Africa is home to stunning landscapes and wild animals that will take your breath away. The continent is teeming with life and ancient cultures, which blend with the environment. Going on an African safari isn’t just a dream for many; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience they crave. For others, it’s the chance to witness the sheer diversity and power of nature up close. However, the price tags on luxury lodges and private tours can be too much for people who have limited budgets.
Popular Budget Safaris in Africa
About The Budget Safaris in Africa
Choose Your Destination Wisely
The first thing you need to do is choose your destination wisely when planning a budget safari. South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania are popular countries well-known for their iconic parks and reserves. But they’re also some of the most expensive destinations out there. Consider exploring lesser-known spots instead where you’ll find amazing wildlife and landscapes at a fraction of the cost.
Uganda is one such place you should consider visiting when planning your next adventure. It’s home to famous mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and other animals like lions, elephants, hippos etc,. Park fees are low here compared to other destinations; plus they offer plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options.
Here are other affordable safari destinations worth considering:
Namibia: Known for its stunning desert landscapes, unique wildlife like desert-adapted elephants & rhinos as well as affordable camping & self-drive experiences
Zimbabwe: Home to beautiful parks such as Hwange & Mana Pools with lower costs than surrounding areas due to economic/political difficulties
Malawi: A hidden gem that boasts stunning lakes, beautiful parks and a range of affordable accommodation options.
Travel in the Off-Season
The second tip to save money on your African safari is to travel off-season or shoulder season. Peak seasons usually happen during the dry winter months (June – October) when wildlife flocks around water sources and visibility is best. But if you’re looking to spend less on accommodations and tours, traveling off-season (November – May) will be a better option for you. This also gives you an opportunity to view landscapes and wildlife from an entirely different perspective.
In East Africa for example, November – May (dubbed “green season”) brings lush vegetation, baby animals & migratory birds which contrasts so beautifully with the dry golden savannas of peak season. In Southern Africa, warmer wetter months from November – March boast dramatic thunderstorms, vibrant birdlife and fewer crowds.
Of course, traveling off-season comes with some downsides too such as closed lodges/campsites & muddy roads that are difficult to drive on. Wildlife might even be more dispersed during this time. However if you’re a budget-savvy traveler willing to take risks during your adventure then going off-season will reward you with epic experiences at affordable prices.
Go Budget-Friendly When Choosing Accommodation
One thing people tend to forget about is just how expensive an African safari can be. While there are budget options, they can still set you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars per night, so it’s worth doing your research ahead of time.
Camping is one of the cheapest ways to spend a few nights in the great outdoors, and many parks have basic campsites with shared facilities like toilets and showers. You’ll have to lug around your own tent and cook your own food, but it’s a great way to save money while immersing yourself in nature.
For something a bit more comfortable, try budget lodges, guesthouses or tented camps outside of the parks and reserves. They may not be as fancy as the luxury lodges inside, but they usually offer comfortable beds, hot showers, and filling meals for far less cash. Here are a few other ideas:
Hostels: Many cities near popular safari destinations have hostels that offer cheap dorm beds and private rooms. Some even organize safari tours and activities.
Guesthouses: Locally-owned guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts give you an opportunity to meet some friendly faces while saving money on meals out.
Tented camps: There are both budget and luxury tented camps available — if you opt for the former you’ll likely have access to basic amenities like comfy beds and simple meals.
Rent A Vehicle And Go It Alone
If you’re an experienced traveler who wants to save money on transportation costs, consider driving yourself around rather than hiring a driver or guide. Many parks throughout South Africa, Namibia, Botswana allow visitors to self-drive on well-maintained roads with clear signage.
Just know that driving your own car does come with a few risks — you’ll need nerves of steel when it comes to navigating rough roads (without getting stuck), finding wildlife on your own (and not running over them) etc. Take these steps before you set out:
Find a reliable vehicle (4×4 is best for most parks)
Familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations, including speed limits and safety guidelines
Bring plenty of water, snacks and spare tires — you don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat
Learn basic bush skills such as changing a tire or scaring away dangerous animals
Hire a local guide or join a guided tour for at least part of your trip to learn about the ecosystems and wildlife
Join a Group Tour
If you’re not keen on the self-driving option, joining a group tour is another affordable way to experience an African safari. Many tour operators offer budget-friendly options that use basic accommodation, transportation and meals to keep costs down while still providing expert guides and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Overlanding tours are hugely popular with money-conscious travelers, with groups of up to 20 people travelling together in a large truck or bus equipped with sleeping and cooking facilities. Ranging from a few days to several weeks long, overland tours usually include a mix of camping and basic lodge accommodation. You’ll also have the chance to go on activities like game drives, hikes and cultural experiences.
Camping safaris are similar to overlanding tours but focus more on camping and exploring a specific park or region.
With smaller groups of around 4-12 people, small group safaris use basic lodges or tented camps for accommodation. They make use of various transport modes such as minivans and 4×4 vehicles.
Volunteer safaris marry wildlife conservation or community development projects with safari activities at lower costs than traditional tours.
Make sure you do your research when choosing which group tour company to book with. Read reviews from previous participants first so you can be sure the company is reputable, safe and provides high-quality experiences. Look for guides who have plenty of experience, companies that have had no safety issues in the past and ones that are transparent about their itinerary – including accommodation – as well as inclusions.
Go on a Walking Safari
Although game drives are by far the most common way to explore Africa’s national parks, they can also be one of the priciest thanks to fuel costs, maintenance fees and guide fees all adding up quickly. If you’re looking for an alternative that won’t break the bank, consider going on a walking safari instead – this will let you explore the bush on foot alongside an expert guide.
Walking safaris offer a unique and immersive way to experience the African wilderness. You’ll get the chance to track animals, learn about plant and insect life, and gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem as a whole. Ranging from short walks lasting a few hours to multi-day treks, basic camping or lodge accommodation is included in both options.
Some of the best places for budget-friendly walking safaris include South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, Kruger National Park in South Africa and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park also in South Africa.
Focus on One Park or Region
It might be tempting to try cram as many parks and regions into your safari itinerary as you can, but this isn’t the most cost-effective option. By spending more time within one park or region, you’ll save on transportation costs and park fees while also gaining more knowledge about the local wildlife – not forgetting that this will give you extra time for spotting too!
Rather than trying to squeeze in both the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater on a trip to Tanzania, consider dedicating a week to exploring the Serengeti at a slower pace, with a variety of game drives, walking safaris and cultural experiences. Instead of hopping between multiple parks in South Africa, focus on the Kruger National Park and its neighboring private reserves, which offer a range of affordable accommodation and activities.
Staying for longer at one park or region also allows you to take advantage of long-stay discounts and package deals that can save you money on accommodation, meals and activities. Many lodges and camps offer lower rates for stays of three nights or more, while some tour operators have all-inclusive packages that bundle transportation, accommodation, meals and activities at a cheaper price than if you were to book each component separately.
Bring Your Own Equipment
If you’re planning on camping or embarking on a self-drive safari — two great ways to save money — bringing your own gear is an easy way to cut costs further by avoiding rental fees. It also means that you’ll have everything you need for comfort and safety. Essential items include:
Tent and sleeping bags
Camping stove and utensils
Cooler or fridge for food and drinks
Chairs and table
Flashlights or headlamps
First-aid kit and personal medication
Binoculars; camera equipment
Appropriate clothing for season; sturdy footwear (hiking boots)
By bringing your own equipment rather than renting it locally, you’ll have more control over the quality of what you use. Just be sure to invest in high-quality items that are durable enough to handle rigours of the African bush.
Eat Local; Cook Your Own Meals
Food is often expensive on African safaris because many lodges charge premium prices for meals. To save money, eat local food whenever possible. Many budget accommodations — like campsites and self-catering lodges — have kitchen facilities that allow guests to prepare meals with local ingredients purchased from markets or supermarkets. This not only saves money, but also gives you an opportunity to sample the flavors of the region, from spicy stews and grilled meats to fresh fruits and vegetables.
When you do eat out, opt for local restaurants and food stalls rather than tourist-oriented establishments with inflated prices. Street food can be especially delicious and budget-friendly; think grilled corn, roasted meat skewers and savory pastries. However, take precautions when eating any street food: drink only bottled or treated water; avoid raw or undercooked meat; wash your hands frequently.
Because you never know when hunger might strike on game drives or in remote areas, pack non-perishable snacks such as energy bars, nuts and dried fruit.
Be Flexible; Open-Minded
Lastly, one of the best ways to save money on an African safari is to remain flexible throughout the planning process. While it’s natural to have a “bucket list” of animals you hope to see and experiences you hope to have, clinging too tightly to a specific itinerary can lead to disappointment — not mention higher costs — if things don’t go according to plan.
Instead, accept the chaotic quality of wildlife viewing and be open to unforeseen meetings and opportunities. A cheap camping safari may not give you the same luxury as a top-tier lodge, but it will offer a more real and immersive experience in the African bush. A self-drive safari might need more thought out planning and preparations, but it will also let you explore at your own pace with freedom and flexibility.
