Our best African budget safari holidays are all about great value, affordable African budget safari holidays in Africa’s best game parks and reserves. For those looking to go on a safari the first thing one often worries about is how much does a safari cost. The majority of game lodges, bush camps and safari tours are relatively expensive given the costs of getting all those first-world luxuries in to the lodges and camps which are located in remote wilderness areas. Although few and far between, there are some fantastic budget bush lodges, safari camps and tours that offer exceptional value for money. The Safari Index team has provided a list of our top cheap, comfortable and affordable budget safaris that provide a great safari experience. These budget safari experiences are suitable for travellers looking for an affordable safari that won’t break the bank.
Due to the popularity of these affordable safari destinations it is advisable to book well in advance as they do get booked up quickly especially over weekends and public holidays.
Uganda Fly-in Luxury Safari
Bwindi National Park is considered the most diverse forest in Uganda. The area is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. The park contains almost one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Bwindi is also home to several endangered bird species and acts as an important catchment area…
Enquire NowUnguja Lodge, Zanzibar
Unguja Lodge is situated on the southern tip of the idyllic Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. This intimate lodge provides the ideal island getaway in a beautiful, tranquil setting. The spacious villas are set among old mango and baobab trees, with mischievous black-tailed and red Colobus monkeys often seen on the property. The lodge can accommodate just 30 guests, and the…
Enquire NowUrikaruus Wilderness Camp, Kgalagadi
Between the veil of old camelthorn trees, overlooking the Auob River in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, lies Urikaruus Wilderness Camp. Unfenced and frequented by jackals, this camp ensures that the guest's experience with nature and the wilderness is authentic and uninhibited. The camp is located close to the Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, where guests check in, and stock up on…
Enquire NowVarswater Camp Site, Namaqua
Renowned for its stunning, striking carpets of flowers that bloom after the spring rains, the Namaqua National Park in South Africa is one of nature's greatest spectacles. Butterflies, birds and long-tongued flies dart around among the flowers, seemingly overwhelmed by the abundance and diversity. The Speckled Cape Tortoise, the world's smallest, is found here. A number of rustic campsites can…
Enquire NowVhembe Wilderness Camp, Mapungubwe
In the eastern section of Mapungubwe National Park, Vhembe Wilderness Camp has been built on a small ridge in a valley, within walking distance of the Limpopo River and Mapungubwe Hill. The following is available at Vhembe Wilderness Camp: the cabins provide two single beds each with an en-suite bathroom (WC and shower). The camp runs on solar-generated electricity and…
Enquire NowVictoria Falls Horseback Safaris
Explore the Victoria Falls region in a whole new way. A variety of horseback trails are on offer, where one gets the opportunity to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Victoria Falls, while exploring the magnificent Zambian landscapes. We offer magnificent horseback rides from the Falls and along trails within the National Park. These provide spectacular views…
Enquire NowVictoria Falls Safari Lodge
Set high on a natural plateau, the westward facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge borders the Zambezi National Park and is just four kilometers from the thundering Victoria Falls, Southern Africa's foremost natural wonder and tourist attraction. The lodge offers luxurious rooms, breath-taking views and is perfectly positioned to enjoy activities above and below the Falls. Both Victoria Falls Safari Lodge…
Enquire NowVictoria Falls Zambezi River Cruises
There is nothing quite like luxurious cruises on the Zambezi River. The African Cruise Company has two vessels; the impressive African Queen, a triple deck 70 foot catamaran and the slightly smaller, but equally luxurious African Princess. Both offer the charming combination of the mighty Zambezi River and gracious hospitality; unforgettable experiences that will take you back to an era…
Enquire NowVuma Hills Tented Camp, Mikumi
Nestled in the forests of the Vuma Mountains that overlook the Mkata Plains of the Mikumi below, Vuma Hills Tented Camp is a cool retreat from the heat of a day's game drive.The sixteen tents are comfortably furnished, so sleeping under canvas at Vuma is a far cry from the discomfort usually associated with remote bush camps. Complete with shaded…
Enquire NowWasa Lodge, Kasanka
Wasa Lodge overlooks Wasa Lake in the heart of Kasanka National Park in Zambia. Kasanka is a true wildlife and nature gem. Although small, it is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, and serves as a valuable protected area for a number of endangered species. Kasanka is also the site of unique annual bat migration, when 10 million…
Enquire NowWaterberg Camp, Namibia
Waterberg Resort is found in the Waterberg Plateau National Park in central Namibia. The plateau and surrounding wilderness rise above the plains of the Kalahari and are high in biodiversity and wildlife species. Black and white rhino, Cape Buffalo, blue wildebeest, kudu, impala and sable and roan antelope are some of the species found in the park. Birding is also…
Enquire NowWest Coast National Park Cottages
Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist, and brooding salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. This is South Africa's West Coast National Park. Abrahamskraal Cottage and Jo Anne's Beach Cottage are two beautiful, self-catering units found in the park. Abrahamskraal is a…
Enquire NowWhalesong Hotel & Spa
Whalesong Hotel & Spa is nestled on a hill in a lush, landscaped garden above Plettenberg Bay, the jewel of South Africa’s Garden Route. From its vantage point, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Keurbooms coastline and Tsitsikamma Mountain Range. Whalesong is a 4-star hotel, offering very good value in a warm, friendly atmosphere. It comprises of a lounge,…
Enquire NowWhite Elephant Bush Camp
White Elephant Bush Camp offers the perfect family getaway with their self-catering bush camp in the Pongola Game Reserve. With panoramic views of Lake Jozini and the Lebombo mountains, the camp offers guests a scenic, natural environment. The camp sleeps 16 people, with 6 twin rooms and one family unit which can sleep 4. All rooms are en-suite and suitably…
Enquire NowWilderness Ebb-and-Flow Camp, Garden Route
In the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route, a captivating world of lakes, rivers, estuaries and beaches gently unfolds against a backdrop of lush forest and lofty mountains: the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. Nature trails wind through densely wooded forest and along tranquil rivers. During spring, a carpet of flowers further enhances the verdant beauty…
Enquire NowWildside Safari Camp, Entabeni
Wildside Safari Camp consists of 20 thatched and tented chalets (including 4 family rooms) and captures the essence of the unspoiled wilderness of the Waterberg. The camp combines comfort with a rustic bush setting, creating a suitably wild African atmosphere. Guided game drives and bush walks bring guests into close contact with a great variety of game species, including the…
Enquire NowWolhuter Wilderness Trail, Kruger
Situated between Berg-en-dal, Ship Mountain and Afsaal Picnic Site, this trail is named after one of the Kruger's first and most famous rangers . Harry Wolhuter killed a lion single handedly with his hunting knife while out on patrol on horseback. It is a spectacularly scenic wilderness area, characterized by high granite outcrops with deep valleys. Evidence of Bushmen and…
Enquire NowXaranna Okavango Delta Camp
Like the water lily from which it takes its inspiration, Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp nestles deep in the heart of the game-rich Okavango Delta. Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp offers a beautiful Botswana safari experience and enjoys luxurious solitude on its own Delta island within a 272 000 hectare (672 125 acres) exclusive wildlife concession. With only nine tents, this intimate…
Enquire NowXudum Okavango Delta Camp
Experience the freedom and exhilaration of the Okavango Delta at Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge, with its unique rooftop hideouts in each of nine private African safari suites. Overlooking a seasonal lagoon, the earthy glamour of this striking lodge provides the perfect counterpoint to the natural bounty of this game-rich landscape. A strong but playful recycled theme provides unusual accents at…
Enquire NowZebra Country Lodge
Whether it is wildlife, culture, or peace and quiet that you seek, Zebra Country Lodge is the ideal getaway for special events, weddings, conferences and family leisure time. Discover this exclusive retreat in a tranquil bushveld setting, only 30km from Pretoria, and rejuvenate your soul. Various species of game, including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and antelope, can be viewed on guided…
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