[Updated July 2021]
It is that time of calendar year for early morning sport drives, thermoses stuffed with sizzling tea, rusks, campfires, star-cluttered skies and orange-streaked sundowners. We’ve sussed out the most affordable sites to escape to the bush close to the place from the serious funds busters to luxury stays at affordable charges. In no specific get, below is our listing of 10 economical safaris in South Africa.
The budget busters:
Umgeni Valley Character Reserve | Howick

Courtesy of tommovillus by means of Instagram
Found in the heart of the Midlands, there are a few simple but effectively-appointed guest cottages out there, all with astonishing views of the lush Umgeni Valley. The couple’s cottage is wonderfully kitted out with a wander-in shower, dining desk and complimentary toiletries. The 3-bedroom chalet is tucked amongst two streams and sleeps up to six company. The cottages come with braai facilities, every day housekeeping and free of charge on-web-site parking.
Guide a continue to be at Umgeni Valley cottages
Mbizo Bush Camp, iThala | KwaZulu-Natal
The reserve presents atmospheric bush camps at cost-effective charges. Mbizo Bush Camp can host 8 people in two independent four-bedroom units, each individual possessing two rooms, a person with a double mattress and the other two single beds. Each individual device has a independent warm and chilly shower and toilet amenities. There’s a braai and campfire place which is serviced by an onsite attendant. A recreation ranger is offered to acquire you on guided bush walks. Spot leopard, rhino and elephant if you are blessed.
About halfway in between Durban and Johannesburg, you will uncover iThala, on the south bank of the Pongola River. As a reward, this is a malaria-free of charge reserve.
Reserve a continue to be at Mbizo Bush Camp
Mhlangeni, iThala | KwaZulu-Natal
This camp, overlooking the Ncence River, delivers total privateness. It has 5 two-bedroom models and there are 3 hot and chilly h2o ablution amenities with flush bogs. The communal lounge/eating area/kitchen area spot is set above a sunshine deck and braai location providing unbelievable game-viewing.
Ebook a stay at Mhlangeni Bush Camp
Addo Elephant Park | Eastern Cape

Courtesy of Patheka Ncwana through Instagram
The 3rd-greatest park in South Africa offers a huge range of activities you can even spot whales from the coastal places of the park. Be on the lookout for elephants, lions, spotted hyenas, Cape buffalo, and the flightless dung beetle.
Bag small year prices concerning May well and September in the course of the dry period. Higher time premiums kick in from Oct to March, especially all over college vacations.
E book your keep in Addo Elephant Park
Witsand Kalahari Nature Reserve
Uncover the wild and remote attractiveness of the Kalahari at Witsand. You are going to location desert antelope, birds of all kinds and be wowed by the severe elegance of the pink and white undulating dunes.
The high-class, self-catering chalet rates are a steal, starting up at just R1,350 for each chalet. If you’d prefer to camp out under the stars, the tenting site is only R230 for two persons.
E book the spouse and children in at Witsand Kalahari
Very affordable luxurious:
Mavela Game Lodge | KwaZulu-Natal
For a initially-class luxurious, tented camp safari knowledge that does not crack the lender, contemplate Mavela Game Lodge. They offer you an all-inclusive bundle as very well as non-public bush dinners for a tiny romance.
Get the supreme luxury bush encounter ensuite tented accommodation in one of their five visitor tents, every day guided game drives in an open up 4×4 vehicle, each day foods, early early morning coffee, complete English breakfast, significant tea and a few-class connoisseur meal as perfectly as all-day tea and espresso, area beer, wine, spirits and comfortable beverages.
Guide your continue to be at Mavela Recreation Lodge
Mount Camdeboo | Jap Cape
This spectacular Karoo activity farm just to the east of Graaff-Reinet is waiting to welcome you. Camdeboo indicates a “place of green hills or pools” in ancient Khoisan. You can place more than 60 mammals in the park including rhino, cheetah and giraffe. A continue to be at Mountain Camdeboo features a few every day meals, game drives, guided bush walks, stargazing, refreshments on video game drives and cheetah tracking.
Reserve your stay at Mount Camdeboo
Camp Figtree

Courtesy of the_missing_society by using Instagram
This private lodge within just Addo Elephant park is set with jaw-dropping sights of the Zuurberg Mountains. Staying in this article is truly a high-class expertise. Appreciate bush picnics, giraffe tracking safaris, candlelit dinners, connoisseur breakfasts and a good deal far more on provide!
View their exceptional specials
Plett Sport Reserve | Backyard Route
Combining the verdant splendor of the Yard Route with an remarkable safari working experience, this video game park is a single of the largest in the location.
This family members-pleasant lodge is the best halt on your adventures along the Yard Route.
Buffalo Thorn Lodge | Pilanesberg
Conveniently shut to Johannesburg, the Pilanesberg delivers the great bush break from quickly-paced city dwelling.
The luxurious Buffalo Thorn Lodge, situated in just the Black Rhino Reserve region of Pilanesberg, sleeps 10 men and women. The unit is self-catering but includes morning and afternoon activity drives with a skilled ranger, coffee, tea and firewood as well as a entirely equipped kitchen, boy or girl-friendly swimming pool, heated jacuzzi, open up fireplace barbecue and fuel barbecue.
A bare minimum two-evening keep is essential.
E book your stay at Buffalo Thorn Lodge
And there you have our list of 10 reasonably priced safari escapes across South Africa. Let us know which is your favorite!
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