Budget safaris travel guide
The Big Five are incredible. But for me, the dignity, sustainability, warmth, generosity and wisdom of the Maasai people are the Mara's real Big Five.![]()
Going "out of Africa" does not mean having to go completely out of pocket. There are ways to experience the marvels of the Mara or the Serengeti’s stupendous swathes without the white sheets, gin and tonics, private jeep and pool at the end of the day. The best way to go budget is on an overland trip that usually takes in at least a couple of countries. Traveling in a small group, usually no more than 24, you travel everywhere by overland truck, often camp along the way and eat al fresco. The trucks have big windows instead of cosy air con, you camp rather than glamp, help out round the campfire, but still have the best responsible tourism safari guides you could hope for. And the cheetah chasing his dinner across the plains or the zebra dodging the crocs as he crosses the river doesn’t give a monkeys what you paid. And those moments are gold dust. Find out more in our budget safaris travel guide.
Our Budget safari Vacations
The Masai Heartlands safari
An amazing and great value 2 week truck safari
From
US $3210 to US $3630
15 days
ex flights
East African budget overland tour
3-week wildlife odyssey in the heart of East Africa
From
£2299
20 days
ex flights
Kenya wildlife safari, tailor made
Perfect mix of game viewing and relaxation
From
US $1700 to US $3100
8 days
ex flights
Kenya & Uganda small group vacation
Trek to see the Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees of Uganda
From
£2049
14 days
ex flights
Kenya 5 day safari vacation
Aberdares, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara
From
US $1008 to US $2125
5 days
ex flights
Is a budget safari vacation for you?
Go on a budget safari vacation if...
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Our top Budget safari Vacation
The Masai Heartlands safari
An amazing and great value 2 week truck safari
From
US $3210 to US $3630
15 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2021: 2 Oct, 16 Oct, 6 Nov, 4 Dec, 11 Dec, 18 Dec
2022: 8 Jan, 22 Jan, 19 Feb, 9 Apr, 11 Jun, 25 Jun, 2 Jul, 9 Jul, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 27 Aug, 3 Sep, 10 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 5 Nov, 3 Dec, 10 Dec, 17 Dec
2021: 2 Oct, 16 Oct, 6 Nov, 4 Dec, 11 Dec, 18 Dec
2022: 8 Jan, 22 Jan, 19 Feb, 9 Apr, 11 Jun, 25 Jun, 2 Jul, 9 Jul, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 27 Aug, 3 Sep, 10 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 5 Nov, 3 Dec, 10 Dec, 17 Dec
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Budget safari or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Best time to go on a budget safari
The best time to go on a budget safari is, for most people, when the price is right. A bargain is a bargain, right? Even if the clouds are starting to gather in force.![]()
In general, the dry season is the best time to go on safari, as this is when wildlife gathers around the rapidly shrinking waterholes. Once the rain comes, the animals start to scatter. The rainy season does bring migratory wildlife, such as wildebeest and zebra in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. In Namibia, the green season is a joy in its own right, as the desert dust disappears, revealing a bevy of beautiful birdlife.
More about Budget safari
If you’re wondering where to go on a budget safari then check out our budget safari map & itineraries page that will help you make the most of your time in the world-famous national parks of: Kruger, Chobe and awesome Etosha.
When it comes to safari vacations, Kenya has been catering to all tastes and budgets for decades. Here, budget safaris make the most of Kenya’s geography, whisking you between parks that are conveniently close to one another, to trim out costly domestic flights.
The only thing that’s modest on budget Tanzania safaris is the price. This big, beautiful country is hopping with wildlife, bursting with impressive landscapes and the staging ground for epic spectacles, all waiting to be enjoyed on vacations that won’t break the bank.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Johann S.] [Top box: Hu Chen]
[Go/don't go if: Abir Anwar]
[Best time to go: Thomson Safaris Tanzania Safaris and Kili Treks]
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