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. Travelling 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.
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Kenya small group safari, 7 days
'Born Free' country, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
From
£1795
7 days
ex flights
Kenya & Uganda small group holiday
Trek to see the Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees of Uganda
From
£2649 to £2899
15 days
ex flights
The Masai Heartlands safari
An amazing and great value 2 week truck safari
From
£2727 to £3275
15 days
ex flights
Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam 2 week tour
Overland adventure through Kenya and Tanzania to Zanzibar
From
£975
14 days
ex flights
Kenya wildlife safari, tailor made
Perfect mix of game viewing and relaxation
From
US $1900 to US $3400
8 days
ex flights
Kenya 5 day safari holiday
Aberdares, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara
From
US $1100 to US $2300
5 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Budget safari or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

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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.