Super Sales
Up to 65%off
Budget Trips to South Africa

Budget Trips to South Africa

183 reviews on bookmundi

From wild savannas to coastal gems, it’s absolutely possible to experience the magic of South Africa without splurging. These South Africa budget tours are designed for smart travelers looking to squeeze every drop of adventure, culture, and nature from their journey—without draining their wallets. Dive into vibrant cityscapes, hike through dramatic national parks, or get up close with Africa’s Big Five on cost-effective safaris. Explore iconic sites like Table Mountain and Robben Island, then veer off the beaten path to discover charming towns, local markets, and off-grid hiking trails that bring South Africa’s soul to life—all without stretching your travel budget. Browse through our carefully curated list of cheap holiday packages South Africa.

See all South Africa Budget Tours

Best Price Guarantee
Best Price Guarantee

We guarantee the best prices on all our tours. If you find a lower price within 24 hours of booking, we'll match it.

Note: Prices may vary based on availability and demand.

Select from 60+ tours
See all deals on South Africa Tours

Reviews of our South Africa Budget Tours

Our budget travelers found great value exploring South Africa — see their reviews.

Anonymous | Traveled in December
South Africa

An extensive and enjoyable tour of South Africa but this is a big country and the time spent travelling was greater than expected. The tour group was less cohesive than other Exodus holidays we have enjoyed.

Anonymous | Traveled in November
Fabulous way to experience South Africa

The outlined itinerary covers the vast, varied, and stunning scenery of the more rural South Africa. Plus time spent in Kruger National Park. This trip is for easy going and seasoned travelers who are willing to 'go with the flow'. There are times when a route might change, the weather isn't cooperating, or a pause for mechanical issues is necessary. This trip is a value !!! Together, in the sprinter van, long transfers are covered, the host/guide, makes comfort stops accordingly, and our bikes are on the trailer, with us. We are never too far from our day packs , snacks, and fluids. Having our own van in Kruger gave us flexibility for our own game drives. Having our meals prepped in Kruger gave us more time to use the pool, rest, birdwatch, and at night, watch the evening sky. We had little cultural interaction with the local people, yet we cycled through small town centers, farmland, and housing settlements with waves of "hello' hello'.

Anonymous | Traveled in September
Most awesome trip around the mountains and Lowveld

Very well organised with two incredibly knowledgeable guides. The Eco lodge at Sungabala was sublime. Max and Rea (the guides) could not have been any more helpful and accommodating to our needs. The cycling itself was tough at times but immensely rewarding; to get the sense of being closer to the wilds rather than viewing from a car window.

Anonymous | Traveled in May
Fantastic trip & Guides

Highlights: # seeing abundant wildlife/bird life throughout trip # cycling through varying landscapes # the tour leaders/guide/driver/cooks The entire trip covered 2000km (cycled almost 500km of it) and we saw varying landscapes, some of which was quite stunning.

Anonymous | Traveled in January
A great trip

A great trip travelling through SA, Swaziland & Lesotho (in January). Excellent numerous opportunities to see game close up. The countryside was surprisingly very green at this time of year. Although some days are very long in the air condioned overland transport its great to see the changes in housing, social life & landscape as you drive by.

Anonymous | Traveled in December
Fantastic trip

Wonderful cycling amidst fantastic scenery . The roads were smooth and quiet , some challenging ascents and wonderful descents. Accomodation was often basic but always comfortable and clean. Food was often cooked by our guides - this was a real positive, both were good cooks and this allowed us to stay in some remote and beautiful places. The whole trip was a real adventure.

Flexible on your budget? Let's customize a tour to South Africa

Chat with a local travel expert to plan a budget trip to South Africa. While a personalized trip is more costly, we can still be mindful of your wallet while building the itinerary.

  • Carla Ferreira - South Africa Tours Expert
    Carla FerreiraTravel Expert in Mauritius & South Africa
  • Stephanie Louw - South Africa Tours Expert
    Stephanie LouwTravel Expert in Namibia & South Africa
Recommended by
  • BBC
  • Independent
  • Lonely Planet

Insights on traveling South Africa on a budget

Average daily budget for an affordable South Africa trip

Exploring South Africa on a shoestring is more doable than you might think. For around USD 90 to 120 per day, budget travelers can comfortably cover accommodation in basic lodges or guesthouses, daily meals at casual eateries or local markets, shared transport, and enriching activities like walking tours or game drives in national parks. Cheap vacation packages to South Africa at Bookmundi start as low as USD 100 per person per day focusing on delivering maximum adventure at minimal cost.

Recommended activities and destinations for budget tours in South Africa

Wander through the colorful streets of Cape Town, hike the Drakensberg Mountains, or explore wildlife-rich regions like Addo Elephant National Park—all without overspending. Enjoy the buzz of Durban’s street food scene, or explore local markets and township tours that open doors to genuine cultural insights. Free walking tours, community-run experiences, and seasonal festivals provide unbeatable valuel—bringing you closer to locals, lesser-known gems, and raw, natural beauty. For more inspiration, check out the best things to do in South Africa and this curated list of top places to visit in South Africa.

When to travel South Africa to save more

You can save more if you plan your South African escape during the shoulder seasons—March to May or September to November. These months offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making everything from lodging to tours more affordable. While summer (December to February) draws tourists to coastal cities like Cape Town, off-peak periods are a budget traveler’s best friend. Inland areas like Johannesburg or the Karoo are ideal in cooler months, while coastal regions still enjoy balmy breezes. To plan smarter and save more, explore the best time to visit South Africa for a month-by-month breakdown of climate and crowd levels.

Frequently asked questions about South Africa Budget Tours

Find answers to the most asked questions about South Africa Budget Tours

What is included during safaris on a budget South Africa holiday?
How much should I budget for food and drinks not included in the trip?
Is South Africa safe for budget travelers?
How do I manage money and avoid currency conversion fees?

Keep Exploring South Africa

Trending Travel Guides