of elephants gather at sunset, planning your Botswana adventure means stepping into a world where wilderness meets luxury, and every game drive reveals the continent's most spectacular wildlife moments.
African Budget Safaris has a huge selection of affordable Botswana Safaris, ranging from a 6-day Exclusive Budget Safari to a 12-day Budget Camping Safari and our epic 56-day Camping Overland Tours. Other Botswana Safaris on offer include Family Overland Safaris, Budget Lodge Safaris, Accommodated Overland Safaris, and Senior Safaris. For the more adventurous, we have 4x4 Botswana Safaris and other exciting options. Contact our experts to start planning your safari today.
South Africa is a country so unique and diverse, in terms of its people, geography, fauna, and flora, that you could spend decades exploring it without ever feeling like you've seen all there is to see.
The cultural melting pots of Gauteng and Cape Town are great entry points to the Rainbow Nation and we have a number of short tours with city stays which are an ideal introduction to the African urban experience.
Check out Johannesburg, take a township tour of Soweto, see Liliesleaf farm, the scene of the Rivonia Raid where Nelson Mandela was captured, or take in the Apartheid museum in the city centre. Learn about the genesis of Apartheid under Dutch and British rule, and the hard-won struggle for freedom that followed, contrasted by the cultural cacophony of 21st-century urban South Africa.
If Gauteng doesn't take your fancy, head straight for cosmopolitan Cape Town - recline on the beach at Clifton, Llandudno, or St James, hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain, explore the fynbos kingdom, a family of plants unique to the Western Cape at Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, or see them in their natural environment complete with ostriches and baboons at Cape Point.
Sample world-class shopping in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, or explore the bohemian restaurants, live music venues, and arts and craft stores in Kalk Bay. Go clubbing in the city centre or do something adventurous like learning to surf at Muizenburg or paragliding off Lions Head down to world-famous Camps Bay Beach below. Cycle along with one of the world's most dramatic pieces of tarmac - tracing the sheer cliff faces of Chapmans Peak Drive, which stretches from Noordhoek to Hout Bay winding its way above the surging Atlantic 300 meters below, or try out the singletrack with the mountain bikers at Tokai Forest. Or head out on a Big 5 Cape Town safari nearby. We guarantee you will not be bored in Cape Town.
Immediately to the north of Cape Town on the outskirts of town lies the culinary and viticultural paradise that is the Cape Winelands. Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch are dotted with world-class wine estates and restaurants which are not to be missed, not to mention the unique Cape Dutch architecture and dramatic mountainous landscape.
To the east lies the Garden Route, a stretch of pristine coastline 1,000 kilometres long, starting beyond the Cape Whale Route that hosts the whale spotting mecca of Hermanus and the shark diving capital of Gansbaai. From George to Knysna, and Wilderness, through the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest and on to a surfers' paradise, the world-class point break at Supertubes and Jeffreys Bay, through Port Elizabeth and ending more or less at Port Alfred at the Eastern Cape end. Here Grahamstown, South Africa's cultural capital and home to the National Arts Festival in July, is only a stone's throw away, not to mention the world's best malaria-free Big 5 game viewing at Shamwari, Kariega, and Addo Elephant National Park. A self-drive tour or overland tour through this part of the world is always going to be an unforgettable experience.
If it's a South Africa safari you are after, you can do no better than head for the Kruger National Park in the northwest of the country. The options there are endless and we have another dedicated page where we have broken down what is possible for travelers in this part of the world.
In Kwa-Zulu Natal Province you will find a subtropical climate, the home of the Zulu Kingdom, and in Durban, a strong Indian community that brings with it more cultural diversity and a culinary feast for the gastronomic tourist, not to mention the sensory banquet in the form of the weekend bazaars with their spices and Indian fabrics.
Incredible beaches lie to both the north and south of Durban with great surfing and best of all, warm water for bathing. Schools of dolphins swimming close to shore are not an uncommon sight in this part of the world.
Further inland is the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho and the fabled Drakensberg mountain region, full of dramatic snow-capped peaks. If you're here in winter and you want to tell your mates you went skiing in Africa, this is the place to do it.
Contact African Budget Safaris for help with choosing and planning the best South Africa safari for you, or to design your own private South Africa Safari.
Tours of the Panorama Route are all about the stunning natural scenery and historic significance of the quaint towns, as well as outdoor adventure activities.
The Panorama Route can be visited on a wide variety of tours, but is mostly explored en route to Kruger National Park and the private game reserves of Greater Kruger. Panorama Route tour options include self-drive trips, luxury lodge packages and plenty of budget safaris, both camping and lodge style.
On the Panorama Route accommodation is available at backpackers, camping sites, eco-lodges, self-catering chalets, family-friendly resorts and guesthouses or Bed & Breakfast establishments.
All of our tours to the Panorama Route visit Kruger National Park, with many also exploring other highlights of Southern Africa. These Panorama Route and Kruger Park tours range from short 3-day tours, up to 3-week and one-month long safaris taking in more of the region. The safari types on offer are:
As mentioned, the Panorama Route is visited on many of our Kruger Park Tours, in combination with one or more of the following top Southern African safari destinations:
Several budget Kruger and Panorama Route Tours visit a number of the above destinations in combination, so you don't have to choose one over the other!
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, located just 150 km from Antananarivo, is Madagascar’s top rainforest destination, known for its accessibility and biodiversity. The park is divided into two sections: Analamazaotra (commonly known as Andasibe) and Mantadia.
Andasibe is famous for its well-maintained trails and is home to the indri, the largest lemur, whose eerie call resonates through the forest. Visitors may also spot the diademed sifaka and the elusive grey bamboo lemur. Mantadia, located 20 km north of Andasibe, offers a more rugged experience with pristine primary forests and towering trees, perfect for adventurous hikers. Seasonal orchid blooms (October to December) add to its appeal.
Night walks outside the park provide unique opportunities to spot chameleons, frogs, and mouse lemurs by torchlight. While Andasibe’s forest is primarily secondary growth, it remains rich in biodiversity. The park also boasts excellent lodges, such as Vakona Forest Lodge, where guests can have close encounters with lemurs. With diverse hiking options, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is a must-visit for wildlife lovers and adventurers alike.
The best place in Madagascar to see (& hear) Indri Lemurs, Madagascar’s largest lemur species.
Spot the striking Diademed Sifak a stunning lemur and a park favourite.
Discover chameleons, frogs, and tiny mouse lemurs on night walks with only torchlight.
Explore the untouched Mantadia’s Primary Forest; a rainforest with towering trees and incredible biodiversity.
See vibrant orchids flowering between October and December.
Spot endemic birds like the Madagascar crested ibis and blue coua.
Choose from various hiking circuits for all fitness levels, from easy walks to challenging treks.
Andasibe-Mantadia has over 80 amphibians and 50 reptile species including the world's largest chameleon, Parson’s chameleon.
Easily accessible on good roads just a few hours from Antananarivo.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is situated in eastern Madagascar, about 150 km (93 miles) east of Antananarivo, the capital. Accessible via the RN2 highway, it’s an easy three-hour drive, making it one of the country’s most visited parks. Its proximity to the bustling capital ensures convenience for travellers. The nearby town of Moramanga serves as a gateway to the park and offers various lodging options for visitors.
African Budget Safaris has 6 packages that visit Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. From 5-day tours to see lemurs to 14-day voyages of discovery throughout the island.
Our Pilanesberg National Park safaris offer diverse experiences in South Africa's premier malaria-free Big 5 game reserve. Choose from day tours, luxury lodge safaris, budget camping options, and tented camp adventures—all providing excellent wildlife viewing just 2 hours from Johannesburg.
Need help selecting the best Pilanesberg safari? Talk to our specialists for help comparing tour options and lodges. Our team can help you find your ideal wildlife experience or tailor a trip to your needs.
We offer various Pilanesberg safari experiences to match different budgets and preferences:
Comfortable wildlife viewing with premium accommodation:
Affordable adventure perfect for nature enthusiasts:
Middle-ground option combining comfort and wilderness:
Perfect for time-limited travelers:
The ideal time for Pilanesberg safaris depends on your wildlife viewing preferences:
Want to learn more about this unique volcanic crater reserve hosting the Big 5? Visit our complete guide to Pilanesberg National Park for detailed travel information
Uganda safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Kibale National Park often start at Entebbe International Airport. There are no direct flights to Kampala, so visitors fly into and out of Entebbe International Airport, located only 49 km (30 miles) from the capital. Longer tours to Rwanda and Burundi sometimes also start or end in Entebbe.
The town of Entebbe sits on the shores of Lake Victoria offering a window into local Ugandan life - history, religion and culture - in a scenic setting with memorable wildlife encounters.
Tours departing from or ending in Entebbe range from 3-day to 20-day African safaris. The top safari highlights in the region, include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Kigali, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, Rusizi National Park, and Bunjumbura.
Types of Entebbe Safaris
Visit upcoming tours departing from Entebbe to search for safaris departing from Entebbe on your travel dates.
Ethiopia captivates with ancient churches, dramatic landscapes, and unique wildlife found nowhere else in Africa. From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the otherworldly Danakil Depression, our affordable Ethiopia Tours showcase the best of this fascinating country. Learn more about traveling to Ethiopia.
Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa, is famous for its friendly people and beautiful Lake Malawi. This relatively small, yet diverse country is a laid-back travel destination where the pace of life slows down and you get to relax and appreciate its spectacular natural scenery.
Although the Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country around 20% of its total area is covered by the fresh-water Lake Malawi. Malawi is the ideal destination for a relaxing beach break on the shores of the Lake of Stars, where you can participate in water sports or explore its clear, warm waters by boat, yacht or catamaran.
The country consists primarily of a long narrow plateau and rolling plains, gentle hills and a few mountain ranges. Most of Malawi’s population is rural with agriculture being the main industry. The majority of Malawians still live in traditional villages that welcome visitors interested in their way of life.
Malawi is home to over 650 recorded bird species found across the country's different landscapes. The birdlife consists primarily of woodland or grassland varieties including the Livingstone flycatcher, red-winged francolin and the endemic Lillian’s lovebird, and is a summer home of many migratory species.
Lake Malawi, as well as the rivers and dams of Malawi also attract waterbirds such as fish eagles, hamerkops, kingfishers, egrets and pelicans. Raptors, like the African marsh harrier, black-breasted snake eagle and peregrine falcon, add to the variety of birdlife.
The vast freshwater Lake Malawi is one of the most scenic Lakes in the world, idyllically located between high mountains in a warm climate. The lake is famous for its warm crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and the endemic cichlid fish. The crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi stretch over 500km along eastern Malawi forming most of the border between Malawi and the rugged coast of Mozambique and Tanzania. The lake, also known as Lake Nyasa, lies in the Great Rift Valley running through Malawi. Its fish-rich waters serve as a major food source for Malawians, including fish chambo and the Kampango, a large catfish. Lake Malawi is an excellent destination for freshwater snorkelling and diving, as well as water sports like waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, and swimming. boasts a variety of brightly coloured fish in its tropical waters, making it an excellent destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. The lake also boasts sandy white beaches fringed with palm trees, ideal for lazing on.
Lake Malawi National Park located on the southern end of the lake is a World Heritage Site, considered of great importance in the study of evolution. Other wildlife found at Lake Malawi includes monitor lizards, hippopotamus, baboons, antelopes, hyrax, crocodiles and a sizeable population of African fish eagles.
Liwonde National Park is considered Malawi’s top game reserve offering the best game viewing in the country, as well as some of the most beautiful scenery. Liwonde is located in the south of Malawi along the Upper Shire River and is said to be the longest-established park in the country. Liwonde Park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Malawi with these gentle mammals frequently being sighted at the river’s edge, along with hippopotamuses, zebras, antelopes and crocodiles.
The park is home to high concentrations of sable antelope, kudu, duiker and oribi, and warthogs. Waterbuck, reedbuck, antelope and if you’re lucky even lions and leopards can also be spotted in Liwonde. The park runs a rhino-breeding program having reintroduced two black rhinos into the wild. Liwonde is also rich in birdlife with species including the African Fish Eagle, jacana, white-bellied cormorant, Palm-nut vultures, Western Banded Eagles, Brown Snake Eagles as well as a number of weavers and bishops. The uncommon Lilian's lovebird is also found in Liwonde along with Carmine and Boehm's Bee-eaters. Liwonde Park offers visitors excellent accommodation options, night game drives and game-viewing boat trips.
There are a wide variety of Malawi safaris to choose from including overland camping, lodge, and fly-in safaris. Malawi is an ideal beach and wildlife getaway destination that combines well with Zambia’s Luangwa National Park.
On Lake Malawi safaris your days are typically spent relaxing on the sandy beaches along the lakeshore, swimming in the warm waters or participating in the variety of water sports on offer. You get to enjoy fresh fish caught by the local fisherman using traditional fishing techniques and you can try paddling a dugout canoe if you’re up for the challenge. On dry land you can learn to play the local game of bao or hunt for bargains at the local markets, as well as go horse riding or visiting a local school and village.
African Budget Safaris combine Zambia, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia with a visit to Malawi, in various itineraries encompassing the best beach and wildlife highlights in southern Africa. Highlights include Victoria Falls, Zanzibar’s Stone Town, Luangwa Park in Zambia, Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, South Africa’s Kruger Park and Chobe in Botswana, to name a few.
Mikumi National Park is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Tanzania’s fourth-largest National Park, Mikumi is close to Dar es Salaam and is effectively a northern extension of Nyerere National Park. Its varied landscapes of grassland, mountains, hardwood forests, and baobab trees, coupled with its proximity to Dar es Salaam, make Mikumi a popular East African safari destination for those with little time on their hands.
Mikumi National Park is approximately 302 km west of Tanzania’s capital city, Dar es Salaam. Guests visiting Mikumi are usually collected at Julius Nyerere International and driven 300 km to Mikumi in around 4 hours. Chartering flights to Mikumi from Ruaha, Selous, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar is also possible.
Mikumi National Park, at 3,230 km², is Tanzania’s 4th largest national Park. Its expansive plains, rolling hills, and miombo woodlands create a picturesque backdrop that showcases the untamed beauty of Africa. The park is part of the larger Selous ecosystem, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interestingly, the 80% of Mikumi that lies southeast of the Tanzam Highway, is off-limits to tourists. The Mkata River floodplain, the highlight of Mikumi, is often compared to the plains of the Serengeti.
The open grasslands of Mikumi support an abundance of wildlife, including large herds of zebra, wildebeest, impala, and buffalo. Giraffe and elephant sightings are also good, as well as predators like lions, leopards, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, and endangered wild dogs. Baboons and vervet monkeys are ever present.
Bird watching in Mikumi is excellent as the park supports over 400 species. The iconic bateleur and lilac-breasted rollers are impressive common residents, as well as African spoonbills, and hamerkops. Keep an ear out for the distinctive call of the African fish eagle. From November to April, the European migrants arrive for the rainy season, while the residents are in breeding plumage.
Namibia's dramatic Damaraland and Kunene region is home to desert elephants, ancient rock art, and the traditional Himba people.
The Karoo region of South Africa is a unique and breathtaking destination. The semi-desert region boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country, including towering mountains, vast plains, and dramatic canyons. Visitors can expect to encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including herds of antelope and even the elusive Cape mountain leopard. In addition to its natural beauty, the Karoo is also steeped in history. It has fascinating rock art sites, ancient fossils, and historic towns that offer a glimpse into the region's colonial past. So whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway, the Karoo is a destination worth noticing.
The Karoo is a vast semi-arid region that covers a large portion of central and western South Africa. The area spans over 400,000 square kilometers and encompasses parts of the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Free State provinces. The Karoo is situated inland from the coastal city of Cape Town, stretching towards the border of Namibia and Botswana in the north. The region is characterized by its unique topography, which includes vast open plains, rugged mountains, and deep valleys. Despite its arid conditions, the Karoo is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a truly remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts.
One of the most interesting facts about the Karoo is that it is home to some of the world's richest fossil deposits, revealing many important insights into the evolution of life on Earth. Additionally, the Karoo is known for its distinctive vegetation, which includes a variety of succulents and shrubs that have adapted to harsh, arid conditions. The region is also famous for its clear night skies, making it a popular stargazing destination. Another exciting aspect of the Karoo is its diverse cultural heritage, which includes the San and Khoi people, as well as various European settlers who have left their mark on the landscape and culture of the region.
Conservation is at the core of the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve ethos. The game reserve has dedicated itself to protecting both its natural environment and the animals that inhabit it. Visitors to Sanbona can have an amazing wildlife safari adventure while contributing to this vital cause at the same time. A few days spent on safari in Sanbona Wildlife Reserve offer the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and conservation.
Traveling to Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a great way to experience a luxury safari near Cape Town in South Africa. Sanbona offers stunning facilities and top-class services at its exclusive safari lodges. Wake up to the sounds of wildlife and be spoiled with delicious local culinary delights, comfortable beds, and a stunning landscape that's like no other. Get up close to a variety of animals while you take part in personalized game drives and nature walks - all in complete safety.
Nature walks are available in Sanbona for those who prefer to get up close and personal with nature. The guided walks allow visitors to observe the Karoo fauna and flora on foot, unobstructed. On your guided walk, you might also stumble upon some ancient rock engravings - adding a unique cultural aspect to your exploration.
The Masai Mara Conservancies have been a conservation game changer. Championing community ownership and the benefits of conservation and safari tourism around Kenya's premier national park, the Masai Mara, the Mara Conservancies are increasingly on the safari radar. Open savannah landscapes, abundant game, significant community benefits, excellent cultural exchanges, and an intimate safari experience all combine to make the Masai Mara Conservancies a world-class African safari destination.
Varied and diverse habitats from savannah to acacia woodland, riverine bush, and rocky rolling hills form a patchwork over an area almost the same size as the Masai Mara National Park itself. Privately run on land leased from the local Maasai communities, the 15 Masai Mara conservancies have their own set of rules. At its most basic, the Masai Mara Conservancies run on a low-impact tourism model that limits the number of guests allowed at any one time. In addition to lower numbers, the privately run conservancies also allow for activities not allowed in the government-run Masai Mara National Reserve.
Activities within the Masai Mara Conservancies include guided bush walks in the African wild, nighttime safari drives, horseback riding, and Maasai cultural visits. The fact that local communities directly benefit and are part of the conservation efforts adds to the sense of authenticity that is expected from the Masai Mara Conservancies. Often staff at the private bush camps become your guides at the Maasai village, not a tourist attraction, but their home. Tourist partners also have a vested interest in developing infrastructure like roads, schools, and clinics.
Because tourist numbers are strictly controlled, safari traffic in the Masai Mara Conservancies is considerably less than in the Masai Mara National Park. Game viewing is excellent and the in-depth knowledge of local guides is unparalleled. The Mara Conservancies tend to be on the expensive side of the spectrum but the exclusivity is well worth the price tag. That said, the Masai Mara Conservancy Areas are not all cut from the same safari-cloth, and there are some excellent budget safari options.
Home to over half of the endangered mountain gorillas left in the wild. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of three mountain gorilla strongholds on earth, and therefore one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is also renowned for its endemic golden monkeys. Tracking golden monkeys in Volcanoes is a unique highlight that definitely adds to the appeal of visiting Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking is not one of the cheapest things to do in Africa. But, it is one of the rarest and most magical wildlife experiences on the planet.
Luckily, there are a few affordable Rwanda gorilla safari tours designed for budget-conscious travelers.
Rwanda gorilla safaris are sought-after and highly rated by travelers. Not only is Volcanoes National Park home to more than half the world's wild gorillas, but it is also a very beautiful place. Volcanoes Park is considered one of the safest and most affordable places to go gorilla trekking in Africa.
Even better, Rwanda safari tours can be tailored to include other activities in addition to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
To book an affordable guided Rwanda Safari, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes Park, and more - get in touch with us.
For self-guided Rwanda safaris, there are various accommodation options close to Volcanoes National Park. These range from luxury hotels to midrange lodges and budget facilities that cater to a variety of travelers and their budgets.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda borders Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, close to Bwindi Forest National Park. This means gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes Park and Uganda's Bwindi Park can easily be combined into one gorilla safari. For more options take a look at all of our well-priced Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours.
One of the most beautiful wildlife areas in Botswana, the Khwai River Area is a remarkable safari destination. Khwai Concession is a lesser-known safari gem due to its abundant wildlife, diverse habitats, and exciting array of activities.
Khwai River safari tours offer excellent game viewing. The wildlife-rich Khwai River Floodplains are sandwiched between Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. With no fences separating these top African game reserves there is a massive amount of wildlife migrating through the Khwai River safari area.
In the Khwai Private Reserve night game drives are permitted, unlike in Moremi Game Reserve. In the Khwai Community Concession and Khwai Private Reserve, guests can also enjoy guided bush walks (in season).
Visitors can also take guided mokoro (dug-out canoe) trips in Khwai Concession, which is not possible in Moremi Game Reserve. On safaris in the Khwai region, guests can also visit the traditional village of Khwai adding a cultural component to their wildlife adventures in Botswana.
One of the highlights of a safari Khwai is camping wild in the bush. In the Khwai River Area, you can opt to stay at eco-friendly mobile safari camps that offer an authentic Botswana safari experience.
These mobile camping safaris offer more comfort and luxury than regular African camping safaris. The tents are more spacious and have en-suite bathrooms. They are fitted with comfortable beds, side tables, lamps, and basic furnishings. Plus, most of the mobile camping safaris in Khwai are fully serviced which means the camp crew prepares meals, takes care of chores, and sets up the safari camps.
If camping isn't your thing, there are affordable lodge safaris to the Khwai River Area. These are often based at safari lodges and guesthouses in or near the small rural village of Khwai.
For more details about Khwai Safaris in Botswana, chat with one of our professional African travel advisors.
At under three hours from Cape Town, Inverdoorn can be visited on day safaris from the city. It is however just a little too far for a comfortable day and easy-paced day trip. To avoid spending too much of the day driving and rushing on your safari from Cape Town we recommend booking at least one overnight stay.
Our selection of Cape Town Big 5 Safaris on African Budget Safaris thus includes a 2-day and a 3-day safari to Inverdoorn Game Reserve. Of course, you can extend your stay to spend more time on a safari in Inverdoorn. But, a three-day safari is generally long enough, unless you plan to participate in a number of optional activities at extra cost.
Our budget Big 5 Safaris to Inverdoorn include transfers from Cape Town to Inverdoorn and back. The safari packages also include meals and drinks as per the itineraries, your selected choice of accommodation from the options available at Inverdoorn Safari Lodge, and guided 4x4 game drives as indicated.
Inverdoorn offers a mix of 4-star and 5-star lodge accommodation. It is not the cheapest safari lodge near Cape Town, but if you opt for the 4-star accommodation options it is one of the best value-for-money safari choices.
There are three charming 4-star safari lodges at Inverdoorn Game Reserve that are ideal for families. Then there are seven 4-star luxury chalets (sleeping two adults) that overlook the delightful Tankwa Karoo gardens.
The 5-star accommodation at Inverdoorn includes the four luxury Ambassador Chalets and the opulent Ambassador Suite.
Lastly, there's the exclusive Kuganha Tented Safari Camp, a luxurious private camp accommodating up to six guests at a time. This intimate tented camp has a private pool, spa bungalow, and spacious tented suites each with its own patio and dining platform, along with a dedicated 4x4 safari vehicle.
Aquila Game Reserve, located just two hours from Cape Town, is one of the most convenient safari destinations in South Africa. It’s a popular choice for travellers who are short on time but want a Big Five safari experience without flying to Kruger or travelling to remote wilderness areas.
Our Aquila Game Reserve safari tours include half-day safaris, full-day tours, and overnight lodge stays. You can choose between shared small-group departures or private safari options. Many tours include return transfers from Cape Town, making logistics simple and stress-free.
These safaris are ideal for first-time visitors, families, cruise passengers, and travellers with limited time in South Africa. Whether you want a quick safari experience or a relaxed overnight stay, there are multiple Aquila safari packages to suit your schedule and budget.
For detailed destination information, see our Aquila Game Reserve travel guide.
Browse our Aquila Game Reserve safari tours below.
The most popular and cost-effective way to visit Aquila.
Shared departures keep costs down while still offering guided game drives.
View small-group Aquila safaris.
Designed for travellers who want a Big Five experience in one day.
Most day tours include transfers, a guided game drive, and lunch.
View budget Aquila day safaris.
Overnight safaris offer a slower pace and extended time in the reserve.
Staying overnight allows for afternoon and morning game drives, increasing your overall safari time.
View lodge-based Aquila safaris.
For travellers who prefer flexibility and a personalised experience.
Private safaris allow you to control timing and enjoy a more exclusive setting.
Enquire about private Aquila safaris.
Combine a Cape Town stay with a short safari extension.
These packages streamline logistics and balance city experiences with safari time.
View Aquila combination safari packages.
All Aquila safari tours operate within the same private reserve, but the experience varies depending on your tour type.
Half-day and full-day tours focus on scheduled drives within the main reserve area. These follow set departure times and shared vehicles.
Guests staying at the lodge typically enjoy both afternoon and early morning drives. The extended schedule provides more relaxed viewing time.
Private vehicles may adjust routes and timing within reserve guidelines, offering a more flexible experience.
The key difference between Aquila safari tours is time in the reserve, not geography.
If you’re unsure which Aquila safari to book, consider the following:
If you want help comparing Aquila safari packages, we’re here to assist.
Contact our safari experts for personalised advice.
Aquila operates year-round and is suitable in all seasons.
Summer from November to March: Warm weather and long daylight hours.
Autumn during April & May: Mild temperatures and comfortable conditions.
Winter from June to August: Cooler mornings and pleasant daytime temperatures.
Spring in September & October: Clear skies and moderate weather.
Wildlife viewing is consistent throughout the year due to the reserve’s managed environment.
For detailed seasonal guidance, see our Aquila Game Reserve travel guide.
Most Aquila safari packages include:
Optional extras may include spa treatments and additional activities, depending on the package.
We offer a wide range of Aquila Game Reserve safari tours, from affordable day trips to comfortable overnight lodge stays. With over 15 years of experience arranging safaris across Southern Africa, we understand how to match travellers with the right safari style and budget.
Our team provides clear comparisons, honest advice, and personalised support from enquiry to confirmation. You’ll get straightforward guidance, reliable operators, and access to some of the best Aquila safari packages available.
If you’re ready to compare Aquila safari options or need help choosing the right tour, speak to our safari experts today.
The Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit includes some of the biggest protected areas in Africa - vast tracts of rugged wilderness largely unaltered by human development. Here you will experience truly wild Africa and encounter an incredible diversity of wildlife without having to fight the crowds for front row seats.
Our budget tours to the Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit are private, small group safaris. You can choose between fly-in safaris and overland tours that travel by road, or a combination of the two.
Our Southern Tanzania Safaris are all lodge tours that stay at comfortable safari lodges or tented (mobile) camps on a full-board (all meals included) basis. These private safaris travel in groups of seven clients at most, providing an exclusive safari adventure. Transport is in a 4x4 safari vehicle and each tour is conducted by a professional English-speaking driver/guide.
All of our Budget African Safaris to the Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit can be extended by adding on an optional beach holiday to either Zanzibar or Mafia Island for the ultimate African bush and beach getaway.
We do not feature safaris to Mahale National Park and Katavi National Park at this stage, because these are less budget-friendly destinations. This is due to the higher costs of the park fees, accommodation, and transport to and from these remote parks.
Ruaha is referred to as Tanzania's best-kept safari secret. African safaris to this remote Tanzanian national park offer an authentic wilderness experience without the crowds of more famous destinations.
We offer affordable private safaris to Ruaha that take you on an exclusive African wildlife adventure on a budget. You can also talk to one of our experts to have a custom safari to Ruaha tailor-made for you and your needs.
Given its remote location, we feature both fly-in and drive-in (overland) safaris to Ruaha, as well as combination safaris that drive to Ruaha and include a return flight to Dar es Salaam. For safaris to the Southern Safari Circuit parks of Tanzania, you will typically drive to Ruaha although there are a few fly-in tours that fly from one park to the next. You can also choose to fly to the airstrip at Ruaha from other Tanzanian parks, such as Serengeti, or safari destinations like Arusha combining northern and southern Tanzanian destinations.
On Ruaha Safaris, accommodation is either at a mobile tented camp inside the national park or at a safari lodge nearby. Our budget-friendly safaris are based at a fully-serviced canvased camp inside Ruaha during the high season (July to mid-November). When the mobile camp is closed in the low season, we stay at a tented lodge just outside of the park.
The camps and lodges at Ruaha range from rustic to relatively luxurious offering a remote and unspoiled African wilderness experience.
Experience the raw and untamed African bush with two of the most exciting activities in Nyerere National Park: wild camping and close-up wildlife watching by boat. Tanzania’s largest national park, Nyerere was formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, and offers adventurous travelers an unforgettable safari experience. Take a walking safari and explore the park’s vast wilderness. Nyerere National Park is an African safari destination you won’t want to miss.
Guided safaris to Nyerere National Park range from 9-day and 10-day Tanzania Safaris (budget camping or lodge) to 41-day and 55-day Accommodated Overland Tours. The shorter Tanzania Safaris focus more on off-the-beaten-track wildlife parks in southern Tanzania and give you more time in Nyerere Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). The less-crowded wildlife parks of the Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit include Ruaha National Park and the Udzungwa Mountains, along with Mikumi National Park.
Many of the longer overland safari tours that incorporate Nyerere also visit the famous Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, taking you game viewing in the legendary Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Longer tours, of about three weeks, either explore Southern African or East African countries in the region, whilst the tours of a month or more incorporate both Southern and East African destinations - from Kruger in South Africa to Serengeti in Tanzania or Masai Mara in Kenya. The longer safaris and overland tours typically spend less time in Nyerere National Park, however.
Nyerere National Park is featured on tour itineraries to some of the best-known African safari parks in the world, as well as trips to some of the wildest and lesser-known game reserves. This Tanzanian safari park combines well with Zanzibar Islands to the east and Lake Malawi to the south.
Short Tanzania Safari Tours (9 or 10 days) that visit Nyerere Park typically depart from, and end in, Dar es Salaam, on the East coast of Tanzania. We feature a few 11-day budget African safaris that travel between Dar es Salaam and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia. These affordable guided safaris travel via Lake Malawi in Malawi and South Luangwa in Zambia.
Next, we carry safaris of about three weeks long which mostly journey between Victoria Falls and Nairobi. These budget safaris take you overland from Zimbabwe to Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya, or in the reverse direction. Major attractions on these trips include the world-renowned Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and trips to the beach paradise of Zanzibar Island, in addition to Vic Falls, South Luangwa, Lake Malawi, and Nyerere National Park.
The other alternative for three-week-long African safaris is to travel between Johannesburg in South Africa and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. On these medium-length trips, you primarily explore Southern Africa, visiting top travel destinations in Botswana. Highlights in Botswana typically include Chobe Park, the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve offering diverse African experiences - from red-sand deserts and bleached saltpans to watery delta channels and game-rich floodplains.
For overland Africa tours, 30-days and longer in duration, you can travel from Johannesburg to Nairobi (and vice versa: Nairobi to Johannesburg) or from Victoria Falls to Nairobi via Uganda, where you go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest Park. What makes the Victoria Falls to Nairobi Safaris extra special is the chance to go gorilla trekking as well as wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya.
The longest African Budget Safaris to Nyerere National Park start on the southern coast of Africa in Cape Town and end in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to visiting South Africa's top city destination, Cape Town, these overland tours take you to the most incredible places in Namibia - the Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Etosha, and Windhoek. Then it is on to the best of Botswana - Chobe, Okavango Delta, and Makgadikgadi Pans, before stopping at Victoria Falls for adventure activities aplenty. From there you visit highlights of Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania (including Zanzibar), before finishing your tour in Nairobi, Kenya.
Take your pick from Budget Camping or Budget Lodge Safaris and Overland Camping or Accommodated Overland Tours. The Budget Lodge and Budget Camping Safari options are available for the shorter Tanzania Safari trips that visit Nyerere National Park. These small group safaris take 7 travelers at most and travel by 4x4 safari vehicle, offering an authentic African safari experience.
Both the lodge and camping safaris include a professional English-speaking guide, all meals on tour, and all park entry fees. The camping tour option includes a cook and camping equipment, tents, and mattresses. The lodge safari option also includes domestic flights from Ruaha National Park to Nyerere National Park (including tax) and a flight from Nyerere to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Our Africa Overland Tours that visit the broader Nyerere/Selous Ecosystem as part of longer itineraries take groups of 20 travelers at most. The Overland Tours are conducted in large overland trucks, making use of 4x4 game viewing vehicles in the major safari parks visited. These budget African tours explore Mikumi National Park, the most popular national park in the broader Nyerere Ecosystem.
Our Overland Camping Safaris are the most affordable option, followed by the Accommodated Overland Tours. On Overland African Tours, everyone is required to help out on the road, especially the camping safaris where guests assist with setting up and dismantling the tents at the safari camps. These adventure-style African tours are ideal for the young at heart. A flexible attitude and open mind will go a long way to ensure a fun and rewarding overland experience in Africa, regardless of your age.
View all of our Budget Tanzania Safaris.
Mozambique is less modernized than most Southern African countries, such as South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Travelling to Mozambique is thus a less westernized experience with more rudimentary amenities and fewer conveniences outside of the luxury resorts. For many travellers, it is a totally new experience - a real adventure.
A sought-after beach holiday destination, Mozambique is best known for its stunning beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, idyllic tropical islands and large marine animals (turtles, dolphins, whales, manta rays and whale sharks). Inhambane and Tofo are amongst the best beach getaways in the country, especially for water sports and marine life.
About Inhambane & Tofo Tours
Our Mozambique Tours all visit Inhambane and Tofo in the Inhambane Province. Inhambane is a historic seaside city where colonial Portuguese influences linger from the early 1500s when Vasco da Gama landed here. Nearby Tofo is the snorkelling and scuba diving capital of Mozambique, famous for its large whale shark and manta ray populations. Both Praia do Tofo and Inhambane have craft markets and beautiful coastlines with sandy beaches making them popular travel destinations.
Our shortest Budget Mozambique Tour is one-week long, starting and ending in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. This Accommodated Overland Tour of Mozambique travels to Bazaruto Islands and Vilanculos, in addition to Tofo Beach and Inhambane. This short Mozambique Tour is perfect for beach lovers, marine enthusiasts and water babies.
Most of the budget tours incorporating Tofo and Inhambane, are two-weeks long and start and end in the South African city of Johannesburg. All of our trips of about 14-days also travel to Kruger National Park, South Africa's top safari destination. These affordable Overland Tours typically combine Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland with highlights including Hlane Royal National Park, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve or Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Alternative routes for trips about two-weeks long include travelling from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Pretoria in South Africa, or from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. These tours include top attractions in Zimbabwe, such as Matobo National Park, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Hwange National Park.
Three-week tours to Mozambique either start in Livingstone at Victoria Falls in Zambia or Johannesburg, ending in Johannesburg either way. The 22-day tour from Livingstone takes in the Zambian safari highlights of Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park, along with Lake Malawi, in addition to Kruger Park (South Africa) and Tofo, Inhambane and Bazaruto Islands (Mozambique). One of the longest trip options is an Exclusive Overland Tour 24-days long. On this budget tour, you also visit Kafue and South Luangwa in Zambia, adding top Zimbabwean destinations such as Matobo, Victoria Falls and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins to your journey, as well as Chobe Park in Botswana.
Most of our Mozambique trips are Overland Tours, including camping, exclusive small group and accommodated safaris. The Mozambique Overland Tours are typically part of longer itineraries visiting multiple countries in Southern Africa. Thus you get to experience the comforts of neighbouring countries where the tourism industries are well established along with the novelty of Mozambique's less "tame" places and less westernized society. Mozambique overland tours are ideal for showing you the beautiful landscapes and rural life of the country.
All of our Africa tours travel overland allowing you to get closer to the places we visit and the people we encounter along the way, including the lodge tours.
Budget Lodge Tours of Mozambique give you a bit more comfort whilst you experience the rustic charm of this more 'African' country in a small group of up to 12 travellers. Budget Lodge Tous to Mozambique travel by small overland vehicle or a combination of microbus and game viewing vehicles in the national parks. Our Exclusive Budget Safaris also travel by small overland truck in small groups of 12 guests max, using 4x4 safari vehicles for game drives. Accommodation is a mix of camping and lodge or guesthouse accommodation on Exclusive Budget Safaris, with more nights spent camping. Exclusive Overland Tours, on the other hand, cater for groups of up to 17 travellers, staying in basic but comfortable accommodation on most nights along the way.
On the Africa Overland Tours (camping and accommodated) groups of 20 to 24 travellers travel together in a medium or large overland truck, depending on the trip. These are the most budget-friendly tour options, well-suited to adventurous spirits. Some participation is required on the Overland Tours, especially the Overland Camping Tours, as most meals are prepared and served in camp and at the overland vehicle. Africa Overland Travel is most popular with younger travellers (in their 20s and 30s), but people of all ages are welcome. Travellers all need to be relatively active and willing to contribute to the success of the journey in order to enjoy the social and interactive mode of travel that is overlanding.
A unique and striking geological feature, Waterberg Plateau is a historically significant place, providing sanctuary for diverse flora and faun, including rare and endangered animals and birds.
There are a number of accommodation options at Waterberg, mostly set along the base of the plateau and on the lower slopes, offering views over the surrounding plains.
Big birds and big caves - are the star attractions of the Oudtshoorn area. A tour of the impressive Cango Caves is a must when you visit Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. While in Oudtshoorn you will see plenty of ostriches as this region hosts some of the largest ostrich farms on the planet. In addition to its famous underground caverns and abundant ostriches, Oudtshoorn also gives you a taste of the semi-arid Klein Karoo (Little Karoo) region, its unique culture, and warm hospitality.
Tours to Oudtshoorn all visit the renowned Garden Route area of South Africa - a beautiful region, ideal for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. Top Garden Route destinations typically visited are Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Nature's Valley, and Tsitsikamma. On the Garden Route favorite outdoor and adventure activities include kayaking, bungee jumping, tubing, zip-line tours, hiking, surfing, boat cruises, shark cage diving, skydiving, sandboarding, and more.
One of the best aspects of these South African Tours to the Garden Route is the diversity of scenic landscapes you get to visit. Its rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, tranquil lagoons, majestic mountains, fynbos-covered hills, and indigenous forests, coupled with the semi-desert Karoo and a bit of African bushveld. Another drawcard of Garden Route Tours is the excellent infrastructure, accommodation, and tourist facilities in this part of the country.
For Southern Africa Tours that visit Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves options range from 3 to 20 days in length.
The shortest tours (about a week long) focus on the Garden Route and Western Cape regions of South Africa. These tours mostly start and end in Cape Town, or travel from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (or the reverse order - Port Elizabeth to Cape Town). There is also the option of traveling from George (which has an airport) on the Garden Route to Cape Town. Highlights on these tours generally include the Western Cape areas of the Garden Route, Cape Whale Route, and Cape Winelands, along with Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape.
When you add an extra week to your guided trip (12- or 13-day tours) you will also visit the lush KwaZulu-Natal Province where highlights include Durban and the Drakensberg Mountains. The tours in the two-week range also visit the landlocked country of Lesotho, known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, known for its pony trekking.
Take 20 days to explore Southern Africa on a budget and you'll be able to combine the picturesque Garden Route with Kruger National Park - South Africa's leading safari destination! These longer trips travel between Cape Town and Johannesburg or Pretoria, in either direction, so you can start or end your tour in Cape Town. On our three-week-long budget tours that include Oudtshoorn and Cango Caves, you also travel to the coastal Isimangaliso Wetland Park and acclaimed Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and/or Hlane Royal National Park in Swaziland.
Most of our shorter Garden Route Tours are Budget Lodge Safaris and Backpacking Tours which take between 8 and 13 travelers. Almost all of these short tours make use of microbus (mini-van) transport with air-conditioning. A few of the trips are conducted in a small overland vehicle or a luxury Mercedes Sprinter bus. There are also a few short (one-week long) Overland Africa Tours which travel in larger groups and overland expedition vehicles. Here you can choose between camping and accommodated tours. Overland Tours are more social, adventure-style travel experiences requiring a certain level of participation, because of the big group sizes and large overland vehicles.
Our longer Southern Africa Budget Tours (two to three weeks) are primarily Accommodated Overland and Camping Overland tours. Group size on these tours is a maximum of 20 or 24 guests. Although Overland Africa Travel generally appeals to younger travelers (in their 20s and 30s), reasonably active people of all ages are welcome. All you need is a healthy sense of adventure and the willingness to participate.
If the big group trips are not for you, there is the 20-day Best of South Africa Budget Lodge Tour option, which runs with only 8 guests. This more exclusive South African Safari travels by luxury tour vehicle (air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter) and includes a domestic flight from Johannesburg to George on the Garden Route.
Swaziland's oldest protected area, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover's paradise located in the Valley of Heaven or Ezulwini Valley. This secluded Swaziland reserve hosts an abundance of wildlife and birds in 4560 hectares of scenic wilderness. Mlilwane abuts the Usutu Forest with Nyonyane Mountain as its backdrop. Outdoor activities abound in Mlilwane Sanctuary including hiking, horseriding and mountain biking due to the absence of large predators.
About Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Tours
Our guided tours that include Mlilwane Sanctuary range from 8 days to 36 days in duration. These itineraries visit a host of Southern Africa's top destinations, including Mlilwane.
All of our budget safaris to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary also visit Kruger National Park, South Africa's leading game park. Most of these group tours also visit the South African highlights of the Panorama Route, Isimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Short Tours
Our 8-day long tours that include Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, travel from Johannesburg in Gauteng to Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal, and in the reverse direction. These short safaris all visit the Panorama Route and Kruger National Park in conjunction with Mlilwane.
The medium length tours of about two-weeks, mostly start and end in Johannesburg or Pretoria. The other option for two-week tours is to start in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape and end in Johannesburg, or vice versa. Many of these two-week safaris travel to Mozambique, in addition to South Africa and Swaziland, adding sought-after African beach destinations to the classical wildlife destinations of Kruger and Mlilwane. In Mozambique, tour highlights include Inhambane, Tofo, Maputo and the Bazaruto Islands.
Medium-length Tours
There is also a selection of two-week long tours that visit Lesotho instead of Mozambique. Our Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Safaris that combine Swaziland with South Africa and Lesotho, usually visit some or all of the following in addition to Kruger: Malealea, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, the Drakensberg Mountains, Durban, Hlane Royal National Park, Isimangaliso Wetland Park and Addo Elephant National Park.
Long Tours
Our longer tours, the 20-day and 36-day Southern Africa Safaris, depart from Johannesburg or Pretoria and end in Cape Town. Or you can depart from Cape Town and finish your tour in Johannesburg. The longer budget trips follow the same itineraries as the shorter tour versions, but with more top destinations added on. South African highlights on the longer tours include the Garden Route, Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves, South Coast, Cape Whale Route, Cape Winelands and Cape Town in the Western Cape. Our 36-day Overland Camping Tour takes in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, in addition to South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique - an epic Southern African adventure!
Our Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Safaris consist primarily of Accommodated Overland Tours and Overland Camping Tours, with some Budget Lodge Safaris and an Exclusive Budget Safari option. The Africa Overland Tours are the most affordable safaris. These are usually large group (about 20 people) tours that travel by overland truck and require participation from guests along the way.
Our affordable Lodge Safaris are a step up from Accommodated Overland Tours providing extra comfort, smaller group sizes (about 12) and transport in a microbus or small overland vehicle. The Exclusive Budget Safari takes only 9 guests at a time, requires minimal participation and travels by small overland vehicle, staying almost exclusively in fixed accommodation.
Tours to the Cape Whale Route are all about whale watching in Hermanus and shark cage diving in Gansbaai, as well as taking in the spectacular coastal scenery.
Most of our budget tours to this famous part of the Overberg travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai for shark cage diving adventures. We offer some exciting guided cycling tours that include the Cape Whale Route - an outstanding way to experience this picturesque region. Then, most of our South Africa tours (from or to Cape Town) pass through the Cape Whale Route on longer itineraries, along the Garden Route, into the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and even to Kruger Park.
Nearby attractions that combine well with the Cape Whale Route include Cape Town safari destinations and the Cape Winelands of the Western Cape.
Hlane Royal National Park has two rest camps: Ndlovu Camp and Bhubesi Camp.
Ndlovu Camp features a campsite, caravan sites, en-suite bungalows and cottages (without electricity) and is located right at the main gate to the national park. This camp has viewing decks, a curio shop and a partially open-air restaurant. Rhinos, elephants, hippos and crocodiles are often sighted at the watering hole here.
Bhubesi Camp is 14km from Ndlovu Camp, offering self-catering accommodation in a more remote location surrounded by the unspoilt bush. The stone cottages have electricity and are set along the Mbuluzi River.
Situated a two-hour drive north-west of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is a bird- and animal-watcher’s haven. The alkaline lake, which is surrounded by the Lake Nakuru National Park, is home to a huge number of bird species and 56 species of mammal, including a healthy population of the highly endangered rhino. Be sure to look into the trees here, too, where tree-climbing lions are often spotted taking an afternoon nap.
There are a variety of Budget Safari options that include Lake Nakuru and other highlights. Here is a list of the safari types available for the budget traveller:
Accommodated, camping and family overland safaris that include Lake Nakuru offer the budget traveller an adventurous journey into the African bush by Overland truck. The overland safaris can be either camping or accommodated giving budget travellers the choice between spacious dome tents and more comfortable lodge style accommodation. The camping overland safaris are generally popular with groups of young travellers, in search of an exciting and social journey into Africa’s wilderness areas. All three types of overland tour entail more teamwork and participation than other safaris.
The family tours are designed specifically with children in mind, typically covering shorter travelling distances at a time and requiring active participation in setting up camp and preparing meals. The accommodation is generally in dome tents and the focus on these tours is on adventure activities for the whole family.
Camping safaris offer budget travellers a truly immersive African experience of a lifetime, camping out under the star-filled skies in the bush. A level of participation is required on the camping safaris, on which spacious dome tents are used. Lodge Safaris provide a more comfortable way of getting the most out of your African experience, providing lodge style accommodation.
Exclusive Budget Safaris that include Lake Nakuru cater for more discerning African budget travellers looking for a truly African experience. The Exclusive Budget Safaris offer accommodation in luxury campsites or a combination of luxury tented and lodge style accommodation. The group size on the exclusive safaris is typically smaller, the vehicles are 4x4 land cruisers and little, if any, participation is required.
Take a look at our Lake Nakuru Safaris or read about Kenya, one of Africa's top safari destinations.
All of our Rwanda Safari Tours are budget-friendly lodge safaris centered on gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These affordable Rwanda Safaris range in duration from 3 days to 10 days in length with the longer tours visiting other highlights as well as Volcanoes Park.
In addition to taking you Rwanda gorilla trekking in the biodiverse Volcanoes National Park, our budget safaris also include the following highlights:
Our longer Rwanda Safaris combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda. These Uganda and Rwanda safaris are unique in offering you the opportunity to go gorilla trekking twice, in two of Africa's best rainforests for gorilla trekking.
Our Rwanda-only safaris depart from and end in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city. These safari tours include a city tour of Kigali, which takes you to a local arts and crafts market and the landmark Kigali Genocide Memorial. The Uganda and Rwanda Tours start in Kampala, Uganda, and end in Kigali.
The Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours that we offer are all Budget Lodge Safaris traveling in small groups. Accommodation is in comfortable guesthouses or bed and breakfast establishments, offering excellent value for money. All meals on safari are included. Airport transfers are included on almost all of the tours and all tours include the services of an English-speaking driver/guide. These budget Rwanda Safari Tours, whilst not luxurious, do offer a good level of comfort at well-established and reputable accommodation establishments.
It is important to note that the Rwanda safari prices do not include gorilla trekking permits. Gorilla Permit fees are about US$ 600 in Uganda and US$ 1500 in Rwanda. The tours do include transport to the national parks and allow enough time for gorilla trekking. Various tours include different activities depending on which destinations they visit. The longer Rwanda & Uganda Safaris for instance also take you game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, whilst Rwanda Safari options include chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest and game viewing boat cruises in Akagera National Park.
Our budget Rwanda Safari Tours are conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles.
Cape Town is synonymous not only with Table Mountain and beautiful beaches but with good wine too. Just a day trip to the Cape Winelands will make the reason for this clear as day. For trips that include a visit to the Cape Winelands, speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
The Cape Winelands stretches over an enormous region, right the way into the Eastern Cape, over 400 km from Cape Town. There is, however, no need to travel very far from Cape Town’s city center to sample some of the best wines that the Cape has to offer.
Just under half an hour from the city center, this lush valley contains some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape, and some of the newest. With sweeping views across to False Bay in one direction, and up the eastern slopes of Table Mountain (the back of it), in the other.
This is the wine route with the smallest number of wine farms – nine – but don’t let that put you off. They’re a high-quality nine, with an astounding number of wine (and foodie) awards to their names!
Set beneath the pearl-shaped mountain for which it is named, Paarl lies under an hour from Cape Town on the N2. It is literally surrounded by wine farms, including one of our favorites – Fairview, with its goats and cheeses.
Originally settled by the French in 1688, their influence is still clearly evident in this picturesque valley, just over an hour out of Cape Town. Franschhoek is known as the Culinary Capital of South Africa and is home to a number of internationally-acclaimed restaurants and chefs.
Take a trip on the Franschhoek Tram, which will let you hop on and hop off at your leisure at seven wine farms in the area.
This is the most well-known wine route, with some of the oldest, most gracious farms. Stellenbosch town is lovely, with oak-lined streets and beautifully restored Cape Dutch buildings. Surrounding it, in all the spectacular valleys and on the slopes are vineyards and farms with breath-taking scenery and delicious wines.
Add to the wines, various other specialties at different farms, such as olives, chocolate, and even grappa, and you could easily spend a month visiting all the farms, meeting the people, and tasting the wines!
The Cape Winelands combines well with the Cape Whale Coast and Cape Town Safaris to Big 5 game reserves near the city.
Balule Game Reserve offers the best of everything safari. As part of the Greater Kruger National Park, and home to the Big Five, its exclusivity allows the visitor a true African experience.
After dropping the fences in the 1990s, the 40,000 hectares of Balule Private Game Reserve became incorporated into the Greater Kruger National Park, allowing free access for the game to roam, added grazing, and an increased gene pool.
One of the huge draw cards for Balule Game Reserve is their walking safaris. While these are optional, we highly recommend you do them, as this is a truly African bush experience.
Walking safaris are led by armed guides (remember, there are predators in this bush) who are exceptional trackers and highly knowledgeable about all things bush.
It is on these safaris that you really get up close and personal with Africa - its sights, sounds and creatures.
On Balule safari tours, game drives are offered both in Balule Private Game Reserve Safaris and in the Kruger National Park. Again, they are led by highly experienced guides who are in radio contact with others, allowing for the best animal sightings possible.
Game drives are usually scheduled in the early morning, as the bush wakes up, before the heat of the day, and then late afternoon, as the animals wake from their naps to feed and drink.
Night drives, with floodlights, allow for the incredible experience of seeing Africa's nocturnal beasts go about their business.
The Olifants River runs through Balule creating a riverine forest amongst the bushveld plains. This diverse vegetation provides habitat to a vast range of birds and animals.
Not only are the Big Five - elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard - commonly seen in the park, but a huge number and range of other wildlife call Balule home. Expect to see giraffes, zebras, a host of different antelopes, hippos and crocodiles, to name just a few.
Game-viewing (both on foot and in safari vehicles) is guided by exceptionally well-trained and knowledgeable guides who are excellent trackers.
With over 500 species of bird, including the 'Big Six' - the lappet-faced vulture, the saddle-billed stork, the martial eagle, the ground hornbill, the Kori bustard and the rarely-seen Pel’s fishing owl - Balule Private Game Reserve is a birdwatcher's paradise.
From tiny wagtails to enormous, comical-looking ostrich, and beautiful sweeping birds of prey, there's something for everybody.
Our Balule safaris offer accommodation in one of the small lodges in the private game reserve.
Perfectly placed to ensure both privacy and the best bush views, they all offer comfortable en-suite rooms. At the main lodge areas, each has a deck and swimming pool to cool down after a hot day in the bush.
Due to the limited number of people allowed at each safari lodge, personal service and a friendly atmosphere are guaranteed.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the remotest in Southern Africa. It is a pristine, off-the-beaten-track wilderness area. A truly wild place.
This game reserve in the heart of the Kalahari Desert is a great place to escape the crowds and bustle of modern life. The ideal destination to get out and experience the deep silence and solitude of open desert spaces. Perfect for stopping to marvel at the sheer scale of Africa's immense empty landscapes.
Watch serene sunsets over the wide horizons while you sip on sundowners. Then, let the starry desert skies dazzle you with their silent beauty at night. Explore the rugged desert on 4x4 game drives and see strange and rare animals and birds.
You can go to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana on a self-drive safari or an organized tour.
To explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) you will need a 4x4 safari vehicle. If you're visiting on your own steam then you will need to take everything that you need with you, from camping equipment to food and water. It's much easier to opt for a guided safari with a trusted tour company. Taking an organized safari is often more rewarding as the experienced guides know the lay of the land and are skilled in spotting wildlife and birds.
Interacting with the San (Bushmen) is one of the highlights of safaris to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
The guided bush walks with the Bushmen are an incredible way to explore the desert and learn how this tribe has survived here for so long. These safaris offer insight into the traditional culture of the San, as well as the plants and animals of the Kalahari. The locals show visitors their hunting skills and share their extensive knowledge of life in the unforgiving Kalahari. Cultural encounters often include hearing the San's tales of bravery and adventure, as well as listening to their clicking language and watching them dance.
This dry game reserve is home to a surprising array of wild animals and birds, including unusual and endangered species. Game viewing in the heart of the Kalahari can be highly rewarding, especially during and after the summer rains.
Game drives are conducted in 4x4 safari vehicles during the early morning and late afternoon hours when animals are more active and the heat of the desert is less intense.
One of the most prized wildlife sightings is the famous Kalahari lion, a black-maned predator that is larger than its savannah counterpart.
The CKGR reserve and surrounds are scattered with some 36 campsites and a handful of game lodges with plenty of space in between. The campsites generally offer basic facilities, such as a pit latrine, bucket showers, and a braai (barbecue) area. The luxury safari lodges, on the other hand, offer a host of facilities and are often reached by small private aeroplanes.
Staying over in the Kalahari gives you the chance to marvel at the starry skies and soak up the solitude, silence, and sheer scale of this special place.
The most unforgettable part of exploring this game reserve is being surrounded by the vast open landscapes of the Kalahari Desert - a wild and solitary land. The endless dry plains, star-studded night skies, and deep silence will stay with you forever.
Safaris to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park are all about seeing big game, especially the Big Five of Africa, in the unspoilt bush. Day and night game drives in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi are rewarded with sightings of an abundance of African wildlife species, including endangered African wild dogs, cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest and rhino. The game viewing is world-class as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is one of South Africa's most prestigious game reserves, world-famous for its role in wildlife conservation.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Safaris offer diverse and spectacular scenery. Explore the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline, towering Drakensberg Mountains, rolling hills of Swaziland and Lesotho, and the wild African bushveld of South Africa, enjoying the game-rich bush and sunny beaches in one trip!
For one-week long tours that visit Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, you are likely to depart from Johannesburg in Gauteng and end in Durban, or back in Johannesburg. Alternatively, you can start your short tour in Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal and end in Johannesburg. The shorter safaris almost all visit the small landlocked country of Swaziland, exploring Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, along with the South African gems of Isimangaliso Wetland Park, the Panorama Route and Kruger Park.
The two-week long tours start and end in Johannesburg, or travel between Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape and Johannesburg. In addition to Swaziland, these longer tours also travel to Lesotho, the Kingdom in the Sky or Mozambique. Highlights on the mid-length safaris between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth include Drakensberg Mountains, Durban and Addo Elephant National Park.
Our longer budget safaris incorporating Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, typically travel from Cape Town in the Western Cape to Johannesburg or vice versa. These typically visit the same highlights as the medium-length safaris that include Hluhluwe-Imfolozi as well as the Garden Route, Western Cape highlights and Cape Town.
Our Budget Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Safaris are mostly Overland Tours (Accommodated Overland and Camping Overland Tours) or Budget Lodge Safaris, with one Hiking Tour option.
The Overland Tours are usually conducted in large or medium-sized overland expedition trucks. Overland Tours typically travel in groups of up to 20 guests and require a level of participation. Overland Camping Tours are the most affordable option requiring the most participation with setting up camps and preparing meals. Overland Africa travel tends to attract the younger crowd (20 and 30 somethings) because of the participation, the large group size and the adventure nature of the tours. However, anyone with a sense of adventure and willingness to pitch in actively can join Overland Tours and enjoy the journey.
Our Budget Lodge Safaris, on the other hand, are conducted in small overland vehicles or luxury vehicles (air-conditioned mini-buses). The lodge safaris offer more comfort and luxury in terms of accommodation and transport. On these Southern Africa lodge tours, you travel in groups of about 12 guests and little to no participation is required of guests. On the Budget Lodge Tours, your meals are usually prepared by the guides or the lodges and guesthouses and you can eat out along the way.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Safari Transport
All game drives in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi are conducted in specialised safari vehicles, customarily open 4x4 game viewing vehicles. In between destinations you will travel in either an overland vehicle or small tour bus (mini-van) depending on your tour type - overlanding tours, the former, and budget lodge safaris, the latter.
The area is well-suited to walking, whether it's a short one or a long hike, there are trails to suit everyone's level of fitness and desire. Guided walking trails are offered. It's a great opportunity to see the little things, appreciate the sounds of the bush and learn about the fauna and flora of the area from your guide.
A popular hike is that to the top of Pomogwe Hill, which provides spectacular vistas across the park. There are also a number of circular routes, many of which pass by wonderful San rock paintings.
If you want to get really close to the wild, go on a guided walking tour with an armed scout through the game park. With luck, you'll encounter rhino during your walk and you'll definitely learn some things about the area from your knowledgeable guide.
4X4 game-viewing trips are also offered, which allow you to cover more distance and spot more wildlife as you wind your way slowly through the game park.
Guided pony trails are offered at Maleme Dam and take you into the Whovi Wild Area on horseback. This is a good way to get closer to the animals, as they are less wary of animals than humans.
There are a number of dams in the Matobo National Park. Fishing and boating are allowed on some of them.
The dams are full of an array of fish species, including bass and bream.
The granite rocks of the Matobo provided a perfect canvas to the San people who lived in the area over 2 000 years ago. Many of these are still in good condition and they are one of the major draw-cards to the area.
Giraffe, eland and kudus can be seen clearly at Nswatagi Cave, and the faint rhino seen at the White Rhino Shelter added fuel to the fire for reintroducing these amazing creatures to the park.
Other sites with San art include Bambata Cave, Inanke Cave and Silozwane Cave.
The Savuti Marsh (Savute Channel) in Botswana has captured the imagination of African safari enthusiasts for decades.
Famous for the large and ferocious elephant-killing lion prides, the Savuti Marsh is also home to rare painted wolves, hyenas, large herds of elephants, and buffalos as well as a truly wild expanse of the African bush with abundant game. Known as Botswana's 'Predator Capital', there is ample accommodation from 5-star luxury to mobile bush camps all putting you in the middle of this remote and fascinating area.
Some say Savuti, some say Savute. For ease, we will refer to Savute here.
The Savute safari region (also known as Savuti Marsh) borders the Okavango Delta in the northwestern region of Chobe National Park. The Savute safari area is located along the Savute Channel inside Chobe National Park in northern Botswana.
A number of African Budget Safari tours include this breathtaking area. With spectacular peaks, gushing rivers and waterfalls, pristine mountain air and fantastic walking trails, it's one of South Africa's gems.
The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's not hard to see why. On its proclamation, UNESCO described it as an area of 'exceptional natural beauty in its soaring basaltic buttresses, incisive dramatic cutbacks, and golden sandstone ramparts...the site’s diversity of habitats protects a high level of endemic and globally threatened species, especially birds and plants...[and it] also contains many caves and rock-shelters with the largest and most concentrated group of paintings in Africa south of the Sahara.'
We couldn't say it better.
A favourite for locals and international travellers alike, this area in the northern Berg (as locals refer to it), is known for its wonderful hikes - to suit any level of fitness - through the most beautiful landscapes imaginable.
The area includes the Amphitheatre, a spectacular natural amphitheatre (surprise!) which spans 5 km and reaches up to 1000 m. It includes the Mont-Aux-Sources Peak, aptly named for being the source of five rivers, including the Tugela, which is one of South Africa's main rivers.
A popular hike in the park takes the hiker up a chain ladder for a view of the Tugela Falls and Amphitheatre that'll take your breath away.
The San people, colloquially referred to as 'Bushmen', are descendents of early Stone Age progenitors and roamed between the Drakensberg and coast for thousands of years.
Sadly, between the Zulu people and the Boers, the last remaining San were either killed or chased over into Lesotho by the late 1800's. All that is left of this incredible culture in the area is some fine examples of their rock art in caves around the uKhahlamba Drakensberg.
If walking is not your thing, a number of guided horse trails may be just the ticket for you to climb the hills and see the views!
Drakensberg Boy's Choir School
This world famous choir school is situated in a beautiful valley in the Central Berg.
On Wednesday afternoons during term time, one can visit the school and listen to the choir in the 600-seater auditorium at the school.
See these incredible, prehistoric-looking birds feed at various 'Vulture Restaurants' in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Carcasses are placed in a designated area, to which the birds flock, allowing the visitor a far closer look than is possibe in the wild.
For those wanting to get the blood pumping through their veins a little faster, uKhahlamba Drakensberg has much to offer.
These are just some of the plethora of activities offered:
Lusaka is most often visited as part of longer African safaris in Zambia and neighbouring countries, usually as a quick stopover. The city has some decent accommodation, mostly outside of the bustling city centre, suited for a bit of down time and rest after roughing it in the bush.
The most popular safari destinations combined with Lusaka are Victoria Falls and Livingstone in Zambia. Lusaka is commonly visited en route to top safari attractions in Zambia, including South Luangwa National Park.
The shortest tours including Lusaka on their itineraries last about 11 days, and the longest range from 49 to 56 days. These Lusaka Tours visit top safari destinations for game viewing and sightseeing in Malawi, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa and even Namibia and Kenya.
These two types of tours are very similar, except for the difference in accommodation and the level of participation. On the camping tours accommodation is at camping sites and bush camps, in comfortable dome tents for two. The camping style is a great way to immerse yourself in the bush and get back to nature. The accommodated tours include overnights in basic 2-3 star chalets, bungalows, permanent tents and youth hostels, providing a degree of comfort.
Full participation is required on the camping overland tours and some participation with meal preparation is required on the accommodated tours.
Nxai Pan National Park is over 2 500 km2 of achingly beautiful, arid bushveld in north-western Botswana. Forming part of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans complex, the park is known for its spectacular desert scenery and wildlife.
Due to the arid nature of the climate, and the saltiness of the pans, fauna and flora are limited. This, in itself, is part of the reason for the stark beauty of this dry region.
Nxai Pan National Park consists of vast plains that, when the rains come, turn into lush grasslands, dotted about with trees that are synonymous with Africa - Acacias, Baobabs and Mopane. Due to the indigenous Mopane woodlands, numerous animals call Nxai their home permanently. These include jackal and bat-eared foxes, antelopes (like springbok, impala, and kudu), lions, and giraffes.
The rains bring huge herds of migratory animals - wildebeest, zebra, elephant, giraffe and many species of antelope - followed closely by predators - lion, cheetah, and the brown hyena.
ABS includes this spectacular area in several of our affordable African Safaris. Whether you want to camp wild or stay in a game lodge, we've got a suitable safari for you.
Ask your ABS Consultant to point you in the right direction.
The Fish River Canyon is one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders. This vast desert canyon offers dramatic viewpoints, epic hiking trails, and soothing hot springs in southern Namibia.
Namibia's Caprivi Strip, located near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana, combines well with these famous destinations on an African safari.
Various kinds of tours visit Caprivi, including Budget Lodge Safaris, Budget Camping, Motorbike, and Senior Safaris, from 10 to 22 days long. These tours visit highlights in Southern Africa, including Etosha Park in Namibia, Chobe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, along with Caprivi attractions.
The Trans-Caprivi-Highway runs through the Caprivi Strip from Rundu in the west to the district capital of Katima Mulilo in the east. This highway is now tarred, providing easy access to nearby attractions such as Chobe National Park in Botswana, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Etosha Park in Namibia.
BwaBwata National Park consists of what was formerly called the Caprivi Game Park and the Mahango Game Reserve. It is bordered by the Okavango River in the west and the Kwando River in the east. BwaBwata National Park is home to buffalo, elephants, hippos, various antelope species, a few predators, and abundant birdlife.
Drive along the western banks of the Okavango River to spot the rare roan and sable antelopes. The former Mahango National Park is home to more bird species than any of Namibia's other game parks and features red lechwe, giant baobab trees, and large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Learn more about the diverse Caprivi Strip in Namibia.
The Skeleton Coast, which stretches hundreds of kilometres up the Namibian coast, from Swakopmund to the Kunene River on the border with Angola, is barren, desolate, and achingly beautiful.
Many of our African Budget Safaris featuring the Skeleton Coast include stops in vibrant Swakopmund and a visit to the Cape fur seal colony at Cape Cross.
Cape fur seal bulls can reach 360 kg at the beginning of the breeding season (October), the female seals are a lot smaller, at 75 kg. Babies are born in November/December and weigh a mere 4.5 to 7 kg, living with, and depending on their mums for at least a year.
The reserve at Cape Cross can have up to 100,000 seals living there, which is an astounding thought, and an amazing sight.
With a 200 m walkway, made of recycled plastic, you can get up close and personal with the seals. Be warned though, they're noisy and smelly!
Before becoming famous for its seal colony, Cape Cross got its name from the cross placed there by the Portuguese explorer, Diego Câo in 1486. This was to stake Portugal's claim on the territory, as he searched for a route around Africa to India. The cross is a landmark and was used as a navigational aid from the 15th century.
The cross that stands on the spot now is a replica of the original, erected in 1980, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the initial landing. The original cross was removed in 1893, by a German sailor, Captain Becker, and has yet to be returned.
It is a humbling experience to see the cross, and imagine the hardships of those sailors exploring unknown seas and, more tragically, all those sailors that washed ashore on this inhospitable coastline, never to return.
Known as the 'Adventure Capital of Namibia', Swakopmund offers a plethora of activities.
This quaint, seaside town, with plenty of German architecture, is on the sea. It's a cosmopolitan place, offering the best that Europe and Africa can offer in terms of food and shopping.
If you're an adrenaline junkie, these are a few of the activities that Swakopmund offers:
Tours to Namib-Naukluft take you on an unforgettable desert experience to the most iconic landscapes of Namibia. Endless ochre sand dunes and bleached pans of cracked earth scattered with ancient dead trees. The desert silence is immense, the horizons open and the night-skies dazzling.
Due to its location and popularity, the Namib-Naukluft Park is featured on numerous tour itineraries, so it's easy to incorporate it into a variety of routes or visit the park on its own as part of a short Namibia Tour.
We have almost 80 Budget Safaris that travel to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, so there are many options available.
The shortest Namib Desert Tours are 3 and 5 days long, focussing almost exclusively on the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Sesriem Canyon and surrounds. The shorter Namibian Safaris that visit the Namib-Naukluft Park start in Windhoek or Swakopmund and are mostly Budget Lodge Safaris. Our longer Budget Namibia Safaris, about one-week in duration, also go to Etosha National Park, the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland highlights, such as Spitzkoppe.
If you have two weeks to explore Namibia then you can add the Caprivi Strip in north-west Namibia and end your tour at the famous Victoria Falls in Zambia. Alternatively, you can combine the Namib-Naukluft and Etosha in Namibia with Chobe in Botswana, starting in Windhoek and ending in Livingstone, Zambia. On the most comprehensive tours of Namibia, you can also experience the Kalahari, Kgalagadi, Fish River Canyon, Orange River, the wild horses of the Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, Spitzkoppe and Twyfelfontein, in addition to Swakopmund, Etosha National Park and Windhoek. These are just a few of the options for tours ranging between 13 and 16 days.
The longest Budget Safaris that include Namib-Naukluft Park are a whopping 56 days long! These long Overland Tours journey between Cape Town in South Africa and Nairobi in Kenya, travelling to highlights in most countries of Southern and East Africa en route. The major Overland Tours in the region of 40-days long also travel between Cape Town and Nairobi, taking you from South Africa through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania to Kenya.
In between, there are plenty of mid-length tours (often about three-weeks long) which explore Southern Africa extensively. Typically these include South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia, where you'll visit the Namib-Naukluft.
We have so many fantastic Namib Desert Tours that there really is a budget safari option for everyone in the mix. There are Safaris for Seniors, Family Tours, Overland Camping Tours, Budget Lodge Safaris, Accommodated Overland Tours, Exclusive Overland Safaris and Exclusive Budget Safaris.
The Camping and Accommodated Overland Tours are usually conducted in large overland trucks. These include the epic overland trips from Cape to Nairobi (or vice versa). There is even a super-long 42-day Family Overland Tour for adventurous families who love camping. For some of the long trips (40 to 56 day Overland Safaris) group size is up at 29 people max, otherwise, it's usually about 22 guests at most.
When you scale down to a few days or weeks on the road then you'll find more Budget Lodge Tours, Budget Camping Tours and Senior Tours, as well as Exclusive Budget and Exclusive Overland Tours.
Most of the budget tours to Namib-Naukluft Park provide accommodation close to the park, based at campsites and lodges in the Namib Desert region. Staying out in the desert is a memorable experience offering incredible stargazing and a peaceful setting.
On most tours to Namib-Naukluft Park, you travel into the national park in your tour vehicle. If you're on an Overland Tour then tour transport is typically in a small, medium or large overland truck. On the Budget Lodge, Budget Camping and Exclusive Budget Tours where you travel in smaller groups tour transport is usually a minivan (micro-bus) or an adapted safari vehicle. Once in Namib-Naukluft National Park, there is a 4x4 shuttle service that takes visitors to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
Enjoy the endless beaches that stretch 220 kilometers from Maphelane in the south to Kosi Bay on the Mozambique border, view game on self-guided or guided trails and routes on the foothills of the Lubombo mountains in uMkhuze or in the coastal forests and rolling grasslands of Lake St Lucia’s Eastern Shores. See the spectacular coral reefs and colourful underwater life whilst diving or snorkeling or embark on adventures ranging from kayak trips to horse rides.
A good variety of South African budget tours visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal. You can choose from Accommodated Overland or Camping Overland Tours and Budget Lodge Safaris, ranging from one to three weeks in duration.
Almost all of our tours to iSimangaliso also visit Kruger National Park and Durban, with many also going to top destinations in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape - from Addo Elephant National Park to the Garden Route and Cape Town.
Situated on the banks of Lake Victoria at the source of the world's longest river, the Nile, Jinja is an adrenaline junkie's paradise.
With a tropical climate and surrounded by lush forests and sugar cane fields, there's a smorgasbord of activities to keep travellers busy.
African Budget Safaris offer a number of trips that include overnight stays in Jinja. Ask our consultant for guidance if you're unsure.
Known as Uganda's 'Adventure Capital', Jinja offers the adventurer a wide range of activities.
Kayaking along the more gentle sections or navigating the white water rapids (up to Grade 5) of the Nile in rubber dinghies with experienced guides - there's something to suit every level of experience and thrill-seeking.
Just down the Nile you can attach yourself to a rubber band and bungee jump, ending your flying with a little dip into the Nile itself.
Other adventure activities offered include quadbiking through the equatorial forests and horseback-riding.
Jinja town itself offers the visitor a glimpse into a typical African town. With a population of over 70 000 people, it has all the mod cons - shops, internet cafes, pharmacies, sports centres and a hospital.
In the centre of town lies the market, a frenzied hub of activity spread over a vast number of stalls that sell from chicken's feet to beautiful textiles, and everything in-between.
Down the main street, old colonial buildings mingle with more modern African architecture and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) weave between cars.
At the source itself, where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria, there are memorial gardens to Ghandi, some of whom's ashes were scattered here.
On the opposite bank lies the Speke Memorial - in recognition of Speke's discovery of the source. He was the first European to find it.
A number of ABS trips include an overnight stay in Jinja and some time to spend either exploring the town, visiting the source of the Nile, or getting the adrenaline pumping doing one of the many adventure activities.
Tours include accommodation in budget lodges or tents. Ask your ABS consultant for more details.
Lake Manyara National Park is near the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, making it the perfect addition to a northern Tanzania safari. Manyara is known for its birdlife and beautiful scenery thanks to the Great Rift Valley lake it encompasses.
Lake Manyara National Park is also known for its diversity of wildlife and birds, including impressive flocks of pink flamingos, lions, elephants, and over 400 species of birds. Not to mention its stunning landscape; forests, deep stretches of savannah grassland, and hot springs. Plus, it has two freshwater springs that attract all sorts of animals. The area also boasts one-of-a-kind accommodation options with plenty of activities like canoeing and hiking, enabling you to get up close and personal with nature.
Nestled in the heart of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit, Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area located between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania's Arusha and Manyara Regions. It is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority and has a total area of 325 km² (125 sq mi), including about 230 km² (89 sq mi) of the lake's surface.
Just northwest of Tarangire Park and southeast of Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, visitors can explore this park by car or on foot.
Day game driving: Visitors are able to see the lion population known for its tree-climbing behavior. Tree-climbing lions can be found in Lake Manyara National Park and a few other places in Tanzania that are becoming more popular. Lake Manyara does not disappoint visitors on day game drives due to the variety of animal species such as smaller mammals like dik-dik, rabbits, and many others. As well as larger mammals like elephants, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and warthogs.
Bird watching: In Lake Manyara National Park there are more than 400 species of birds. Pink flamingos, which sometimes migrate from Lake Natron to Lake Manyara, are the most appealing. Visitors enjoy bird watching not only in the park's forests but also at the lake. Other species include yellow-billed storks, marabou storks, geese, turkeys, weavers, pelicans, and hundreds more.
We offer many tours that explore Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit as part of much longer Africa overland adventures. Overland trips typically include visits to the Maasai town of Mtu Wa Mbu, which is situated close to Lake Manyara National Park, as well as stops to admire the views of the Maasai Plains and Lake Manyara. Although many of these Overland Africa Tours do not include Lake Manyara on their itineraries, most of them do offer Lake Manyara game drives as an optional activity.
If an Africa safari has been on your bucket list for years but you need some help figuring out where to begin, talk to one of our travel experts (for free advice). Or take a look at our range of affordable Tanzania Safari Packages. With carefully designed itineraries that show off all that Tanzania’s nature reserves have to offer and knowledgeable guides at hand, prepare for a safari experience like none other.
African Budget Safaris offers a variety of safari options. Choose from short trips (a few days) that combine Lake Manyara with another game park on the Northern Safari Circuit to slightly longer tours (a week or two) that include Tarangire and other northern Tanzania safari parks.
Tanzania Safaris can either take you exclusively to the northern game parks (Serengeti included) or you can explore other destinations on your trip too.
Starting from camping tours over a few days, the Budget Camping Safaris option allows you to explore several of the game parks on the Northern Tanzanian Safari Circuit on its own, or in combination with Amboseli in Kenya. The Budget Camping Safaris to the Northern Tanzanian Safari Circuit offer shorter, more affordable safari choices. These Tanzanian Safaris are cheaper than the lodge and accommodated trips, giving travelers the chance to immerse themselves in nature and camp out under the stars. The Budget Camping Safaris require limited participation at camp and travel in smaller groups than the overland Africa tours.
Explore selected Tanzania wildlife parks on the Northern Safari Circuit, such as the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, or all of them (Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Parks). Options include Budget Lodge Safaris to the Northern Tanzanian Safari Circuit plus Masai Mara in Kenya, or several top Kenyan Parks, including Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara. The Northern Tanzanian Safari Circuit can also be combined with Zanzibar Islands to make a winning wildlife and beach combo! The length of these lodge tours ranges from around one to two weeks. Stay in 2 to 3-star establishments, from hotels and guesthouses to bungalows and safari lodges. Excellent value-for-money safaris that provide a little style and comfort while remaining affordable.
One to two-week-long budget safaris taking you to the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit alone, or with Kenya's Masai Mara and/or Amboseli Parks added to the mix. The Exclusive Budget Safaris travel in smaller tour groups and make use of luxury camping accommodation in combination with 2 to 3-star quality lodge or guest house accommodation. Sit back and enjoy exploring northern Tanzania, without having to participate at camp.
Longer budget safaris by overland truck, usually taking in several top African safari destinations (game parks and countries) in one go! These are a step up from the Camping Overland Tours, but also entail traveling in quite big and social groups. The shortest of these Accommodated Tours (plus-minus a week-long) combine the Northern Safari Circuit with Zanzibar Islands - excellent Tanzanian wildlife and beaches mix. The Accommodated Overland Tours require a bit of help from you, usually with meal preparation, and are ideal for budget travelers looking for a touch of comfort on the road.
As with the epic Accommodated Overland Tours these are generally more comprehensive budget trips through several African countries to top safari destinations in each. There are however some shorter ones that focus on the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit game parks or combine them with the southern Kenyan game park, Masai Mara. We offer a good range of these social safaris, traveling in quite large groups by safari truck. There's often some participation required at camp on these trips, but camping under starry African skies more than makes up for the little bit of effort. Overland Camping Tours provide a fun and very affordable way of visiting the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
Tarangire National Park is a must-visit for all animal lovers out there! In Tarangire, you can experience wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle coming to the area in search of water during their incredible journey. Not only that, but Tarangire also boasts some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa. And since Tarangire is less crowded than many other national parks, you can often get up close and personal with these gentle giants as they traverse the bush. The park's baobab trees are also a sight to behold.
Tarangire National Park is located in northern Tanzania's Manyara Region, in East Africa. Tarangire Park is about a two-hour (120 km) drive from Arusha, near Mount Kilimanjaro.
The best way to get there is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is only 46 kilometers (29 miles) from Arusha. Alternatives include taking a domestic flight to Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) or Arusha Airport (ARK) before transferring to JRO. Regardless of how you get there, the 2-hour drive from Arusha, followed by an unpaved 7km stretch leading up to the park's entrance gate, will be well worth it.
A tour of Tarangire National Park is an excellent way to admire Tanzania's incredible wildlife. From the comfortable safari vehicles, visitors can catch glimpses of lions, elephants, leopards, wildebeest, zebras, and over 550 bird species. Those looking for a more personalized experience can opt for guided walking safaris, which will allow visitors to appreciate their surroundings from a closer perspective.
At African Budget Safaris, we have many safari options available. Choose from short excursions (a few days) that combine Tarangire with another game park on the Northern Safari Circuit to slightly longer tours (a week or two) that visit multiple northern Tanzanian parks, including Tarangire.
On our Budget Tours, you can expect to visit the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and/or the Manyara game park. While picking a safari to Tarangire, it's easy to fit your budget and travel preferences because these short- to medium-length tours are available in Budget Camping, Exclusive Budget, and Budget Lodge versions.
If you are interested in a longer safari, why not book an overland camping safari? We offer African overland tours (lodge and/or camping)These Overland Camping Safaris travel through several countries in East and Southern Africa in a variety of variations. You can choose from overland safaris lasting about three weeks up to tours almost two months long.
Check out Budget Safari Tours to Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit or view Budget Tours to Tanzania.
Budget Safaris to Amboseli National Park range from just under one week to two weeks in duration. Budget Lodge and Exclusive Budget Safaris are the most popular types of tours including Amboseli on their itineraries.
Budget Tours to Amboseli usually visit several other game parks in Kenya, from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru. Amboseli is often also combined with one or more of the game parks on the Northern Safari Circuit in Tanzania, including Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara.
Guests stay in mid-range lodge and hotel accommodation (3 to 5 star establishments) on the Budget Lodge Safaris. The safari accommodation is generally located either inside the national parks, on riverbanks, or in other places of interest. Often the overnight lodges offer fantastic views over the wilderness and scenic landscapes.
The safari accommodation is in en suite rooms or permanent tents, at a combination of lodges, hotels, chalets, guest houses and tented safari camps. Some of the safari lodges and camps feature a swimming pool, restaurant and bar area. All meals during the Budget Lodge Safaris are usually included.
Amboseli with Kenyan and Tanzanian Game Parks:
On Exclusive Budget Safaris guests stay in a combination of comfortable mid-range lodges or hotels and carefully selected safari camps, chosen for their remote locations and exclusivity. The safari accommodation is generally located either inside the national parks, on riverbanks, or in other places of interest. Often the overnight lodges and camps offer fantastic views over the wilderness and scenic landscapes.
Accommodation is in self-contained luxury tents or twin share rooms, some with en suite bathrooms others with shared facilities. All meals are typically included on the Exclusive Small Group Camping and Lodge Safaris.
Check out more Budget Tours to to Kenya or Masai Mara Safaris.
Tours to Amboseli focus on game viewing and taking in the scenery of this beautiful Kenyan game park. We explore Amboseli National Park on game drives in search of its rich wildlife and birdlife. Amboseli is an excellent safari destination for photography, as well as cultural experiences with the Masaai and traditional dance performances.
The Budget Amboseli Safaris also go game viewing in several other game parks in Kenya and Tanzania, where activities include Tribal Visits, Walking Safaris and Hot-air Balloon Rides.
These African tours range from 4 days to 29 days in duration, visiting a wide variety of East African highlights, including the Great Rift Valley.
Wild and rugged, Samburu Game Reserve is one of Kenya's hidden gems. Escape the crowds in this remote Big Five game reserve where you can also spot rare and unusual animal species such as Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelopes, Somali ostriches, reticulated giraffes and beisa oryx. Samburu incorporates diverse habitats, from scrublands and savannah plains to forests, hosting numerous birds and animals, drawn to the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Encountering the traditional Samburu people is another highlight of visiting this off-the-beaten-track wilderness area.
Given that Samburu is a more unusual and less-visited game reserve there are fewer safari packages that travel there. It's not a stop included on most big group tours, which means fewer crowds, giving you a more intimate safari experience.
Our Budget Kenya Safaris that go to Samburu range between one and two weeks in duration. Most of these tours also spend time in the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya. This gives you the unforgettable mix of the famous Masai Mara and the lesser-known Samburu Reserve, via the scenic Great Rift Valley. There are however Budget Safaris that focus exclusively on Samburu Game Reserve and more unusual Kenyan safari destinations, such as Marsabit National Park, the Chalbi Desert, Lake Turkana, Lake Baringo and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
The two-week-long Kenya Tours also take you on safari in Tsavo National Park and Amboseli National Park, in addition to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Samburu National Reserve.
Lastly, you can also visit Samburu as part of our Kenya & Tanzania Safari, which takes in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru in Kenya, as well as Tanzania's top Northern Safari Circuit destinations - Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
All of our Kenya Safaris to Samburu start and end in the bustling capital city of Nairobi. The Kenya & Tanzania Safari also departs from Nairobi but ends in Arusha in northern Tanzania.
When it comes to taking a safari in Samburu, you can choose from Budget Lodge, Budget Camping and Exclusive Budget Safaris. On almost all of our Samburu Tours game drives are conducted in 4x4 safari vehicles - either open-sided or with pop-up roofs for watching wildlife.
The smallest group size available is only 5 guests and the biggest is a mere 14 travellers! Transport on these small group safaris is usually by microbus or 4x4 safari vehicle with one of the camping trips travelling by small overland vehicle. The tour prices include the services of qualified English-speaking guides, game drives and park entry fees.
Seeing and meeting the Samburu people is a fascinating part of Samburu Safaris. All of these tours have a cultural element to them, to a lesser or greater extent. Some of the tours provide a more in-depth cultural experience than others, especially the camel safaris which are conducted by Samburu guides.
Mombasa is one of Kenya's most popular tourist destinations and the top coastal city for beach holidays. Its allure lies in the fascinating mix of African, Indian, Arabic, and European cultures, and its idyllic beaches.
The cosmopolitan city of Mombasa is visited on budget safaris to Kenya, or to Kenya and Tanzania in combination.
Combine coastal Mombasa with the world-renowned Masai Mara, the scenic Great Rift Valley and the birding haven of Lake Nakuru National Park. This Kenya Tour option is a small group safari, offering added comfort and requiring little to no participation. Stay at well-selected and relatively luxurious tented camps and travel in an exclusive group in more style than on standard camping safaris. You get to visit the wildlife highlights of Kenya and Mombasa on the coast, in under two weeks.
The East African Budget Safari option explores Kenya and Tanzania's top game parks, in combination with the beaches of Mombasa. You go game viewing in Africa's top game parks - Serengeti and Masai Mara, as well as Amboseli, Ngorongoro Crater, and more, in under two weeks. Stay in comfortable lodges, guesthouses, resorts or hotels, discovering the best of East Africa without breaking your budget.
Maputo is the most popular entry and exit point for tours to Mozambique. When travelling to the famous beaches of Mozambique's beautiful and marine-rich coastline, most travellers fly via Maputo. When visiting two of the most popular beach destinations, Tofo in the Inhambane area and Bazaruto Islands off the coast at Vilankulo, travellers fly into and out of Maputo. From Maputo there are domestic flights to the major beach destinations, including the otherwise hard to reach village of Pemba and the Quirimba Archipelago in the remote north. Luxury tour packages sometimes fly directly to the beach spots, but the flights are expensive.
Train and bus routes, from neighbouring countries, such as South Africa, also start and end in the capital. Hiring a car to explore Mozambique is also an option and is most commonly done in Maputo. Self-drive travel is, however, challenging as it involves many obstacles - hours behind the wheel dodging livestock, speeding traps, corrupt officials, pedestrians and potholes.
We offer Overland Safaris to Mozambique, which travel via Maputo. You can choose from Accommodated Overland, Camping Overland and Exclusive Overland Tours, as well as Budget Lodge Safaris.
Tours combining Kruger National Park and the beaches of Mozambique are the most popular, offering a winning African bush and beach experience. Our tours that stop in Maputo travel to the renowned Bazaruto Islands and other highlights of Mozambique, usually in combination with South African destinations, including Kruger National Park. Another great safari route takes in Swaziland, visiting Hlane Royal National Park, in conjunction with gems on the Natal coastline and the prestigious Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
Browse our Mozambique Tours, about half of which travel to Maputo, to get a better idea of the itineraries.
Maputo is not considered a travel destination in itself, although it is well worth a visit. As a microcosm of the country the city offers a unique and vibrant window into Mozambican culture, politics, economics and life.
It is worth spending a few days in Maputo, exploring the architecture, cuisine and other highlights and getting a taste of the nightlife and cultural scene.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary is located in the eastern part of central Botswana about 25 kilometres north-west of the historic town of Serowe.
This compact wildlife sanctuary is best visited as part of a Botswana Safari.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary is often visited on tours starting in Johannesburg (South Africa) as the city lies about 630km to the south.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary can also be explored on self-drive safaris. The sanctuary accepts day visitors, featuring picnic sites for rest stops. The sanctuary offers both camping and well-maintained chalet accommodation.
A selection of our Budget Mozambique Safaris offer two-day excursions and daytrips, from Vilanculos on the mainland, to Bazaruto Islands by dhow sailing vessel or motorboat.
Our African Safaris to Mozambique that include Bazaruto Island Excursions lasting a few days, allow budget travellers to spend more time relaxing on the powdery beaches and diving in the crystal-clear waters.
African Budget Safaris that visit the Bazaruto Islands as part of a longer tour itinerary, include Exclusive Budget Safaris, Camping Overland Tours and Accommodated Overland Tours. These budget safaris range from 14 days to 36 days in length, and include southern African destinations such as South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia and Zambia.
Our Exclusive Budget Safari option includes a day trip to one of the Bazaruto Islands, with accommodation in chalets on the mainland, in Vilanculous.
The Camping Overland Tours include a night of camping in tents on one of the Bazaruto Islands' beaches, during the two day island excursions.
On the Accommodated Overland Tours B&B accommodation, located just outside of the national park, is included on the two day Bazaruto Island excursions.
Bazaruto is more of a luxury travel destination, but it is easy enough to reach from the mainland of Mozambique, which is why we offer short budget tours to Bazaruto Islands from Vilanculous.
Check out our Southern African Safaris and Mozambique Tours to Bazaruto Islands.
Explore Lake Malawi's scenic shores, enjoying a host of activities and meeting the friendly locals. Tropical Lake Malawi is an ideal place for snorkeling, swimming and diving, or you can simply relax on the white-sand beaches.
Activities along the lakeshore include hiking, horse riding, craft shopping and cultural excursions. Also worth trying is windsurfing, fishing and canoeing, not to mention the fresh seafood!
Lake Malawi is combined with top Malawi destinations, such as:
African Safaris visiting Lake Malawi range from 6 to 56 days in length and include accommodation at resorts, guesthouses and lodges, as well as plenty of camping options. Our Budget Lake Malawi Safaris primarily explore the western shores of the lake, from within Malawi, with some of the trips briefly venturing to the eastern shores.
Browse our Budget Lake Malawi Safaris & Tours to see trip options.
African Budget Safaris offers about 20 Uganda Budget Safaris & Tours that include Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Lake Bunyonyi is generally used as the scenic base camp location for gorilla trekking excursions on our budget safaris. From Lake Bunyonyi we travel to Bwindi Forest (just over an hours drive) in smaller groups to trek the gorillas.
These budget safaris range from short 4 to 12-day tours, travelling to Ugandan destinations exclusively, up to 56-day epic safari trips, combining Bwindi Park with travel highlights in other African countries.
The bulk of our Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Bwindi are Camping Overland Tours that require active participation on the road. These camping safaris generally consist of large tour groups travelling in an overlanding truck, through several scenic African countries to visit top wildlife areas and other attractions, in one long adventure of a lifetime!
Check out our Budget Bwindi Park Safaris to Trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda.
Ochre dunes, and wide open spaces, the Namib Desert is one f the most photogenic travel destinations in Africa. Perfect for road trips, African Budget Safaris offers a variety of Namib Desert Tours.
The Namib Desert with African Budget Safaris
African Budget Safaris offer various safaris to the Namib Desert in Namibia, from budget and overland camping to exclusive budget, fly-in, and family safaris, as well as custom safari packages. These tour options ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime to the Namib Desert, experiencing Africa in the way that best suits you and your budget. Below are the various kinds of African Safaris in the Namib Desert.
Namib Desert Budget Safaris
Budget camping safaris to the Namib Desert generally travel through the Namib Desert and include Sossusvlei, Damaraland and the iconic Etosha National Park. Exclusive Budget Safaris combine luxury camping and lodge accommodation so that clients get the most out of their African Safari, with minimum effort and without compromising on quality. These budget camping safaris are a step up from standard camping safaris, but still get you into the secluded bush where you camp under the stars and truly experience the wilderness of Africa.
Namib Desert Budget Camping Safaris
Camping Safaris to the Namib Desert are the best way to immerse yourself in this desert wilderness. A Budget Camping Safari requires a level of active participation from clients and entails camping in spacious, well-ventilated tents in the pristine and wild Namib Desert under the African stars. Some of the Budget Camping Safaris combine Namibia's top destinations, Etosha, the Skeleton Coast, and Namib-Naukluft National Park, while others go on to Victoria Falls, and the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Namib Desert Budget Lodge Safaris
Budget Lodge Safaris are ideal for travellers who want to explore Botswana’s Namib Desert, without camping out in the bush. Accommodation selected for the Namib Lodge Safaris offers both comfort and great value for money. The Budget Lodge Safaris to the Namib Desert can be tailored to include Namibia's Etosha, the Skeleton Coast, and Namib-Naukluft National Park, as well as Victoria Falls or even some Botswana highlights.
Namib Desert Overland Tours
Overland safaris are best suited to free-spirited and adventurous budget travellers who are looking for the African journey of a lifetime. These overland tours call for teamwork, do not always run according to schedule and require active participation of varying levels depending on the type of tour - Camping, Family, Exclusive or Accommodated Overland Safari. The Camping Overland Tours make use of two-man dome tents, while Accommodated Overland Tours offer the comfort of 2-3 star lodge or similar accommodation. The Exclusive Overlanding Tours consist of smaller group sizes, enable access to more exclusive areas and generally appeal to an older crowd.
Namib Desert Family Overland Tours
Family Overlanding Tours cater for travel with children. They are designed to cover shorter distances at a time, making travel more enjoyable for the whole family. All of the Overland Tours make use of large trucks specially designed for travel in Africa. Overland Safaris that include the Namib Desert can be tailor-made into a custom safari that visits your top southern African destinations from Cape Town in South Africa to Kenya.
Namib Desert Forty Plus Safaris
Forty Plus Safaris are designed for active clients over the age of 40 who want to experience Africa with a certain level of comfort. These safaris provide groups of like-minded travellers with a safe and secure environment to experience the Namib Desert and other African highlights at a great price. These custom private safaris can include your top safari picks from Etosha, the Skeleton Coast, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Cape Town and the Victoria Falls, Moremi, Chobe, and the Khama Wildlife Sanctuary in combination with the famous Delta.
Moshi serves as an ideal base for Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking Expeditions and several of our Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours start and end in Moshi.
Routes up Mt Milimanjaro include: Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame.
Kilimanjaro is the easiest to get to and to climb, of the world's seven peaks. No technical climbing experience is required to climb Kilimanjaro, and with a moderate level of fitness you should be able to summit.
Several of our East African Budget Safaris pass through Moshi en route through Tanzania. These camping, lodge and combination tours travel to safari highlights in Tanzania, as well as visiting a varied mix of Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Uganda's gorillas and other top safari destinations.
Antananarivo is the capital city where most Madagascar trips begin and end. It is also an unusual destination full of contrasts where eclectic cultural influences from the East, West and Africa combine.
Madagascar is a relative newcomer to international tourism and as such poor infrastructure can pose a real challenge for travellers. Madagascar is a massive island (about 587 041 km²) which makes getting around on your own a time-consuming and often difficult task, given the poor road conditions and limited transport options. Joining a group tour or booking a tailor-made Madagascar trip for your travel group eliminates the logistical headaches and hassles of finding affordable transport.
Almost all of our Madagascar Tours travel via Antananarivo, starting and ending in the capital. The first or last night of most tours is spent in Tana, giving you time to explore the city and visit a few sights and markets. Booking an extra night or two in Antananarivo before or after one of our Madagascar Tour Packages is easy enough, just ask one of our travel consultants.
All of our Madagascar Tours are accommodated, which means that excellent-value lodge accommodation is included in the trip price. Some tours include luxury camping or fully-serviced camping components in nature, such as Nosy Mangabe off the Masoala Peninsula and St Luce Reserve in southern Madagascar. All budget Madagascar Tours travelling via Antananarivo include airport transfers from and to Ivato International. These tour packages also typically include breakfasts and some other meals, activities and local guides in places.
The Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is often used as the starting or ending point for tours to South Africa's Garden Route, Wild Coast, and KwaZulu-Natal region, among others.
The small city also commonly serves as an access point for visiting the well-known Addo Elephant Park and the top-notch private game reserves of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, such as Kariega, Kwandwe, and Shamwari.
The main attractions in Gqeberha itself are the places of historical and cultural interest, as well as its vibrant nightlife, offering good restaurants, lively bars, and clubs.
Most visitors are drawn to Gqeberha during the summer months to enjoy the surf and sunshine at the numerous beautiful beaches that line the warm-water coast here.
Known as The Friendly City, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a good place to unwind by the sea and try out some water sports in the warm Indian Ocean. There are enough sights and activities to keep restless visitors entertained for a week or so, including township tours to see the local culture.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is usually combined with the Big Five Safaris to Addo Elephant National Park, about an hour's drive from the city. Safaris along the South African coast often travel to Gqeberha en route to Addo Park and the Sunshine Coast - an outdoor enthusiast and beach lover's paradise.
Many longer trips from Johannesburg and Kruger National Park travel to Natal, the Drakensberg Mountains, Wild Coast, and the Eastern Cape passing through PE, sometimes staying over for a night or two. Tours also often travel between Port Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)and Durban or Cape Town, travelling along the Eastern Cape and Western Cape coastlines.
Several southern African safaris to the landlocked countries of Lesotho and Swaziland, also travel to highlights in South Africa, via Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
The friendly city of Gqeberha has plenty of accommodation options, suited to a wide range of budgets and tastes.
As the main port city on Zanzibar Island, all of our tours to Zanzibar Islands travel via the vibrant travel hub of Stone Town.
Tours to Zanzibar Islands are all about the white-sand beaches and tropical waters, but Stone Town and it's fascinating cultural and historical riches make Zanzibar more than just another beach holiday destination.
More than 20 Zanzibar Island Tours with African Budget Safaris travel via Stone Town.
Some of our shorter budget getaways to Zanzibar Island kick off in Stone Town, but most of the longer budget tours with a beach holiday in Zanzibar include a ferry ride or flight from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Zanzibar's Stone Town.
Once in Stone Town, you can choose from the guided tours of Stone Town and other attractions on Zanzibar Island (like Spice Tours, etc). Stone Town tours generally visit The House of Wonders (Zanzibar's first house to get electricity), the location of the old Slave Market, and a nearby spice plantation to get a real taste of this exotic island. Sunset cruises by Dhow (traditional sailing boat) are also available from Stone Town.
Various kinds of Budget African Safaris visit Zanzibar Islands as part of longer tours through East and Southern Africa. Budget Safaris to Zanzibar typically combine this ideal beach destination with top game viewing destinations on the mainland of Africa - giving you the best of African beaches and wildlife in one trip.
Some of our African Budget Safaris that travel to Tanzania offer an optional trip to Zanzibar Island as an extra (not included in the tour price), but for most of our tour options, the Zanzibar Beach Holiday is included in the tour price. To be sure, check the tour itinerary or contact African Budget Safaris.
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