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.

Is a budget safari holiday for you?

Go on a budget safari holiday if...

… you are a happy camper type of person, although they aren’t always camping tours. Just not in eco chic lodges, or glampingly gorgeous safari tents. … socialising on safari is your thing. Leave any sense of elitism at home. These trips are all about community, without a whiff of colonialism. … you are flexible and can go for a last minute tour to make up group numbers. There are often bargains to be had. … you like the idea of doing a pick ‘n mix of activities along the way that suit your budget.

Don't go on a budget safari holiday if...

… you want to keep up with the Joneses. The quality on these trips isn’t about the bed linen. Or the fine wines on offer. It’s about the beauty of the world around you. Those are the real vintage moments. … you suffer from motion sickness. Many budget safari holidays involve long days on the road. … you like to hog the best seat on the bus every day. Sharing is caring, even on a budget. … sharing a tent with a stranger is your idea of a holiday from hell.
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.

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.
Written by Catherine Mack
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]