I had long dreamed of going on an African safari. It was definitely at the top of my bucket list. But the price tag attached to it kept me from embarking on my dream sooner. That’s when I began searching for how to find the best budget African Safari in Kruger National Park. Which is why I was so incredibly grateful when I found out there are so many affordable camping safaris in Kruger National Park in South Africa!
“I never knew of a morning when I woke up in Africa that I was not happy.” – Ernest Hemingway.
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I immediately began diving in deeper and found that there are quite a few budget options out there. You can research the photos online of the various camps and find a place that fits your needs. Now, no lie, I did look at a few high end options just for fun. I have long dreamed of waking up to the soft noises of the savannah as I lay out in one of those outdoor baths in your private bungalow. I’m sure you’ve seen the photos ;). But this was not to be my destiny this trip. Instead I booked a four day camping safari with Outlook Safari through African Budget Safaris. And the best part? The whole four day camping safari cost me just under $500! Which was exactly what I was looking for. So yes, you can in fact find a great budget African Safari. *(I did a new price search and it comes up to $566 currently but that’s still cheap)!
It wasn’t a super fancy camp, but the tent did have two raised twin beds, a small nightstand in the middle (mine had a USB port to charge my camera and phone), and it had a cute little deck out front. Now… I did end up having a bit of a bug attack on my first day, but more on that later, it is a Safari after all ;).
Another great thing about this safari is that it included a transfer from Johannesburg in a motor coach. Nothing fancy, but it was a very comfortable 5 hour drive with some very lovely people I was to become friends with over the next few days. Met a very sweet vegan couple from New Zealand. I mention they’re vegan because this camp does offer vegan options for the meals – how cool is that?!
Kruger National Park is absolutely amazing. You’ll see the big 5 and have an amazing adventure. There’s something so exciting about racing around in your land cruisers, and then getting a call that a lion has been spotted at the other end of the park. Suddenly the driver races over in that direction. You then begin to scan the horizon, until suddenly, you look up and see two little lion cub ears perched up on a rock. You yell, “There he is!” And suddenly you feel this amazing sense of gratitude to be existing with these extraordinary creatures. It’s definitely a trip of a lifetime!
A Budget Safari in Kruger National Park’s Camping Safari Itinerary:
Now that I’ve told you about my amazing budget African safari, let me explain a little bit about my days while in the camp. The first day you arrive is sort of a meet and greet. After that long 5 hour drive you get a nice and light refreshment before heading over to your tent. Then I did a night drive which was really fun. The animals are really alive just after sunset. We saw an amazing group of rhinos crossing the road and lots of hyenas. Even saw a little baby one! So cute!
The next morning you’ll awake before dawn to get ready to head out for your morning game drive. It’s the most amazing experience driving around as the sun comes up. It’s a bit cold but you won’t notice too much with all the excitement. You will stop for a brief little coffee break before heading back out to see the animals. It really is the most amazing experience!
I met some really great people and we were joking around a bit at one of the signs at the coffee shop. They had these majestic photos of most of the Big 5, however when they got to the buffalo it was the most absurd photo you’ve ever seen. Like surely the poor buffalo had a more majestic photo ;).
After the drive you’ll head back for breakfast (honestly I had no idea safaris would have some of the most amazing food I’ve ever eaten!). Then you get some downtime at the camp. The first day I decided to take a little nap. However, now here comes my massive attack of the bugs story, I was awoken to an itch on my arm. I opened my eyes and I soon saw millions of small bugs all over me! Yeah I know I wanted to be like Indiana Jones, but Temple of Doom was not the scene I was looking for ;). Needless to say I then took a brisk walk to the camp store and bought bug spray. Unfortunately if you are a bug lover, they did not survive. Looking back I feel a bit bad, but I was not looking for tent roommates ;).
On some of my other days here I bought some postcards and went over to the pool to write them. I sent them from Kruger too in what looked like the oldest mailbox you’ve ever seen. I literally had the thought, “well these will probably live here now.” But, to my delight, they did arrive to my friends and family. Took about a month or two, but they made the journey. And they were in pristine shape too!
In the afternoon you get to do another game drive. It’s just as exciting. Honestly every one was different and so amazing! I could watch the elephants and giraffes forever.
Afterwards it was time for dinner and relaxing with the other guests. I loved this time. We would laugh and tell stories. It was a great way to end the day.
And then I would usually go take a shower in the bath facilities and then go to sleep. Or at least attempt to. The sounds of the animals at night will wake you up from time to time. But it really is spectacular! Do watch out for bats though, one evening as I was leaving the bath facility, a bat hit me right in the head! I know I’m tall, but didn’t realize I was that tall ;). Both myself and the bat were fine. Thank goodness.
It was really tough leaving on my last day. I could have stayed way longer! But I did ride back to Johannesburg with two really great guests. So we had a great journey back.
54 on Bath.
Once back in Johannesburg, I checked into one of the most amazing hotels I’ve ever stayed in as a treat to myself. I stayed at 54 on Bath. And I cannot recommend this hotel enough! The service was impeccable! And they’ll even give you a great apple juice refreshment when you arrive. It’s definitely the way to go after my four day trek. It was so nice taking a long bath (which they give candles and I almost lit the hotel on fire! Goodness.), and sleeping in a huge fluffy bed! It was the perfect ending to a great African safari. Hemingway was right, “I never knew of a morning I woke up in Africa that I was not happy.”
A few notes about my hotel back in Johannesburg:
54 on Bath is one of my all time favorite hotels I’ve ever stayed in (and this is coming from someone who stays in a lot of hotels for my day job). It’s classy and has some of the best employees I’ve ever met. It might be a little pricey after your budget African safari, but it’s well worth it. I will definitely be staying there again when I go back. And it’s really easy to get around from Rosebank.
Also I should probably mention the amazing breakfast I had the next morning! It was so good! And they had a great champagne bar I enjoyed in the evening. Needless to say, this is one of my favorite hotels.
Looking for an even cheaper option for an African safari?
You could also drive yourself. You don’t get the joy of meeting new people as much but it will save you a lot of money. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re a solo traveler like myself, but it is an option. You’ll just have to pay the entry fee. You must stay in your car though unless you’re at one of the cafes or camps. I saw a few people doing this while I was there, but again, if you’re traveling on your own I recommend you stay at a camp like I did.
A Few Tips For Your Budget Safari in Kruger National Park:
Sleep When You Can
- You might not get a ton of sleep so I do recommend maybe trying to take a nap during the day. I loved staying up late and chatting with everyone. But we had to wake up before dawn so we could be ready for our first drive. The animals are so alive at dawn and dusk. But don’t worry, you’ll see animals at all times of the day too.
Grab That Camera
- Bring a nice camera. I took quite a few photos with my iPhone, but I also had a nice Canon DSLR camera with me (most of the photos on this post I took with the Canon DSLR). Some people on my drives had amazing lenses. If you can swing that, I recommend it. Their photos were gorgeous.
Pack the Right Clothes
- Wear breathable clothing. I went in September so it was a bit cold in the mornings (the safari did provide blankets!). By the afternoon it was nice to be able to roll up my long sleeves. I had a hat too which came in handy. I really love this hat: Summer Straw Sun Hats for Women
. Especially since it can be folded to pack away!
. Especially since it can be folded to pack away!Check Your Tent
- Please keep your tent closed. There were some playful monkeys that enjoyed a life of crime around the camp ;).
Walking Safari in Kruger National Park
- Definitely sign up to do a walking safari. It cost extra, but it was worth every penny. It was a bit more dangerous than I first realized (I should have known after talking to a lovely woman at breakfast who told me she promised her mom she would not partake in a walking safari). I was of course fine, and I recommend it, but you must be quiet when walking and you must follow the guides exactly. They will tell you what to do and when to do it. They have really large rifles, so you’ll be inclined to listen ;).
Adventure of a Lifetime
- Take a deep breath and enjoy. Remember what a chance of a lifetime this really is. It’s definitely an experience I’ll never forget, and I cannot wait to do my next safari!
I hope I’ve inspired you to jet off on your own budget safari in Kruger National Park. It really will be a highlight of your life! 🙂
Happy traveling!
57 COMMENTS
Rhonda Albom
4 years agoWow, your photos alone make we want to hop on a plane and go on a safari. So many amazing animals to see, plus some great tips and a safe (and great) place to stay in Johannesburg. .
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHOROh I highly recommend staying at Bath on 54. The Rosebank area is very safe. I stayed downtown before my safari and it was a bit more of an adventure ;). Nothing happened, but the locals seemed a bit worried for me being alone. And I’ll fly and meet you for another safari! 🙂
globeloper
4 years agoBeautiful pictures! Love the information you shared.. I didn’t know you can do a safari for $500!!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORI didn’t either! But it was so great! I highly recommend it 🙂
Marina
4 years agoAll your photos are just breathtaking! It makes me want to go there right now *w* Thank you for sharing those useful information and tips, I am definitely keeping it for when I’ll plan a safari!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou’ll absolutely love your safari! :). Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂
Alexia Gonzalez
4 years agoThese images are absolutely stunning!!!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORThank you so much! 🙂
Nkem
4 years agoThese photos are EPIC!!!! I went to Tanzania last year and didn’t manage to go on a Safari, so thanks for reinvigorating my dream!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw I’m dying to see Tanzania! I bet it’s beautiful there :). Let’s do a safari! And thank you for your kind words!
Tracy @ Cleland Clan
4 years agoGorgeous photos! I would have never thought you could book a 4 day safari for $500. That’s quite a deal.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORI know, I was shocked too! It was so much fun! I’d do it again in a heartbeat :).
Cara
4 years agoWow those photos look amazing and that sounds like a fun trip!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORThank you so much! 🙂
Stephanie Averill
4 years agoThese pictures are stunning and your post has made a Safari a spot on my bucket list! Incredible! Thank you for sharing your experience ❤️
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw I hope you go! You will love it 🙂
The wicked poet
4 years agoSo beautifully written and such gorgeous photographs….Added to the bucket list:)
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou will love it! Thank you so much 🙂
Puja Kumari
4 years agoWow, your pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORThank you so much 🙂
Cathers
4 years agoOh wow! Your pictures in this post are amazing! I’d love to go on an African safari – definitely on the bucket list! Thanks for all the tips – I’ll definitely keep them in mind 🙂
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORI highly recommend going! You’ll love it 🙂
Sandra
4 years agoWow, beautiful photos! I would love to visit one day! Thank you for sharing all the tips 🙂
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you :). You will love it there 🙂
Katie
4 years agoThis is so awesome! I’ve always wanted to do something like this!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAW you will love it 🙂
Mary
4 years agoSuch great information. And beautiful pictures. Ive always wanted to travel to Africa.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you :). You will love Africa! 🙂
Gamu
4 years agoAmazing photography and post.
Gamu
4 years agoAmazing photography and post.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you!!! 🙂
Fiona
4 years agoYou’re photos are gorgeous!! I would LOVE to do an African Safari one day – your post has made me super excited!!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you!! You will love a safari!! 🙂
Ivan Leal Martins
4 years agoYou probably get to hear that a lot but your photos look amazing!! I love the combination about blogging and taking pictures! Haven’t thought about that yet.
Okay now to your post! It was so full of insides and tips! I love to travel alone so I loved the tips that you tailored for people like me! I never thought about doing a Safari trip but now you got me hooked! Moreover, thanks for the idea with the camp! Will keep that in mind ! Thank you so much!! 🤩🙏🏼
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORIt’s such a great way to go! Plus you don’t have to feel bad about spending too much. I’d do this safari again in a heartbeat :). And thank you for the sweet compliment! I look forward to seeing your photos ;).
Digitaldaybook
4 years agoI love these safaris! We did one for our 2 year old cousin and he LOVED it soo much!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORSafaris are the best!! So glad you all enjoyed it too 🙂
Monica Tatomir
4 years agoI was just taking to my husband about planning a safari. I will save this for ideas and tips. Love the pictures!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw yes! You should go!! You both will love it!!! 🙂
Patri
4 years agoMonkeys that enjoyed a life of crime had me cracking! haha
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORHaha they went into one girl’s tent and stole her tea! They were very funny.
Puja Kumari
4 years agoWow, so many beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing such an interesting post.
Lauriane
4 years agoAwesome photos :). Thank you for sharing !! It looks so cute ) the mom and the baby elephant or the hyena on the road! It is a great tip to know that you can get a four day camping safari only for under $500! I always thought that Safari will be super expensive ! What is your favourite meeting among all the animals you met?
Clementine
4 years agoAll of your photos are beautiful! I did a safari years ago when I was little! It was such an amazing experience.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORIt’s so great, isn’t it? I can’t wait to go back :).
Arielle Kurtze
4 years agoWowww, absolutely stunning photos! I’ve never been on a safari but it definitely on our bucket list. Great detail and thanks for sharing!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you! You’ll love it when you go 🙂
Lauren
4 years agoAn African safari is my ultimate bucket list trip…maybe when this crazy year is over!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHOROh you should definitely go! You will love it!! 🙂
Steph Purk
4 years agoThat Hemingway quote is one of my favorites! I’ve never been to Kruger – all my South African safaris were in Pilanesberg. Now that I know how easy and budget-friendly it is, I’m adding it to list for when I go back.
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORAw it’s my favorite too :). Look at us being awesome!! And how is Pilanesberg? I’ll have to check it out 🙂
Katie
4 years agoGreat photos! We can’t wait to go on a Safari someday, this post makes me excited to start planning. 😄
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYou will love your safari! I can’t wait for you to go :).
Alycia
4 years agoThis looks amazing! I’m all about budget travel so thanks for the suggestions!
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHOROh me too! I wish I had infinite money to travel, but it’s nice not breaking the bank ;). Thank you for reading! 🙂
The Cheetah Buzz
4 years agoWow that is a really cheap price for a safari trip! It has been on my bucket list to travel to a South African safari. I am so jealous you got to see elephants lol. That is my favorite animal ever. But thanks for sharing! Your photos are breathtaking – Josie xxx
kitcatfilms
4 years ago AUTHORYes! It was a great deal! And I loved my time there. Amazing food. I’d definitely do them again! And such a savings! 🙂