Well, you want to go on an African safari to see the big five animals, to experience the fresh air of the African bush, you want to sit by the fire at night and listen to the hyenas and bush babies and then wake up. to the singing of birds and the roar of lions.

But this is going to cost the earth, isn’t it? Not necessarily – an African safari can be done on a budget and here we’ll share some of our cheap safari tips that can get you to the places you want to visit.

Book out of season

Keep in mind that there is a “low season” in South Africa where rates could be reduced by 30 to 40 percent. Low season varies from country to country, so if you intend to visit a private safari lodge, check their low season rates.

Kruger Park has discounted rates out of season, which is normally the first two weeks of December, and Kgalagadi has seasonal discounts between January 10 and March 15 and November 1 and December 15. Check the SANParks website for these seasonal specials. They also have discounted rates on their wilderness trails – the discount is higher for more people you book. (Each trail carries a maximum of eight people).

Etosha has discount rates for repeat visitors so if you are a return visitor please ask for the discount rate when making your booking with NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resorts).

Pilanesberg will have discounted off-season and midweek rates; Ask when making your reservation with the different accommodations.

flights

Look for cheap flights on the internet because it is cheaper to buy your ticket online, but shop first, don’t buy the first thing you see.

If you have frequent flyer miles, use them to get to South Africa and once you arrive in South Africa, you have the option of flying locally on some cheap airlines like Kulula, One-Time and Mango. These airlines do not provide free food and drinks on board, but they do sell snacks and drinks.

Self-driving vs. guided safari

Expensive private lodges cater to well-heeled tourists and lead you to animals that have been tracked. We don’t like this as they will ask you what animal you want to see and if you answer ‘lion’ they will radio the tracker to find out where one is and then lead you to it. There is little anticipation or excitement when this is done – it’s almost like going to a zoo without the cages!

We prefer to go on self-drive safaris as they are much cheaper, we have more freedom with our daily movements and there is simply nothing better than the thrill of driving down a road and stumbling upon a leopard stalking an impala and then staying with the leopard. . all the time you want! So autonomous driving means exactly that, you are the driver, the planner and the observer of the game in your own vehicle. If you’re the adventurous type and want to explore southern Africa, autonomous driving is for you.

If you’re an international visitor, ‘autonomous’ means renting a vehicle, but shop around online and get the best deal – there are at least seven car rental companies in South Africa. You can also get advice on the SANParks forum on the most reliable car rental companies; check under ‘car rental tips’.

In Kruger, Kgalagadi, Pilanesberg and Etosha you only need a 2wd vehicle which is enough for tar and gravel roads but you may need a 4×4 if you plan to book a 4×4 trail in Kruger or Botswana or want to stay on the dune . camps in the Kalahari like Bitterpan and Gharagab.

conservation fees

All parks charge a daily conservation fee, but SANParks has a Wild Card that is valid for one year and covers all entrance fees to any of their parks, including Kruger and Kgalagadi. The cost of the Wild Card is roughly equivalent to a week’s entrance fees, so if you’ll be staying for more than six or seven nights at one of the SANParks in the next 12 months, buying a Wild Card is much cheaper than pay your conservation fees. at the door and not only saves you money but also time, since you don’t have to wait in line! (Etosha and Pilanesberg are not included in SANParks).

Accommodation

Accommodation will vary from park to park, but you can generally choose between camps, bungalows, chalets, rondavels, safari tents, or cabins. I know, you’re thinking Shops and cabins, they must be disgusting because they are cheap! In southern African parks ‘cheap’ does not automatically equate to nasty! Most of the accommodations have en-suite bathrooms, kitchens and air conditioners! If you choose the cheaper end, your unit will have common bathrooms and kitchens; there is something for every budget.

Bed linen and towels are provided and all units are cleaned daily. If your unit has a kitchen, you will have crockery and cutlery with a hot plate. In Kruger, Kgalagadi and Pilanesberg all units have a braai (barbecue), but in Etosha only some units have a braai; just confirm when you make your reservation in Etosha.

eat like a king

The restaurants in Etosha and Pilanesberg have good food and service but can be expensive, while the restaurants in Kruger and Kgalagadi are simply not value for money in our opinion.

To save money, shop before you get to the parks – there are supermarkets like Pick n’ Pay, Woolworths or Spar in South Africa and Namibia that have all the groceries you’ll need. We bought most of our food and wine a few days before we left or on the way to the parks and when we arrived we bought the bulky things like coal and water. For breakfast we usually have coffee and biscuits on the safari and then bacon and eggs at one of the picnic sites. For lunch we have a quick sandwich in the bungalow and for dinner a good braai with chicken or boerewors skewers, salads and a good glass of wine.

So while your safari may be ‘budget’, you certainly don’t have to ‘rough it’!