Budget Travel South Africa Tours & Trip Packages

Budget Travel South Africa Tours & Trips

2,795 Budget Travel trips. Tours from 299 tour companies. 2,875 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

54 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
South Africa
The Big Overlander - 47 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Chobe National Park, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Kasane, Kruger National Park, Lake Malawi, Livingstone, Maun, Nairobi, Ngorongoro Crater, Okavango Delta, South Luangwa National Park, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Kenya - spot the famous Big Five in the Masai Mara, search for rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park and watch the African Fish Eagle swooping over Lake Naivasha
  • Uganda - stay in the Ugandan capital - Kampala, relax around the shore of Lake Bunyoni and head into the dense jungle of the Magahinga or Bwindi national parks on an optional gorilla trek to see the great apes
  • Tanzania - enjoy game drives in the legendary Serengeti National Park and the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, and get some well earned rest and relaxation on the island of Zanzibar
  • Malawi - journey along the western length of Lake Malawi, stopping to explore various bays, beaches, inlets and local communities, and visit the capital - Lilongwe
  • Zambia - explore the biodiverse South Luangwa National Park and marvel at the Zambian side of majestic Victoria Falls from the town of Livingstone
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Great African Expedition North - 57 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Dar es Salaam, Etosha National Park, Kampala, Maun, Nairobi, Okavango Delta, Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • South Africa - begin your adventure in vibrant Cape Town and sample South African wine in the Cederberg Mountains
  • Namibia - see the colossal Fish River Canyon, climb the mighty sand dunes of the Namib Desert, relax on the beaches of Swakopmund and spot wildlife in Etosha National Park
  • Botswana: explore the verdant Okavango Delta aboard traditional mokoro canoes and camp out in the wilderness of Chobe National Park
  • Zimbabwe - gaze at the thundering Victoria Falls and spend two days enjoying optional activities, including bungee jumping, helicopter rides and rafting on the Zambezi
  • Zambia - head out on safari in the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park and marvel at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Big Overlander Northbound - 47 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arusha, Chobe National Park, Dar es Salaam, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Hwange National Park, Johannesburg, Kampala, Kruger National Park, Lake Malawi, Livingstone, Nairobi, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • South Africa - start your journey in Johannesburg, search for the Big Five in Kruger National Park and see the impressive Blyde River Canyon
  • Zimbabwe - visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, spot wildlife in Matobo and Hwange national parks and take in the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls
  • Botswana - game drive through Chobe National Park and camp out in the wilderness of the reserve, listening to the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife
  • Zambia - marvel at the Zambian side of majestic Victoria Falls from Livingstone and explore South Luangwa National Park
  • Malawi - journey along the shore of Lake Malawi, stopping to explore various bays, beaches, inlets and local communities
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Safari

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Cape to Kenya -  43 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Chobe National Park, Dar es Salaam, Etosha National Park, Lake Malawi, Maun, Nairobi, Okavango Delta, Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar

Highlights

  • South Africa - set off from Cape Town, enjoy wine tasting in the Cederberg Mountains and camp along the Gariep River
  • Namibia - marvel at the Fish River Canyon, explore the beautiful Namib Desert, unwind on the beach in Swakopmund and search for wildlife in Etosha National Park
  • Botswana - explore the Okavango Delta from a mokoro canoe and camp in the wilderness of Chobe National Park, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife
  • Zimbabwe - take time to visit cascading Victoria Falls and enjoy optional activities including bungee jumping and helicopter rides
  • Zambia - see the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and head out on safari in the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Kruger, Botswana and Falls - 12 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Johannesburg, Kasane, Kruger National Park, Maun, Okavango Delta

Highlights

  • Johannesburg - begin your journey in the South African city and head out to explore independently
  • Okavango Delta - glide through the waterways of the delta aboard traditional mokoro canoes and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on the shore
  • Kruger National Park - search for all of Africa's Big Five in the South African national park and enjoy a night game drive in search of nocturnal species
  • Blyde River Canyon - admire the view from God's Window and other viewpoints along the canyon
  • Victoria Falls - head out to marvel at stunning Victoria Falls and join optional activities including bungee jumping, helicopter rides or rafting on the Zambezi
Show more

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Knysna, Kruger National Park, Oudtshoorn, Tsitsikamma National Park

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
South Africa: From the Cape to Kruger with Victoria Falls
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Knysna, Kruger National Park, Oudtshoorn, Tsitsikamma National Park, Victoria Falls

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Safari

What travelers are saying

"We've taken over 10 group tours using Cosmos and Gate1. This trip last month, 9000 was not very good. -During booking, incorrect information was given about airport-hotel transfers -The whispers (listening devices) didn't work from the get-go, so no whispers were used during the 13 day trip. - Porters are no longer hired to bring your luggage to and from your room. (Very elderly had to handle their own luggage. Our friends had to help many of them.) -A few days into the trip one couple left. At the end of the trip we found out they had covid. Cosmos did not let us know; a few people weren't feeling well and two of our friends then tested positive. -One hotel was awful and not even up to "budget" standards -Many of the stops had castles, churches... but were not included, so be sure to count that in when pricing.  don't plan to use Cosmos ever again. Gate1 is the best in my opinion. When my husband's passport was stolen, they assigned someone to go with him to the embassy, translate, etc...It was above and beyond what we expected  "

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Best of South Africa
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Johannesburg

Highlights

  • Relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the beautiful city of Cape Town
  • Go on an exciting safari drive in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in search of wildlife
  • Experience a wonderful and insightful cultural show with a scrumptious local dinner

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
54 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
South Africa

Budget Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,875  Reviews
See all Budget Travel tour reviews
Excellent
2,156
Great
539
Average
23
Disappointing
4
Terrible
13
L

Lydia

Dec 2019

Written on

Had the best time.

Travelling alone I was nervous about the trip but I had nothing to worry about and had the best time. Evans as guide and Ernest as our driver could not have been nic...

M

Matthew

Nov 2019

Written on

This trip was amazing

This trip was amazing. It's an experience I will remember forever. Our tour guide, Jay was outstanding and he made every second of the trip better with his great per...

C

Crystal

Nov 2019

Written on

This trip was one of a life time!

This trip was one of a life time! I was a solo traveller and being apart of this group that quickly turned to family helped me grow and of course showed me parts of ...

C

CHRISTIAN

Nov 2019

Written on

An amazing trip

This trip was everything and nothing short of incredible. KB and Aaron were the best guides imaginable and set us up for an amazing trip of animal spotting, enjoy th...

S

Sara

Sep 2019

Written on

An authentic and genuine experience!

There is no question, this trip was incredible! If you’re lucky enough to be paired with the “dream team” Rene and Cosmos you will not be disappointed! Amazing locat...

Write a Review

Budget Travel Tour Selection Trips

  • Shop around. When paying for anything from flights to accommodation to luggage to a place to eat, the first price you find is unlikely to be the cheapest.
  • Do as the locals do. Eating at local cafes or street stalls instead of restaurants and traveling by local bus instead of taxi will not only stretch your budget further, but will give you a more authentic experience of the country too.
  • Choose your destinations wisely. Obviously traveling in Southeast Asia is going to be far cheaper than traveling in Europe, but a little research will show that Cambodia is also cheaper than Vietnam.
  • Significant discounts on accommodations and activities are often available during the off season. Student discounts may also be available, especially in Europe and the Americas, and some travel companies issue an intentionally recognized student card (ISIC) for those under 26 (even non-students).
  • If you're trying to stretch your budget, then accept a certain level of discomfort. You may not have a hot shower, or gourmet meals, or a private room, but it's worth it when it means you get to travel longer for less.
  • Have a splurge day every now and again. Treat yourself to a tasty meal, a softer bed, or whatever comfort you have been craving.
  • Consider working or volunteering abroad. It's a great way to travel without having to spend too much. Even if paid employment is hard to come by, you can often find work in exchange for a room or meals.
  • Don't become a slave to your budget! It's easy to fall into the habit of saying "I can't do that, it's too expensive.” But if you say this too often, you may return home having missed out on some once in a lifetime opportunities.

Additional details

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 2795 trips to Budget Travel and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!